Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)
Rarely's is a second-tier big wave spot on Isla Todos Santos that breaks less frequently than Killers but offers quality big wave surfing when conditions align. Named for its infrequent perfection, the wave delivers rides in the 40-foot range on the biggest days, providing an alternative line for big wave surfers.
Rarely's (Todos Santos Island) surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 320°
- Size range
- 4.5m - 12m
- Ideal size
- 6.6m - 8.8m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 19s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (112°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat from Ensenada. On Todos Santos Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
Rarely's is a big-wave spot in Isla Todos Santos, Mexico, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
Rarely's 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 12m, with the sweet spot around 6.6 to 8.8m. Period matters too: aim for 19s or longer, as anything under 16s 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 Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Rarely's, 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 Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
Rarely's is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
The most reliable run of swell at Rarely's comes Dec to Feb, through the northern winter. There's a second window in Mar and Nov too. Peak winter. Needs XXL swell.
How cold is the water at Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
The water at Rarely's averages around 15°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 Rarely's (Todos Santos Island) good for beginners?
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Second tier big wave. Less consistent than Killers.
How do I get to Rarely's (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 Todos Santos Island.
What other surf spots are near Rarely's (Todos Santos Island)?
The closest breaks we track are Killers (Isla Todos Santos) (1.2 km), Thor's Hammer (Todos Santos Island) (2.0 km) and Urchins (Todos Santos Island) (2.4 km), handy when Rarely's isn't working. We track 5 spots around Isla Todos Santos in total.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Nov, Mar
Peak winter. Needs XXL swell.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Killers (Isla Todos Santos)
⚡ West Coast big wave mecca • Giant winter waves • Boat access only
Thor's Hammer (Todos Santos Island)
⚡ Todos Santos heavy slab • Mythical power • Elite slabbers only
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
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