Todos Santos, Mexico for Adventurers: 7 Surf Breaks That Rival Oahu’s North Shore (2026)

The wind slaps your face as you paddle out at 6:30 a.m., the Pacific swelling beneath your board like a living muscle. Three miles of empty beach stretch north, rattan palms swaying against a salmon sunrise. Your first wave of the day jackknifes – a fast, hollow right that spits you out a hundred yards later. Welcome to Playa Cerritos, where every session feels like a secret discovery.

The Main Event: Surfing Playa Cerritos

If you’re coming to Todos Santos with a board or renting one, your best bet is Playa Cerritos, the region’s most consistent and accessible break. You’ll find it 15 minutes south of town via Highway 19 – look for the large white “Cerritos” sign and a dirt parking lot. The wave is a long, right-hand point break that works best from November through April, when northwest swells pump 3- to 8-foot waves with clean offshore winds. For beginners, the inside section is forgiving and sandy; for seasoned surfers, the outside reef produces steep barrels on bigger days.

Rent equipment at Cerritos Surf Academy (open daily 7 a.m.–5 p.m.). Board rental runs $35–$45 per day, a full wetsuit $20 extra. If you want a lesson, book a 2-hour session with them for $60 – instructors are local, bilingual, and know the rip currents intimately. Insider tip: show up at sunrise (6:30–7:30 a.m.) or just before sunset (4:30–5:30 p.m.) to beat the weekend crowds from Cabo San Lucas. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (you’ll be paddling over rocks at low tide) and a rash guard. Currents can pull south along the beach, so locals recommend taking a moment to study the channel before paddling out.

Activity #1: Hiking to Cascada de la Soledad

For a full-body challenge that rewards you with a hidden waterfall pool, travelers lace up their boots and head to the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. The trailhead is about 30 minutes east of Todos Santos – follow the dirt road past the town of La Rivera until you reach the Rancho La Soledad parking area (just look for the rusted sign; GPS coordinates 23.4281, -110.1773). The hike is 4.5 miles one way, gaining 1,200 feet in elevation over rocky, boulder-strewn terrain. Plan to start by 7:00 a.m. to avoid the midday heat; bring at least 3 liters of water per person and a lunch. The path crosses arroyos and winds through cardón cacti and palo verde trees; you’ll hear the waterfall before you see it. At the base of a 50-foot cascade, you’ll find a deep, cool pool where you can swim. Locals recommend this trail only from November to April – summer rains create flash-flood risk and turn the path into mud. No entrance fee, but register at the ranger station (if staffed). The entire route takes 5 to 7 hours round-trip. You don’t need a guide, but the trail is unmarked in places, so download an offline map from AllTrails before you go.

Activity #2: Whale Watching in Bahía Magdalena

Between January and March, gray whales migrate to the warm lagoons of Baja California Sur, and savvy visitors make the 90-minute drive from Todos Santos to the fishing village of Puerto Adolfo López Mateos. There, you’ll board a panga (small motorboat) operated by Eco-Tours Baja or local cooperatives (bookable at the dock). Your best bet is the 8:00 a.m. tour, which runs $80 per person for a three-hour excursion. The boat glides through mangroves into the open lagoon, where mothers and calves surface just feet away – you’ll feel the spray of their blowholes. Regulations require you to keep a distance, but the whales often approach out of curiosity. Travelers often discover that the most magical moment is when a whale spy-hops, scanning the boat with its eye. Bring a waterproof camera, a windbreaker (mornings are chilly), and binoculars. After the tour, grab a shrimp taco at Mariscos El Compa on the main road – $3 for a plate of three, grilled with butter and lime.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico – La Cantina Cantina, Todos Santos, Mexico

Refuel: Where Adventurers Eat

After a surf session, wander into El Pastor on Calle Hidalgo in downtown Todos Santos. Locals line up for the al pastor tacos – $2 each, carved from a vertical spit, topped with grilled pineapple and a smear of house salsa verde. The patio is shaded by a giant mango tree; order two or three and a cold Modelo. For a heartier post-hike reward, Los Cerritos Beach Club sits right on the sand at Playa Cerritos. Their grilled fish plate (catch of the day, $18) comes with rice, beans, and a tangy cucumber salad. Seasoned travelers also swear by Hwy 19 Burritos – a tiny yellow shack on the highway just north of the Cerritos turnoff. The “California Sur” burrito ($9) is stuffed with marinated beef, potatoes, cheese, and guacamole, wrapped in a flour tortilla the size of your forearm. If you’ve just come off the water and need a quick refuel, that’s your spot. For a sit-down dinner, Las Playitas in the village of El Pescadero (10 minutes north) serves excellent ceviche tostadas ($12) and grilled octopus – the owner is a local fisherman who catches much of the seafood himself.

Base Camp: Where to Stay

Active travelers want proximity to the beach and gear storage. Los Cerritos Beach Hotel (rooms from $110/night) is a no-frills, surf-focused property with a outdoor shower, a board rack on the patio, and a kitchenette in each unit. It’s a 60-second walk to the sand. For something with more character, Hotel San Cristóbal in downtown Todos Santos ($180/night) is a boutique property with a saltwater pool, rooftop terrace, and a restaurant that serves a mean breakfast burrito by 7 a.m. – perfect before a dawn mission. If you prefer an eco-lodge, Rancho Pescadero (a 10-minute drive south, from $200/night) offers yoga, a spa, and guided hikes into the Sierra. All options allow you to store gear in your room or ask at the front desk. Book your stay using Booking.com for the best cancellation policies.

Clear eyeglasses with black frames on sand, Todos Santos, Mexico

Gear & Prep Checklist

Surfboard wax (warm water formula) – local shops sell it, but bring your own if you’re picky; the tropical sun melts standard wax.
Reef-safe sunscreen – many breaks have sensitive ecosystems; brands like Stream2Sea or All Good are available at the surf shops.
Hydration pack (2 liters) – for any trail or long paddle, you’ll need water; buy a cheap one at Mercado Todos Santos on Calle Juárez.
Lightweight rash guard (long sleeve) – protects against sun and jellyfish; you’ll be grateful during long paddles.
Fitness tip: If you plan to hike the Sierra or spend a day surfing, aim for at least 30 minutes of cardio three times a week before your trip – paddle endurance and trail stamina make everything more fun.
Safety: Rip currents are common at Playa Cerritos, especially near the rocks. Always surf with a buddy and check the flag system at the lifeguard station (red = stay out). For hikes, bring a small first-aid kit for cactus spines and minor cuts.

Getting There & Around

Flights: You’ll fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), 50 miles south of Todos Santos. Book at Skyscanner. From major US hubs, nonstop flights run $300–$500 in low season (June–October) and $500–$800 in peak (December–April).
Local Transport: Renting a car is your best bet – you’ll need it to reach isolated trails, surf breaks, and whale-watching launches. Rent from Avis or Budget at the airport; rates start at $45/day with full insurance. If you don’t drive, a shuttle from SJD to Todos Santos runs about $30 per person (book via Baja Shuttle). Once in town, taxis cost $5–$10 to Playa Cerritos, but they’re scarce after dark.
Best Season: For adventure activities, November through April offers the most comfortable temperatures (70–85°F) and consistent swells for surfing. Whale season peaks January–March. Avoid September–October if you dislike extreme heat or hurricane risk (though storms rarely hit directly).

A group of green cactus plants in a garden, Todos Santos, Mexico

Is Todos Santos, Mexico Worth It?

Honest answer: if you crave crowds, nightclubs, and all-inclusive buffets, you’ll be happier in Cabo San Lucas. But if you want uncrowded, world-class waves, remote canyon hikes, and wildlife encounters that feel intimate rather than tour-bus-managed, Todos Santos delivers. The adventure scene here is raw and local – you’ll share the lineup with a handful of surfers, not a hundred. Travelers who thrive on spontaneity and DIY logistics will love