Cerritos makes first-time surfing feel possible. This half-day lesson in Cabo San Lucas pairs small-group coaching with a gorgeous beach setting, plus an included Mexican lunch. I especially like that surfboards and wetsuits are handled for you, and that the guides keep the day moving with hotel/port pickup. One thing to consider is that you might get a day-of change if conditions turn rough, like wind or jellyfish.

You start with a scenic drive along the Transpeninsular Highway, then get into the action at Cerritos. The goal is simple: help you catch a wave safely, not just watch someone else do it from the shore. If you are traveling with kids or non-surfers, the setup is smart, with an observer option so everyone still has a fun plan.

One more practical note: this is an active day on sand, ocean, and stairs to the beach. The minimum age is 6, so it is a family-friendly outing, but you still want a moderate fitness level and a willingness to get a little wet.

Key things that make this surf lesson worth your time

• Small-group ratio: for every 3 people, there is 1 guide/coach, which helps you get real attention
• No gear stress: foam boards and rash guards or wetsuits are provided, with sizes handled in advance
• Cerritos in the winter season: if you book in colder months, lessons shift to Cerritos because Costa Azul may be wave-light
• Observer comfort: non-surfers can book a companion spot with shaded seating plus water and snacks
• A proper Mexican lunch: fish tacos, shrimp, guacamole, chips, plus a vegetarian menu
• Instructors who adjust fast: you will get coaching matched to your energy, from first pop-ups to bigger-wave confidence

Entering the day: from Marina pickup to Cerritos beach timing

This lesson runs about 7 hours total, with the activity lasting around 6.5 hours once transport is included. Start time is 9:00am, and pickup begins about 1.5 hours before that, depending on where you are staying. The pacing works well if you want one full morning that feels like an adventure, not a multi-hour scramble.

If you are coming in on a cruise ship, the meeting point is very specific. You head through the pier security gate, turn right along the red sidewalk by the harbor, and walk toward the cruise terminal area. Your guide waits at Plaza Gali in the parking lot near Oxxo, which is the easiest landmark once you get there.

If you are driving yourself, you meet at Plaza Gali parking lot, right by Sandos Finisterra, again by the Oxxo. Either way, the handoff is clear: you find the guide at the Oxxo area, then you are off toward the beach.

Why Cerritos Beach is the learning sweet spot in Cabo

Cerritos is known for being a beginner-friendly choice in Los Cabos surf season. The real advantage for you is that the day is structured around learning safely. The operator uses foam boards for safety, and foam boards are forgiving when you wipe out, which you will likely do at least once, even if you think you are coordination-born.

Also, the surf location depends on the season. In summer, surf lessons run at Costa Azul, but in winter, they switch to Cerritos because Costa Azul can go wave-light then. So if you are booking during colder months and hoping for decent surf, you are actually booking the plan that makes sense for the conditions.

You get a beach day that is more than just standing in line. You get coaching that aims to get you catching waves, not merely learning theory.

The road stops you get to enjoy: Transpeninsular Highway and photo time

The day is not only about the water. It starts with a drive along the Transpeninsular Highway, a stretch where you can see the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. It is one of those “take five photos, then put your phone away” moments, because the real star is the beach later.

You will have that highway viewing stop more than once during the day. Between those stops and the beach time, you also get a natural break from the travel energy. If you are the type who gets jittery before water sports, those pauses can help you settle in.

There is a downside to road stops, though. If you are prone to motion sickness, you will want to take it easy before the drive. Bring water, and do not go into the van empty-handed or right after a huge breakfast.

Playa Los Cerritos: where the lesson turns real

Once you hit Playa Los Cerritos, the energy changes. The beach is the classroom. This is where the team organizes your gear and sets up the lesson flow so you are not wasting time.

One practical detail matters here: there are no locker facilities on the beach. The good news is you can safely leave personal belongings in the transportation. So bring only what you need for the water, keep valuables secured, and plan to travel light.

You also get a real sense of the place. The beach is visually stunning and feels like a surf town, not a generic shoreline. Even if you are only watching, it is still a pleasant spot to spend the day.

The Cerritos Surf Town staging area: boards, wetsuits, and your first steps

The lesson includes a stop at Cerritos Surf Town Hotel & Spa. Think of this as the practical hub for getting people sorted and ready. The guides handle a lot of the logistics so you can focus on the one job that matters: learning how to ride.

Here is what you should plan for regarding gear:

• You use a foam board for safety, unless you request fiberglass in advance.
• You wear a rash guard or wetsuit. You need to share your size ahead of time.

That fiberglass note is important. If you have a strong preference for fiberglass, you have to ask when you book. Otherwise, you should assume foam is the default.

In my book, this gear approach is good value. You do not have to wonder about what to buy, what to rent, or whether a secondhand suit fits right. You show up, get fitted, and get in the water.

Coaching that actually gets results, from first-timers to bigger confidence

The standout theme in the lesson experience is how personal the coaching feels. Even with a group, the structure keeps you from being ignored. With the ratio of 1 guide or coach per 3 people, you get feedback when it counts.

What I like is the teaching style described in instructor examples. Guides such as Marco, Alan, Louis, and Mike are praised for being patient and positive while still getting you progressing. In one story, Marco worked one-on-one long enough to help a brand-new surfer start catching waves quickly, then step back to simpler cues as confidence grew.

Another common thread is that instructors tune the session to you. If you want smaller waves, you get them. If you are ready to go deeper, you also get that step-up. One review specifically highlights instruction that adapts to your energy and requests, and you can expect the same approach because learning surf is about pacing.

If you are not a strong swimmer, that can feel scary. But the safety-first setup and the beginner orientation are built for people who are learning. You might still get nervous at first. That is normal. A good instructor treats nerves as a map, not a problem.

The included Mexican lunch, and why it matters after surfing

Food is not just a bonus here. It is part of the day’s rhythm. Lunch is included and it is Mexican food, with options like fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole. You get flavored water too.

Vegetarian options are available. The vegetarian lunch is described as things like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice. In other words, it is not just “no meat, good luck.” It is still a real meal.

Lunch also helps with something practical: after you surf, you are more tired than you expect. Having a meal planned means you are not hunting down food while sore and sun-warmed.

If you do not want to surf: book the observer spot and still enjoy the day

This is one of the smartest options if your travel group is mixed. You can book a non-surfer observer (companion) spot. The observer option includes round-trip transportation plus a shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs.

You also get bottled water and snacks. You will be able to enjoy the beach while watching the lesson happen. So if you are traveling with parents, partners, or kids who are not ready to go in, you still get a comfortable beach plan instead of being stuck with nothing to do.

You should note that you must book an observer spot if you want that non-surfer comfort. It is not just “show up and watch for free,” based on how the companion spot is described.

Price and value at $70: what you actually get for one day

At $70 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Cabo. But it is also not trying to compete with bargain rentals. You are paying for the whole package: professional instruction, surfboard (foam by default), a rash guard or wetsuit, a full lunch, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off.

Two details quietly increase value:

1. The class size is capped at a maximum of 15 travelers, which generally helps keep attention focused.
2. The instructor-to-student structure is designed so you are not doing the entire lesson alone in your own confusion.

Families can also see value. Prices are the same for children and adults, and when children participate, the operator aims for an extra guide for supervision. That is a big deal when you have kids on the beach, since surf days are chaotic enough without feeling unsupported.

If you are price sensitive, the best way to judge is this: how much would you pay to rent gear plus pay for instruction plus handle transportation plus meals? In most places, that combo costs more than a single $70 lesson.

Weather, safety, and the realistic Cabo plan B

Surf days depend on the ocean. This operator is up front that rain, high swell, wind, and jellyfish can change plans. Sometimes that means they modify the day, change location, reschedule, or cancel.

Safety is the priority when conditions are not favorable, including wind, high waves, or tropical storm risks. If that happens, you get options, and you decide what to do. If they cancel due to poor weather, you get a different date or a full refund.

For you, the real takeaway is to keep your schedule flexible. If you only have one day in Cabo and it is packed with other plans, build some breathing room. Surf is awesome, but it is not the type of activity that always obeys your itinerary.

Who should book this surf lesson at Cerritos?

Book this if you:

• Want a structured beginner lesson with safety-minded gear and coaching
• Are traveling as a couple or family and want an outing that works for multiple skill levels
• Like the idea of included pickup plus lunch, so you are not micromanaging the day
• Have non-surfers in your group and want them to have a shaded observer setup

It may not be the best match if you:

• Cannot be flexible about weather-related changes
• Are very motion-sensitive and dislike van rides for ocean activities
• Want to bring your own fiberglass board with no setup time, since fiberglass requests need to be handled in advance

If you want a memorable first surfing day in Cabo without turning it into a logistics project, Cerritos with this team is a strong pick.

Should you book Surf Lessons at Cerritos with High Tide Los Cabos?

Yes, you should book if your priority is a guided, beginner-friendly surf day that includes the stuff people usually forget: equipment, transport, and a real meal. The small-group approach and the guide ratio mean you are more likely to get help when you need it, instead of waiting your turn.

I would book especially if you are learning your first waves, because the coaching style described by instructors like Marco and Alan emphasizes patient teaching and clear cues. And if your group is mixed, the observer spot is one of those “smart, not complicated” features that makes the whole trip work.

FAQ

Do I need prior surfing experience?

No. The lesson is designed for all experience levels, including beginners. You will be taught enough to catch a wave, and more advanced surfers can receive coaching too.

What surf equipment is provided?

You get a surfboard and a rash guard or wetsuit. Foam boards are used for safety. If you require fiberglass, you need to let the team know in advance when booking.

How do you handle wetsuit or rash guard sizes?

You should provide your size in advance so the team can bring the right rash guard or wetsuit for you.

Is lunch included, and are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Lunch is included and it is Mexican food such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole. A vegetarian option is available as well.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel and port pickup and drop-off are included. There is also complimentary transport service that you can choose, and it covers hotels in San Jose del Cabo, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist area.

Can I book an option for someone who does not surf?

Yes. You can book an observer (non-surfer) companion spot. It includes round-trip transportation, a shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs, bottled water, and snacks.

How long is the experience?

It is about 7 hours total. The activity lasts about 6.5 hours including round-trip transportation.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 6 years.