Hot Springs Cove (El Sargento)

Hot Springs Cove (El Sargento) is a kitesurfing launch on the Sea of Cortez with clean water and choppy conditions. The beach is described as sandy with rocks in patches near the launch/thermal spring area, and water depth is noted to deepen quickly, which can be helpful once you’re past the immediate shoreline. Shore break is generally reported as small to none, but the main real-world hazard is the rocky shoreline/submerged rocks around the hot springs. Wind is typically strongest in winter, with best months reported as November, December, January, February, and March. Multiple descriptions agree the most favorable directions are from the north to northeast sector (N, NNE, NE), consistent with thermal/sea-breeze behavior reinforced by winter north winds (El Norte). Sessions often build from late morning to around noon and typically run through mid-to-late afternoon (commonly about 11:00–17:00), with wind dying off by early evening. For kitesurfers, riders report 15–25 knots as a typical range, and that stronger “El Norte” days can push higher (one source notes up to around 35 knots). Thermal boost on top of the forecast is repeatedly emphasized—reported as roughly 5–15 knots—which helps explain why conditions can feel consistently windy even when forecasts look moderate. In terms of progression, the spot is described as friendly for beginners because the bay is very large and the wind tends to blow riders back toward shore when it’s sideshore. Even so, the area near the geothermal springs should be treated with extra caution: hot water can bubble through the sand at low tide, and there may be holes and unstable sand plus rocks that create risky landings or wipeout impacts. No dedicated lifeguard or spot rescue base is reported; emergency medical services are available in the region (La Paz is the main reference point).