Chickens (Todos Santos Island)
Chickens is the more forgiving big wave option on Isla Todos Santos, offering a step up in size without the life-threatening consequences of Killers. The wave provides quality rights in the 15-foot range, making it accessible to experienced surfers looking to push their limits without going full-send on the main peak. It's often where surfers warm up before paddling over to Killers.
Chickens (Todos Santos Island) surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (285°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 300°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4.5m
- Ideal size
- 3m - 3.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 17s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Boat from Ensenada. On same island as Killers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
Chickens is a reef break in Isla Todos Santos, Mexico, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
Chickens picks up swell from the W round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the WNW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.8m and handles up to about 4.5m, with the sweet spot around 3 to 3.8m. Period matters too: aim for 17s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
An E wind is dead offshore at Chickens, and anything from the ENE round to the ESE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
Chickens is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
The most reliable run of swell at Chickens comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. Winter NW swells. More forgiving than Killers.
How cold is the water at Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
The water at Chickens averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Chickens (Todos Santos Island) good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Boat access only. Cold water. Big wave spot.
How do I get to Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
The nearest airport on our list is TIJ, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat from Ensenada. On same island as Killers.
What other surf spots are near Chickens (Todos Santos Island)?
The closest breaks we track are Urchins (Todos Santos Island) (1.2 km), Thor's Hammer (Todos Santos Island) (1.8 km) and Killers (Isla Todos Santos) (2.4 km), handy when Chickens isn't working. We track 5 spots around Isla Todos Santos in total.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
Winter NW swells. More forgiving than Killers.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Urchins (Todos Santos Island)
🦔 Todos Santos step-up • Killers apprenticeship • Named for the urchins
Thor's Hammer (Todos Santos Island)
⚡ Todos Santos heavy slab • Mythical power • Elite slabbers only
Killers (Isla Todos Santos)
⚡ West Coast big wave mecca • Giant winter waves • Boat access only
Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)
🌊 Todos Santos tier 2 • Named for its rarity • 40-foot alternative
San Miguel
🇲🇽 Birthplace of Mexican surf • Trestles-like rights • Winter NW swells
La Fonda (K-58)
🌊 Baja reef break • Multiple quality peaks • K-58 winter waves