Killers (Isla Todos Santos)
Killers at Isla Todos Santos is the West Coast's answer to Mavericks and Jaws—a world-class big wave spot where winter swells produce some of the biggest waves in North America. Located on a small island 12 miles off Ensenada, the wave can hold giant faces when the right storm tracks send massive NW swells down the coast. The remote location, cold water, and extreme power make this a proving ground for elite big wave surfers only.
Killers (Isla Todos Santos) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's ConditionsToday's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to TIJ, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Central America is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Central America — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
¿Prefieres español? Recibe el Strike Report en español, gratis →
Get the full Killers (Isla Todos Santos) trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 270° - 310°
- Size range
- 4.5m - 18m
- Ideal size
- 7.4m - 11.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Boat from Ensenada required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
Killers is a big-wave spot in Isla Todos Santos, Mexico, that mostly breaks right. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
Isla Todos Santos is a pair of islands about 19 km off Ensenada, reachable only by boat, with nothing on them but two lighthouses and a fish farm. The islands are home to a critically endangered subspecies, the Todos Santos Island kingsnake.
What swell works best at Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
Killers picks up swell from the W round to the NW, 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 4.5m and keeps going up to about 18m, with the sweet spot around 7.4 to 11.5m. Period matters too: aim for 18s 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 Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Killers, and anything from the E round to the SE 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 Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
Killers is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
The most reliable run of swell at Killers comes Nov to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Oct too. Winter NW swells. Needs large swell to break properly.
How cold is the water at Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
The water at Killers 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 Killers (Isla Todos Santos) good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Boat access only. Cold water. Massive waves.
How do I get to Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
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 required.
What other surf spots are near Killers (Isla Todos Santos)?
The closest breaks we track are Thor's Hammer (Todos Santos Island) (0.9 km), Rarely's (Todos Santos Island) (1.2 km) and Urchins (Todos Santos Island) (1.2 km), handy when Killers 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. Needs large swell to break properly.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Thor's Hammer (Todos Santos Island)
⚡ Todos Santos heavy slab • Mythical power • Elite slabbers only
Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)
🌊 Todos Santos tier 2 • Named for its rarity • 40-foot alternative
Urchins (Todos Santos Island)
🦔 Todos Santos step-up • Killers apprenticeship • Named for the urchins
Chickens (Todos Santos Island)
🐔 Todos Santos step-up • More forgiving big wave • Killers warm-up spot
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
Plan a trip around Killers (Isla Todos Santos)
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.