10 Best Surf Spots In Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

surf spots in cabo
Richard Dean
Richard Dean 
Updated
| 5 min read

Cabo San Lucas, or more commonly shortened to Cabo, is one of Mexico’s top five tourist destinations, because of its beautiful beaches, water sports and activities, exciting nightlife, scuba diving locations, diverse marine life, balnearios (seaside resorts), and the famous sea arch, El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. During the day, one can have a relaxing stay at one of the many beach resorts and enjoy the array of marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving in a great spot like Chileno Bay. If you need a place to stay, you may find luxury rentals that offer world-class amenities and services. Also, try one of the many exciting water activities, like fishing and parasailing, horseback riding through the desert, or surfing. Surfers and surfing enthusiasts will find several surfing spots that offer different levels of challenge. Read more to learn about the best surf spots in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

1. Divorce Beach

Divorce Beach
Source: Photo by user Gary J. Wood used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Divorce Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that is just a short walk away from its counterpart, Lovers Beach, and the famous El Arco. This picturesque beach is great for sunbathing, taking photos, and lounging, but not for swimming. Its tumultuous waters are unsafe for swimming and there are no lifeguards available. Surfers can take on the challenge of its big breaks and strong riptides, but are strongly cautioned. The sunsets are better at Divorce Beach but swimming is safe at Lovers Beach. Perfect for visual enjoyment and walks on the sand, this beach has rock formations are stunning and the water is enchantingly blue.

Divorce Beach

Address: Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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2. Monuments Beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Monuments Beach is the best surf spot in Cabo San Lucas for experts or seasoned surfers. But this is not solely for surfing–one can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or lounge, all depending on the weather. This small beach has the closest surfing spot to Cabo San Lucas and is located at Misiones del Cabo, just below Sunset de Mona Lisa Restaurant, and is a quick taxi ride or drive from downtown. Worth mentioning about Sunset de Mona Lisa is that it has been repeatedly reviewed as having the best Italian food in the Tourist Corridor and as being the most romantic restaurant in the country. The restaurant has stunning terraced pools that are strategically integrated into their dining area. A day at the beach then a decadent Italian dinner in the evening would be a day truly well-spent.

Monuments Beach

Address: Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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3. Medano Beach

Playa Medano
Source: Photo by user Tanenhaus used under CC BY 2.0

Medano Beach is the most popular beach in Cabo San Lucas. Firstly, it is the safest beach for swimming. Secondly, it stretches for 2 long miles (3.2 kilometers) and is dotted with quaint cantinas, interesting shops, restaurants, and luxurious resorts. Its popularity could mean that it tends to be crowded during peak season–don’t let that stop you from visiting and enjoying the numerous things Medano has to offer. There can be a high number of persistent vendors and peddlers during the crowded season but simply ignore or avoid them and enjoy the pristine, blue water of the beach, or do some snorkeling and catch a glimpse of some of the beautiful marine life of Cabo. Medano Beach is also a great place for water activities with rentals like kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, and wave running. The plethora of dining choices will get your head spinning as well, from small diners to nice restaurants, and local food stalls.

Medano Beach

Address: Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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4. Nine Palms


Nine Palms, north of La Fortuna, is an oasis and a jewel of a surf break. This surfing spot in Cabo is best for beginners because of its favorable conditions for all levels of surfers. Also, it has been steadily growing in popularity in the surfing world. On busier months, surfers have tents lining up the shore, and a few small houses have sprung up as well, usually with surfers sharing the place. Though not world-class, it is becoming popular, especially within the East Cape. This is a beautiful spot albeit still lacking modern facilities and establishments, although for others that is what adds to its charm.

Nine Palms

Address: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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5. Shipwrecks Beach


Shipwrecks Beach is named after Inari Maru, an actual shipwreck that has since been removed. Its tidal pools are fun to explore and swimming is possible but not for small children. Surfers who wish to avoid crowded beaches and want to have the best surfing experience in Cabo will enjoy the seemingly secluded feel here. Also, the vast sandy beach is perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and lounging.

Shipwrecks Beach

Address: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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6. Acapulquito Beach


Also known to many as Old Man’s Beach, Acapulquito Beach (or Palaya Acapulquito) is one of the best places to surf and to have surfing lessons near Cabo San Lucas. The sandy beach and crystal-clear water attract thousands of visitors each year. Beginners and first-timers are advised to take lessons before taking on the waves. Just rent a surfboard or a standing paddleboard and schedule the time for your lessons. For those not into surfing, snorkeling and swimming are both great ways to enjoy this beautiful ocean cove.

Acapulquito Beach

Address: San José del Cabo, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, México

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7. Zippers Beach


Zippers Beach is a popular surf break, along with nearby La Roca. It is not advisable for beginner and newbie surfers, and best saved for experienced and expert surfers. For surfers who still want to sharpen their skills, lessons can be arranged and boards are rented out at Costa Azul Surf Shop. Meanwhile, the famous Zipper’s Bar & Grill is a definite must-try for foodies and hungry surfers alike.

Zippers Beach

Address: Tourist Corridor, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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Nearby surf spots

8. Pescadero

Pescadero
Source: Photo by Flickr user Alessandro Valli used under CC BY 2.0

Pescadero is actually a coastal village in La Paz of Baja California Sur. This happening village is just an hour’s drive north from Cabo San Lucas. There’s something for everyone here - whatever your budget or adventure level is. Playa San Pedrito is a beautiful and remote beach where one can choose to surf, swim, relax, or have some fun in the sand. Meanwhile, Pescadero Surf Camp is the place for everything you need to learn or hone your surfing skills. Of course, Pescadero Skatepark is where skaters can practice their skills and newbies can learn to skate or surf. With these and many more things to do, Pescadero surely deserves to be checked out.

Pescadero

Address: Km 64, Federal Highway 19, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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9. San Pedrito


If you’re wondering where to surf near Cabo and want to stay away from places with a high volume of visitors, San Pedrito is the perfect beach for you. Quite stunning in its isolated feel, it can be described as magical. Surfers, families, and beach lovers would all enjoy their time here. The scenery is stunning and provides a beautiful backdrop for photos. This is a great and popular site for camping, although the official campground is not presently operational.

San Pedrito Beach

Address: El Pescadero, Near Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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10. Los Cerritos Beach


Los Cerritos Beach is a beautiful, secluded, white sand, and a crescent-shaped beach south of the village, El Pescadero. This is a great spot for surfing and swimming and surfing lessons can be arranged for kids, newbies, and novices. The waves are relatively safe for beginner surfers and the beach is safe for kids to play on because the drop is not steep. Surfing lessons come with extras, like free use of chairs and an umbrella for the whole day. There are a few vendors around but they are not pushy or persistent. With a few restaurants and a beach bar nearby, one can spend the whole day here and not regret it at all.

Los Cerritos Beach

Address: El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, Mexico

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Sun, sand, and surf in Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas Rocks
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flickr.com user "... used under CC BY 2.0

Cabo, as Cabo San Lucas is shortened to, is a cornucopia of beach and surf spots. Surfers of all levels flock to this Mexican resort city all-year-round, usually fall in love with the place, and keep returning year after year. Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with family - Cabo San Lucas will make a truly memorable visit.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Richard, a writer and traveler, is also passionate about biking. When not immersed in bike parts or computers, he can be found at the market, hunting for ingredients to fuel his love for...Read more

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