Acapulquito Beach (Old Man's): Surf Lessons in Los Cabos

San José del CaboSea of CortezSwim with caution🔵 Blue Flag✓ Reviewed Oct 2026

⚠️

Can you swim here?Sometimes, with caution

On small-swell days, yes, and the water can be clear enough to snorkel. When the surf is up, the water belongs to the surfers, so swim away from where people are riding waves.

Acapulquito Beach, better known to surfers as Old Man’s, is a small cove near San José del Cabo, around Km 27.5 of the Transpeninsular Highway. Its gentle, rolling waves make it the place in Los Cabos where people learn to surf, and you can rent boards and book lessons right there. On flat days the water is clear and fine for a swim. The Cabo Surf Hotel and its 7 Seas restaurant overlook the beach.

📍AreaSan José del Cabo
🌊WaterSea of Cortez
⚠️SwimmingWith caution
🚗Getting thereHwy 1, Km 27.5
🚻FacilitiesParking, restrooms, showers, shade palapas
🔵Blue FlagYes
⭐Best forSurfing, Swimming
🗺️Map23.0245, -109.7162

Surfers walking along the shore at Acapulquito Beach, near San José del Cabo — Photo: Francisco Estrada / PhotoMexico.com

📍 Open in Google Maps ↗

Can you swim at Acapulquito Beach?

On small-swell days, yes, and the water can be clear enough to snorkel. When the surf is up, the water belongs to the surfers, so swim away from where people are riding waves. Watch your step at low tide, as there are flat rocky patches and the odd sea urchin.

Playa Acapulquito is on the Blue Flag list published by the Baja California Sur tourism department (SETUE) and was rated A+ in the December 2025 control visit.

How to get to Acapulquito Beach

Take the Transpeninsular Highway (Highway 1) to around Km 27.5, near San José del Cabo, and follow the access road down to the beach by the Cabo Surf Hotel.

Local tips before you go

1Waves are usually bigger in summer (roughly May to September) and smaller and friendlier for beginners in winter.
2Rent a soft-top board and take a lesson on the sand if it’s your first time.
3Wear something on your feet at low tide.

Check the beach flag

Los Cabos beaches use colored flags: green means good conditions, yellow means caution, red means dangerous conditions and no swimming, and black means the beach is closed. Flags change with the weather, so look for them when you arrive.