Cerritos surfing is calm chaos—in the best way. This private lesson pairs hotel pickup with a coach-led day at one of Southern California’s classic surf breaks. You’ll spend your morning chasing waves, then trade sunscreen for tacos and ocean air.

What I like most is the focus on making it feel safe and doable. The coaching is designed for first-timers (enough to catch a wave) and also for experienced surfers (real technique coaching), and you’ll get a tight attention span since the group is capped and coach ratios are planned.

One thing to think about: your surf day depends on weather. If wind, swell, rain, or even jellyfish make conditions tricky, they may switch locations, reschedule, or cancel for a refund.

What Makes Cerritos Beach the Real Star

Cerritos is a beach break with a reputation built on clean conditions when the surf gods cooperate. In practical terms, that matters because beach breaks usually give you a better chance of getting multiple attempts as the day moves on. Instead of chasing one perfect section, you can often find a rhythm.

It’s also a good match for mixed skill groups. The spot gets northwest swells that can set up for days, and that’s why coaches like having you in the water. If you’re brand-new, you’re not being thrown to the deep end—coaches can steer you toward safer entries, timing, and wave selection. If you already surf, you’ll likely get coaching that helps you refine how you read the break.

And there’s something else going on here that I appreciate: Cerritos doesn’t feel as performative as some more famous Cabo-adjacent stops. It feels like a working surf town—less “look at me,” more “get out there and ride.”

A 5–6 Hour Private Lesson That Moves Like a Pro Session

This is built as a full half-day: about 5 to 6 hours from pickup to drop-off. Private here is not just a marketing word—you’ll be with only your group, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 participants.

That time window is important. It’s long enough to do more than a photo op or one quick run into the ocean. You’ll typically get:

• A drive-in with scenic stops
• Time for instruction and water coaching
• Breaks for food and recovery
• A return drive that gives you a chance to settle your muscles before your day takes off again

Because it’s private, you can also decide whether to complete the full activity. That’s useful if you’re traveling with kids, you’re jet-lagged, or you just want to surf and leave before you’re tired.

The Morning Drive: Pacific Views Along La Carretera Transpeninsular

Your day starts with a scenic stretch on La Carretera Transpeninsular. Along the way, you’ll see glimpses of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, plus opportunities to stop for photos.

Stop timing matters on surf days. Going early helps because you’re more likely to arrive with enough time to get settled, get in the water, and build confidence before the conditions shift. Also, if you’re visiting Cabo for the first time, the drive adds context—this isn’t only about the beach; it’s about the road that connects the region’s coastlines and viewpoints.

If you’re the type who likes good photos, plan to keep your phone charged. You’ll be stopping at least once specifically to enjoy the views.

Playa Los Cerritos: Coaching, Safety, and Plenty of Attempts

The center of the day is Playa Los Cerritos, where the lesson happens. Cerritos is known for exposed northwest swells, which can light up for days when the ocean cooperates. For you, that translates into a surf session that has a chance to feel like more than a single lucky wave.

Here’s the coaching philosophy that makes the difference: professional coaches aim to make you feel safe enough that you can relax and have fun. That’s not just pep talk. In real surfing terms, safety comes from where you go in, how you start paddling, and how you manage your timing with the wave instead of fighting it.

What you can expect, depending on your level:

• Beginners: you’ll get taught the basics and how to position yourself so you’re not just surviving. The goal is to catch a wave.
• More experienced surfers: you’ll still get guidance, but it’s more about technique—how you read the break and move through it.

Also, foam boards are used for safety. That’s a big deal for beginners because they’re more forgiving than harder boards, and coaches can focus on skills instead of survival. If you want a fiberglass board, you have to request it in advance.

Summer Costa Azul vs Winter Cerritos: Pick Your Season Smart

One detail that’s easy to overlook until you’re on the beach: the location changes by season.

• Summer (March 15 to November 15): lessons run on Costa Azul.
• Winter (November 15 to March 15): lessons switch to Cerritos beach.

Why? Because Costa Azul doesn’t reliably produce surf in winter. So if you’re traveling in the colder months and specifically want the lesson at Cerritos, you’ll be more aligned with their winter plan. If you’re going in summer, expect the lesson to be elsewhere—even though the vibe is still surf-focused.

Foam Boards, Rash Guards, and Coach Ratios That Actually Matter

This is where private surf lessons can either feel helpful or like chaotic group fun. Here, the structure is clear.

They use foam boards for safety. If you require fiberglass, notify them in advance. That’s not a small request—board type affects buoyancy, turning feel, and how you learn.

You should also plan for rash guard or wetsuit needs. They ask you to let them know your size ahead of time. If you’re coming in cooler water months, a wetsuit will likely make the difference between enjoying the session and feeling stiff and distracted.

Coach support is also built in:

• For every 3 people, there will be 1 guide/coach
• The group stays small (up to 10 total), so you’re less likely to get ignored between sets

That ratio is one of the biggest value drivers. Surf instruction isn’t only about what the coach says—it’s about how often they can correct you when you’re actually paddling and trying.

Lunch at Cerritos Surf Town: Mexican Food and a Reset Between Sets

You get lunch during the lesson. The food is traditional Mexican-style: fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole, plus refreshing flavored water. There’s also a vegetarian option that can include salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice.

It’s not just a lunch stop—it’s a practical reset. Surf uses a lot of energy: paddling burns out your arms, your core takes a beating, and staying warm matters. A real sit-down meal helps you recover so you can enjoy the second phase of the day instead of just cramping through it.

One nuance: lunch is included but optional. If you choose not to go, there’s no discount on the activity price. So if you skip it, it’s a personal choice, not a way to reduce the cost.

Chairs, Umbrellas, and Where You Put Your Stuff

Surf lessons happen on the beach, and there are no locker facilities. That sounds minor until you’re carrying a small bag while you’re in the water.

The good news: you can safely leave personal belongings in the transportation. So use that as your baseline plan—bring only what you need for the beach and keep valuables with you in the car/vehicle area.

You’ll also have chairs and umbrellas included, so you’re not baking in the sun while you wait your turn.

Pickup and Meeting Points: How to Find Your Guide Without Stress

Start time is 7:30 am. That’s early enough to feel productive, but late enough that you’re not sprinting at dawn if you’re staying in the tourist area.

Meeting point for most guests is:

Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 853, Centro, Marina, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico

They specify Plaza Gali, meeting in the parking lot by an OXXO convenience store.

If you’re on a cruise, the instructions are detailed: walk from the tender pier through security, turn right along the red sidewalk by the harbor, and head toward the Cruise Terminal area. Your guide waits in front of the store at the parking lot exit.

If you’re driving yourself, you meet at Plaza Gali parking lot in front of Sandos Finisterra, again by the OXXO.

There’s also a complimentary transport option that covers many hotels around the San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas tourist zones. If you’re staying in spots farther away (they specifically mention areas like Hard Rock, Nobu, or Four Seasons), you won’t get that direct pickup—you’ll be directed to the standard meeting point instead.

Value for $100: What You Get for a Private Surf Day

At $100 per person, this lesson is best understood as a package value, not just “surfing for a price.”

You’re getting:

• Private guide for your group
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
• Surfboard (foam boards for safety unless requested otherwise)
• Rash guard or wetsuit sizing guidance (and provided as needed by your request)
• A coach-to-participant plan that keeps the lesson workable
• Lunch with Mexican food, including vegetarian options
• Chairs and umbrellas at the beach

The big value is that you’re not coordinating a surf board rental, figuring out the lesson logistics, and guessing where to go for reliable conditions. You show up, and the day runs in a structured way.

Also, because it’s private and can flex based on your group, it tends to work well for families or mixed-experience groups where one person might learn slower and another might want more time. You’re not trapped in a cookie-cutter group schedule.

Who This Surf Lesson Fits Best (and Who Might Not)

This is a great match if:

• You’re new to surfing and want real instruction, not just “watch this and try”
• You want to surf Cerritos specifically and enjoy a classic break with coached safety
• Your group includes mixed levels, since the coaching adjusts to your needs
• You’d rather pay for a guided day than cobble together gear and transport

It might not be the best fit if:

• You hate early mornings (7:30 am start)
• You want zero weather risk. Surf days can be changed or canceled depending on rain, wind, high swell, or jellyfish.
• You don’t want to be outside for hours. Even with umbrellas and chairs, it’s still a beach session.

The minimum age is 6 years, and they note they’ll aim for an extra guide when children are participating. That’s a helpful sign if you’re traveling with kids who are ready to learn.

Should You Book the Private Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

If you want an efficient, coached way to try surf in a legit spot, I’d book it. The combination of professional coaching, safety-focused gear (foam boards), and lunch with real Mexican food makes it feel like a full-day experience instead of a half-hearted activity.

It’s especially worth it if you’re traveling with someone who’s nervous or new. A good coach ratio and a “safe enough to have fun” approach can turn hesitation into movement fast.

Just plan around one reality: conditions matter. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll likely need to be flexible with a possible location change or reschedule. If that doesn’t bother you, this is a smart way to spend the morning in Cabo and come away with more than a beach photo.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson at Cerritos?

It runs about 5 to 6 hours.

Is this a private experience or a shared group?

It’s private. Only your group participates, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 participants.

Do I need prior surfing experience?

No prior experience is required. The class is designed for beginners and experienced surfers, with coaching adjusted to each level.

What board do you use for the lesson?

For safety, they use foam boards. If you require fiberglass, you need to notify them in advance.

Do you provide rash guards or wetsuits?

They require you to let them know your size in advance so you can use the right rash guard or wetsuit.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian option?

Lunch is included. It can feature options like fish tacos, shrimp, guacamole, and chips, and there is a vegetarian option available. Lunch is optional, but there’s no discount if you skip it.

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

The start time is 7:30 am. The main meeting point is Plaza Gali parking lot near the OXXO (Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36 / 853 area in Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas).

Is pickup available from hotels?

Yes, hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included. They also offer complimentary transport for many hotels in the tourist area, while some farther hotels will use the standard meeting point.

What happens if weather is bad?

Surf lessons depend on good weather. If conditions like rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish affect safety, they may modify the day, change location, reschedule, or cancel. If canceled by them, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

You Might Also Enjoy

Cabo Sunset Dinner Cruise: Fajitas, Lands End and PartyTour to Arch in the only Clear Boat in Cabo Cruise Hotel PICKUP!The only Natural Space Dolphin Encounter in Cabo Optional Pickup!Private Luxury Pontoon Boat, Snorkel, Arch, Sunset & byond