Monuments

Monuments is a left-handing point break that peels along a rocky headland into a small bay near Cabo San Lucas. A deepwater canyon just offshore focuses long-period swells from the west and southwest into steep, spinning lefts with a small but technical takeoff zone. The wave works best on mid tide with northwest wind, but rocks and sea urchins populate the cove year-round, creating hazardous conditions especially at lower tides.

Cabo has drawn surfers since the 1950s when fishermen and sailors from California began stopping to check the waves, and regional development accelerated in the mid-1980s as American property investment increased along the Baja coast. Monuments gained wider recognition through professional events—the break served as a venue for the Los Cabos Open of Surf—and in the early 1990s Cabo hosted its first major professional competition, which was won by Kelly Slater. The spot has since attracted accomplished competitors including Rob Machado, Josh Kerr, and Sage Erickson.

Monuments sits at Kilometer 5 along the main highway, accessed through the Misiones del Cabo resort. The break takes its name from El Arco and the dramatic cliff formations visible from the water. Access involves entering the resort security checkpoint, parking at the top of the hill beyond the gate, then walking down to the cove. A free parking lot accommodates day visitors.