Private Surf lessons at Cerritos

Catch a wave beyond Cabo. This private surf outing takes you west to Playa Los Cerritos, a beautiful Pacific beach where beginners can learn on foam boards and experienced surfers can sharpen their skills. I like the small private format and the fact that lunch, boards, wetsuits or rash guards, chairs, umbrellas, and transport are included. The other big plus is the scenic drive along the Transpeninsular Highway, with ocean and mountain views along the way.

The main drawback is the long transfer compared with the time in the water. The outing lasts about five to six hours, but the drive takes roughly an hour each way, and the supplied schedule allows about three hours at the beach. Surf conditions can also force a location change or cancellation, so I would keep this outing flexible.

Key points to know before booking

• Cerritos is the winter surf location: From November 15 to March 15, lessons move here because Costa Azul may have no waves.
• Foam boards are standard: They are safer and easier for new surfers, while fiberglass boards require advance notice.
• Lunch is part of the day: Expect Mexican food such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips, salsa, guacamole, and a vegetarian option.
• Private does not mean one-on-one: One coach is provided for every three participants, with a minimum of three and maximum of ten people.
• Hotel transport is optional: Pickup covers much of San Jose del Cabo, the corridor, and Cabo San Lucas, but some distant resorts require meeting at Plaza Gali.
• The beach has no lockers: Leave valuables in the vehicle, and tell the operator clothing sizes and any child participants ahead of time.

The road west from Cabo San Lucas

The day begins at 7:30 am, either with pickup at your hotel or at Plaza Gali in downtown Cabo San Lucas. The exact meeting point is in the Plaza Gali parking lot, in front of the OXXO convenience store near the Sandos Finisterra hotel.

For cruise passengers, the meeting instructions deserve careful attention. From the tender pier, walk along the red sidewalk beside the harbor, pass through the pier security gate, and continue toward the Cruise Terminal building marked API. Exit into the parking lot, find the OXXO, and wait in front of it.

If you use the complimentary transportation, pickup generally comes about one hour before the activity begins. It covers hotels in San Jose del Cabo, the hotel corridor, and the main Cabo San Lucas tourist area. Hard Rock, Nobu, and Four Seasons are specifically outside the normal pickup zone, so you would meet the vehicle at Plaza Gali instead.

Once on the road, the trip to Cerritos takes about an hour. The Transpeninsular Highway gives you broad views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. This is not dead time. It helps you see how quickly Cabo changes once you leave the resort zone, and it gives you a chance to take photos before the surfing begins.

The return trip follows the same general route, with another hour of views. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you feel most comfortable and bring anything you normally use for a winding road. The tour does not promise a short hop to the beach, so the drive is an important part of your decision.

Why Playa Los Cerritos works for new surfers

Playa Los Cerritos is a beach break exposed to northwest swells. When the conditions line up, it can produce clean waves for several days. That gives the area appeal for experienced surfers, but the beach setting also makes it suitable for a first lesson.

You do not need previous experience. Coaches work with beginners on the basics needed to catch a wave, while stronger surfers can ask for more focused coaching. The stated goal is to make you feel safe enough to enjoy the process, which matters more than lofty promises when you are trying to stand on a moving board for the first time.

The standard boards are foam boards. These are a sensible choice for lessons because they are forgiving and designed with safety in mind. If you want a fiberglass board, request one when booking. Do not assume it will be available automatically.

The group arrangement is worth understanding. This is a private activity for your party, but it is not necessarily a private coach for every person. There is one guide for every three participants, with three people required to book and ten allowed at most. Families with children should identify the children in advance. The operator aims to add an extra guide when children are participating, which can help with supervision.

The minimum age is six. Everyone should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Surfing involves repeated effort, balance, getting back on the board, and time in the water, so this is not a passive beach excursion.

About three hours at the beach

The beach portion is scheduled for about three hours. That includes instruction, time in the water, and a chance to settle into the beach camp with chairs and umbrellas.

A full three hours sounds generous, but the actual surfing time may feel shorter once you allow for changing, instruction, board handling, and lunch. One especially useful detail is that this is a private activity, so your group can decide not to complete the entire activity. That flexibility may help families or anyone whose energy drops after a few rounds in the water.

The provided equipment includes a surfboard and either a rash guard or wetsuit. Send clothing sizes in advance so the operator can prepare the right gear. You should also bring personal items appropriate for a beach day, but remember there are no lockers. The operator says belongings can be left safely in the transportation, which is useful, though I would still carry only what you need.

Chairs and umbrellas are included, giving non-surfers a place to sit. An observer must book a non-surfer or companion spot rather than simply showing up. That fee includes round-trip transport, the shaded camp, bottled water, and snacks. The observer can watch the lesson from the beach but does not take part in the surfing.

Lunch at Cerritos Surf Town

Lunch is served at Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant after the surfing. The meal is built around familiar Mexican dishes: fish tacos, shrimp, chicken, beef, chips, sauces, guacamole, and flavored water. Vegetarian choices include salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice.

This is a useful inclusion because Cerritos is far enough from Cabo that you would not want to spend part of the day searching for food. It also keeps the outing connected to the local beach setting rather than sending you straight back to the resort area for a standard hotel meal.

Lunch is included but optional. If you skip it, the price does not drop. That is fair to know before you book, especially if you have a picky eater, an early dinner plan, or a very short appetite after surfing.

Alcohol is not included. Personal expenses are also your responsibility.

What the $100 price really covers

At $100 per person, this is not simply a surfboard rental. The price includes a private guide, board, rash guard or wetsuit, round-trip transportation, lunch, chairs, and umbrellas. For someone staying in the Cabo tourist zone, the package removes several small costs and planning tasks.

The value is strongest if you need transport. A self-drive option is available, but the included ride lets you avoid arranging a vehicle for the roughly two-hour round trip. It also allows you to focus on the beach rather than directions and parking.

The value is less clear if you already have transport, equipment, and a strong surf background. Experienced surfers may prefer more water time and less structure. Still, coaching and a foam board can be useful if you want help with Cerritos conditions rather than an independent session.

Children pay the same price as adults. That makes sense for an activity with equipment, instruction, transport, and food, but it is something families should factor into the total cost. The private setup is most economical when three people participate, since three is the minimum booking size.

Choosing the right season and location

The operator uses two surf locations during the year. From March 15 through November 15, lessons are available at Costa Azul. From November 15 through March 15, the lesson moves to Cerritos because Costa Azul may not have waves in winter.

This seasonal change is important. If you specifically want Cerritos, book during the winter period listed above. If your dates fall outside that window, the same general surf experience may take place at Costa Azul instead.

Weather remains the deciding factor. Rain, heavy swell, wind, or jellyfish can lead to a location change, rescheduling, or cancellation. If the operator cancels because of conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Keep the day open enough to accept a change rather than scheduling an important flight or tight connection immediately afterward.

The cancellation terms in the supplied details give both a 48-hour and a 24-hour cutoff. Because those statements conflict, confirm the exact deadline when booking. The separate policy says cancellations at least 24 hours before the start time receive a full refund, while late cancellations and no-shows are charged in full.

Who will enjoy this outing most

This experience fits families, first-time surfers, and mixed groups where some people want coaching and others want a comfortable beach base. The minimum age of six makes it workable for many families, and the option to add an observer helps non-surfers join without pretending they want to take a lesson.

It also suits an adult group that wants a private day rather than a crowded class. You can request coaching suited to your level, choose how long to continue, and spend the rest of the beach time under an umbrella with lunch.

I would be more cautious if you want a full day of surfing. The total outing lasts five to six hours, yet the drive consumes about two hours and lunch takes additional time. The schedule is built as a balanced beach excursion, not an intense surf camp.

You should also think about the season. A winter booking sends you to Cerritos, while a summer booking sends you to Costa Azul. Conditions can change, and no surf lesson can guarantee perfect waves, so flexible expectations are essential.

Practical details that can make the day easier

Book as early as you can if your dates are fixed. This experience is often reserved about 87 days ahead, which suggests that private transport and limited coaching capacity can fill well before the activity date.

Send the operator your hotel, clothing sizes, and the ages of any children. Confirm your pickup time one day before the tour, particularly if you are staying in a resort area with a long driveway or multiple entrances.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, allow enough time to leave the tender area and find the OXXO at Plaza Gali. Do not wait inside the tender terminal for the guide. The instructions place the meeting point in the parking lot.

Bring a swimsuit and personal beach essentials, but do not load yourself down with valuables. Since there are no lockers, leave important items in the vehicle. If you need a particular board type, request fiberglass equipment in advance. The default is foam.

The activity is offered in English. Pickup and drop-off return you to your hotel or, when arranged, to Plaza Gali downtown. The operator can also drop you at Plaza Gali rather than your hotel, so confirm the preferred end point.

FAQ

Is previous surfing experience required?

No. The lesson is designed for all levels, including beginners learning enough to catch a wave and experienced surfers seeking coaching.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is six years old. Families should identify children when booking so the operator can plan supervision.

How many people can join the private activity?

The minimum is three participants and the maximum is ten. One coach is provided for every three people, and an additional guide may be added when children participate.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes Mexican food such as fish tacos, shrimp, chicken, beef, chips, salsa, guacamole, and flavored water. Vegetarian choices are available. Lunch is optional, but skipping it does not reduce the price.

Can a non-surfer come along?

Yes, but the non-surfer must book an observer or companion spot. This includes transport, the shaded beach camp, bottled water, and snacks.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Rain, strong swell, wind, or jellyfish may lead to a location change, rescheduling, or cancellation. If the operator cancels, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Should you book Private Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

Book it if you want a guided beach day with transport, equipment, lunch, and a private group setting. It is especially appealing for beginners and families who value patient coaching and do not want to arrange the details themselves.

Skip it if you are looking for several uninterrupted hours of surfing or if your schedule cannot tolerate a weather-related change. At $100, the package offers solid value for a first lesson, particularly when you use the transport and included gear. Just remember that Cerritos is a scenic hour from Cabo, not a quick beach stop, and confirm the cancellation deadline before paying.