Got waves on your mind, but want it done right? This private Cerritos surf lesson pairs pro coaching with a real morning on one of Southern California’s classic breaks in Cabo. I love how the coaches focus on feeling safe so you can actually enjoy the ride, and I also like that you get a complete half-day plan with transport and lunch built in. The one catch: Cerritos depends on conditions, so the day’s location can shift if weather, swell, wind, or jellyfish make it a bad bet.

For me, the best part is the structure: you’re not just dropped at the beach with a board and a prayer. You’ll move through the morning in a way that makes sense—scenery for photos early on, surf coaching at Playa Los Cerritos, then time to eat and decompress before heading back. A consideration to keep in mind is gear fit and time in the water: you’ll want to size up your wetsuit or rash guard plans in advance, and if you’re hoping for a super-long surf session, the day is still limited to that 5–6 hour window.

Key things you’ll notice about this Cerritos surf day

• Private, coached by a real staff-to-surf ratio (about 1 guide/coach for every 3 people)
• All levels welcome, with instruction aimed at getting beginners onto waves and coaching geared for more experienced surfers
• Foam safety boards included, with fiberglass available only if you request it ahead of time
• A full half-day loop, from the Transpeninsular Highway viewpoints to Playa Los Cerritos and back
• Lunch included at Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant, with a vegetarian option
• Flexible surf logistics, because rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish can trigger changes

Why Playa Los Cerritos is the right kind of surf lesson day

Cerritos in Cabo is one of those places where you can get real surf in a way that feels less intimidating. It’s a world-renowned surf spot and a beach break, meaning the waves come in and break over the sand rather than needing super complex setups. The area can stay clean for days when conditions line up, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re paying for coaching time.

What I like most is that Cerritos works for beginners and experienced surfers. Beginners get a shot at catching waves fast enough to keep momentum. More advanced surfers can focus on technique because there’s structured coaching rather than just watching your progress happen by accident.

The morning starts with the Transpeninsular Highway drive and photo stops

Your day begins at 7:30 am, with pickup options depending on where you’re staying. If you’re meeting as a cruise passenger, you’ll walk out toward the harbor-side meeting point at Plaza Gali, then look for your guide near the Oxxo. If you’re driving yourself, the meeting point is at Plaza Gali parking lot near the Oxxo, right by Sandos Finisterra—easy to find, even if Cabo morning traffic makes you nervous.

The first stop is on the La Carretera Transpeninsular route on the way to Cerritos beach. This isn’t a “stretch your legs and move on” moment—it’s a chance to see the Pacific and the mountains from the road, and to take photos while the light is still fresh. If you’re coming for more than just the water, this scenic start helps make the whole half-day feel like an outing, not just a transfer.

Time on this first segment is about an hour, and the ticket admission here is free. In other words, it’s value-added sightseeing without extra cost.

Playa Los Cerritos: the part where you actually learn to surf

Once you reach Playa Los Cerritos, the surfing gets the spotlight. This beach break is exposed to northwest swells, which is why conditions can light up for days when nature cooperates. For a lesson, that matters because consistent swell generally means you get more chances to stand up and practice.

The coaching goal is simple: make you feel safe enough that you don’t miss the fun. That’s more important than it sounds, especially for first-timers. Surfing can be intimidating—falling is normal—but a good instructor’s job is to reduce panic so your brain can focus on timing, position, and what to do next.

For how the lesson is paced, plan on around 3 hours at the surf location. That amount of time usually gives you enough repetitions to start reading the water rather than just reacting to it.

Beginners vs. experienced surfers (and why both groups like this setup)

You don’t need prior experience to join. The lesson is designed so beginners get the basics needed to catch a wave, while experienced surfers can receive coaching that helps refine technique.

I also like that the class is private to your group. You’re not competing for attention with random strangers, which often makes a difference when you’re trying to learn something physical and technical.

Lunch happens nearby, so you’re not rushed out of the day

After surfing, you’ll head to a local meal at Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant with traditional Mexican food. The timing is built in so you can refuel without feeling like your day ends the moment the board goes away.

Foam boards, wetsuits or rash guards, and what safety really means here

This lesson is set up with safety in mind from the equipment choice onward. Foam boards are used for the lesson, which helps reduce injury risk and makes it easier for beginners to paddle and get stability.

If you specifically need a fiberglass surfboard, you have to request that in advance at booking. That’s not uncommon, but it’s good to know so you don’t assume you’ll get the exact board you’re used to.

Gear-wise, they ask you to let them know your rash guard or wetsuit size in advance. That’s a practical detail that helps the staff prepare so you aren’t stuck guessing at fit on the beach.

Also, the beach day doesn’t include locker facilities. You can leave personal belongings in the transportation safely, but you should plan to keep your most important items with you (phone/wallet) while you’re in the camp area.

The meal: Cerritos Surf Town and a lunch that fits a surf day

Lunch is included, and it’s not just a token snack. You’ll get traditional Mexican food at Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant, with items like fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, guacamole, and refreshing flavored water. There’s also a vegetarian option (salads, quesadillas, beans, rice, and more).

Important nuance: lunch is included but optional. If you choose not to eat, there’s no discount on the surf activity. That’s fair—logistically the staff still plans for the meal—but it does mean you should commit if you’re paying for a full package.

For a surf day, I’d call this the best kind of included meal: local, filling, and timed so you can enjoy it without racing back to the water.

Stop by stop: what the rest of the day feels like

Stop 1 (about 1 hour): Setting up the day on La Carretera Transpeninsular

This is where you start seeing the Pacific and mountain views and get your bearings. It’s also a nice buffer before you hit sand and water, especially if you’re a little stiff from travel.

Stop 2 (about 3 hours): Playa Los Cerritos surf session

This is the main event: coaching, practice, and wave time. If you want to learn, this is where you’ll feel the benefit of having a professional staff guiding your decisions.

Stop 3 (about 1 hour): Return along the same highway with more Baja views

On the way back, you get another stretch of those dramatic Baja road views. It’s not just transportation—it helps close the loop and gives your group time to relax after the water.

Stop 4 (about 1 hour): Beach hotel area time at Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa

You’ll spend another block of time at Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa, including time after lunch. It’s essentially part of the overall pacing—so you’re not finishing the tour feeling like you’ve been rushed out the moment the last wave happened.

Pricing and value: is $100 a good deal for a private session?

At $100 per person, this is priced like a proper activity rather than a budget drop-in. The value comes from what’s included: private guiding, transport with pickup/drop-off, surf board (foam), and lunch with Mexican food and a vegetarian option.

If you’ve ever tried to do surf lessons on your own—renting boards, guessing lesson timing, and hoping you find decent instruction—you know how quickly costs and stress add up. Here, you pay for coordination and coaching time in a single package.

Two details that help confirm you’re paying for more than just “a board and the beach”:

• The coaching ratio is designed so you get attention (about 1 guide/coach per 3 people).
• You can choose not to do the full day portion since it’s private—useful if your group wants more surf time or wants to leave early (within what the provider allows).

Who should book this Cerritos private surf lesson?

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You’re in Cabo and want a structured surf lesson without the hassle of planning logistics.
• You’re a beginner who wants safety-first coaching and a chance to catch waves.
• You’re an intermediate or advanced surfer who benefits from technique coaching rather than random instruction.
• You want a private group experience (minimum 3, maximum 10 participants), which usually makes the lesson feel more personal.

Minimum age is 6 years, and children pay the same as adults. If kids are included, the operator aims for an extra guide for supervision, which is a helpful detail for families planning a beach activity.

If you’re someone who hates waiting around, you’ll still likely enjoy the day because it’s paced: road views early, focused surf time mid-morning, then meal and return.

Weather and wave changes: plan for a Cabo reality

Surfing in Baja follows the ocean, not the schedule on your phone. The provider notes that rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish can cause changes to the plan—sometimes location shifts, rescheduling, or cancellation.

If the experience is canceled by the provider due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s exactly what you want to hear on a surf trip, because you’re paying for wave chances, not a guaranteed “stand up no matter what” show.

Also, there’s a seasonal detail that matters when you travel:

• From March 15 to November 15, surf lessons run on Costa Azul.
• From November 15 to March 15, they move to Cerritos beach because Costa Azul has no waves in winter.

So if you’re surfing in the colder months, this is the reason Cerritos is on the menu.

Should you book this Cerritos private surf lesson?

Yes, if you want coaching plus local flavor in a single half-day, and you’d rather have a plan than improvise. This is especially worth it for first-timers who want safety and quick progress, and for surfers who want feedback and structure.

Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you’re counting on a very long, uninterrupted time in the water. The day runs about 5 to 6 hours, and surf conditions can influence what you actually get. Still, even with that reality, the setup—private guiding, foam boards, transport, and a real meal—makes it feel like a good deal for most people.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes scenic starts, practical instruction, and not having to figure out everything yourself, this is the Cabo surf day you’ll remember.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson at Cerritos?

It’s about 5 to 6 hours total, including pickup, travel time, and the surf session plus lunch.

How much does it cost?

The price is $100.00 per person.

Do I need prior surf experience?

No. The lesson is designed for all experience levels, including beginners (enough instruction to catch a wave) and experienced surfers (coaching as needed).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included, and transfers are described as complementary and optional. There’s also a complimentary transport option that covers hotels in the tourist area (picked up about one hour before the tour).

What surfboard and gear do you provide?

They use foam boards for safety. If you need a fiberglass board, you must request it in advance. They also ask for your rash guard or wetsuit size in advance.

Is lunch included, and do you offer vegetarian food?

Yes. Lunch Mexican food is included (fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole, plus flavored water). A vegetarian option is available. Lunch is included but optional, meaning there’s no discount if you don’t eat.