Northern Baja
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- j
- j
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Positives
- Quality right pointbreaks
- Consistent winter swells
- Year-round destination
- Cheap tacos, Mexican beer & tequila
Negatives
- Lack of lefthanders
- Surprisingly cold water
- USA style crowds
- Lots of potential dangers
Northern Baja surf travel guide
US surfers have been crossing the clandestine-proof border into the Baja (Lower) California desert peninsula for decades. Baja constitutes the major getaway for Californian waveriders, who jump in the 4x4 and drive the Mex1 Highway, looking for quality righthand pointbreaks, consistent beach and reefbreaks and cheaper, simpler living. Baja Norte has all the prerequisites to satisfy intermediate to expert surfers and the highway hugs the coast all the way down to Ensenada, making access to a varied range of breaks simple.
Surf spots in Northern Baja
Research the 15 surf breaks in Northern Baja and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Northern Baja.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Northern Baja
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- feb
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- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 41,313,000
- Population
- 128,932,753
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MXN
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 10.87 MXN MXN
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +52
- Dialing out
- 00
- Language
- Spanish, Nahuatl and various Mayan.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
No visa is required for most nationalities for stays of up to 180 days. If entering by a land border you maybe required to get a Forma Migratoria Multiple to present at checkpoints within the country. This can cost 390 pesos (about US$20). You can also download this online.
Getting There
Closest airport is Tijuana (TIJ). Aeroméxico and Mexicana are the largest Mexican airlines ($50 board fee), or land in San Diego/Los Angeles then cross the border. Mexican inter-city, low cost flights to TIJ with Aviacsa, Avolar or Volaris.
Getting Around
No San Diego rental companies allow their cars to be driven south of Ensenada, except Dollar, who require a Mexican insurance policy ($10/day). Tijuana prices are similar to San Diego. Most spots are reachable with a standard car, but a 4WD can be great to explore. Mex 1 Highway is the main axis as there are a lack of coastal roads between spots.
Accommodation
Several hotels for all budgets in Rosarito and Ensenada fr $13/n. Club Marena rents holiday apartments at K38 and Las Gaviotas (fr $160/n). Baja Surf Adventures camp in Quatro Casas. Free-camping possible at places but campsites are safer and cheap. Great, spicy Mexican food.
Activities
Good snorkelling and diving options; fishing is best during summer and fall. Whale watching at Ensenada from December through March. Strong winds offer great potential for kite/wind surf.
Hazards & hassles
Things can get nasty near the border so get past Ensenada to avoid hassles. Drugs, theft, drunk drivers, police, gun-crime, pot-holes, car breakdowns, summer flash-floods, scorpions, snakes, etc. Do not run out of gas, water or food in remote areas. Travelling US surfers have been robbed at gunpoint even in proper campsites.
Handy Hints
Most surf shops are in Tijuana, San Miguel & Ensenada. Many spots can handle large swells so bring a gun (board!), wax, extra leash, ding and first-aid kit. English is widely spoken, US dollar accepted everywhere.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.