East Cape, Baja California Sur · Mexico
Surfing Nine Palms (East Cape)
Nine Palms is a right-hand point on the East Cape of Baja California Sur, on the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, north-east of San José del Cabo near Santa Elena and La Fortuna. On a solid south swell it runs down a long, walling line that suits longboards and shortboards alike. The one thing to know: there are no services at the break, so bring water, food and patience for the dirt road.
At a glance
- Wave
- Point break · Right
- Bottom
- Sand and rock
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Best swell
- SSE, S, SSW
- Best wind
- NW, NNW
- Tide
- Mid tide
- Best months
- May–Oct
- Water
- 21–29 °C · 2 mm or spring suit → Boardshorts and a rash vest
- Crowd
- Busy at peak times
The surf at Nine Palms
The wave wraps around the point and peels right over sand and rock, offering long walls with sections to hit. It needs south groundswell, anywhere from SSE to SSW, and it is at its best from head high to double overhead; below head high it turns soft and slow, which is when longboarders and newer surfers enjoy it most. The season runs from about May to October, with the cleanest days usually in mid-summer, and in winter it is mostly flat. Northwest wind is offshore.
It works on all tides, though mid to rising tide gives the best shape, and rocks show on the inside at low tide. Currents and urchins are the other hazards, and help is far away. Crowds are moderate for such a remote spot: East Cape regulars turn up when it is good, and the mood can tighten on the best days. Around 20 minutes back towards San José del Cabo, Shipwrecks is a faster right point over rock, better suited to advanced surfers. Water runs from about 21 °C in early spring to 29 °C in September.
Photographing surf at Nine Palms
The East Cape road runs just above the break, and that raised ground is the obvious place to shoot. The coast here faces southeast, so in the morning the sun comes up over the Sea of Cortez in front of you: expect glare and backlit spray, which can still look good on glassy days. From early afternoon the sun moves behind you and lights the wave faces, although summer middays are harsh with the sun nearly overhead.
Walk down to the inside of the bay and shoot back up the line in the morning, and the sun is behind you again, front-lighting riders on the long walls. A 100–400 mm lens covers most rides; add something longer for outside sets on big swells. Water shooting is possible on softer days for strong swimmers, but there is no lifeguard or help nearby. The length of the wave is the story, so leave room in the frame for the wall ahead of the rider.
Getting there
From San José del Cabo, follow the coastal East Cape road north-east past Shipwrecks; Nine Palms is roughly 20 minutes further on. Look for the palms by a small rancho: the spot is named after the nine palm trees that once marked this stretch. Parts of the road are paved and parts are rough dirt, so allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. You can park off the road above the break and camp nearby, but there are no facilities, so bring water, food and shade. Los Cabos airport is the nearest arrival point.
Surfing or shooting here?
Surfing at Nine Palms?
Post your surf plan with your dates. Photographers in the area can see it and offer to shoot your session.
Shooting at Nine Palms?
Share your photos with the beach tagged. Surfers looking at Nine Palms find your work and can message you.
Nearby spots
- Costa AzulLos Cabos, Baja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Point break
Playa Los CerritosBaja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate · Beach break, Point break- San PedritoBaja California Sur · MexicoIntermediate, Advanced · Reef break, Beach break
- Scorpion BayBaja California Sur · MexicoBeginner, Intermediate, Advanced · Point break
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to surf Nine Palms?
From about May to October, when south groundswells from the Southern Hemisphere reach the East Cape, with mid-summer usually bringing the cleanest days. It needs a solid swell, ideally head high or bigger, to show its length, and winter is usually flat. Summer is also hurricane season, so follow official warnings before driving the coast road.
Is Nine Palms good for beginners?
On smaller, softer days it can suit beginners who already catch unbroken waves, especially on a longboard, and several guides rate it as a friendly point. Complete novices are better off taking lessons at Old Man's in Costa Azul first. Rocks show on the inside at low tide and there are no lifeguards or services, so never surf it alone.
Where can you photograph surfing at Nine Palms?
From the raised ground by the road above the break, which gives a clear view of the whole wall. Afternoon light comes from behind you on this southeast-facing coast; mornings are backlit but often glassy. For down-the-line shots in the morning, shoot from the inside of the bay looking back towards the point. A 100–400 mm lens covers most rides.
What is Shipwrecks like?
Shipwrecks is another East Cape right point, about 20 minutes from San José del Cabo on the coast road, before you reach Nine Palms. It is faster and breaks over rock, so it suits advanced surfers, and the path down to the water is not well marked. Do not confuse it with Punta San Jacinto, also nicknamed Shipwrecks, in northern Baja.
How can I get photos of my surf session at Nine Palms?
Post your surf plan on Makai with the dates you will be here, so photographers in the area can offer to shoot you, or browse surf photographers and message one before your session. Agree on what you will get before you paddle out.
Updated September 2026