San Miguel Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

W, NW (South swells are blocked by Punta Banda and Todos Santos island).

Wind

NE

Surf Height

Head high to double overhead.

Tide

Mid to high.

San Miguel Surf Guide

San Miguel offers long and tapered cobblestone rights. Devotees -- and there are many -- swear that San Miguel is as good as Rincon or Trestles or Malibu. But there's no denying that, consistency-wise, San Miguel is the best wave in Northern Baja. NW swells swing down through underwater canyons off the coast and march in perfectly down the gently cobbled point; the takeoff is steep and fast and the wall stretching out down the line has a tendency to grow and contract as it reels along, inviting all manner of lip trickery or barrel-riding antics. And the bigger it gets, the better it gets. It doesn't close out. However, the wind swings around like clockwork almost every single day at 11am, blowing out whatever perfection there may have been for the remainder of the day.

*WORLD SURFING RESERVE*

This break sits in a protected surf ecosystem — preserving the coastline, culture, and access that keep it working. Here's why this break matters.

Ability Level

Intermediate - Advanced

BegIntAdv

Intermediate to advanced.

Local Vibe

Doable

WelcomingIntimidating

Best to be a defensive driver out there.

Crowd Factor

Heavy

MellowHeavy

Busy.

Spot Rating

Perfect

PoorPerfect

Good.

Shoulder Burn

Medium

LightExhausting

Easy to get out, but long paddle after a good one.

Water Quality

Fair

CleanDirty

There is a river, suspect in its health, that flows right into the take-off zone.

Hazards

Rocks.

Bring Your

Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard

Access

Park in the dirt lot at the point. You can also camp there for a slightly higher price.

Bottom

Rocks (and some urchins).

Best Season

November-March.

Do you have local knowledge about San Miguel?

If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]