La Pastora
La Pastora is a Todos Santos beach break that gets powerful when size fills in, offering more challenge than the mellow waves at nearby Cerritos. The wave delivers quality peaks with punch, making it a good option for experienced surfers looking for more action.
La Pastora surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 220°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (22°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Todos Santos area. Beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is La Pastora?
La Pastora is a beach break in Todos Santos, Mexico, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at La Pastora?
La Pastora picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 0.9m and handles up to about 2.4m, with the sweet spot around 1.6 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 La Pastora?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at La Pastora, and anything from the N round to the NE 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 La Pastora?
La Pastora isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf La Pastora?
The most reliable run of swell at La Pastora comes May to Oct. There's a second window in Apr and Nov too. Summer south swells. Powerful beach break.
How cold is the water at La Pastora?
The water at La Pastora averages around 24°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is La Pastora good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Powerful when big. Strong currents.
How do I get to La Pastora?
The nearest airport on our list is SJD, then it's roughly a one-hour drive. Todos Santos area. Beach access.
What other surf spots are near La Pastora?
The closest breaks we track are San Pedrito (4.1 km) and Cerritos (15 km), handy when La Pastora isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Secondary: Apr, Nov
Summer south swells. Powerful beach break.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
San Pedrito
🎨 Todos Santos gem • Beach break with reef • Artistic Baja vibes
Cerritos
🏄♂️ Baja's learning beach • Consistent forgiving waves • Surf school central
Zippers (Los Cabos)
🏖️ Los Cabos flagship wave • Powerful beach break • Tourist-accessible quality
Costa Azul (The Rock)
⚡ Los Cabos power reef • Expert only • Hollow serious waves
Old Man's (Los Cabos)
🏄♂️ Cabo beginner beach • Mellow learning waves • Surf school central
Nine Palms
🌴 East Cape reef • Summer hurricane swells • Remote Baja perfection