Shipwrecks (East Cape)
Shipwrecks is a powerful right reef on Baja's East Cape that comes alive during summer hurricane season when SE-S swells wrap into the Sea of Cortez. The wave offers quality barrels over a rocky reef, rewarding those who make the journey to this remote stretch of coast. When a hurricane tracks up the Pacific, this is one of the spots that can turn on with world-class conditions.
Shipwrecks (East Cape) surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (170°)
- Direction range
- 140° - 200°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 15s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 290° - 340°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: East Cape area. Dirt road access to remote coastline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
Shipwrecks is a reef break in East Cape, Mexico, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
Shipwrecks picks up swell from the SE round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2 to 2.6m. Period matters too: aim for 15s 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 Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
A NW wind is dead offshore at Shipwrecks, and anything from the WNW round to the NNW 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 Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
Shipwrecks is at its best around mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
The most reliable run of swell at Shipwrecks comes Jul to Oct. There's a second window in Jun and Nov too. Summer hurricane swells. Needs SE-S direction.
How cold is the water at Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
The water at Shipwrecks averages around 26°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Shipwrecks (East Cape) good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Powerful reef break. Remote location.
How do I get to Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
The nearest airport on our list is SJD, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. East Cape area. Dirt road access to remote coastline.
What other surf spots are near Shipwrecks (East Cape)?
The closest breaks we track are Old Man's (Los Cabos) (24 km), Zippers (Los Cabos) (26 km) and Costa Azul (The Rock) (27 km), handy when Shipwrecks isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jul-Oct
Secondary: Jun, Nov
Summer hurricane swells. Needs SE-S direction.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Old Man's (Los Cabos)
🏄♂️ Cabo beginner beach • Mellow learning 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
Nine Palms
🌴 East Cape reef • Summer hurricane swells • Remote Baja perfection
Cerritos
🏄♂️ Baja's learning beach • Consistent forgiving waves • Surf school central
San Pedrito
🎨 Todos Santos gem • Beach break with reef • Artistic Baja vibes