Nine Palms
Nine Palms is an East Cape reef break that comes alive during summer when hurricane swells send SE-S energy into the Sea of Cortez. The wave offers quality rights over a reef bottom, providing a remote surf experience away from the more developed Los Cabos corridor.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Direction range
- 160° - 200°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.4m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (337°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 360°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
👥 Summer Break (Jul 15 – Aug 31) — expect extra crowds
Access: East Cape area. Dirt road access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Nine Palms?
Nine Palms works best on a mid tide. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Nine Palms?
Offshore wind at Nine Palms blows from the NNW (337°). Anything in the 315° to 360° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Nine Palms?
Nine Palms wants S swell (160° to 200°) between 0.9m and 2.4m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Nine Palms?
The main season at Nine Palms is Jul-Oct. A secondary window runs Jun, Nov. Summer hurricane swells. East Cape specialist.
How do I get to Nine Palms?
Fly into SJD, then allow about 75 minutes by road. East Cape area. Dirt road access.
What kind of wave is Nine Palms?
Nine Palms is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jul-Oct
Secondary: Jun, Nov
Summer hurricane swells. East Cape specialist.
Getting There
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