Santa Rosa is a surf spot located at the northern end of a series of longer left-hand waves and occasional short right-handers. This area sits on the San Bartolo headland and comes alive when the swell picks up from the west. It’s known for its raw power, especially when the waves hit around 5 ft (1.5 m). The beach has a boulder-strewn bottom, which makes for an interesting surf experience, but definitely requires some caution.
The waves here can stand up hard from take-off, often leading to a tube section before closing out abruptly. The surf generally offers a mix of lefts and rights, with the northwest swell bringing some nice fast walls. Mid tide is usually the safest time to hit the water, but surfers should be aware that the spot can break at various tide levels depending on the swell conditions. The paddle-out can be a bit tricky, and currents can get strong on bigger days, so experience is key to handling this spot.
This spot tends to have medium consistency, making it worthwhile for surfers looking for a challenge without the hectic crowds. Parking is available at the cabana de surfistas near the creek mouth, which is a good starting point. Keep in mind that this is better suited for intermediate surfers due to the conditions and the rocky bottom.