Many surfers make the pilgrimage across the border to go surfing K38 in Baja Mexico. It’s no secret that K38 is not only one of the best point breaks along the Southern Pacific coastline but also one of the least crowded.
After making the trip myself a few times, I’ll share how to get here, what the wave is like and all the insider info to know before surfing K38 for your first time.
Where is K38 Surf Spot?
Assuming you are driving from San Diego, K38 surf spot is only about 45 minutes South of the border. When crossing the border, I recommend going immediately West on the 1 Interstate toward the coast and Rosarito. While there is a toll on this road ($2.50), it is the fastest and safest route to K38. To orient yourself on a map, you can enter K38 Surf House on your phone for directions.
Continue down the coastline past Rosarito. When you get close, you’ll see this K-38 sign above the surf shop. You can stop in the shop for tips from the owner and a view of the break from their back patio.
Otherwise, continue past the shop until you see a dirt road in about 100 yards. Exit right off the 1 Interstate to the dirt road. Continue down and pass through a gate on the right into a dirt parking lot. There are about 10-15 spaces here. Be sure to pay the locals $5 for your stay. If the lot is full, you can park under the highway just before the lot for free. However, this might not be safest option if you have valuables in the car.
After parking, you will see a surf break called El Morro Point directly in front of you. I think it’s K 37.5. This is the break below the surf shop and is a pretty good little point break itself. To get to K38, you’ll need to walk a good ways down the beach to the next point just before the high rise hotel in the picture below. From here, paddle around the point to get to the K38 break.
Unfortunately, unless you are staying in the hotel just above the break (K38 Morena); it is a bit more difficult to get to from this dirt parking lot. The walk along the beach can be rocky, especially on a high tide so you might want to wear booties even if the water is warm.
K38 Surf Spot Overview
No Baja surf trip is complete without stopping at K38. While the Baja coast is peppered with waves, K38 stands out as one of the few point breaks and overall solid waves along the coast.
Since it is a point break, you can expect longer rides then your average wave. As a right breaking point, it favors your regular footers. It’s long enough for several sweeping turns. The break is over top a rocky reef which helps the wave retain it’s shape and power. Don’t worry though, it’s deep enough in most places so you shouldn’t have to worry about scraping the bottom.
As a focal point of the Baja surf scene, you can scoot down here for the day (easier with Global Entry) or be sure you stop here during your trek down the coast.
Surfing K38 Baja Quick Facts
Level: Intermediate
Wave Height: Best Head High to Overhead but can be surfed much smaller.
Tides: Favors a mid to low tide.
Water Temperature: Average 64° F. But the water normally is a few degrees below San Diego. I know that’s weird because it’s further South?!
Swell Direction: S, SW, W
Wind Direction: NE, E
*K38 surf reports + cams are always reliable on Surfline. Worth a check before making the trip.
When is the Best Time of Year for Surfing K38?
Surfing K38 Baja is actually reliable the entire year but it excels in Summer months. K38 is so good in summertime because of it Southerly facing position. It is positioned perfectly for picking up big South swells originating from Hawaii. Due to this, Summer at K38 has the most consistent and usually largest surf. The water is also the warmest.
K38 is also positioned well to pick up swells from the West which makes it a swell magnet during Autumn and Winter months as well. During Autumn + Winter, you can sometimes see heavy, clean swells pumping down the point on a clear day. Your last bet for surfing K38 is in the Spring which has the most variable conditions.
In summary, surfing K38 is best in Summer followed closely by Winter and Autumn.
Which Board to Bring for Surfing K38?
Usually, point breaks are pretty forgiving waves. Surfing K38 in Baja is the same which is why you can surf it on just about any kind of board. Even on days when it’s pumping at K38, you have the option to rip this wave on shortboard or cruise down the line on a longboard.
Mid-length boards and fish style boards are also great on intermediate size surf here. For a masterclass in all conditions, try the Easyrider from Degree 33.
The ideal board for boosting your wave count and smooth turns.
Overall, choose a board you are comfortable on and one that has good paddle power especially if you are doing the longer paddle out from K 37.5
Crowds at K38
The best thing about surfing K38 in Baja is the lack of crowds. Sure, it’s busy on weekends and Holidays and especially when the swell is good. But even then, it’s far less crowded than popular point breaks in San Diego like Swamis. Outside of these windows, you can really score K38 relatively uncrowded.
If you are looking for a wave with even less surfers, try K 37.5 just a short walk North up the beach. Sometimes you can surf here by yourself when K38 is busy.
Overall, the crowds are friendly and approachable. There are a lot of Americans coming to surf down here so you shouldn’t feel like too much of a gringo!
Surf Breaks Near K38
Baja Mexico has plenty of breaks within a short driving distance from one another. Here are a few waves nearby.
Closest waves to the South:
- Las Gaviotas
- Rauls
- K-40
Closest waves to the North:
- El Morro Point (K 37.5)
- Calafia
- Popotla
Other Places to Check Out in Baja Mexico
A trip to Baja isn’t complete without a stop for some beers and seafood.
Sin Fronteria is the perfect place for beers after your surf session. You can watch the surf below K 37.5 while enjoying a local brew and some good grub.
If you are looking for seafood, Popotla is a must. It’s a small fishing village that has restaurants on the Ocean with amazing Pacific lobsters!
Of course, you can always stop in Rosarito on the drive home if you are looking to party..
K38 Surf Spot Review
Accessibility: The walk and paddle out from parking can be a bit tricky unless you are staying in the hotel above K38. It’s worth it though.
Waves: Excellent point break that really pumps in a Summertime swell. Long rides.
Crowd: Busy on a good swell and weekends but can score at all other times. Always better than the crowded San Diego breaks.
Scenery: Soak in the Baja coastline.
OVERALL: K38 Surf Spot is a must stop point break in Baja. It’s worth the drive and occasional crowds.
You can read more of my firsthand surf reviews before going. To stay up to date with new reviews or changes to these waves, subscribe below.
Please keep your parks and beaches clean by picking up after yourself. Do me a favor and surf K38 how you found it. Check out Surfrider Baja Ensenada if you are looking to participate or contribute to a charitable ocean cause.
