Punta San Jose, also known locally as Lighthouse, is a dependable surfing spot in North Baja. While it’s not the absolute best surf spot in all of Baja Mexico, it is very consistent and there are almost always waves breaking on any day of the year. It’s a good “safety” spot for your Baja surfing trip.
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Lighthouse Break
Punta San Jose is an exposed beach and reef break. The waves come in at head high (five feet) or just under almost every day of the year. If you head to Punta San Jose on a big day in the winter, the waves can sometimes reach double overhead high (ten feet). The waves come in from both the right-hand and left-hand sides and are almost always very hard, fast, and powerful. They can sometimes become choppy and beat, but this only serves to further the challenge for the experienced surfer.
The beach at Punta San Jose is very popular with the San Diego crowd since it is such a short drive from the border. It is best to avoid the holidays and the weekends andsurf here during a slow weekday. Beachgoers tend to gather near the lighthouse, so if you do come upon a crowd, try heading down to one of the far ends of the beach. The waves are a little smaller, but you can ride them for just as long (and without worrying about running into any swimmers).
Punta San Jose Dangers
Though Punta San Jose is a very popular place for surfers, it does have its fair share of dangers. These include a strong rip current and sharp rocks. If you wear your booties and stay alert, you’ll be fine. Another worry is sharks. They’re not a common sight around Punta San Jose, but they are seen a few times per year. It’s best to check the local news regarding shark activity before heading down, especially if you watch a lot of Shark Week!
All in all, Punta San Jose is a terrific Baja surfing spot. It has almost everything that you could ask for – solid waves, great consistency, sandy beaches, and a relaxed local vibe. You can reach Punta San Jose by taking the dirt road west from the toll highway from Santo Tomas about 50 miles south of Ensenada. It’s a bumpy ride (and you might want to bring a map), but once you see the Pacific, you won’t be disappointed.
