Surfing San Pedrito

The bottom is a compact shelf of rock and cobble, and that is what gives San Pedrito its punch: steeper takeoffs, faster walls and hollower sections than the sandier beaches nearby. From about October to March, W to NW groundswells produce lined-up rights from head high to overhead, with northeast wind offshore; the cleanest sessions come early, before the daily wind rises. In summer the beach turns peakier, with A-frames along the sand that favour lefts.

Tide advice varies between sources, but most warn against low tide, when the rocks come into play, so mid tide is the safe starting point. Sharp reef, sea urchins and strong currents are the main hazards; many regulars wear booties and some wear helmets. It suits intermediate to advanced surfers on normal days and becomes a shortboard wave for experienced surfers when the swell is solid. Winter brings campers and travelling surfers, so expect a busier lineup then. Water ranges from about 20 °C to 28 °C through the year and can cool noticeably in late spring.

The beach faces west-southwest, so mornings are the time to shoot: the sun comes from behind you and lights the wave faces, and the wind is usually at its lightest. From midday the sun swings over the Pacific, and late afternoon turns the lineup into backlit spray and sunset silhouettes. The reef breaks close to shore, so from the sand a 100–400 mm lens covers most rides and 500–600 mm fills the frame on the outside sets.

Work from the beach in front of the main peaks and move along the sand as the takeoff shifts with the swell. Water shooting is for experienced swimmers only: sharp rock, urchins and currents leave little margin, and booties are a good idea. The signature image here is a winter right running in a clean line, shot early while the surface is still glassy.

San Pedrito is just off Highway 19 near El Pescadero, about 8 km south of Todos Santos and roughly an hour north of Cabo San Lucas; Los Cabos airport (SJD) is about 1.5 hours away. Turn in at the signed San Pedrito entrance and follow a short dirt road, around five minutes, to the beach; a 4x4 is not needed. Camping and holiday rentals sit close to the beach, while shops and restaurants are in El Pescadero and Todos Santos.