Punta San Jacinto (Camalú)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Generally low crowds; more visitors during holiday weekends.
December to March can see occasional winter storms and rain that makes access roads muddy.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Right-hand point break over a rocky/reef bottom; often most rideable early before afternoon NW winds build.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Do not camp near the spot due to armed robbery and murder risk.
- Avoid wreck debris/shipwreck remains.
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A rugged, sparsely populated coastline segment with raw Pacific scenery, typical of Baja Norte road-accessible surf areas.
A dramatic sea lion crater and natural sea cave where a colony of seals and sea lions can be viewed from above.
A hub for off-road enthusiasts and near routes used in the Baja 1000 race.
From riders who've been here
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.