Rauls

Rauls is a reef break featuring both right and left-breaking waves that peel over rock reefs for up to 100 meters. The best conditions occur with west, northwest, or southwest swell combined with northeast offshore wind, though the break remains surfable across all tide stages. Waves typically range from chest-high to double overhead, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. The main hazards are sea urchins, sharp rocks, and the requirement of private gate access. The right-hand reef offers better shape than the left.

Rauls sits within the foundational landscape of Northern Baja's surf history. Early American surfers—beginning with Les Williams and Larry Goodwin's 1957 exploration and accelerating through the late 1960s—pioneered this coast looking for ridable waves between the border and Ensenada. Windansea-connected surfers colonized the region in the 1960s, and local pioneers including Ignacio Felix established the Baja Surf Club, which hosted international competitions drawing legends like Mike Doyle and Miki Dora to Ensenada. Rauls was one of the primary breaks explored during this early era, alongside K-38, K-39, and San Miguel.

Rauls sits along Highway 1 roughly 30 miles south of San Diego and north of Puerto Nuevo. A gate controls access to the beach area, typically costing around five dollars. Camping is available on the bluffs above the break, and the spot maintains a reputation for secure vehicle parking. The spot is usually uncrowded compared to other nearby breaks, particularly during winter and early spring when November through January brings the most consistent swell.