Major city · Mexico
Camalu
Spend one night: surf in the morning, lunch at Pirate's Cove, hike north to San Pedro Martir NP, depart late afternoon.
Camalu is a tiny beach town on Highway 1, ideal for a single‑day surf and nature break. One night lets you catch the best waves, enjoy fresh fish, and hike the nearby national park without rushing.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (warm water, low rain)
- avoid Dec–Feb (water ~10 °C (50 °F), wetsuit required)avoid Dec–Feb (water ~50 °F (10 °C), wetsuit required)
- Airport
- TIJ
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Camalu911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Camalu, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyCamalu is low‑risk; main concerns are road dust, cold water, and limited health services.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police / general emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTIJ Tijuana International (about 2.5 h drive north on Highway 1).
- Getting aroundWalk to the beach (3 km (1.9 mi) west), rent a dune buggy or bike for the coastal road, or take local taxis for longer trips.Walk to the beach (1.9 mi (3 km) west), rent a dune buggy or bike for the coastal road, or take local taxis for longer trips.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealFish taco at Pirate's Cove$7.95 (≈ under US$1)
- BeerBeer (local brand)$2.00 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (10 km (6.2 mi))Taxi (6.2 mi (10 km))$15–20 (≈ US$1–2)
- Budget bedVilla Margarita double room, a night, per roomMX$25 (≈ US$2)
- Mid-range bedVilla Margarita double room, a night, per roomMX$30 (≈ US$2)
- High-end bedVilla Margarita double room, a night, per roomMX$40 (≈ US$3)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$45 (≈ US$3) · Mid MX$70 (≈ US$4) · High MX$95 (≈ US$6)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TIJ Tijuana International (about 2.5 h drive north on Highway 1)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Feb
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
not flagged
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C) low), wettest Jan (5 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Camalu: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
3 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk to the beach (3 km west), rent a dune buggy or bike for the coastal road, or take local taxis for longer trips.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
San Pedro Martir National Park
goDoor to door: ≈1 h each way
Drive north 30 km (19 mi) on Highway 1, then follow park signsDrive north 19 mi (30 km) on Highway 1, then follow park signs
Hiking, observatory, condor preserve; bring water and sun protection.
Ensenada
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h each way
Drive south 120 km (75 mi) on Highway 1, about 2 hDrive south 75 mi (120 km) on Highway 1, about 2 h
Good for a longer lunch stop; check traffic on weekends.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Pirate's Cove Hotel
$30 USD per night, queen bed, beach view, showers
Villa Margarita
$25 USD double room, basic amenities
Hotel California
budget option, rooms from $20 USD
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $45–60 (≈ US$3–4) excl. bed
- Mid
- $60–85 (≈ US$4–5) excl. bed
- High
- $85 (≈ US$5)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pirate's Cove Hotel room2 × 1 night × MX$35 | MX$70 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MX$70 | MX$140 |
| Bike rental (day)2 × MX$20 · check | MX$40 |
| Fishing charter (half‑day)2 × MX$50 · check | MX$100 |
| eSIM data (7 days)2 × MX$15 · check | MX$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$38 |
| Trip total≈ MX$209 per person per day, bed included | MX$418≈ US$25 |
Includes basic breakfast
2026 estimate in USD; flights and long‑distance bus not included.
Prices of common things
| Fish taco at Pirate's Cove | $7.95 (≈ under US$1) |
| Beer (local brand) | $2.00 (≈ under US$1) |
| Dune‑buggy rental (hour)check | $30–45 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Taxi (10 km) | $15–20 (≈ US$1–2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Limited medical facilities – carry basic first aid.
- Roads can be dusty; check vehicle condition before off‑roading.
- Water is cold most of the year; bring a 3 mm wetsuit for surf outside summer.
Emergency numbers
- Police / General emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
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CamaluCamalu
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police / General emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
US consulate in Tijuana (check address); Mexican consulates in US cities.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tijuana → Camalu (bus): ≈ $30 one‑way, 2.5 h (check)
- Bike rental (day): $20 (≈ US$2) (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑KUL‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑SEE‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN‑to KWEHS‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DON‑de es‑TA la PLA-ya)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Camalu. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (warm water, low rain) · avoid Dec–Feb (water ~10 °C, wetsuit required) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car‑rental option for dune‑buggy trips.
- Include a guided fishing charter from Pirate's Cove.
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Camalu
- secondaryWikivoyage: Camalu, revision 5199910 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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