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The Baja California Peninsula is known for its stunning coastline, world-class golf, and increasingly, its surf. Now, a new development is aiming to combine all three, offering a unique lifestyle experience. Cabo Real Surf Club, Mexico’s first luxury wave pool residential community, is moving from concept to reality, with construction well underway. The project isn’t simply adding another surf park to the map. it’s attempting to redefine the modern private club, blending high-end real estate with the consistent thrill of perfectly formed waves.
For decades, the Sánchez Navarro family has been shaping the landscape of Los Cabos. Their vision for Cabo Real Surf Club builds on that legacy, offering a new dimension to the area’s already desirable lifestyle. The development promises a unique offering: guaranteed surf, regardless of ocean conditions, alongside the established amenities of a championship golf course and the natural beauty of the Baja landscape. This convergence of luxury and recreation is attracting attention, and early sales indicate a strong appetite for this novel concept.
A Family Legacy and a Vision for the Future
The land on which Cabo Real Surf Club is being built has been in the Sánchez Navarro family since the late 1980s. Eduardo Sánchez Navarro, captivated by the potential of the coastline during his honeymoon, began acquiring significant acreage between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The family subsequently developed the Cabo Real Golf Course, which opened in 1994, and the Casa del Mar resort. Although, a prime ocean-view plateau remained untouched – until now. “This is how we wanted to kick-start the rest of the property,” explains Fabian Bouffier, a partner at Cabo Real and a cousin of the landowners, stating, “I know this land like the back of my hand.”
The Cabo Real development as seen from above. Courtesy Cabo Real
Why Surf Now? A Generational Shift
The idea for a surf basin emerged in early 2022, when Meriwether Companies reconnected with Grupo Questro amidst a surge in post-pandemic real estate interest. Graham Culp, co-founder of Meriwether Companies in 2011, explained that the team recognized a rare opportunity: an existing championship golf course paired with a flat, ocean-view site ideal for a wave pool. Rather than competing with golf, they aimed to complement it. The timing is strategic, as participation in both golf and surfing has seen a significant increase since 2020. The developers believe surf isn’t a fleeting trend, but a “generational bridge,” attracting a new demographic to the private club experience.
From sand to surf, in the not-too-distant future there will be world-class waves breaking right here. Courtesy Cabo Real
Unlike publicly accessible surf parks, Cabo Real Surf Club is designed as a private, member-driven environment. The pneumatic wave technology allows for customized waves, catering to both individual practice and group sessions. This contrasts with traditional golf, where players are often divided into foursomes, as surfing naturally fosters a more communal experience. “We were looking for something more experiential, more communal,” Culp stated. “Surf brings in a different buyer.”
Addressing the “Cabo Question”: Reliability and Consistency
Los Cabos is already a renowned surf destination, with breaks accessible within an hour’s drive. However, ocean conditions can be unpredictable. Cabo Real Surf Club aims to provide a reliable alternative. The basin guarantees consistent waves, offering a safe learning environment for beginners, a controlled practice space for intermediate surfers, and a refinement tool for advanced riders. This reliability also addresses seasonality, as the basin will offer ideal conditions even during the hotter summer months when golf can be less appealing. The area benefits from direct flights from major U.S. Cities, further enhancing its accessibility.
Construction Progress and Future Outlook
Construction is actively progressing, with the basin footprint clearly visible and infrastructure being installed. The current target for commissioning and test waves is late summer 2026, with full operational readiness expected by the end of the year. Construction of surf casitas is slated to begin in early 2026, coinciding with the basin’s launch. Lot owners are already preparing to build custom homes as infrastructure development continues.
The project presents unique engineering challenges, as pneumatic basins require careful consideration of climate, infrastructure, and operational concerns to maximize wave quality and minimize downtime. However, demand remains strong, even during the typically slower summer months. “It’s either for you or it’s not,” admits Bouffier, “But when people understand it, they gain excited.”
As Cabo Real Surf Club moves closer to completion, it represents a significant investment in the future of luxury residential communities and a bold step in integrating wave technology into the private club experience. The project’s success could redefine the standards for coastal living, where championship golf and flawless waves coexist.
What comes next will be closely watched by the real estate and surf industries alike. The commissioning of the wave basin in late summer 2026 will be a critical milestone, demonstrating the viability of this innovative concept. Share your thoughts on this exciting development in the comments below.
