Surf Lessons at Cerritos

Stand up fast in Cabo, if you listen. This surf lesson is built for real first-time progress at Cerritos Beach, with a small group feel and equipment provided so you do not have to shop for anything. I also like that the day includes a proper Mexican lunch, with a vegetarian option, so you do not lose the whole afternoon to hangry mode.

The class runs like a guided day trip: pick up, scenic drive along La Carretera Transpeninsular, time on the sand, then back to your meeting point. If you want a more personal vibe, the “max 15 travelers” setup and the guide ratio (one coach for every three people) helps you get more hands-on attention in the water.

One thing to factor in: the ocean does not care about your schedule. Wind, high swell, rain, and jellyfish can trigger location changes or rescheduling for safety.

Key Points You Will Care About

• Small-group coaching with a clear guide-to-student ratio, so you are not lost in the back of the line
• Foam boards and safety-first setup included, with fiberglass available if you request it in advance
• Lunch is included, and it is 100% Mexican with fish tacos, shrimp, guacamole, and a vegetarian meal option
• Observer option exists, so non-surfers can enjoy the beach with shade, chairs, snacks, and water
• Cerritos versus Costa Azul depends on season, because winter waves guide the choice of beach

Why Cerritos Helps You Learn the Right Way

Cabo surf is not just about adrenaline. It is about learning a repeatable way to read waves, pop up, and feel safe enough to try again. This lesson is designed for beginners, including people who are not strong swimmers, because the coaching focuses on positioning and getting you standing rather than just rushing you into the hardest set.

The best part is how the day is structured so you spend your energy where it matters. You are not dragged around Cabo for hours. You start with a scenic drive and photo-friendly views, then you get to the beach area and work on the basics until it clicks.

And the teaching styles show up in real instructor stories. Folks have highlighted instructors like Marco for tight, patient coaching that had a learner riding waves quickly, Alan for a fun, trustworthy vibe, Louis for being especially good with kids, and Mike for handling the whole day smoothly. Different personalities, same goal: you leave feeling like you learned something real, not just “got wet.”

Group Size, Coach Attention, and the Real Timing

This is a small-group class with a maximum of 15 people, and there is a coach ratio of one guide or coach for every three people. That matters because surf lessons get frustrating when you are waiting. Here, the structure is meant to keep the action moving and keep coaching close.

The total time is about seven hours, with the activity lasting around 6:30 hours including round-trip transportation. Pick-up starts roughly 1.5 hours before the 9:00 am start, so you can plan a full morning without guessing.

Also, the lesson is staged for different skill levels. You do not need experience, but if you are an experienced surfer, you still get coaching. It is the same theme: you do not get treated like you are either brand new or already perfect. You get matched to your level and pushed just enough.

Getting There in Cabo: Plaza Gali, Hotel Pickup, and Cruise Ships

Logistics can be boring, but they are often the difference between a smooth day and a chaotic one. Your main meeting point is Plaza Gali, in the parking lot by the OXXO convenience store on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas.

If you are on a cruise ship, you walk from the tender pier through security, turn right on the red sidewalk by the harbor, and head toward the parking area near the cruise terminal. Your guide waits in front of the store area. It is straightforward, and it helps if you start looking early, since cruise schedules can be tight.

If you are driving yourself, you meet at Plaza Gali parking lot, directly by the OXXO, in front of the Sandos Finisterra hotel area. If you choose the complimentary transport service, it covers hotels in San Jose del Cabo, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist zone, and pick-up is about one hour before the tour. You can specify your hotel during booking, then confirm the exact pick-up time one day ahead.

One more practical note: transfers are complementary and optional. If you prefer meeting on your own, the price does not change.

Foam Boards, Wetsuits, and What to Request Ahead

You do not have to bring a surfboard or wetsuit. Foam boards are used for safety, which is great for learning because the boards are more forgiving when you lose your balance.

If you specifically want a fiberglass board, the operator asks you to request it in advance at booking. That is smart, because it means they can plan what to bring instead of improvising at the beach.

You should also communicate your size for a rash guard or wetsuit. That matters in practice. A good fit keeps you warmer and helps you feel more comfortable while you paddle, stand, and fall without fuss.

There is no locker facility on the beach. The good news is that personal belongings can be left safely in the transportation, and the focus stays on gear-free fun. Bring basics, keep valuables secure, and you will be fine.

The Day’s Flow at Cerritos: Highway Views, Beach Time, Surf Town

The schedule starts with a drive toward Cerritos along the La Carretera Transpeninsular. This road gives you Pacific Ocean and mountain views, and it is one of those parts of the day that turns a “getting there” moment into a quick photo break. Even if you are thinking about catching your first wave, it is a nice mental reset before the saltwater.

Then you go to Playa Los Cerritos. This is the core of the experience, where you build the lesson in steps. You start with getting positioned, then practice paddling, and then work your way toward standing. The coaching style described in instructor stories focuses on correcting stance and timing, not just shouting encouragement from shore.

After that, you have another scenic stop back along La Carretera Transpeninsular before heading to the Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa area. This is where the group rhythm comes together, because it is the base point tied to the lesson day and meal plan.

One practical takeaway: since weather can change plans, do not lock yourself into a rigid Cabo calendar for that day. The lesson is safety-first. If conditions are not favorable, they may change location, reschedule, or cancel.

Lunch at a Mexican Restaurant, Including Vegetarian Options

This is not a snack-only outing. You get lunch included, with a typical menu built around Mexican favorites like fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole, plus flavored water.

Vegetarian options are available. The meal can include things like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice. That is helpful because “vegetarian option” can mean different things elsewhere, and here the food is still clearly part of the main lunch plan rather than a sad side salad.

There is also a practical detail worth knowing: lunch is included, but optional. If you skip it, there is no discount, so you might as well eat unless you have a strong reason.

Observer Spot: Enjoy the Beach While Someone Surfs

Not everyone wants to paddle for hours, and the “no thanks” people should not feel stuck. You can book an observer or non-surfer companion spot.

That observer fee includes round-trip transportation, shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs, bottled water, and snacks. Then you get to watch the lesson from a comfortable beach setup while the surfers do the work.

This is a strong choice for parents, older kids who want to spectate, or anyone recovering from travel exhaustion. It also helps your group not splinter into separate plans for the day.

Price Value: What $70 Gets You Beyond the Board

At $70 per person, the value comes from what is bundled, not just the lesson itself. Your day includes professional instruction, foam boards (with fiberglass available by request), rash guard or wetsuit sizing support, lunch, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off.

For first-time surfers, the “gear problem” is often what scares people off. Here, the lesson removes that stress. You show up and you get the safety-first board and the right clothing support.

It also helps that this is designed as a full day. You are not paying for a 45-minute demo. You are paying for a structured day that includes transportation and time on the sand for learning and repetition.

One more value point: the lesson maxes at 15 people, and the guide ratio supports real feedback in the water. That can be hard to get at cheaper options where coaching becomes a quick explanation and a long wait.

When This Works Best (and When to Think Twice)

This lesson is a good match if you want:

• Beginner-friendly coaching with no experience required
• A small group feel and coach attention
• Equipment handled for you, including foam boards
• Lunch included, with vegetarian choices
• A clean day plan with pickup and drop-off handled

It is also a good fit for families. Reviews specifically call out instructors like Louis as great with kids, and the program minimum age is 6. The operator notes that if children participate, they aim for an extra guide for supervision and keep the same price for children and adults.

Think twice if:

• Your day is extremely weather-sensitive. Wind, rain, high swell, and jellyfish can lead to changes.
• You prefer a very minimalist day with no transportation. This is a pickup-based half-to-full day experience.
• You need locker facilities. There are no lockers at the beach, so you will rely on belongings staying with transportation.

If you have a moderate physical fitness level, you are in the right zone. Surf does involve paddling and getting up repeatedly, even for beginners.

Should You Book Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

I think you should book if you want a beginner lesson that feels organized, safety-first, and genuinely focused on getting you to stand and ride. The combination of small-group coaching, foam board setup, included lunch, and optional observer time makes it an efficient way to experience Cabo surf without turning it into a complicated project.

You should also book if you like the idea of learning from instructors with proven teaching vibes, including Marco, Alan, Louis, and Mike. Even though every day and every group is different, the consistent theme in real experiences is patient coaching and quick wins.

If you are the type who hates schedule changes, consider building a little buffer into your day, because this lesson depends on ocean conditions. When the weather is good, it is a solid Cabo value. When it is not, they prioritize safety and work to reschedule or refund.

FAQ

Do I need any prior surfing experience?

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

Is the surf equipment included?

Yes. Surf boards and safety foam boards are provided. Rash guard or wetsuit sizing is also handled, and you should provide your size in advance. If you require a fiberglass board, you need to request that when you book.

What should I do if I want to surf but do not want to carry gear?

You do not need to bring a surfboard. The lesson includes foam boards, and the rash guard or wetsuit is provided based on the size you submit. There are no locker facilities on the beach, so keep personal belongings secure by leaving them with the transportation.

Is lunch included, and can I eat vegetarian?

Lunch is included. The meal includes Mexican food such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole, with a vegetarian option available (salads, quesadillas, beans, rice, etc.). Lunch is optional, but there is no discount if you skip it.

How does pickup work, and where is the meeting point?

Pickup is offered, and pick-up times are assigned based on your accommodation location. The main meeting point is Plaza Gali parking lot by the OXXO on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina. For cruise ship passengers, there are specific directions to where the guide waits near the terminal area.

Can non-surfers join and just watch?

Yes. You can book an observer (non-surfer) spot. The observer fee includes round-trip transportation, shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs, bottled water, and snacks, so you can enjoy the beach while watching the lesson.

Where is the surfing beach depending on the season?

Surf lessons run on Costa Azul during summer (March 15 to November 15) and on Cerritos beach during winter (November 15 to March 15). Winter is shifted to Cerritos because Costa Azul has no waves then.