Surf in Todos Santos

Surf in Todos Santos: breaks, seasons and the Pacific

Three different breaks, one trip: surf early, return to town and finish the day by the ocean.

Surfista en una ola del Pacífico cerca de Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Tres mujeres sonriendo, con sombreros y gafas de sol, caminando bajo un cielo decorado con paraguas de colores colgados Guaycura Hotel Todos Santos

Choose the break for your level and the conditions

The Todos Santos coast receives Pacific energy through much of the year, but each beach changes with swell, wind and season. The goal is not to chase one perfect wave: it is to choose the right place for your experience.

Edificio de piedra con campanario y cactos en un paisaje montañoso bajo un cielo azul Guaycura Hotel Todos Santos

Cerritos — Beginners and longboard · sandy bottom · a good place to learn

Three ways to enter the Pacific

From a first wave at Cerritos to more demanding sessions at San Pedrito and La Pastora

San Pedrito — Intermediate and advanced · rocky bottom · faster, more powerful waves

Olas rompiendo en la playa frente a montañas bajo un cielo al atardecer con tonos morados y rosas Guaycura Hotel Todos Santos

La Pastora — Advanced · open ocean · conditions that demand experience and ocean awareness

Planning the day well changes the experience. Cerritos is often the most accessible entry point; San Pedrito demands more technique; La Pastora requires experience and suitable conditions. Always read the ocean first and, if you do not know the area, prioritize local guidance or instruction.

Surf here is not separate from the destination: your morning can begin in the water and end among galleries, coffee, a rooftop or a table overlooking the Pacific.

Playa con olas suaves, personas practicando surf y paddleboard, con montañas y un cielo despejado al fondo Guaycura Hotel Todos Santos

After surfing — Breakfast, beach, spa or an easy afternoon at El Faro and in Todos Santos

Choosing well changes the session

Cerritos, San Pedrito or La Pastora: what changes from break to break

Knowing there are waves is not enough. Bottom contours, swell direction, wind and your ability level can completely change the experience. These three breaks concentrate much of the surf around Todos Santos, but they do not behave the same way.

Most accessible · sandy bottom · works year-round

Cerritos

Cerritos is the most versatile option if you are learning, returning to surfing after some time away or sharing a session with surfers of different levels. Its sandy bottom makes it less complex than nearby reef breaks, and the beach offers several peaks depending on the swell. West and northwest energy can produce a right near the headland, while southern swells can create A-frame peaks. It is often the friendliest entry point to the area, but it is still open ocean: size, currents and crowds can change quickly. For a first session, check the tide, watch several sets before paddling out and use local instruction if you are still learning.

Intermediate–advanced · rocky bottom · best with NW

San Pedrito

San Pedrito is a more technical read. Its rocky bottom produces a faster, more powerful wave than Cerritos, so it rewards efficient paddling, a precise take-off and good board control. Northwest swells generally organize the right better and from fall into winter it can become more point-like; a strong southern swell can also work. Mid tide and easterly wind are useful reference points, although every day is different. It is not the ideal place to learn from zero: beyond technical ability, you need to understand the entry, where the wave finishes and how the lineup changes as the surf gets bigger.

More exposed · winter · for experienced surfers

La Pastora

North of Todos Santos, La Pastora is the most exposed of the three and becomes especially interesting when winter swells arrive. In the right windows it can line up as a long right with considerably more size than protected breaks, but that same exposure demands judgment. Access, currents, wind and surf size should all be evaluated before entering; this is not a beach where yesterday’s conditions can be assumed to repeat today. For surfers already comfortable in powerful ocean conditions it can be one of the area’s most memorable sessions. For beginners, the better call is often to watch from shore and choose Cerritos instead.

Before you enter the water

What to consider when planning a session

Season

The Pacific changes through the year. Winter often brings more northerly energy; summer and fall can bring warmer water and different conditions.

Level

The breaks are not interchangeable. Cerritos is usually the most accessible entry point; San Pedrito and La Pastora require more judgment and experience.

Equipment

Water temperature changes by season. Check current conditions and the right equipment before heading out.

Safety

Watch the currents, wind and swell size. If you do not know the break, go with someone who has local experience.

Useful links for surfing Todos Santos

Forecasts, cams, spot reports, lessons and a deeper guide to help you prepare a session before leaving town.

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