Surf Lessons at Cerritos

Cerritos turns a beach day into a real adventure. This full-day outing takes you from Cabo San Lucas to the Pacific coast for a small-group surf lesson, with boards, wetsuits, instruction, lunch, and transport included. I like the personal coaching and the fact that beginners are not left guessing what to do once they reach the water.

I also like the thoughtful setup for non-surfers. Parents, partners, and friends can book an observer place, use the shaded chairs, and enjoy the beach while the lesson runs. The main drawback is the long day and changing surf location. Cerritos is used in winter, while summer lessons move to Costa Azul, so you should confirm the beach before booking.

Quick takeaways before you book

• First-timers can stand up quickly: Instructors work with beginners from the beach and water, adjusting the lesson as your confidence grows.
• One guide serves about three people: The maximum group size is 15, but the guide-to-student ratio is designed to keep coaching personal.
• Cerritos is a winter surf stop: From November 15 to March 15, lessons move here because Costa Azul usually lacks suitable waves.
• Your day includes more than surfing: Round-trip transport, equipment, a Mexican lunch, shaded beach seating, water, and snacks for observers are part of the setup.
• Foam boards are standard: They are chosen for safety and learning. Request a fiberglass board ahead of time if that is important to you.
• The ride is part of the appeal: The route follows the Transpeninsular Highway, with Pacific Ocean and mountain views along the way.

The trip from Cabo to the Pacific coast

The meeting point is in central Cabo San Lucas at the Plaza Gali parking lot, in front of the OXXO near the exit. Cruise ship passengers have a slightly more involved walk from the tender pier: follow the red sidewalk along the harbor, enter the cruise terminal marked API, exit into the parking lot, and look for the guide by the OXXO.

If you use the complimentary hotel transfer, pickup covers the Cabo San Lucas tourist area, the corridor, and San Jose del Cabo. Pickup generally begins about an hour to an hour and a half before the 9 a.m. activity time. Confirm the exact pickup time one day before, since it depends on your hotel.

The drive gives this experience a pleasant change of pace. The Transpeninsular Highway runs through dry Baja country, with the Pacific Ocean and mountains appearing along the route. I would keep your phone ready for photos, especially if you enjoy seeing how quickly the resort zone gives way to open coastal scenery.

The transport is also practical. You can leave personal belongings in the vehicle because there are no lockers at the beach. Still, bring only what you need. Wet swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and small valuables are easier to manage when your packing stays simple.

Reaching Playa Los Cerritos

Playa Los Cerritos is the main stop and the reason for the long ride. It gives the lesson a more open beach setting than a quick activity close to the Cabo hotel strip. The sand, Pacific setting, and surf make the trip feel like a proper day out rather than a short resort add-on.

The beach is especially appealing for mixed groups. Surfers can take the lesson while parents or friends sit under umbrellas and watch from the camp area. The observer option includes transport, shaded chairs, bottled water, and snacks, so a non-surfer does not have to pay for a full lesson just to join the day.

That setup worked well for one family that brought parents along to observe. The beach was enjoyable even for those who never touched a board. I see this as one of the tour’s strongest features, since a surf lesson can otherwise leave half the group waiting around with little to do.

Conditions can change. Wind, high swell, rain, tropical weather, or jellyfish may lead the operator to switch locations, reschedule, or cancel. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose a new date or receive a full refund.

How the surf lesson works for beginners

You do not need previous experience. The classes are designed for first-timers, while stronger surfers can request coaching suited to their level. Beginners are taught enough to paddle, find the right moment, stand, and ride a wave with help from the instructor.

The small-group format matters here. One guide is assigned for every three people, and the stated maximum is 15 participants. That does not mean every class will have three students per instructor, but it gives you a useful idea of the intended level of attention.

The strongest part of the instruction is the steady encouragement. Marco, Alan, Allan, Louis, and Mike are all praised for being patient, upbeat, and attentive. One first-time surfer described being helped with positioning, paddling, and timing until the instructor gradually reduced the assistance. That is exactly the progression you want: enough help to succeed, then enough space to learn.

One especially useful detail is that the lesson can adjust as you improve. A beginner may start with smaller waves and close coaching. Once you feel steadier, the instructor may guide you toward larger waves. You should not expect a private lesson unless your group happens to be small, but the coaching is built around your ability rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.

Parents should note the minimum age is six. The same price applies to children and adults, and the operator asks you to identify children when booking. An extra guide may be added when children are present, with supervision in mind.

Foam boards, wetsuits, and what to bring

Boards and wetsuits or rash guards are provided. You need to give your clothing size in advance so the equipment can be prepared. Foam boards are used as the standard choice because they are safer and more forgiving for beginners.

A foam board is not the sleekest option for an experienced surfer, but it makes sense for a first lesson. It is stable and less intimidating when you are learning to balance. If you specifically want a fiberglass board, request one when you book. One piece of feedback noted that some boards could use an upgrade, so experienced surfers may want to ask about equipment expectations rather than assume a high-performance setup.

The experience calls for a moderate fitness level. You will be paddling, pushing up, standing, falling, and getting back on the board. You do not need to be an athlete, and one successful lesson involved a 44-year-old beginner who did not consider herself a strong swimmer or athletic. Still, you should be comfortable with the physical demands of repeated attempts in the water.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, dry clothes, and any personal medication. Since there are no beach lockers, keep valuables to a minimum. The vehicle is available for belongings, but it is still wise not to bring expensive items you do not need.

Lunch at a local Mexican restaurant

Lunch adds real value to the day, especially because the outing lasts roughly six and a half hours including transportation, or about seven hours as an overall estimate. The meal includes Mexican dishes such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, guacamole, and flavored water. Chicken and beef options are also available.

Vegetarians have choices including salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice. Lunch is included but optional. If you decide not to eat, the price does not drop, so you should think of the meal as part of the day’s package rather than a pay-only-if-you-use-it extra.

Alcohol is not included. Personal expenses are also your responsibility. I like that the meal keeps you from having to organize food during a long beach outing, but the restaurant stop does add time. If your priority is maximum time in the water, a shorter surf lesson might suit you better.

What the itinerary really feels like

The listed route includes four points, but the useful way to understand it is as a round trip with two main stops.

Transpeninsular Highway

The highway section is the scenic transition from Cabo to the Pacific side. You will see ocean and mountain views, and the route gives you a sense of Baja beyond the resort area. It is not a sightseeing tour with many formal stops, so do not expect a series of attractions along the road.

Playa Los Cerritos

This is where the surf lesson and beach time happen. You receive your equipment, meet the instructor, and spend the main part of the day learning in the water. Observers can use the shaded camp, watch the lesson, and enjoy the beach without surfing.

Return drive

After the beach and lunch, you return along the highway to Cabo or your hotel. The vehicle is also where you can leave belongings while you are in the water. The ride back gives you a chance to rest after the physical part of the day.

Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel and Spa

This stop is part of the listed route and identifies the local beach area used during the outing. The tour does not promise spa access, so I would not book it expecting hotel facilities or a resort treatment. Think of it as a location marker for the Cerritos beach base.

The value of the $70 price

At $70 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use most of what is included. A beginner receives professional instruction, a board, a rash guard or wetsuit, lunch, and round-trip transport. The day also includes the convenience of getting to Cerritos without arranging a rental car or navigating the highway yourself.

The value is strongest for families and mixed groups. A parent can join as an observer, a child can take the lesson, and the whole group can share the same beach day. The observer fee includes transport, chairs, shade, water, and snacks, making it a practical option for someone who wants to come along without surfing.

The value is less clear for an experienced surfer who only wants water time. The foam boards and lesson structure are geared toward learning, and the long drive plus lunch can take up much of the day. If you already surf confidently, ask about fiberglass equipment and the level of coaching available.

Complimentary transport is optional, and the price does not change if you meet at Plaza Gali instead. That is useful if you have a rental car or are staying close to central Cabo. Hotels outside the tourist area, including Hard Rock, Nobu, and Four Seasons, do not receive direct pickup. Those visitors must use the standard meeting point.

Which season and beach should you choose?

The name Cerritos can be slightly confusing because the operating beach changes by season. From March 15 to November 15, lessons are offered at Costa Azul. From November 15 to March 15, they move to Cerritos because Costa Azul generally does not have suitable waves in winter.

If your schedule is flexible, ask which beach will be used before confirming plans. The supplied experience details focus on Cerritos, but the seasonal switch is important. It affects the drive, the beach setting, and the exact feel of the day.

The operator may also change the location because of weather or water conditions. That is a sensible safety policy, not a flaw, but it means you should avoid booking this as a fixed beach sightseeing stop. You are booking a surf day in the Cabo region, with the beach chosen according to season and conditions.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this for:

• First-time surfers who want patient, active coaching
• Families with children age six and up
• Adults who are curious about surfing but do not see themselves as athletes
• Couples or groups with one or more non-surfers
• Cruise ship passengers who want a full-day excursion away from the marina
• Visitors who prefer a guided outing with transport and lunch included

I would be more cautious if you dislike long beach days, struggle with moderate physical activity, or want a short lesson close to your hotel. Strong swimmers and experienced surfers may also want to ask about board choices before paying.

The guide quality is a major part of the experience. Marco received special praise for one-on-one coaching and for helping a beginner progress from basic positioning to catching larger waves. Alan and Allan are described as fun and patient, Louis as especially good with children, and Mike as both a strong surfer and a helpful host. The exact instructor is not guaranteed, but the teaching approach appears consistent.

Booking, cancellations, and practical timing

Confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, with no refund for a late cancellation or no-show. The activity uses local Cabo time for its cutoff.

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels for unsafe conditions, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. Because pickup times vary, contact the operator the day before to confirm your exact hotel pickup.

Plan on a full morning and afternoon. The stated start time is 9 a.m., but hotel pickup can begin much earlier. The total duration is listed as approximately seven hours, while the operating information gives six and a half hours including round-trip transport. Either way, this is not a quick two-hour activity.

Should you book Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

Book it if you want a friendly first surf lesson with the day organized for you. The strongest reasons are the personal coaching, the equipment and lunch included, and the observer setup for family members who prefer the sand. The instructors focus on helping beginners succeed, and the reviews give special credit to Marco, Alan, Allan, Louis, and Mike for patient, upbeat teaching.

Think twice if you want luxury facilities, a guaranteed beach, or advanced surf equipment. There are no lockers, foam boards are standard, and the beach may change with the season or weather. For a first taste of surfing near Cabo, though, $70 is a fair price for a long, active day that combines instruction, scenery, food, and time on the Pacific coast.

FAQ

Is previous surfing experience required?

No. The lesson is designed for all experience levels, including complete beginners. More experienced surfers can request coaching suited to their ability.

What is included in the $70 price?

The price includes a professional instructor, surfboard, rash guard or wetsuit, Mexican lunch, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off. Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Are surfboards and wetsuits provided?

Yes. Foam boards are used as the standard equipment, and a rash guard or wetsuit is provided. Request a fiberglass board in advance if you prefer one.

Can a non-surfer join the beach day?

Yes. You must book an observer or companion place on the transport. This includes round-trip transportation, shaded chairs and umbrellas, bottled water, and snacks.

What age can children be?

The minimum age is six. The same price applies to children and adults. You should identify children when booking so the operator can plan supervision.

Where is the meeting point for cruise ship passengers?

Cruise passengers should meet at the OXXO in the Plaza Gali parking lot, at Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36. Walk through the cruise terminal toward the parking lot and look for the guide near the store.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may change the location, reschedule, or cancel because of rain, wind, high swell, tropical weather, or jellyfish. If the operator cancels, you can select another date or receive a full refund.