Cerritos surf is the real deal. I love how these private coaching sessions at Cabo’s classic Cerritos surf break make it easy to learn (or level up) without feeling rushed, plus you get hotel pickup and drop-off. The one thing to keep in mind is that the day depends on weather, so your team may adjust timing or even swap locations if conditions are rough.

Plan on a relaxed half-day that starts early, mixes great ocean views with actual water time, and keeps things simple. You’ll spend time on the Transpeninsular Highway for photo stops, surf at Playa Los Cerritos with professional coaches, then enjoy Mexican lunch in the Cerritos Surf Town area with shaded camp time. The group stays small, so coaching feels direct and you are not just standing around.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• Private coaching that matches your level, from first-time surfers to more experienced riders
• Cerritos is known for long, clean beach breaks, so you get real chances to catch waves
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, which makes the morning stress-free
• Foam boards for safety, plus the option to request fiberglass in advance
• Included Mexican lunch and a shaded camp setup for downtime
• Weather-aware planning, with changes offered if rain, wind, swell, or jellyfish affect conditions

Why Private Surf Lessons at Cerritos Work So Well

Private surf lessons are only worth it if you get actual attention in the water. This experience is built around that idea, with professional coaches focused on keeping you safe and making sure you get fun out of the day, not just instruction from the shore. If you are new, you learn enough to catch a wave. If you already surf, you get coaching aimed at improving how you ride.

What makes Cerritos a smart choice is that it is a beach break that can be active for days, especially when northwesterly swells line up. That matters because beginners need repeatable opportunities to try again, while experienced surfers want enough consistency to stay engaged.

The other piece I like is the structure. You are not dropped at a beach and told good luck. Your day has built-in travel time, designated surf time, and a lunch break, so the whole flow feels like a plan.

The Morning Route, Transpeninsular Highway Views, and Photo Stops

Your day starts at Plaza Gali in downtown Cabo San Lucas, then you head out on the Transpeninsular Highway. There is a stop along the way where you can take photos with a view of both the Pacific Ocean and the mountains. It is not a long stop, but it is a nice reset before you get sandy and wet.

Expect about an hour for this driving-and-photo segment. If you like snapping quick shots without dragging a gear bag through crowds, this is a friendly start. Also, getting your bearings early helps later when you are focused on reading waves instead of figuring out where you are.

Playa Los Cerritos: The Surf Break Built for Learning and Progress

The main event is Playa Los Cerritos, where you surf one of Southern California’s classic-style breaks. Cerritos is exposed to northwest swells that can create clean, surfable conditions. That exposure is a big deal: clean conditions generally mean better takeoffs, less chaos from messy water, and more chances to actually stand up.

This spot works for both beginners and experienced surfers because it is a beach break. Beach breaks are typically easier to manage than reef breaks for most first-timers, since the bottom is more forgiving and the environment is familiar in feel. If you are already surfing, coaches can still help because beach breaks are great for practicing timing, positioning, and staying calm under changing wave sets.

The surf time is about three hours. During that time, your professional coaches keep an eye on safety, help with technique, and guide you through what to do next, not just what you did wrong. The goal is simple: you feel safe enough to enjoy it, then you start craving the wave.

A practical note on what you might feel

Even if you have never surfed before, your body will learn fast once you are in the right stance and timing the wave. The biggest hurdle for newcomers is usually confidence, not strength. The coaching approach here is geared to remove that fear quickly, so you spend more time catching waves and less time panicking.

Foam Boards, Rash Guards, and the Coach-First Safety Setup

You will use foam boards for safety. Foam boards are generally more stable and more forgiving when you are learning balance, popping up, and turning. They also tend to be a good match for mixed groups where people start at different levels.

If you specifically want fiberglass boards, you need to request them in advance. That is important because foam is the default for the lesson, and the team uses it deliberately for safety.

You should also plan around wetsuit or rash guard needs. The experience asks you to let them know sizes in advance so you get the right setup. That one detail can save you from scrambling later.

A final real-world point: this is a beach activity with no locker facilities. They note that you can safely leave personal belongings in the transportation. For peace of mind, keep your valuables minimal and bring only what you truly need for the beach.

Lunch at Cerritos Surf Town, Traditional Mexican Food Break

You get lunch included, and it is traditional Mexican food. The menu focus includes fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole. There is also a vegetarian option with salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice. Water is included as well.

This matters more than it sounds. Surf days can drain you fast. Having a real meal planned into the schedule helps you keep energy up for the second half of the day, and it also keeps everyone together so you are not trying to find food mid-flow.

The itinerary places lunch in the Cerritos Surf Town area at a local restaurant. Then there is also time at Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa later in the day for more downtime after surfing. So even if you are hungry right after your session, you have a built-in place to settle.

The Rest of the Day: Heading Back With Views and Breathing Room

After surfing, you head back along the Transpeninsular Highway again. There is another about one-hour segment, with more time to take in the views as you return.

This portion is not about rushing. It is a decompression window, which helps because your legs and core might be tired from popping up repeatedly and paddling for positioning. If you are the type who gets restless when tours feel too long, this setup is usually a relief. If you want more time in the water, you might wish the surf session went longer, and the pace is about striking balance in a half-day format.

The overall duration is about 5 to 6 hours, so the day stays concentrated. You get a full surf experience without turning your entire travel day into a marathon.

Group Size and Timing: What You Should Expect From “Private”

Even though it is private in the sense that only your group participates, the day is still designed for efficient coaching. The minimum is 3 participants and the maximum is 10. For every 3 people in a class, there will be 1 guide or coach.

That ratio matters. It means you are not competing for attention, and it should reduce the time you spend waiting while the coach works with someone else. In a small group, the coach can observe your stance, corrections, and wave choices quickly.

The lesson also works for mixed levels, since beginners and more experienced surfers can be in the same session. Coaches can adjust how they teach within the group so you still feel like your time is being used well.

Timing starts at 7:30 am. For cruise passengers, they outline how to meet at Plaza Gali. If you are driving yourself, the meeting point is the Plaza Gali parking lot, in front of Sandos Finisterra, and you meet by the OXXO at the exit of the parking lot.

Price and Value: Why $100 Often Feels Reasonable Here

At $100 per person, the value comes from what is included rather than just the hourly rate.

You get:

• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• A private guide
• A surf board (foam boards by default)
• A wetsuit or rash guard setup based on your sizes
• Lunch with Mexican dishes plus vegetarian option
• Chairs and umbrellas at camp

Add it up and you are covering the stuff that usually costs extra on a DIY surf day. Transportation is especially valuable if you are not local or you are juggling cruise timing. Lunch also matters because it prevents the common vacation problem where you surf hard, then cannot be bothered to hunt for decent food.

If you are traveling with friends or family, the small-group coaching ratio can make the per-person cost feel even more fair, since the coach attention does not shrink as the group grows until the cap.

Best Time to Go: Costa Azul in Summer, Cerritos in Winter

There are two surf seasons here. In summer, from March 15 to November 15, surf lessons are available on Costa Azul. In winter, from November 15 to March 15, lessons happen at Cerritos beach.

The reason is practical: during the winter there are no waves on Costa Azul, so they switch to Cerritos. If you specifically want Cerritos, this matters for planning your trip month.

Also note that weather can change the plan even within the scheduled location. Rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish can affect conditions, and the team may modify the day by changing location, rescheduling, or canceling with options for you to decide.

Who Should Book This Surf Lesson, and Who Might Want Another Plan

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You want professional coaching in the water
• You are a beginner who wants enough instruction to actually catch waves
• You are already surfing and want guidance for improvement
• You prefer a structured half-day with pickup, lunch, and a small group

It may feel less ideal if:

• You are looking for a full-day surf trip with long continuous time in the water
• You are hoping for total predictability regardless of weather, since the experience is weather-dependent
• You dislike early mornings, since the start time is 7:30 am

Age-wise, the minimum is 6 years old. They mention moderate physical fitness is helpful. Prior experience is not required, which is a big plus if your group includes mixed skill levels.

Should You Book Private Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

Yes, you should book this if you want a guided, beginner-friendly surf day that still respects experienced surfers. The included pickup, foam boards for safety, and Mexican lunch make it feel like a complete outing instead of a beach grab-bag.

I would book it especially if you like the idea of learning at a place known for clean conditions and consistent beach break waves, and if you would rather spend your energy paddling and standing up than figuring out where to go, what to rent, or how to stay safe.

If your trip dates are flexible, even better. This experience is built to work with real ocean conditions, and you will get options if weather forces adjustments.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson at Cerritos?

The experience runs about 5 to 6 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The start point is Plaza Gali, Parking Lot (OXXO) in downtown Cabo San Lucas, with the meeting point in front of OXXO at the exit of the parking lot.

Do you offer pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included, and transfers are complementary and optional.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is included. It is traditional Mexican food, such as fish tacos and shrimp, with chips and guacamole. There is also a vegetarian option. Lunch is included, but it is optional, meaning there is no discount if you choose not to go.

Do I need prior surfing experience?

No. The class is designed for all experience levels, and beginners are taught enough to catch a wave.

What surf board do you provide?

Foam boards are used for safety. If you require fiberglass instead, you need to notify in advance.

What should I do about a wetsuit or rash guard?

You should let them know your size in advance so you can have the right rash guard or wetsuit setup.

What are the group size limits?

The minimum is 3 participants and the maximum is 10. For every 3 people in a class, there will be 1 guide or coach.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. The minimum age is 6 years.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If conditions like rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish affect safety, the team may change location, reschedule, or cancel. If they cancel due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.