Dawn patrol surfing in Puerto Nuevo

Puerto Nuevo, Baja California

Sunrise and first light times for planning your dawn patrol session.

First light in Puerto Nuevo means glass, empty peaks, and the best conditions of the day before thermal onshores build. These 3 spots are worth the 5am alarm.

Sunrise

6:53 AM
First Light: 6:23 AM

Day length: 11h 22m

-2 min vs yesterday

Sunrise

6:53 AM

First light: 6:23 AM

Sunset

6:15 PM

Last light: 6:45 PM

Data from Cantamar Settlement · Updated daily

7-Day Sun Schedule

Today(Today)

Sunrise

6:53 AM

Sunset

6:15 PM

Day Length

11h 22m

Tomorrow

Sunrise

6:53 AM

Sunset

6:14 PM

Day Length

11h 21m

Sun, Oct 18

Sunrise

6:54 AM

Sunset

6:13 PM

Day Length

11h 19m

Mon, Oct 19

Sunrise

6:55 AM

Sunset

6:12 PM

Day Length

11h 17m

Best dawn patrol spots in Puerto Nuevo

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Featured Beaches(3)

Cantamar Settlement

Intermediate

Cantamar is a small settlement on the free road south of Puerto Nuevo, known for the big sand dunes nearby. The beach in front picks up southwest swell and can get fast and hollow when the sandbars line up. It is an open beach, so rip currents are the main hazard.

K-40

Advanced

K-40 is a rocky reef near kilometer 40, around Puerto Nuevo, the village known for its lobster restaurants. It catches the same swells as K-38 just to the north and is usually worth a look when that spot is crowded. The reef is shallow in places, so it suits experienced surfers.

Rancho Santini

Intermediate

Rancho Santini is a beach break in the Puerto Nuevo area south of Rosarito, backed by a residential development. The sand is mixed with rock along the shore, and the quality depends on how clean the wind is more than on the tide.

Dawn patrol access guide for Puerto Nuevo

Parking and access info for early morning sessions before sunrise.

Cantamar Settlement
beach
intermediate

Cantamar is a small settlement on the free road south of Puerto Nuevo, known for the big sand dunes nearby. The beach in front picks up southwest swell and can get fast and hollow when the sandbars line up. It is an open beach, so rip currents are the main hazard.

Early access

Reached from the free road at Cantamar. Parking is informal.

K-40
reef
advanced
3.6(14)

K-40 is a rocky reef near kilometer 40, around Puerto Nuevo, the village known for its lobster restaurants. It catches the same swells as K-38 just to the north and is usually worth a look when that spot is crowded. The reef is shallow in places, so it suits experienced surfers.

Early access

Off the free road near Puerto Nuevo. Access points are informal and can change.

Rancho Santini
beach
intermediate

Rancho Santini is a beach break in the Puerto Nuevo area south of Rosarito, backed by a residential development. The sand is mixed with rock along the shore, and the quality depends on how clean the wind is more than on the tide.

Early access

Access is through a residential area, so public access and parking are not guaranteed. Check locally before you go.

Dawn patrol tips

  • Glassy morning conditions before onshore winds
  • Less crowded lineups at sunrise
  • East-facing beaches for sunrise views
  • Spots with easy parking for early arrivals

Surf Guides for Puerto Nuevo

Conditions

Dawn Patrol
You're here
Sunset Sessions
Evening golden hour spots
Tide Windows
Optimal tidal conditions
Water Temperature
Conditions & wetsuit guide

Style

Less Crowded
Quieter lineups & backups

Frequently Asked Questions

About surfing in Puerto Nuevo

Dawn patrol in Puerto Nuevo typically starts at first light, around 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the glassiest conditions before onshore winds develop.
Early morning offers glassy conditions, fewer crowds, and calmer winds. Water temperature is also warmer relative to air temperature at sunrise.

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