Endless Summer, Cabo Style: 3 Tips for Planning Summer Surf Vacations in Los Cabos

Surfers were among the first to discover the charms of Los Cabos, traveling up and down the Baja California coast in search of pristine beaches
and epic waves at a time when tourism in the region was still in its infancy. Over the years, the beautiful beaches of Los Cabos and their spectacular surf breaks – of which, by the way, there are a great many – have continued to exert a fascination for surfers, and the Baja surf trip has become a sort of rite of passage for each succeeding generation.

But, naturally, as one ages creature comforts become increasingly important, and those who once thought little of a living out of a van with a few friends now have families of their own, and enough financial wherewithal to afford some of the finer things in life.

It is for this group – those who have matured into a more discerning variety of Los Cabos surf vacation– that we present our summer surfing guide for 2021, with 3 of our favorite tips on getting the most out of the destination Los Cabos experience.

Surfing is still the focus, of course, but wining and dining opportunities also matter, as do great accommodations and maximizing fun for everyone…whether it be for spouses/significant others, or for your kids.

Summer Means the Sea of Cortez

Anyone even vaguely familiar with the Los Cabos surf scene knows that it shifts coasts according to the season. Pacific Ocean side surf breaks rule during winter months, while the Sea of Cortez side breaks takes center stage during the summer.

The reason for this old maxim is simple. The Pacific side breaks are actually good year-round, but the surfing on the Sea of Cortez side is never better than during summertime, when seasonal storms send southeasterly swells barreling – emphasis on barrels – towards the beaches of San Jose del Cabo and Los Cabos’ gorgeous, picturesque East Cape.

So even if you love the Pacific side surf at Cerritos, San Pedrito and La Pastora, save those pleasures for vacations during winter, spring and autumn. Summer is custom made for surfing San Jose del Cabo spots like Zippers and Acapulquito, corridor meccas like Monuments, and East Cape favorites like Shipwrecks and Nine Palms. That’s when you’ll catch these breaks at their best….and their best is very, very good.

Forget Resorts, Find Nearby Vacation Rentals

Resorts proliferate along the Los Cabos coastline, and as it happens there are even a few surf-themed properties that have opened in recent years. But when it comes to Los Cabo surf vacations, let’s be honest: rentals are the best option…and it’s not even really close.

Why? Villas and vacation rentals allow you to customize every single aspect of your vacation experience, from a location near your surf spot of choice to your ideal budget, décor style and amenities.

Looking for a certain number of bedrooms to accommodate friends or family? No problem. Looking for a place where the décor reflects your sensibilities, whether it’s bohemian chic or upscale casual? No worries. Looking for a place with a home theater, or an infinity pool, or a terrace perfect for massages or private chef style cookouts? Easy peasy.

Not only are rentals private, convenient, and often surprisingly affordable, they also let you tailor your vacation to your own tastes in a way resorts simply cannot.

How to Maximize Fun for Everyone

Even if your surf skills are expert, and thus ready for surfing Zippers or The Rock at Costa Azul, or even that tricky left-hand reef break at Monuments…that doesn’t mean your significant other or kids are on the same level.

Beginner breaks at Costa Azul and Acapulquito may be more their speed. Or maybe they don’t want to surf at all, in which case you’ll want to target the surf breaks closest to the attractions they do like…be it hiking, biking, fishing, snorkeling or diving, or the many other outdoor activities for which Los Cabos offers world-class conditions.

The beauty of Los Cabos is none of these things are mutually exclusive. You may want to surf East Cape breaks, for instance, so others are close to the world-class diving at Cabo Pulmo National Park. Or prioritize San Jose del Cabo, which not only offers world-class surfing, but great shopping and dining. But if you put a little thought into it beforehand, everybody’s going to be happy.

And isn’t that what the best vacations are always about? That and surfing, of course.

For more information about upcoming events, activities and attractions, and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit  www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Los Cabos Tourism Board

Upcoming Events Calendar

May

Cinco de Mayo – May 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 6, 13, 20, 27

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – May 7, 14, 21, 28

El Dia de la Madre – May 10

Caravana Americana – May 15, 16

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Jun. 4, 11, 18, 25

Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament– Jun. 10 – 12

Stars and Stripes Tournament – Jun. 23 – 27

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 17

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – Jul. 19 – 24

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament at Palmas de Cortez – Jul. 22 – 26

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – Aug. 3 – 7

Wahoo Gold Cup Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 21

September

Mexico Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 10 – 14

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 14 – 17

Bisbee’s Black and Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 19 – 23

November

Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally – Nov. 1 – 13

Day of the Dead – Nov. 1, 2

WON Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 3 – 6

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 15 – 20

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Viva La Plaza in Cabo San Lucas – Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) – Dec. 24

Navidad (Christmas) – Dec. 25

Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) – Dec. 31

 

 

 

 

 

Endless Summer – The Surfing Glories of Los Cabos

Surfers have been flocking to Los Cabos for more than 50 years. As a matter of fact, surfers were among the first to really discover Los Cabos as a tourist destination, entranced as they were by the region’s rippable year-round waves and laid-back lifestyle. Not much has changed since in terms of the surfing itself, but the amenities have certainly gotten a lot better since the early 1970s.

In the old days, surfers piled into vans and drove down the Baja to reach Land’s End. Now it’s quite easy to fly, and for those surfers who are a little older or a little more discerning, some accommodations options are much, much better than any VW could ever offer. Think boutique surf hotels and rental luxury villas that overlooks some of the finest surf breaks.

Indeed, surf vacations to contemporary Los Cabos can be as simple or as luxurious as you like. We’ll share our email address at the end if you have any questions about the accommodations or amenities aspect, but let’s start with a basic guide to surfing in Los Cabos. Meaning: what are the best breaks and when is the best time to surf them?

San Jose del Cabo and The Tourist Corridor 

The conventional wisdom is to surf the Sea of Cortez side breaks during the spring and summer, then shift to the Pacific Ocean side for the fall and winter. That’s good advice, of course, but the more important takeaway is that there is no bad time to take a surf vacation to Los Cabos. There are always good waves somewhere.

Neighboring beaches Acapulquito and Costa Azul are two of the centerpieces of the Sea of Cortez surf scene, and both are easily accessible from the Tourist Corridor highway as you approach San Jose del Cabo. Playa Costa Azul (Km. 29) has something for everyone, with a beginner-friendly Middle Break framed by advanced to expert level right-hand reef breaks at Zippers and The Rock (or La Roca). The Middle Break is often used for surf lessons, while the more easterly Zippers is probably the most famous surf break in Los Cabos. For years, in fact, it was the site of the ASP sanctioned Los Cabos Open of Surf, the only professional surf event in the area.

That tournament has since transitioned into a lifestyle event on Playa Monumentos.

Next to Zippers, Monumentos (in English, Monuments) is the area’s most famous surf break, and the closest to Cabo San Lucas. Anyone can enjoy the spectacular views of Land’s End from its offshore waters (Km. 5), but surfing its celebrated lefty point break is best left to the experts. That’s why the reinvented version of the Los Cabos Open of Surf takes place here, hosted by boutique lodging The Cape: A Thompson Hotel. The next “Soft Top Soiree” is scheduled for June 26 – 27. No details have been released as yet, but the event is expected to follow last year’s model, in which world-class surfing was paired with live music, fashion and gourmet cuisine.

Pacific Coast

Despite the conventional wisdom that holds Pacific side beaches see peak surf conditions during the winter, Playa Los Cerritos is always popular, not only for its beautiful scenery and consistently good beach breaks, but the cold beer and fresh seafood available nearby. Several local activities companies offer surf lessons at Playa Los Cerritos, with excursions that leave from Cabo San Lucas. But if you go on your own, board rentals and lessons can easily be arranged on the beach. Advanced surfers may prefer San Pedrito at Pescadero, or La Pastora, which is just north of Todos Santos. All three beaches are within an hour or so of Cabo San Lucas by car.

East Cape

Baja Sur’s rustic and beautiful East Cape also features some memorable surf beaches, and there are several local surf shops and activities providers who organize day trips over dirt roads to secluded hot spots like Shipwrecks and Nine Palms. The shipwreck at Shipwrecks has been gone for decades, and Nine Palms has considerably more than nine palms, but who cares really? Both of these spots offer rippable right-hand point breaks, particularly in the summer when occasional chubascos (tropical storms) generate strong southerly swells.

But whichever surf beach you ultimately choose, just know you’re in for a great ride.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Los Cabos Open of Surf

Upcoming Events Calendar

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Mar. 8

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15

Festival Artesanal El Triunfo – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 26 – 29

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Semana Santa – Apr. 5 – 11

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 17 – 24

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – April 30 – May 3

May

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – April 30 – May 3

485th Foundation Festival in La Paz – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 7, 14, 21, 28

El Dia de la Madre – May 10

White Party at ME Cabo/Blue Marlin Ibiza – Date Not Yet Announced

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 4, 11, 18, 25

7th Cabo Summer Slam/Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament – June 11 – 13

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – June 20

24th Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 24 – 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 26 – 27

July

Pitahayas Harvest Fair in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 18

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 20 – 25

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament in Los Barriles – July 23 – 27

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Not Yet Announced

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 15-21

If the Los Cabos region is known for only one thing, it is water sports. Los Cabos Surf

Fishing tournaments, kite surfing tournaments, triathlons, and other water-related events are held in the area all year, every year. The 2015 Los Cabos Surf Open, hosted by the ASP, is scheduled for June 15-21 this year. It will be held at Costa Azul / Zipper’s Beach in beautiful San Jose del Cabo. Whether you’re interested in competing or you just want to watch some of surfing’s best perform their craft, you can’t go wrong with buying tickets to this event.

While most details for this year’s Surf Open are still under wraps, last year’s event was a raving success. You can learn more at www.worldsurfleague.com. Simply search for Los Cabos Open of Surf. Standings, sponsorship details, and more can be found on this webpage.

The World Surf League is one of the most respected surfing organizations anywhere and they put on an incredible event in Los Cabos. Previous sponsors include Monster energy drinks, the Los Cabos Tourism Council, Expedia.com, and New Era hats and apparel. With names like this backing the Los Cabos Surf Open, you can trust that it will once again be a can’t-miss event in 2015. If you would like to participate in the open, you should contact the World Surf League at your earliest convenience to learn more about the process you need to go through before June.

Because the Los Cabos Surf Open is such a popular event, accommodations can be hard to come by. Although it is still six months away, it is certainly not too early to be thinking about where you will stay for the week of June 15. Contact the Los Cabos Villas office to discover our wide range of condominiums, villas, and vacation homes. We are sure to have something that will suit your needs perfectly, whether you want to be within walking distance of Costa Azul / Zipper’s Beach or you’d rather stay in the heart of Cabo San Lucas and travel to the Surf Open each day.

Call Cabo Vacation Rentals @ 888-655-4548