Surfing in Northern Baja
Surfing guide to Northern Baja, Mexico (Baja), Central America
Northern Baja has 29 surf spots . Go explore!
Overview of surfing in Northern Baja
Northern Baja California is where the raw Pacific energy of Southern California crosses just south of the US border and explodes into a coastline of reefs, points, cobblestones, slabs, sandbars, and wild, open stretches of empty surf. As the northern stretch of the Baja California Peninsula, this region is known for its rugged, scenic beauty and adventurous spirit. From Tijuana to Ensenada and all the way down to San Quintín, this region is a dreamscape for surfers chasing powerful waves, cheaper travel, fewer crowds, and that rugged Baja magic that feels like stepping into a different world.
The surf culture here is gritty, authentic, and deeply tied to exploration. Baja is a land of broken roads, dusty headlands, taco stands, friendly locals, and some of the most consistent surf setups in North America. The water is colder than most people expect, the wind patterns are unique, and the vibe is halfway between California performance energy and Mexico’s laid-back desert lifestyle.
Northern Baja is a place where you can score world-class point breaks with only a few other surfers around, where you can camp on the beach under the stars, and where every headland hides another slab, reef, or rippable right-hander. For decades, surfers have come here to escape crowds, chase perfect winter swells, and experience a coastline that still feels raw and real.
Whether you’re exploring the Tijuana–Rosarito strip, surfing Ensenada’s sheltered points, hunting slabs around Salsipuedes, or disappearing down the remote dirt roads of San Quintín, Northern Baja delivers everything from mellow longboard walls to heavy, freight-train reef barrels.
Surf Regions in Baja California Norte
The northern region of the Baja California peninsula, known as Baja Norte, offers a diverse range of surf experiences, cultural attractions, and easy access from the US border. From lively beach towns to remote breaks, Baja Norte is a key destination for surfers and travelers seeking adventure, wine tasting, and local culture.
Tijuana & Playas de Tijuana
Urban, accessible, and consistent beach breaks influenced by the same swell windows as San Diego. Great for shortboarders chasing punchy peaks.
Rosarito & Baja Malibu
Fast, hollow, powerful beach breaks and reef setups with colder water and strong offshore winds. Popular with San Diego surfers making day trips. Rosarito Beach is an ideal spot for beginners to get their feet wet thanks to its soft waves and welcoming atmosphere.
Ensenada
The heart of Northern Baja surf culture. Home to playful points, heavy reefs, and the iconic wave Todos Santos. Lovely town, safe, and full of surf vibes.
Salsipuedes
One of the most famous big-wave regions in Baja. Heavy slabs, reef breaks, and powerful winter waves. Requires confidence and local knowledge.
San Miguel
A perfect right-hand cobblestone point that is often compared to a colder, emptier version of Upper Trestles crossed with Rincon. Classic Baja.
Punta Banda & South Ensenada
A long peninsula with fun, uncrowded surf on both sides depending on wind and swell direction.
Santo Tomás & Colonet Region
Remote surf zones with endless exploration potential. Reefs, right points, and empty beaches.
San Quintín
Cold, raw, windswept, and incredibly underrated. Long lefts and rights, volcanic landscapes, and total solitude.
Getting there
Getting There and Access
Most surfers enter via the San Ysidro border crossing from San Diego. From there:
Tijuana beaches: 10–20 min
Rosarito: 30–40 min
Baja Malibu: 20 min
Ensenada: 1 hour
San Miguel: 70–80 min
Salsipuedes: 45–60 min
San Quintín: 4–5 hours
Cars are essential, and 4×4 is recommended for remote regions. Toll roads (cuotas) are safer, faster, and still affordable.
Be sure to plan your route, supplies, and vehicle needs in advance, especially if you’re heading to remote surf spots.
Crowds
Weekends near the border get busy, but Northern Baja crowds are NOTHING compared to Southern California. San Miguel, Salsipuedes, and Baja Malibu can get competitive, but most regions south of Ensenada are empty.
Lineup Lowdown
Respect is everything. Local surfers are friendly when treated well, but etiquette violations aren’t tolerated. Sit wide, wait your turn, say hello, don’t litter, and always give locals priority.
Surf seasons and when to go
The best time of the year to surf in Northern Baja
Surf Seasons and When to Go
Winter (Prime Season):Huge northwest swells bring point breaks and reefs to life. Offshore winds common.
Autumn:Clean conditions, fun points, medium swells — amazing for all levels.
Spring:Windy but still consistent. Early mornings are gold.
Summer:Smaller surf but south swells hit many breaks. A strong south swell can transform point breaks and reef setups, offering long, rewarding rides at select spots. Baja Malibu becomes a playful summer zone.
Water Temperatures and Weather
Water temps range from 13–20°C depending on season. You’ll need: Winter: 4/3 + booties Autumn/Spring: 3/2 Summer: 3/2 (maybe no booties)
Weather is classic Baja — sunny, dry, windy afternoons, cold desert nights, and crisp mornings.
Summer and early fall bring reliably sunny days, making for perfect surf sessions and relaxed beach vibes.
Can’t-Miss Surf Spots
San Miguel (Ensenada)
One of the crown jewels of Northern Baja. A flawless right-hand cobblestone point with long, fast walls perfect for performance surfing. Smooth takeoffs, carving shoulders, and occasional barrel sections. Fires during winter NW swells and holds big surf. Crowded but friendly when you show respect.
Baja Malibu (North Rosarito)
A heavy, hollow, powerful beach break known for square barrels, fast sections, and A-frames that resemble Mexican beach breaks farther south. Best suited for experienced surfers. Works best on NW swells with morning offshores.
K38 (Rosarito)
A fun right-hand point/reef that is incredibly consistent and loved by intermediate surfers. Friendly, rippable walls with long rides when the swell lines up. Great atmosphere, popular with Californian expats and travelling surfers.
Salsipuedes
A world-class big-wave region with hollow slabs, heavy reef breaks, and long right walls that can handle serious size. Requires 4×4 access and solid surf experience. Not for beginners — this zone is raw Baja at its finest.
Todos Santos (Isla Todos Santos)
One of the most famous big-wave spots in the world. Killers, the island’s main break, produces waves that reach 20+ metres on huge swells — cold, thick, heavy, and terrifying. Tow-ins and elite paddle surfers frequent this spot. Watching it from a boat is an experience in itself.
La Fonda
A long, open beach with a mix of playful peaks and powerful winter surf. Great for intermediates and longboarders. Works best on medium NW swell.
Playas de Tijuana
Urban, punchy beach break peaks with fun lefts and rights. Crowded near the pier but extremely consistent. Great warm-up zone before heading deeper into Baja.
Punta San José (South of Ensenada)
A long left-hand point break that lights up during big south or combo swells. Rugged, remote, incredibly scenic, and often empty. Good for camping and multi-day missions.
San Quintín
A remote surf region with volcanic backdrops and long, wrapping rights and lefts. Works best on long-period NW swells and is ideal for intermediate surfers who want empty lineups and long rides.
Northern Baja surf travel guide
Find trips that fit a flexible lifestyle
Learning to Surf in Northern Baja
Best learner spots:
- Rosarito beaches
- La Fonda
- Playas de Tijuana
- Junior-friendly days at K38
Lessons cost about AU$40–70 and board rentals around AU$15–30/day.
Several surf camps in the region offer lessons, equipment rentals, and a supportive environment for beginners to progress quickly.
Safety and Etiquette
- Do NOT leave valuables in your car
- Lock your vehicle and park near populated areas
- Heavy surf means strong rips and exposed reefs
- Don’t surf remote zones alone
- Respect communities — leave no trash
- Avoid drinking tap water
- Keep your stoke high and your ego low
Surf and Yoga Retreats
Found mainly around:
- La Misión
- Rosarito
- Ensenada (eco-lodges + yoga surf retreats)
Retreats range AU$900–2,500/week depending on style and accommodation.
Accommodation Options for Surfers
Budget: AU$25–60/night (surfer hostels, local guesthouses)
Mid-range: AU$80–160/night (Rosarito & Ensenada hotels)
Luxury: AU$200–500/night (boutique cliff villas, eco-resorts)
Camping is common throughout Baja and offers some of the best surf trip vibes on Earth when done safely.
Comparison to Other Surf Destinations
Northern Baja feels like Southern California 40 years ago — fewer crowds, raw coastlines, and powerful waves everywhere. It’s colder than Mexico’s southern regions but far more consistent in winter. Compared to California, Baja is cheaper, wilder, emptier, and more adventurous.
A surf trip here is the kind of adventure that Baja makes unforgettable, building character and lifelong memories.
Expenses (AUD)
Accommodation: AU$25–300/night
Tacos: AU$2–4 each
Meals: AU$5–15
Fuel: Cheaper than US prices
Board rentals: AU$15–30/day
Guided trips: AU$100–250/day
Boat to Todos Santos: AU$150–400 depending on operator
Cultural Notes
Northern Baja is welcoming, warm, and relaxed. Spanish basics go a long way. Local surfers love when travellers show respect for the land — pack out trash, support local families, and embrace the Baja way of life: slow, simple, and soulful.
Street food is safe when busy. Fish tacos, ceviche, carne asada, churros, and aguas frescas are staples of every Baja surf trip. Baja is renowned for its great food, with fresh seafood and authentic flavors that are an essential part of any surf trip.
Cell Coverage and Wi-Fi
Strong near Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada. Weaker in remote surf regions. SIM cards are cheap — Telcel is king. Expect patchy coverage south of Punta Banda and minimal reception in Salsipuedes and San Quintín.
Final Thoughts
The coastline is raw, rugged, and unforgettable. The surf ranges from mellow cobblestone points to heavy reef slabs, and the culture is warm, soulful, and deeply connected to the ocean. Whether you’re making quick border runs for a weekend swell or planning a multi-week Baja road trip, Northern Baja will stay burned into your memory forever.
It’s a place that reminds surfers why we fell in love with the ocean in the first place.
