Ensenada Surf Guide
Just an hour from the border, Ensenada is full of points that offer great places to catch NW swells.
Quick Facts
Solid right-hand points on offer
Consistent waves year-round
Relatively accessible from Tijuana airport
Can get crowded at some spots
Introduction to Ensenada
Located in Baja California, Ensenada has been a popular surf destination for Southern California surfers for decades. Resting at the northern end of All Saints Bay, it is home to a ton of different breaks. Ensenada acts as a type of hub, giving access up and down the Pacific Coast here to the various different waves. It’s definitely best to have a car while in the area, as you might find yourself driving 30+ miles to get to the right wave you’re looking for!
Ensenada Surf Season
Ensenada can be surfed year-round, but the long-period groundswells that roll in from the NW will be more reliably foundin the winter. You’ll find the best point breaks along the coast in these months. During the summer, you’ll find slightly smaller waves with only a bit less consistency. The summer sees southern and SW swells roll in, creating nice A-frames for intermediatesa nd many smaller waves at the beginner-oriented beaches in the area.
Where to Surf in Ensenada
Ensenada serves more as a home base to the breaks in the region. You can scroll down to the section on nearby breaks to read more about these other breaks. Here we’ll cover Playa San Miguel , the OG home of surfing in this area. It was the destination for many surf trips in the 70’s and remains a popular spot.
Crowds - Somewhat
Surfer Level - Beginner-Intermediate
Ideal Swell - W/NW
Ideal Wind - E, light
Break Type - Beach cobblestone
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Can be packed!
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Ensenada
Surfensenada - With over twenty years of experience in the area, Surfensenada offers surf lessons for any skill level. They offer group lessons, individual private lessons, and surf guides to go out to various spots. They also offer paddleboarding lessons, snorkel tours, and many other things! Group lessons are around $70 while private classes run around $90.
Ensenada Surfing Co. - Ensenada Surf Co. has been offering surf lessons in Baja for over ten years. They have private lessons, group lessons, rentals, and all equipment rentals. They work closely with a lot of tourist companies, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Cribbean Cruises, which speaks to their legitimacy as surf coaches. Private lessons cost $85, small groups cost $75/person, and bigger groups cost $70/person.
From the Store
Nearby Surf Spots
Calafia
Solid right hand point break that works well when the SW swells roll in in the summer. Can get rather crowded as it’s close to Rosarito and the border.
Crowds - Yup
Surfer Level - Intermediate+
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Point
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rocky bottom
K-38 (El Morro)
Also north of Ensenada, El Morro is another relatively crowded spot. Relatively mellow right that is super consistent.
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Intermediate
Ideal Swell - SW, or any
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Not much
Las Gaviotas
More of a logger wave, relatively small peeling right. Good for beginners and longboarders!
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Beginner/Intermediate
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Some shallow reef
Tres Emes
Just down the beach from San Miguel, a bit of a less punchy offering. Needs SW swells to really get pumping. Offers cruisy rights in winter for longboarders.
Crowds - Not too bad
Surfer Level - Any
Ideal Swell - NW/SW
Ideal Wind - Light
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Nothing!
Isla Todos Santos
Not the relaxed town of Todos Santos, this island is home to some 30+ foot waves. Expert-only wave that takes planning, known as “Killers."
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Advanced
Ideal Swell - W/NW
Ideal Wind - E
Break Type - Right point
Consistency - 20%
Be Aware: Gnarly wave
Salsipuedes
Both a reef and point break that offers A-frames and solid point breaks. The point needs right conditions, but the reef breaks on almost any western swell during the winter.
Crowds - Some
Surfer Level - Beginner/Intermediate
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Point and Reef
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Stone bottom
Other Things to Do in Ensenada
Most of you are probably headed to Ensenada to surf, but there are other things to do while you’re taking a break from the waves:
Visit La Bufadora - One of the largest marine geysers in the world, La Bufadora can shoot water over 30 meters (100 feet) into the air! It sits just south of Ensenada and is worth checking out to see some powerful ocean scenes!
Hike El Salto - El Salto is a beautiful and rugged canyon just north of Ensenada. You can hike to the waterfall, rock climb, and rappel. Definitely recommended for the outdoorsy people looking for somethign active to do!
Whale Watching - In winter and spring you can go whale watching in this area. The most seen whales here are the big grey whales passing to start a new generation. It’s pretty amazing to be out there and see the whales up close!
Where to Stay in Ensenada
Ensenada has several budget-friendly options, beachfront acommodations, and some luxurious resorts in nearby Valle de Guadalupe.
Budget-Friendly Hotels (~$35-50/night)
Hotel Rose
Central hotel with breakfast
Located right in the center of town, Hotel Rose has A/C in every room, free WiFi, and a little cantina for food. It’s about 2 miles from beach, and you can easily access the highway to get to the surf spots!
Hotel Eiffel
Downtown hotel close to action
Another hotel in the center of town, Hotel Eiffel has A/C and free WiFi. They have room service and several different room/suite options for individuals, couples, or families!
Private Homes (~$200/night)
Casa Maria
Cozy beachfront cottage
This three bedroom house is located right on the beach. It has a lovely outdoor patio, is pet friendly, and you’re literal steps to the sea. A great option for families or groups.
Casa Cactus
Beautiful beachfront home
A super cute beachfront cottage in town, Casa Maria is a fantastic place to chill out. This pet-friendly two bedroom cottage is ideal for families or small groups/couples. You’re literally steps from the sand and can easily access the freeway to make it to nearby breaks.
Luxurious Stays (~$300-450/night)
Andana Resort
Relaxing resort and spa in the valley
MIRA is absolutely gorgeous. It blends in with the surrounding area in the nearby Valle de Guadalupe, complete with beautiful views of the vineyards below. This boutique hotel is great for those who want romance, top-tier food and wine, and a truly personalized experience.
MIRA Earth Studios
Adults-only natural resort
Andana is likewise nestled in the Valle de Guadalupe. With a top rated restaurant, outdoor pool, beautiful gardens, and full spa, this is where you’ll want to be if you want a luxurious and relaxing stay to unwind.
Getting to Ensenada
Ensenada is relatively easy to get to. If you’re flying it, you will land at Tijuana International Airport. However, it’s most popular among California surfers making the drive.
Driving - You can drive from San Diego down to Tijiuana. From there, it’s basically a straight shot down the coast to Ensenada. It takes about and hour and a half, and we strongly recommend doing this drive during the day!
Public Transportation - You can also catch a bus from the airport directly to Ensenada. The ABC buses run every hour or so, and costs around $20 USD.
Restaurants in Ensenada
Las Cazuelitas - A place to grab traditional Mexican breakfasts. Pretty mid-range on pricing, super casual atmosphere and nice environment.
La Guerrerense Carreta - Best spot for seafood tostadas in the area (or maybe Mexico). A little street food stand that you might get addicted to. Good prices!
Olivea Farm to Table - As the name suggests, Olivea uses their garden to create their plates! They recently got a Michelin star, so you’ll find upscale dining. Great for a romantic date night. Make reservations well in advance.
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