Raul's
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Raul's is a low-profile, rocky reef break in the Rosarito/Puerto Nuevo area, best suited to surfers comfortable with a rugged shoreline entry. The break is described as right-moving with some lefts, and it works from small waves (starts under 1 m) up to around 2.5 m+ (with larger swells holding up to about 8 ft before getting heavy). Wind-wise, the spot is reported to work best with an East wind and can be sheltered by cliffs/bluffs compared with more exposed nearby locations. One dataset also describes prevailing gradient winds with generally low reliability for consistency, so conditions can vary—especially depending on swell and how wind interacts with the bluff. The main safety issue is the bottom: multiple sources emphasize sea urchins, sharp rocks, reef/coral, and submerged hazards. Booties are strongly recommended, and entry requires care through shallow/rocky sections. Rip currents are also noted during larger swells, and there’s no lifeguard presence at the spot. Access involves a gate and a small fee, with instructions to respect property and not enter if the gate attendant is absent. Parking is limited; south-side access is described as safer than the north due to reduced risk of getting stuck.
- Right-leaning reef break with some lefts
- Works from under 1 m up to 2.5 m+ (and holds well on bigger swell)
- East wind setup + cliff/bluff shelter for more favorable conditions
- Rocky entry with urchins—booties recommended
- Fun reef break with consistent right and left waves when swell is in the right window
- More sheltered than windier nearby options when the East wind setup is favorable
- Good day length with typical 50–150 m rides and longer sessions on better days
- Rocky entry with many sea urchins and sharp reef/coral hazards
- Water quality can be dirty/fair and may worsen after rain
- Limited parking and gate-access rules
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — East-leaning gradient winds reported for the spot.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Shadow Zones
- The bluff/cliffs provide some shelter from very light northerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky beach with bluffs.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small to medium surf depending on swell and setup; works from under 1 m.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky shoreline with a short walk to the water; entry through reef requires care.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky entry and careful reef access.
Through the year
Generally quiet on weekdays; moderate crowds on weekends, especially when swells are good.
December to March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Right-moving (with some lefts) reef break on a rocky shoreline. Sheltered by cliffs, and it can work when wind conditions make other launches less favorable.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide; also described as working best on mid and high tide with rising/falling tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Described as semi-sheltered by cliffs; one dataset also characterizes it as exposed—conditions vary by wind and swell setup.
- Wind Effect
- Best with East winds; when other nearby spots get wind-blown, this one is described as more sheltered by cliffs/bluffs.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well up to about 8 ft; beyond that it can get heavy and more challenging.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling described with medium peel speed in one provider dataset.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides 50–150 m; good day length 150–300 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides 50–150 m; good day 150–300 m. Waves commonly described as right and left with medium ride length.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Raul's in the full forecast view.
Raul's wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 17 kts
- Direction
- WNW301°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–1.6 m10s period
- Temperature
- 15–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Raul's is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 17 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.9–1.6 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
- Urchins
- Rocks
- Reef
- Coral
- Sharp rocks
- Submerged rocks
- Rip currents during larger swells
- Sharp reef, shallow reef sections
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue coverage described as managed locally; no confirmed permanent rescue station at the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services are available in Rosarito (about 15–20 minutes north). 911 is available; emergency facilities reported for the Rosarito area.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism described as none at the spot; mild local presence reported elsewhere for the area.
Rules of the spot
Pay gate fee; respect property; no entry if gate person absent. Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.
- Do not enter if the gate person is absent (trespassing risk).
- Wear booties: the entry is rocky and there are many sea urchins.
- Pay approximately $3–$5 at the gate and follow the approved access route.
- If the gate person is NOT there, do not enter to avoid trespassing.
- South-side access is described as safer than the north (less risk of getting stuck).
- Vehicle is visible from the water.
- Spot often has fewer surfers than the nearby K38 peak.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Rosarito
- Nearest Town
- Puerto Nuevo
- Parking
- Limited parking; pay locals (~$2) on north side or about $3 at the south-side 'Welcome Surfers' gate (south side recommended).
- Access
- Exit toll road (Mex Hwy 1) at Puerto Nuevo; follow signs toward the coast near the restaurant landmark. Spot is described as past Raul's Restaurant; short walk to the bluff end/surfboard entrance area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Various hotels and vacation rentals available in/around Puerto Nuevo and the wider K38 area.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurant/bar options at/near the access point; food/drinks described as available at the restaurant on the turn-off.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals described as available at shops around K38/Rosarito.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage described regionally (some surf camps/properties offer storage).
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs described as available at surf shops in the Rosarito region; gear repair services referenced regionally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
World-famous lobster village offering traditional Baja-style fried lobster.
Collection of local galleries featuring Mexican art and furniture.
Challenging hike offering panoramic views of the entire coastline.
Large beachfront club and bar known for a vibrant atmosphere.
Wide sandy beaches suitable for horseback riding and sandcastle building.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Raul's?
The best overall months at Raul's are March, April, May, June, July, August. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Raul's?
Raul's works with E winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Raul's suitable for?
Raul's suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.