Surf Lessons at Cerritos

Cerritos Beach gives you a full Pacific coast day, not just an hour in the water. You ride west from Cabo through mountain and ocean views, then learn with a coach who can adjust the lesson from gentle first waves to stronger surf. Marco, Alan, Allan, Louis, and Mike are among the instructors praised for calm, upbeat teaching.

I like the small-group setup, with one coach for every three people, and I like that your $70 includes board, wetsuit or rash guard, lunch, and transport. The main catch is time: the day lasts about six and a half to seven hours, and surf conditions can force a change of beach or date.

Key points at a glance

• Cerritos is the winter surf beach: From November 15 to March 15, lessons move here because Costa Azul generally lacks suitable waves.
• One coach for three people: Small groups allow the instructor to help with positioning, paddling, timing, and standing up.
• Foam boards come standard: They are used for safety and beginner stability. Request a fiberglass board in advance if that is important to you.
• Lunch is part of the day: Expect Mexican food such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips, guacamole, and vegetarian choices.
• Companions can come along: Book an observer spot for transport, chairs, shade, water, and snacks without taking a lesson.
• Pickup takes planning: Hotel pickup is offered in the main tourist areas, but some outlying resorts use the Plaza Gali meeting point.

A Pacific coast outing from Cabo

The appeal here is simple: you leave the resort strip behind and spend the day at a real surf beach. Cerritos sits on the Pacific side of the peninsula, where the setting feels more open and less polished than Cabo San Lucas itself. On the drive, you see the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, with plenty of good photo stops from the vehicle.

This is not a quick activity squeezed between breakfast and a pool reservation. The listed start time is 9:00 a.m., and the entire outing takes about 6:30 hours including transport. The longer format gives you time to travel, change, take instruction, practice, eat lunch, and rest at the beach.

The price is $70 per person for adults and children. That is a fair package if you need transport and equipment. A separate board rental, lesson, meal, and taxi to Cerritos could quickly cost more, while this arrangement keeps the day simple. The value drops if you live near Cerritos, already own equipment, and would not use the lunch or transport, since the price does not change when you skip the complimentary transfer.

From Plaza Gali to the Pacific

You may meet at Plaza Gali in central Cabo, in front of the OXXO at the parking lot exit. Cruise ship passengers have a particular route: leave the tender pier through the security gate, turn right onto the red sidewalk beside the harbor, walk toward the Cruise Terminal building marked API, and exit into the parking lot. The OXXO is at the lot exit, and the guide waits there.

If you drive yourself, use the same Plaza Gali parking lot, located in front of the Sandos Finisterra hotel. The meeting point is useful because it is central, but cruise passengers should allow time to find the terminal building and walk through the port area.

Hotel pickup covers accommodations in San José del Cabo, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist zone. Pickup normally begins about one to one and a half hours before the activity, depending on your location. Contact the operator one day before to confirm the exact time.

Hard Rock, Nobu, Four Seasons, and other properties outside the tourist area are not covered by hotel transport. From these resorts, use the Plaza Gali meeting point instead. This is an important detail for a short Cabo stay, since a missed pickup can spoil an otherwise easy day.

The ride itself is part of the experience. You pass along the Transpeninsular Highway, with mountain views inland and the Pacific ahead. If you enjoy seeing more of Baja beyond the marina and hotel corridor, this transfer adds real value.

What happens at Cerritos Beach

At Playa Los Cerritos, you meet the surf team, receive your board, and get fitted with a rash guard or wetsuit. Send your size ahead of time. Foam boards are the standard choice because they are safer and more forgiving for beginners. If you specifically want fiberglass, request it when booking rather than hoping one will be available on the beach.

No prior experience is needed. The lesson is built for first-timers who need help catching a wave, but the coaching can also suit stronger surfers who want advice. The useful part of a small class is not just attention during the first briefing. It means your coach can watch how you paddle, where you position yourself, and when you try to stand.

The strongest praise goes to the instructors’ patience and encouragement. Marco, for example, worked one-on-one with a first-time surfer, beginning with positioning and wave selection, then giving less help as the student gained confidence. Alan and Allan were also singled out for keeping lessons fun while guiding students through the waves. Louis was noted for helping families and sharing tips about local surf areas, while Mike handled the full day, from pickup to lunch, while also coaching in the water.

That sort of instruction matters more than a flashy beach setting. Surfing has several small steps that are easy to miss: paddling at the right moment, keeping your weight centered, bringing your feet under you, and looking ahead instead of down. A patient coach can correct these before frustration sets in.

The age minimum is six. Children and adults pay the same rate. If children are in your group, state that when booking so the team can plan supervision. The stated ratio is one guide for every three people, and an extra guide may be added when children are participating.

Foam boards, waves, and the learning curve

A foam board is not the sleekest option, but it is the sensible choice for a first lesson. It is more forgiving when you fall, and it reduces the worry of being hit by a hard-edged board. A fiberglass board may be more appropriate for someone with experience, but you need to ask in advance.

The beach conditions are not fixed. Wind, swell, rain, tropical storms, or jellyfish can affect the plan. The operator may move the lesson, reschedule it, or cancel it when conditions are unsafe. If the activity is canceled for weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

That flexibility is good for safety, but it means you should not build your entire Cabo itinerary around surfing on one specific morning. Keep another plan available. The seasonal location change also matters: Costa Azul is used from March 15 to November 15, while Cerritos is used from November 15 to March 15. The supplied timing refers to the winter Cerritos outing.

You should have a moderate fitness level. Surfing requires repeated paddling, getting up from a prone position, and handling waves. You do not need to be an athlete, and being a weak swimmer does not automatically rule you out, but you should be comfortable taking part in a beach activity and following water instructions.

A good option for the non-surfer in your group

One of the best features is the observer option. A parent, partner, or friend does not have to sit out the entire day or pay for a full surf lesson. Book a non-surfer or companion spot, and the transport includes a shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs, bottled water, and snacks.

The observer can watch from the beach while the surfers work with the instructors. Cerritos is a pleasant place to spend time even if you never touch a board, and the arrangement makes this more practical for mixed groups.

There are no locker facilities at the beach. You can leave personal items safely in the transportation, but take only what you need. Bring a phone for photos if you like, but avoid carrying valuables into the water or leaving loose items around the camp.

Mexican lunch after the lesson

Lunch is included at a local restaurant and is part of the day’s rhythm. The meal features Mexican dishes such as fish tacos, shrimp, chicken, beef, chips, salsa, guacamole, and flavored water. Vegetarian choices include salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice.

This is not a fine-dining stop, and that is fine. After several hours of paddling and waiting for waves, a generous local meal is more useful than a formal restaurant. If you do not want lunch, you can skip it, but there is no price reduction.

Alcohol is not included. Personal expenses are also your responsibility, so bring a payment method for anything extra you choose to buy.

How the day feels for families and mixed abilities

Families are a strong match for this outing. The minimum age is six, the coaching can be adjusted by ability, and the small-group ratio gives instructors room to help children without ignoring adults. A family of four may receive several instructors, depending on the day and group makeup.

The experience also works for adults who are not athletic. One of the useful details from the instruction style is that coaches do not expect you to be ready for large waves. They start with what you can handle, then offer more challenging waves as your timing and confidence improve.

Still, you should set sensible expectations. Standing on your first wave is possible, but not guaranteed. Surfing depends on the conditions, your fitness, your balance, and your ability to follow the coach’s timing. A good result may be learning how to paddle correctly and catching a small wave, not riding across the whole beach.

More experienced surfers may find the foam board basic, but coaching is still available. Request fiberglass equipment ahead of time if you need it, and tell the operator your skill level so the lesson can be adjusted.

What the $70 really covers

At $70, you receive a professional instructor, board, rash guard or wetsuit, lunch, and optional round-trip transport. That is a solid bundle for someone staying in Cabo without surf gear.

The transportation is complimentary, so the rate stays the same if you meet at Plaza Gali or make your own way to the starting point. The real cost is time. You give up most of a day, and the ride from the hotel area can begin well before 9:00 a.m.

I would compare this with the cost and hassle of arranging a private taxi to Cerritos, renting a board, finding a safe beginner area, and hiring an instructor. For a first-time surfer or a family, the package is convenient and fairly priced. For a confident surfer with a car and equipment, the included extras may matter less.

The class has a maximum of 15 people, but the coach ratio keeps the actual teaching groups smaller. Ask about the expected group size if personal attention is your top concern.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking. Give the operator your hotel, clothing sizes, children’s ages, and any request for fiberglass equipment at that point. Confirm the pickup time the day before.

The cancellation terms require careful reading. The supplied details state that you can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time, while another section refers to 48 hours. Because those instructions conflict, confirm the exact cutoff when you book. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged in full.

Bad weather is handled separately. If the operator cancels because of rain, wind, high waves, tropical weather, or jellyfish, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. Safety comes first, even if that means losing your planned surf day.

Should you book Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

Book this if you want a guided first surf lesson, need equipment and transport, or are traveling with a family or mixed group. It is especially useful for people who want an active day outside Cabo without arranging every detail themselves.

I would also choose it if you care about patient instruction. The repeated strengths are the coaches’ encouragement, careful attention, and ability to adjust help as you improve. Marco, Alan, Allan, Louis, and Mike each received specific praise for making the day feel personal and well handled.

Think twice if you have only a short window, dislike long transfers, or want a fully independent surf session. Conditions can change, the boards are mainly beginner-friendly foam models, and the outing uses much of the day.

For most beginners, families, and companions who want a Pacific beach day, the $70 price is sensible. Pack light, confirm pickup, bring realistic expectations, and leave room in your schedule for Baja weather.

FAQ

Where does the surf lesson take place?

During the winter season from November 15 to March 15, the lesson takes place at Cerritos Beach. From March 15 to November 15, lessons are offered at Costa Azul.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m. Hotel pickup begins earlier, usually about one to one and a half hours before the activity, depending on your accommodation.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about 6:30 hours including round-trip transportation. The tour summary lists approximately seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip pickup and drop-off are offered for hotels in San José del Cabo, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist area. The transfer is optional and does not change the price.

Where do cruise ship passengers meet the guide?

Cruise ship passengers meet at the OXXO convenience store in the Plaza Gali parking lot. The exact location is Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas.

Is previous surf experience required?

No. The lesson is designed for beginners and can also include coaching for more experienced surfers.

What equipment is provided?

A surfboard and a rash guard or wetsuit are provided. Foam boards are standard for safety. Request a fiberglass board in advance if needed.

Can children join the lesson?

Yes. The minimum age is six. Children and adults pay the same price, and you should identify children when booking so supervision can be planned.

Can a non-surfer come along?

Yes. Book an observer or companion spot. It includes transport, shaded chairs and umbrellas, bottled water, and snacks at the beach camp.

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.