Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure

REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure

  • 5.05 reviews
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • From $200.00
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Operated by cabo surf tours · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (5)Duration2 hours (approx.)Price from$200.00Operated bycabo surf toursBook viaViator

Cabo waves, filmed like a pro. This private surf and video photography session turns your time in Cabo San Lucas into more than just memories you’ll forget on the drive home; you get real action coverage plus still shots that help you see what you did right (or wrong) in the water. What I like most is the in-water + on-the-sand shooting, so you get both close-ups and wider action frames, and the whole thing feels like a true private lesson. One thing to think about: you’ll need good weather, since the experience is weather dependent.

I also like that it works for different skill levels. If you’re brand-new, you’re not thrown to the wolves; you get a setup and feedback aimed at making you feel comfortable fast. If you surf already, the camera angles and captured rides are useful for technique check-ins.

Finally, the format is simple: you go out for about two hours, ride, and come back with a set of photos (and video coverage) you can share right away with friends back home.

Key things to know before you go

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - Key things to know before you go

  • Pro gear in water housings: Canon 7D and 7D Mark II with L-series lenses, plus Nimar water housings for crisp shots.
  • Shooting from two perspectives: Photographers capture from the sand and from the water for varied, dramatic angles.
  • Up to four surfers, one private session: Great for couples, families, and a small surf crew.
  • Lesson-style coaching with feedback: Especially helpful if you’re a beginner or returning after a break.
  • Door-to-door vibe: Pickup and drop-off are part of the experience, so you’re not coordinating rides.

Cabo San Lucas private surf and video photography: what the experience really feels like

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - Cabo San Lucas private surf and video photography: what the experience really feels like
This is a Cabo surf outing designed for two goals at the same time: you ride waves, and you leave with visual proof you were actually there. That sounds obvious until you see what makes it different. A lot of surf activities take a couple quick pictures and call it a day. Here, the session is built around professional surf photo and video capture, with shooters positioned where you normally wouldn’t be able to find them without getting in the way.

For you, that means the photo coverage isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the plan. You’ll get close action views when you’re in the lineup, wider frames that show the wave and your position, and more natural moments too. And because the gear uses water housings and serious lenses, the images are sharp rather than hazy tourist souvenirs.

The tone also matters. This isn’t about shuffling a big group through a lesson. It’s a private session, so the coaching and attention can focus on your ability level and your comfort in the lineup.

One more smart detail: it’s not just about documenting your ride. The photos also help you analyze your technique. Seeing yourself on waves is the fastest reality check there is, and the camera angles make it easier to connect what you felt with what you actually did.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cabo San Lucas

The “private” part: how the up-to-four setup changes everything

The tour is priced at $200 per group (up to 4). That price structure is what makes it feel like a value, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or family. Split it among four people and the cost becomes much more reasonable than per-person surf lessons that don’t include serious photography.

It also changes the surf session itself. With a small group, you’re less likely to get stuck waiting your turn, and the lesson and coaching can be more direct. You’re not trying to be a hero while five other people also need instruction in the same moment.

A big plus for families and mixed experience levels: you can share the day, but the session still keeps a private feel. And if there’s a newbie in the group, the structure tends to help you ease in rather than panic.

The only practical consideration is that “private” still doesn’t mean “custom for any plan you imagine.” It’s private in group size, not in unlimited customization. You’re going for a surf session plus photo/video capture, and the team will guide the day to make that work.

What happens in those roughly two hours

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - What happens in those roughly two hours
The total session runs about 2 hours. That’s long enough to get into the water, catch some waves, and have time for instruction and multiple photo opportunities. It’s short enough that you still feel like you’re on vacation, not trapped in a full-day training camp.

While you’ll spend the bulk of the time surfing, expect the experience to feel structured in two phases:

1) Beach setup and technique talk

You’ll get instruction right from the start. If you’re new, this is where you get the basics and you start building confidence. If you surf already, you still benefit because the coaching is tied to what the camera will capture and what will help you ride better.

2) In-water coaching plus photo/video shooting

Once you’re in the lineup, you’ll have one-on-one or close coaching style attention. One of the standout themes from the experience is constant feedback in the water. At the same time, you’re getting photographed from both sand and sea, which adds energy to the session without replacing the coaching.

Throughout the ride, the goal stays consistent: get you waves, capture clear action shots, and make sure the photos show what you were doing—not just random frames.

The pro photography setup: Canon bodies, L-series lenses, and Nimar housings

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - The pro photography setup: Canon bodies, L-series lenses, and Nimar housings
This part matters more than people think. It’s easy to say you’ll get professional photos. It’s harder to explain what “professional” means in practice.

Here, the team uses Canon 7D and 7D Mark II bodies with L-series lenses, including a 100 to 400 mm zoom and wide tools like a fisheye (8 to 15 mm) and a 17 to 40 mm wide angle. Then those cameras go into Nimar water housings. In plain terms: you’re not betting on luck. You’re getting equipment that can handle fast movement, changing light, and wet conditions.

What you can expect from that:

  • Powerful close-ups when you’re near the camera position
  • Wide action shots that show wave shape and your line
  • Natural moments that feel like real vacation memories, not just posed stills

And if you’re learning, the photos are more than entertainment. When you can see your expression during a wave and your body position when you’re riding, it becomes easier to adjust what you do next time.

Lesson quality: from first timers to surf-improvers

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - Lesson quality: from first timers to surf-improvers
The tone of the coaching seems built around comfort and progress. If you’re a beginner, the experience is designed to help you feel at ease quickly. You’re not just thrown into the water and told good luck.

In fact, coaching is tied to the surf conditions the team chooses. One of the experiences described using a remote surfing spot with good beginner waves, which is a smart way to reduce pressure and maximize your wave time.

The team can also work with returning surfers or people who want to improve. The photos can function like a mini film review: you can look back, compare your attempt to what you wanted, and make a plan for the next session.

Names you’ll hear during the day include Martin (owner/guide/photographer) and Emiliano (mentioned in connection with the teaching and lesson setup). If you want a more supportive teaching style, this crew’s approach seems to lean that way: calm, clear, and hands-on.

Choosing the right surf day in Cabo: weather is not optional

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - Choosing the right surf day in Cabo: weather is not optional
This is a weather-dependent experience. That’s not a fine print detail—it’s central to whether you’re actually going to get the lineup time you want.

If the day is poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In other words, you’re not stuck paying for a cancellation that turns into a “maybe later” shrug. Plan your Cabo schedule with a little flexibility and you’ll get better odds of locking in good conditions.

Also, remember that Cabo surf can change quickly. Even when you’re standing in sunshine, ocean conditions can shift. The team’s gear and shooting plan assume you’re getting real surf time, not just paddling around.

How pickup, boards, food, and small details add up

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - How pickup, boards, food, and small details add up
A private surf session is only as good as how smooth it feels. This one includes a lot of the friction reducers you’d hope for.

Expect pickup and drop-off, often described as door-to-door service. That matters if you’re trying to avoid logistics anxiety in Cabo. You show up ready, and you don’t spend your morning figuring out transport to the beach.

Some reviews also mention food, snacks, and drinks. Others mention boards being provided. Even if you’re a seasoned packer, that’s nice because it reduces what you need to carry and what you need to remember at the last second.

The practical win is that you get a controlled experience from start to finish. The session isn’t perfect just because you’re surfing. It’s better because you’re not wrestling with details while you’re trying to concentrate on your pop-up and timing.

Value check: is $200 per group a smart deal

Cabo epic private surf and video photography adventure - Value check: is $200 per group a smart deal
Let’s talk money. $200 per group up to 4 for a private, coached surf session plus pro video and photo capture is a strong value if you compare it to:

  • surf lessons priced per person, without premium action photography, and
  • professional photography packages that don’t include actual surf coaching and wave time.

The big value driver is that you’re paying for two things at once:

1) real time in the water with lesson feedback

2) high-effort documentation that captures action from multiple angles

If you’re traveling solo, you may feel it more because you can’t spread the cost. If you have one partner or a small group, it becomes an easy yes.

Think of it like this: you’re buying a short surf lesson + a photo package. But unlike a basic photo add-on, the cameras are integrated into the session so you’re not constantly stopping or posing.

Who should book this Cabo surf and video photography adventure

I’d point you toward this experience if:

  • you want private surf instruction without big-school chaos
  • you care about photos and video that show real surf action
  • you’re traveling as a couple, small family, or a group of up to four
  • you’re a beginner who wants guidance that doesn’t feel intimidating
  • you already surf and want images you can use to improve

It also makes sense if you’re the one in your group who usually ends up behind the camera. Here, the camera comes to you while you ride.

If you’re the kind of traveler who just wants to splash around and doesn’t care about photos, you might not get your money’s worth. The strength of this tour is the documented surf experience.

Should you book Cabo Epic Private Surf and Video Photography

I’d book it if you want your Cabo surf day to be more than a moment you describe later. The combination of private coaching and pro action photography from sand and water is exactly the kind of experience that’s worth repeating.

If your vacation schedule is tight, or you hate waiting on weather, keep one thing in mind: this needs good conditions. But if you can give it a little flexibility, you’re set up for a fun session and a set of surf photos that feel like real memories instead of vague blur shots.

If you want a surf day where you improve a bit and leave with images you’ll actually want to share, this is a solid bet.

FAQ

What’s included in the Cabo surf video and photo session?

You’ll get a private surf experience with professional surf photographers shooting both video and photos. The team uses professional cameras with water housings, and you’ll also receive photo and video coverage of your session in the waves.

How many people can join in one session?

Up to four surfers can join the same private session.

How long does the experience last?

The session runs about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts in Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need good weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it okay for beginners?

Most travelers can participate, and the experience is designed to make beginners feel comfortable with instruction and coaching.

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