Todos Santos’ breaks have been ridden by pros for decades, yet the town’s rising popularity is redefining the Todos Santos surfing culture.
The first time I paddled out at Cerritos Beach, the Pacific felt heavier than I expected—cooler, too, even under the Baja sun. The set rolled in slow, a long, grey-blue swell curling just right for an easy takeoff. This wasn’t my first time on a board, but it was my first time surfing in Todos Santos, Mexico, a town that has long been a well-kept secret among seasoned surfers and is only now catching the broader world’s attention.
What I thought would be just another surf getaway turned into something more—a deep dive into the raw, unfiltered energy of Baja’s coastline, where world-class waves meet a slow, sun-faded way of life.
For decades, pro surfers have been making quiet pilgrimages down to Baja, drawn by its powerful breaks, empty lineups, and the kind of surf conditions that shift from mellow to menacing depending on the swell.
Todos Santos sits at the crossroads of that legacy. The town is now emerging from the underground, its surf culture gaining international recognition as wellness retreats, surf camps, and stylish boutique stays start making their mark on the shoreline. Adding to its significance, Bahía de Todos Santos serves as the first surf reserve in México, officially recognized for its cultural and ecological importance to the sport.
What’s fascinating is that, despite this newfound visibility, the essence of Todos Santos surfing remains refreshingly unpolished. Here, it’s still about the waves first, everything else second.
The Breaks: Where the Pros Go and Where You Can Start
Todos Santos offers a variety of surf breaks that cater to different skill levels, but one thing is consistent—the power of the Pacific. Beginners and intermediate surfers will find their rhythm at Playa Los Cerritos, the most well-known of Todos Santos surfing beaches in the neighboring town of El Pescadero, a break with consistent, friendly waves and a mix of sand and rock bottom that makes for a forgiving ride.
Surf schools and board rentals line the beach, and the vibe is relaxed—this is where people come to learn and refine their skills under the Baja sun.
For those seeking something more challenging, San Pedrito, just a short drive away, is where the waves start to pick up in intensity. It’s a right-hand point break over a rocky reef, best suited for advanced surfers looking for long, fast rides.
Then there’s La Pastora, the crown jewel for experienced riders. This heavy right-hand reef break gets serious swell, especially in the winter months, attracting surfers chasing powerful, overhead waves with serious punch. This is where you’ll spot pros dialing into the Baja magic, carving through glassy walls of water as the sun sets behind them.
Further north in Bahía de Todos Santos, some of Baja’s most famous waves attract experienced surfers from around the world. Salsipuedes is a legendary right-hand point break known for its hollow barrels and challenging waves, making it a favorite among skilled surfers. San Miguel, the birthplace of Mexican surfing, offers a powerful right-hand reef break that has shaped Baja’s surf culture for decades. 3M’s is a lesser-known but thrilling spot with multiple peaks, providing long, rippable waves for those willing to explore. And then there’s Stacks, an expert-only break with shifting, powerful waves that demand respect and precision.
For the truly adventurous, the offshore Todos Santos Island holds ‘Killers’ a break known for some of Mexico’s biggest waves, comparable to the monstrous swells of Mavericks in California. This is pro-level, big-wave surfing at its most extreme, and only the most seasoned daredevils attempt to take it on; my skills will need a lot more polishing to take on this one.
Read more: Punta Lobos, Todos Santos: Where Desert Trails Meet the Sea
Best Time to Surf in Todos Santos
The best time to surf in Todos Santos depends on your skill level and what kind of waves you’re chasing. The prime surf season runs from October through April when winter swells from the North Pacific generate consistent, powerful waves, particularly at advanced spots like La Pastora and San Pedrito. These months offer the best conditions for experienced surfers looking for long, clean rides.
For beginners and those looking for mellower waves, the summer months from May to September bring smaller, more manageable swells, especially at Playa Los Cerritos. The water is also warmer during this time, making it ideal for those new to the sport. However, summer can also bring occasional hurricane swells, creating unpredictable but thrilling conditions.
Regardless of the season, Todos Santos provides year-round opportunities to surf, with warm weather, beautiful landscapes, and an ever-growing surf community welcoming riders of all levels.
The Rise of Surf and Wellness Retreats
While the pros have long known about Baja’s secret swells, a new wave of surf and wellness retreats is opening up Todos Santos to a broader audience.
Places like Tribu Todos Santos a boutique hotel and retreat center just outside town, blend surf sessions with yoga, meditation, and holistic healing, creating an experience that goes beyond just chasing waves.
Then there’s Nua Nakūi, a retreat designed to foster rejuvenation, relaxation, and self-reflection. Created by Jasmine Scalesciani-Hawken, a self-taught designer with over 25 years in the wellness industry, Nua Nakūi is set on an 8-acre medicinal herb farm near Todos Santos. Just a short walk from the beach, the retreat blends beauty, health, and sustainability, offering an immersive sanctuary that reflects Jasmine’s deep connection to nature and while surf sessions aren’t formally offered, there’s no reason you can’t head out into the swell for a few private sessions.
For those looking for a more intensive surf progression, Mario Surf School is a trusted name when it comes to surfing Todos Santos, offering personalized coaching that takes students from whitewater to green waves in no time. Meanwhile, retreats like La Chula Surf Lodge provide an immersive week-long experience, pairing dawn patrol surf sessions with evening bonfires and Baja-style hospitality.
Read more: How to Get from Cabo to Todos Santos
Surf Town Soul: Why Todos Santos is More Than Just Waves
What sets Todos Santos apart from other surf destinations is its character. This isn’t a place that’s been built up to cater to tourists—it’s a place that has evolved at its own pace, with its own heartbeat. The town itself, a designated Pueblo Mágico, hums with shopping boutiques and art galleries, boutique hotels, and a culinary scene that ranges from rustic taco joints to fine-dining spots serving the freshest local seafood.
It’s the kind of place where a morning surf can be followed by an afternoon spent exploring cobblestone streets, sipping on a perfectly crafted mezcal cocktail, and ending the day with a sunset session as the sky turns pink over the Pacific.
Todos Santos surfing may be gaining global recognition, but it remains, at its core, a true surf town. A place where salty hair, sandy feet, and that post-surf glow are the real currency. Whether you’re paddling out for the first time or chasing the perfect wave, Baja’s surf magic is waiting. You just have to get here.
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