San Juanico (Baja California Sur) Travel Guide

The settlement hugs the curve of Bahía San Juanico with most activity along the sandy shoreline and a single main dirt track paralleling the bay; a tiny cluster of houses, a few tiendas and informal camps form the village centre, and travellers typically base themselves right on or very near the beach.

Costs: A few dozen US dollars per day - Basic guesthouses and camping keep costs low but services are limited; stock up in larger towns.

Safety: Generally safe - Low crime but remote location means medical help and repairs can be far away; carry supplies and respect local property.

Best Time: October - March - Peak swell season for the famous point break; expect cooler, windier conditions and bigger waves.

San Juanico sits on Bahía San Juanico on the Pacific coast in Comondú Municipality; it began as a small fishing settlement and grew notoriety after surfers discovered its exceptional point break. The village remains tiny, with a population in the low hundreds and only a handful of services clustered along the bay.

In the 1970s the bay drew surfers and some expatriates, and the name Scorpion Bay was popularized by surf magazines and local promoters. The airstrip that once served the settlement has a history tied to smugglers and small private flights, and the small Cadejé airstrip nearby now handles occasional single-engine aircraft.

A visit feels rustic: dusty tracks, low wooden houses, beach camps and a surf-oriented crowd. Expect basic tiendas, fresh seafood when available, and stretches of empty beach; most travelers come for the waves, solitude and the photogenic coastline.

People come to San Juanico primarily for surfing - its long right-hand point break has a global reputation among experienced surfers. Beyond waves, the bay offers beautiful, empty beaches, dramatic sunsets and a glimpse of traditional Pacific Baja life. The remoteness is part of the attraction: few facilities, little commercial development and a slow pace make it a place to disconnect.

There are two main considerations: surf and weather. Choose dates based on whether you want big, consistent waves or calmer, warmer conditions.

San Juanico is remote and most visitors arrive by road or small aircraft to nearby airstrips. Plan for long drives and limited public transport; carry fuel, water and a basic spare-parts kit.

• By road from La Paz or south: Drive Highway 1 and turn off onto the coastal tracks that lead to Bahía San Juanico; allow several hours from major towns and be prepared for unpaved sections and slow stretches.
• By road from the north: Access from towns to the north follows the coastal road with dirt turnoffs to the bay; roads are remote and services scarce, so plan fuel and supplies accordingly.
• By air: Cadejé Airstrip: Cadejé Airstrip (unscheduled, for small single-engine aircraft) handles occasional private flights; there is no regular commercial service, so flights must be arranged in advance.

San Juanico is best explored on foot and by a capable vehicle for any inland or coastal exploring. Services are minimal and organized transport is rare.

• Walking: Most of the village and beaches are easily covered on foot; walking is the primary way to get between surf breaks, camps and tiendas.
• Local trucks and informal taxis: Local pickups and informal taxis may be available but are intermittent; agree a price beforehand and expect simple vehicles and basic service.
• Self-drive (4x4 recommended): A high-clearance vehicle is useful for the dirt tracks and sandy approaches; rent a vehicle in a larger town before arriving.

Food is very simple and centered on local seafood and small tiendas; several informal eateries and fish stands operate when supplies arrive. Bring snacks and staples from larger towns, and expect fresh-catch meals when available rather than a wide restaurant scene.

Nightlife is minimal - evenings are quiet and usually involve beach bonfires, small bars or early nights at guesthouses. The scene is low-key; most visitors pack in at sundown.

Shopping is limited to small tiendas selling basics, snacks and cold drinks; there are no real boutiques or markets. Stock up on food, fuel and supplies in a larger town before arriving.