Shipwrecks gallery 1

    Shipwrecks

    A fast right point on the East Cape dirt road: surf May to September, no services

    Shipwrecks
    A fast right point on the East Cape dirt road: surf May to September, no services

    About

    About Shipwrecks

    Shipwrecks is one of the East Cape's classic surf beaches: a big sandy bay east of San José del Cabo, reached only by the unpaved coastal road, with a fast right-hand point over reef at the western end of the bay. The name comes from an offshore wreck that was removed long ago, and nothing marks it today; this is not the Shipwreck Beach of the Tourist Corridor.

    The wave starts working at about a metre and holds well overhead. It wants a south or southwest swell with the north wind offshore on a mid-to-rising tide, and it blows out by midday. Sea of Cortez surf season runs late May to September, with June and July the most consistent months. Watch for rocks, urchins and rips over the shallow reef: this is a spot for intermediate and advanced surfers, and it is a surf beach rather than a swimming beach.

    There are no amenities at all, and no services between San José del Cabo and the far side of Cabo Pulmo, so bring food, shade and plenty of water. Allow anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour and a half for the washboard road, and a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle helps. Nine Palms, a mellow long point that suits longboards, is another 20 minutes east.

    Sources: Visit Los Cabos, surf season · Visit Los Cabos, East Cape · Journal del Pacífico · WannaSurf · Surf-Forecast · Mondo Surf · Cabo San Lucas Beaches (local directory)

    Best forPhotography, Scenic Views, Walking, Water Sports
    Crowd levelUncrowded; a handful of surfers when a south swell runs
    Best time to visitEarly morning on a south swell, June or July; it blows out by midday
    AccessRemote surf beach, dirt-road access

    Highlights

    Highlights

    The right pointA fast right over reef at the west end of the bay that starts at about a metre and holds well overhead.
    Dirt road onlyReached by the unpaved coastal road, which keeps the crowds away and the rides long.
    Nothing here but sandNo amenities on the whole stretch; bring food, shade and plenty of water.

    FAQs

    No. The wave is a fast right over shallow reef with rocks and urchins, suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Beginners do better at Nine Palms, twenty minutes farther east, a mellow point that suits longboards.

    The Sea of Cortez season runs from late May through September, with June and July the most consistent months. The point works best on a south or southwest swell with the north wind offshore.

    It is east of the estuary bridge on the unpaved coastal road, just south of the Rancho Rocas del Mar development. Allow anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour and a half on the washboard, depending on the road.

    It is a surf beach, not a swimming beach: open water, a shallow reef with rocks and rips, and no services. Stay away from the point and go in only when the sea is calm.

    Beach Conditions

    Beach Safety

    Swimming at this beach

    Depends on the day

    Sometimes swimmable, sometimes not — it depends on the surf that day. Check the flag posted on the sand, and stay out of the water where no flag is posted.

    Modeled waves today
    1.8 m max 14 sec max period · peak waves from SSE
    Modeled wind today
    18 km/h max gusts up to 34 km/h · strongest wind from E

    This rating is our editorial classification of the beach itself, not a reading of today’s water. The numbers above are modeled estimates. For today, the authority is the flag flown on the sand by ZOFEMAT Los Cabos: red means stay out, yellow means extreme caution, black means the beach is closed.

    Open-Meteo public model data · Checked

    Estimated from public data, not an official safety advisory. Always follow posted flags and lifeguard instructions.

    Data sources

    The approved editorial profile allows a model verdict; a conditional profile can never display green.

    Open-Meteo Marine: modeled wave height, period, and direction.

    Open-Meteo Weather: modeled 10 m wind and gusts.

    Jellyfish Watch

    Marine Life Watch

    Jellyfish Watch

    Elevated activity

    Recent nearby sightings suggest extra caution before entering the water.

    Estimated from public data, not an official safety advisory.

    Data sources

    Sources: iNaturalist public observations and Open-Meteo Marine - refreshed 1 second ago

    Location

    Location

    Shipwrecks, East Cape coastal road, Los Cabos

    Get DirectionsOpen Map

    Plan Your Visit

    Plan Your Visit

    Recommended Duration2-4 hours
    Best Time to VisitEarly morning on a south swell, June or July; it blows out by midday

    Quick Tips

    Quick Tips

    Check the swell forecast before the drive: it needs a south swell to work.
    Leave early; the wind comes up by midday.
    Bring water, food and shade; there is nothing out here.
    Mid-to-rising tide is the best window at the point.

    Amenities

    Amenities

    No servicesNo food, water, shade or restrooms; nothing between San José del Cabo and north of Cabo Pulmo.
    Beach access by carSurfers drive onto the beach itself; a high-clearance or 4x4 vehicle helps on the washboard road.
    Supplies in San JoséStock up in San José del Cabo before crossing the estuary bridge onto the East Cape road.

    Things To Do

    Things To Do

    Simple beach-day activities that fit the setting and conditions.

    SurfBest on a south or southwest swell with a north wind, on a mid-to-rising tide; intermediate to advanced.
    Surf-cast from the sandEast Cape anglers walk the beaches for roosterfish and jack crevalle.
    Drive on to Nine PalmsTwenty minutes east: a mushy, long point break by a small rancho, good for longboards and beginners.
    Watch the swellThe dunes above the bay give a clear view of the point when it is working.

    Beach Conditions

    Beach Safety

    Swimming at this beach

    Depends on the day

    Sometimes swimmable, sometimes not — it depends on the surf that day. Check the flag posted on the sand, and stay out of the water where no flag is posted.

    Modeled waves today
    1.8 m max 14 sec max period · peak waves from SSE
    Modeled wind today
    18 km/h max gusts up to 34 km/h · strongest wind from E

    This rating is our editorial classification of the beach itself, not a reading of today’s water. The numbers above are modeled estimates. For today, the authority is the flag flown on the sand by ZOFEMAT Los Cabos: red means stay out, yellow means extreme caution, black means the beach is closed.

    Open-Meteo public model data · Checked

    Estimated from public data, not an official safety advisory. Always follow posted flags and lifeguard instructions.

    Data sources

    The approved editorial profile allows a model verdict; a conditional profile can never display green.

    Open-Meteo Marine: modeled wave height, period, and direction.

    Open-Meteo Weather: modeled 10 m wind and gusts.

    Jellyfish Watch

    Marine Life Watch

    Jellyfish Watch

    Elevated activity

    Recent nearby sightings suggest extra caution before entering the water.

    Estimated from public data, not an official safety advisory.

    Data sources

    Sources: iNaturalist public observations and Open-Meteo Marine - refreshed 1 second ago

    Safety & Conditions

    Safety & Conditions

    Quick read before you go. Conditions can change by day, so check local flags before entering the water.

    Shallow reef and rocksThe point breaks over reef with rocks to watch; booties help and it is not a beginner wave.
    Rips and urchinsRips run off the point and urchins live on the reef.
    Far from helpNo services on this stretch of coast; go with a partner and tell someone your plan.
    Midday windOnshore wind usually blows the wave out by noon; surf early.

    Location

    Location

    Shipwrecks, East Cape coastal road, Los Cabos

    Get DirectionsOpen Map

    Plan Your Visit

    Plan Your Visit

    Recommended Duration2-4 hours
    Best Time to VisitEarly morning on a south swell, June or July; it blows out by midday

    Nearby You'll Love

    Nearby You'll Love

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    No. The wave is a fast right over shallow reef with rocks and urchins, suited to intermediate and advanced surfers. Beginners do better at Nine Palms, twenty minutes farther east, a mellow point that suits longboards.