Patoles is a surf spot located where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California. It’s shaped by a 90-degree turn in the coastline that wraps South swells into fun, fast left-hand waves. When the South swells roll in, you can usually expect some decent surf here. On bigger days, it can really show off with solid barrels, but keep in mind that when the waves get massive, it can feel a bit daunting due to strong currents that make staying in position challenging.
The surf at Patoles works well across all tides, and it can handle swell sizes ranging from around 4 feet (1.2 meters) to a hefty 14 feet (4.3 meters). The preferred wind directions are East to East-South-East, which help form those fun waves. The bottom consists of both sand and rock, and surfers can enjoy a mix of reef and point breaks. It’s primarily a left point break that can be great for intermediate to expert surfers, and you’ll find it more enjoyable during the spring, summer, and autumn seasons.
Access to the spot can get tricky, especially after heavy rains, so it’s wise to keep that in mind for your trip. As for the crowd factor, it’s a well-known spot, so don’t be surprised if you share the waves with other surfers. Just watch out for the shallow rocks at the top of the point that can catch you off guard. Overall, if you’re in the area during the right conditions, Patoles can deliver some solid sessions.