Punta Hughes

Surfing
Shortboard, Advanced riders
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Swell, Ocean
Spot Type
Empty
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Punta Hughes is a remote, exposed right-hand point break in Baja Sur that relies on a meaningful swell to work well. The wave is described as fast and critical, with reasonably consistent surf when conditions are on, and it tends to hold more size than more sheltered points inside the bay. Offshore wind is typically from the northeast, improving face quality. Wind notes also highlight an afternoon-supported pattern, where thermal heating reinforces conditions later in the day. When NW winds occur, they can shift toward side-shore and introduce chop, reducing ride quality. Safety is a major theme at this location: exposed rocks and submerged lava reefs are a consistent hazard, and the area is remote with no lifeguards and only limited rescue options. Plan to be fully self-sufficient—emergencies require long-distance transport to major medical facilities—and bring gear suited for rocky takeoffs and landings. Surf-wise, the wave is commonly described as peeling with moderate power, and it can produce very long rides on well-formed larger swells. Best outcomes are reported when a southwest/south swell combines with offshore northeast winds, with the most favorable surf window broadly aligning with late spring into summer, and September specifically highlighted as a top month by one guide.

  • Exposed right-hand point break with long, peeling walls.
  • Needs the right swell window to reach full performance.
  • Offshore NE winds improve cleanliness of the wave face.
  • Low-profile reputation and typically few visitors.
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Exposed point break with reasonably consistent surf.
  • When conditions align (south-west/south swell + offshore NE wind), it can deliver long, peeling right-hand rides.
  • Often less crowded than inner points, with rarity/low-profile reputation.
Heads up
  • Remote access and rough roads (high-clearance 4x4 strongly needed).
  • No lifeguards and limited rescue availability.
  • Rocks and submerged hazards in/near the lineup.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE
Offshore directions
NE
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Afternoon thermal heating supports the breeze; offshore winds are typically from the northeast.
Reliability
fairly consistent
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusting reported with the thermal-driven pattern.
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
Cliffs provide some protection from NW winds.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Rocks — Rocks/reef environment with mixed shoreline areas.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium — Surf can vary; working conditions typically align with larger swells for the outer point.
Launch
Medium — Rocky shoreline and sandy patches between points.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Moderate due to rocky access and takeoff conditions.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
22–27 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan: rash vest and board shortsFeb: rash vest and board shortsMar: rash vest and board shortsApr: rash vest and board shortsMay: rash vest and board shortsJun: rash vest and board shortsJul: rash vest and board shortsAug: rash vest and board shortsSep: rash vest and board shortsOct: rash vest and board shortsNov: rash vest and board shortsDec: rash vest and board shorts
Crowds by Season

Quieter than the town points, but can get busy when a major south swell is forecasted.

Storm/Rain Season

August and September can see tropical storm activity (Chubascos).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed right-hand point break that needs a solid south-west/south swell window to come alive. Generally a fast, critical wave with long sections when conditions are well formed.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
S, SW
Swell Height
1.5–4 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Often works across tides, with outer sections benefiting when swell energy is present.
Shelter
Exposed — Point is exposed to the open coast.
Wind Effect
Offshore winds from the NE create cleaner faces; NW winds can shift to side-shore and create chop.
Bigger Swell
Holds significant size and provides more powerful sections than inner points on very large south swell.
Wave Quality
Good — Descriptions range from good to excellent when the right swell and offshore wind align.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate power; can become more powerful on well-formed large south swells.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Right-hand point break with reasonably consistent surf; peeling walls.
Peel Speed
Fast — Faster, steeper sections than the inner points; long, peeling walls.
Ride Length
Long — Can connect and run very long on well-formed swells.
Typical Ride Length
300 m
Ride Length Details
Rides can exceed 300 meters on well-formed swells.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Hughes in the full forecast view.

Punta Hughes wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–13 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
NW314°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2413 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
1.1–1.6 m10s period
Temperature
23–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Punta Hughes is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 1.1–1.6 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rocks
  • remote location
  • submerged rocks and lava reefs
  • strong currents
  • stingrays
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
Boots

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards present.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No formal rescue services; riders must be self-sufficient or rely on the local community.
Emergency Info
Serious emergencies require transport to Ciudad Constitución or La Paz; response times are extremely long in this remote area.
Localism / Vibe
None — No notable localism reported; mild localism also indicated in remote-access notes.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect local campers and the remote environment.

Restrictions
  • No formal lifeguards or water rescue services in this remote area.
Local Tips
  • Take care of rocks in the lineup.
  • Bring everything (water, food, and fuel); camping is the main way to stay here.
  • The road is rough and requires 4x4/high-clearance access.
  • Requires a significant south swell to reach working conditions at the outer point.
  • Expect the spot to be less crowded than inner points, but it can get busy when a major south swell is forecasted.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Los Cabos, Mexico
Nearest Town
San Juanico
Nearest Airport
Loreto International Airport (LTO) is approximately 190 km away; many travelers use La Paz (LAP) or San José del Cabo (SJD) as alternatives.
Parking
Informal parking and camping along the bluffs.
Public Transport
Public transportation to the area is non-existent; a private high-clearance vehicle is essential.
Access
Beach access via headland; take care of rocks in the lineup.
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Camping
Accommodation
Nearby town — Off-grid camping is the primary option at/near the point; basic guesthouses are available in San Juanico.
Food & Drink
None at the point; supplies and small restaurants are available in San Juanico.
Equipment Rental:
Limited surf rentals may be found in the town of San Juanico.
Gear Storage
No dedicated storage service; gear is typically stored within personal vehicles or private accommodation.
Gear Repair
None available; bring your own repair kits.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Tourism is centered on ocean riding, fishing, and the stark beauty of the Baja desert, with a quiet community atmosphere.

Best time to visit: April to June for the best wind-to-swell ratio; July to September for the warmest water and largest south swells.
San Juanico (Scorpion Bay)2 km

A quiet fishing village known globally for its long right-hand point breaks and laid-back atmosphere.

Desert Off-Roading0 km

Extensive networks of dirt tracks offer opportunities for desert exploration and access to remote coastlines.

Whale Watching50 km

Seasonal whale watching is possible in nearby Pacific lagoons during winter months.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Punta Hughes?

The best overall months at Punta Hughes are June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Punta Hughes?

Punta Hughes works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NE.

What skill level is Punta Hughes suitable for?

Punta Hughes suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.