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.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced
Local Vibe
Doable
There are a few local heavies and expat mobile home dwellers. Most locals will sit deep and take off on you, no matter who has priority or how deep in the barrel you are. Best to be a defensive driver out there.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Heavy. It's the best, most famous, and accessible wave this side of Scorpion Bay. You will be burned.
Spot Rating
Perfect
Good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Easy to get out, but long paddle after a good one.
Water Quality
Fair
There is a river, suspect in its health, that flows right into the take-off zone.
Hazards
Locals can be gnarly if you're disrespectful. Rocks.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish, Bodyboard
Access
Park in the dirt lot at the point -- it should be $5 bucks for the day. 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]