Punta San Jacinto (Camalú)

Surfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Swell
Spot Type
Quiet
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 San Jacinto (Shipwrecks) is a remote, exposed right-hand point break near Camalú, Baja Norte. Surf here is shaped by a rocky/reef bottom and historic shipwreck remains in the area, which makes navigation and entry/exit critical—especially when conditions change quickly. The spot is most strongly favored in winter, with January singled out as the best month. High tide is repeatedly described as the safest/most reliable tide for avoiding shallow rocky sections. When the swell angle is right (northwest to west/northwest directions) the break can produce long, peeling rides around the point. Wind is a major factor: Northwest winds frequently build later in the day and can significantly worsen wave quality by creating chop and blowing out the face. One data point reports the spot is “blown” for about 57% of the time during the day, and another emphasizes that early morning sessions before the afternoon winds increase tend to work best. Safety is the top consideration. Multiple hazards are reported including rocks, kelp, strong currents, and submerged shipwreck debris. There are also serious reports of armed robbery and past murders linked to camping at/near the spot; as a result, you should avoid camping nearby and plan to be fully self-sufficient—there is no lifeguard or organized rescue service.

  • Exposed right-hand point break with strong, peeling potential
  • Working best on high tide and suitable NW/WNW swells
  • Often low-profile/low crowd due to access difficulty and safety concerns
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Dependable right-hand point break with power when swell and tide align.
  • Best season is winter for stronger, cleaner surf.
  • Often low crowds due to difficult access and safety concerns.
Heads up
  • Exposed, remote environment.
  • Afternoon NW winds can blow out the wave and create chop.
  • Significant safety risks reported, including armed robbery and past murders.
  • Hazards from rocks and submerged/old shipwreck debris.
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N
Wind Range
12–22 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Prevailing Northwest-driven winds; spring/summer thermal sea-breeze can strengthen afternoon winds.
Reliability
57% monthly blown
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Afternoon conditions can include moderate gustiness.
Best Months
January
Shadow Zones
Minor protection very close to the point can help on smaller days.

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell
Beach
Reef — Sources describe reef/rocky bottom; one notes rocks as the beach composition.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium
Launch
Medium — Rocky shoreline with some sandy patches; surfers typically enter over rocks.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Access and entry/exit over rocks can be challenging.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
20–24 °C
Water Temperature
14–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm + Boots
Crowds by Season

Generally low crowds; more visitors during holiday weekends.

Storm/Rain Season

December to March can see occasional winter storms and rain that makes access roads muddy.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Right-hand point break over a rocky/reef bottom; often most rideable early before afternoon NW winds build.

Point break
Wave Direction
Right
Optimal Swell
NW, WNW, W
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — High tide is repeatedly cited as the safer/working condition.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Highly sensitive to Northwest winds which create significant chop and can blow out the wave.
Bigger Swell
Can handle larger swells but paddling out becomes more difficult and currents increase.
Wave Quality
Average — Conflicting assessments: one source rates wave quality poor; another rates it average.
Wave Power
Powerful — Board can get power on suitable swells; becomes sensitive to onshore NW wind chop.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Rides can run long when conditions line up.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Can offer long, peeling rides when the swell is from the northwest; good days can produce roughly 50 to 150 meter rides wrapping around the rocky point.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) in the full forecast view.

Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–13 ktsGusts 21 kts
Direction
NW306°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 2313 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.3 m10s period
Temperature
16–27 °C

Over the next 7 days, Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.8–1.3 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

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

  • shipwreck debris
  • submerged ship debris
  • rocks
  • strong currents
  • kelp beds
  • remote location
  • armed robbery risk
  • past murders
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No organized lifeguard or water rescue services present.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No rescue availability reported.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Camalú or San Quintín; national emergency number is 911, though response times in rural coastal areas can be slow.
Localism / Vibe
None — Sources conflict on localism: one describes no localism; another notes only a few locals may be out.

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing etiquette applies; avoid wreck debris and take care around submerged/old shipwreck remains.

Restrictions
  • Do not camp near the spot due to armed robbery and murder risk.
  • Avoid wreck debris/shipwreck remains.
Local Tips
  • Take care not to hit part of the wreck here.
  • Surfing is best in the early morning before the Northwest winds kick in.
  • Higher tides are much safer to avoid hitting the rocky bottom.
  • Bring all your own supplies as this is a remote area.
  • Do not camp near the spot due to armed robbery and murder risk.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Ensenada
Nearest Town
Camalú
Nearest Airport
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Parking
Dirt parking areas available near the beach and point.
Public Transport
Intercity buses run along Highway 1 with a stop in Camalú; reaching the coast requires a high-clearance vehicle.
Access
Remote access via a long dirt road off the main highway near Camalú; high-clearance helps (4WD not strictly necessary).
Cost Level
Budget
Local Language
Spanish
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping is common; some basic motels are available in Camalú.
Food & Drink
Basic supplies and small eateries (taco stands) in Camalú.
Equipment Rental:
No equipment rental reported for this immediate spot; gear must usually be brought.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A rugged, sparsely populated coastline segment with raw Pacific scenery, typical of Baja Norte road-accessible surf areas.

Best time to visit: October through May for the most consistent ocean conditions and comfortable temperatures.
La Lobera45 km

A dramatic sea lion crater and natural sea cave where a colony of seals and sea lions can be viewed from above.

Off-Roading5 km

A hub for off-road enthusiasts and near routes used in the Baja 1000 race.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Punta San Jacinto (Camalú)?

The best overall months at Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) are January, February. The best wind months are January.

Which wind directions work at Punta San Jacinto (Camalú)?

Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) works with N winds.

What skill level is Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) suitable for?

Punta San Jacinto (Camalú) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.