First thing: Cerritos makes you want the next wave. This private surf lesson puts you at one of Southern California’s classic-style breaks, with professional coaching and hotel pickup to keep the day easy. You’ll be driving the coast for big ocean-and-mountains photo moments, then trading the view for real water time at Playa Los Cerritos.

I especially like that it works for both first-timers and seasoned surfers. The coaches pace things so you feel safe and still get the fun rush of actually catching a wave. Second, I like the full-value package: surf equipment, shaded chairs/umbrellas, and a proper sit-down lunch right near the beach.

One consideration: the day depends on conditions. Rain, wind, high swell, and even jellyfish can trigger a change of location, reschedule, or cancellation—so keep some flexibility in your Cabo plans.

Key things to know before you go

• Private for your group (max 10 participants), with a coach ratio of 1 guide/coach for every 3 people
• Foam boards are provided for safety; request fiberglass in advance if you prefer it
• Cerritos surf sessions are seasonal (Costa Azul in summer, Cerritos in winter)
• Lunch is included and nearby, with a vegetarian option, but you can skip it if you want
• No locker facilities at the beach; your belongings should stay with the transportation
• Weather-driven plan changes are part of surfing here

Cerritos in Cabo: why this lesson feels different

If you’ve ever surfed somewhere that’s all hype but no coaching, you’ll appreciate the vibe here. This is built as a learning day, not a sightseeing day with a quick dip. The beach spot is Playa Los Cerritos, a world-renowned surf break with a beach-break setup that can run on northwest swells and stay clean when the weather cooperates.

What that means for you: you’re not just waiting for a random wave. You’re being guided to read the water, paddle efficiently, and choose timing that matches your level. And because it’s a private lesson, the pace can match your day—slow and solid for beginners, more targeted coaching for experienced surfers.

Pickup and meeting point: the part that can make or break your morning

This tour is designed to start smoothly. Your meeting point is right in the Plaza Gali area (near the Sandos Finisterra zone), and you’ll see the pickup spot clearly at the parking lot by OXXO.

If you’re on a cruise, you’ll walk from the tender pier, pass through the pier security gate, turn right along the red sidewalk by the harbor, and look for the Plaza Gali location. The guide waits in front of OXXO in the parking lot.

If you’re driving yourself, it’s simpler: meet at the Plaza Gali parking lot, again in front of the OXXO at the exit of the lot. And if you’re using their complimentary transport, you’ll get round-trip coverage around the main tourist areas (San Jose del Cabo, the corridor, Cabo San Lucas), with pickup about one hour before the start.

Practical note: because the tour starts at 7:30 am, you’ll want to be ready on time. Surf windows can tighten fast, and early mornings are usually when conditions are most workable.

La Carretera Transpeninsular stop: the short ride that pays off in photos

Before you hit the water, you’ll take a scenic route along the Transpeninsular Highway. Expect about an hour where you’re traveling with views of the Pacific Ocean and Baja’s mountains.

This isn’t just filler time. It helps break up the morning and gives you a quick “Baja mood” moment—open horizon, road curves, and photo opportunities before you’re busy in the surf zone. It’s also a nice moment for you to confirm anything you asked about in advance, like wetsuit or rash guard sizing.

You get an admission ticket-free stop here, so it’s basically part of the experience flow rather than a paid add-on.

Playa Los Cerritos: what the surf session is really like

The core of the day is the Playa Los Cerritos surfing time—about three hours on the beach. Cerritos is known for exposed northwest swells, which can create long stretches of surf when conditions line up. The break is a beach break, so the feel can vary with swell and sand patterns, but it’s also a common “classic” learning environment compared with more complicated reef spots.

Coaching style you can count on

The coaches’ goal is straightforward: make you feel safe so you don’t miss the fun. They teach beginners enough to catch a wave, and they coach experienced surfers on technique when you’re ready for the details. Since the lesson is private, you won’t be lost in a big class where someone else’s skill level sets the pace.

Also, your coach count scales with your group. If there are more people, you still won’t get swallowed by the chaos—there’s a guide/coach for every three people.

Boards, fit, and comfort

You’ll use a surfboard provided by the operator—foam boards are used for safety by default. If you need fiberglass, you must request that in advance when you book.

They also ask for rash guard or wetsuit sizing information ahead of time. Even if you’re not sure you’ll want a wetsuit, it’s worth thinking about how cold you get in the mornings. Better fit means better confidence in the water.

Gear and where to put your stuff

The lesson takes place right on the beach, where there are no locker facilities. The good news: they say you can safely leave personal belongings in the transportation. Still, don’t bring valuables you’d hate to lose—stick to what you can comfortably keep track of.

Time and expectations

Because you’re on a private schedule, you can decide whether to complete the full activity. That’s useful if someone in your group is tired, seasick, or just wants to control the day. For most people, three hours of coached surf time is just the right amount—long enough to progress, not so long that it turns into pure exhaustion.

Lunch at Cerritos Surf Town: included, Mexican, and practical

After surfing, you’ll get lunch at Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant, a meal built around traditional Mexican dishes. Expect items like fish tacos and shrimp, plus chips, sauces, guacamole, and refreshing flavored water.

There’s also a vegetarian option, with dishes like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice. Lunch is included—but optional in the sense that you’re not required to eat it. If you skip lunch, there’s no discount, so I’d treat it as part of the day’s value.

What I like about including lunch here: it removes the scavenger-hunt problem. After you’ve been in the water, you don’t want to wonder where the closest decent food is. You’re already in the right place, with seating and time to reset.

The second ride and the beach hotel stop: timing and pacing

After the main surf and lunch blocks, there’s more time on the road for the return route along the Transpeninsular Highway. That’s another chance for ocean and Baja views, plus a bit of a decompression period before you’re done for the day.

There’s also a stop at the Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa, where you’ll have additional lunch time. In practice, it helps keep the day from feeling rushed: you surf, you eat, you settle, then you head back.

If your schedule is tight in Cabo, plan on being done in the 5 to 6 hour range. That’s long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough to still enjoy an afternoon in town.

Price and value: is $100 per person a good deal?

At $100 per person for a private 5 to 6 hour lesson with pickup/drop-off, the value depends on what you compare it to.

Here’s what you’re getting that helps justify the price:

• Private guide and coaching (not a large group where you wait your turn)
• Surf equipment included, with safety-focused foam boards
• Lunch included right at the beach area
• Chairs and umbrellas so the whole day isn’t you standing around in the sun
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, with optional complimentary transport from the main tourist zones

If you tried to piece this together yourself—transport to Cerritos, board rental, a legit coach, and food—you’d likely spend similar money, and you’d still have to manage logistics. This tour handles the “messy parts,” so your day is mostly surfing.

Also, the coach ratio matters. For a private activity that still scales up to small groups, you get more attention than you would in typical group lessons.

Who should book this surf lesson (and who might not love it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A beginner-friendly lesson where someone actually teaches you how to catch a wave
• Coaching for experienced surfers who want more than just board time
• A structured day with pickup, equipment, and lunch done for you
• A small-group private feel (minimum 3, maximum 10)

You might reconsider if:

• You’re allergic to schedule changes, since weather can shift the plan
• You need locker access at the beach, because there aren’t lockers here
• You want long, uninterrupted surf time no matter what—surf conditions drive the day, and you’ll adapt with the guide

And a good note for families: the minimum age is 6, and they keep the experience safer when kids are involved by aiming for an extra guide for supervision. They also price children the same as adults.

Booking tips that make the day smoother

A few practical moves before you go:

• If you prefer fiberglass boards, request it at booking
• Send rash guard or wetsuit sizing information early so you’re not guessing on the day
• If you have a tight hotel schedule, double-check whether you’re inside their complimentary transport area
• Bring a plan for the beach: no lockers means you’ll want to keep belongings simple and easy to manage
• If you’re an observer (non-surfer), you can still book a companion spot with transport plus shaded camp, bottled water, and snacks

Surf days can change fast, so your best weapon is a flexible mindset and a ready-to-go attitude.

Should you book private surf lessons at Cerritos?

I’d book it if you want a real surfing lesson with a plan: coaching, equipment, beach comfort, and lunch, all handled for you. The price is fair for a private setup, and the fact that it works across skill levels makes it a good match for groups where not everyone surfs.

If you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep in mind that surf is weather-driven here, and the team may switch locations or reschedule when conditions aren’t workable.

If you’re curious about Cerritos and you want to learn efficiently—or sharpen technique with real coaching—this is the kind of Cabo morning that leaves you tired in a good way.

FAQ

How long is the private surf lesson at Cerritos?

The experience runs about 5 to 6 hours total.

Do I need prior surf experience?

No prior experience is required. They teach beginners and also provide coaching for more experienced surfers.

What is the minimum age for participants?

The minimum age is 6 years.

How many people are in a private group?

This is a private tour for your group only, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 participants. For every 3 people, there is 1 guide/coach.

What surfboards are included?

Surfboards are included, and foam boards are used for safety. If you want fiberglass, you need to notify them in advance when booking.

Are rash guards or wetsuits provided?

They provide rash guard or wetsuit support, but you should let them know your size in advance.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Lunch Mexican food is included, and there is a vegetarian option. Fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole are part of the menu, along with flavored water.

Do you offer hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included. There is also optional complimentary transport for hotels in the San Jose del Cabo area, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist area.

Where do cruise ship passengers meet?

Cruise ship passengers meet at Plaza Gali in the parking lot by OXXO. The guide waits in front of the store after you exit the terminal area.

FAQ

Can the location or schedule change due to weather?

Yes. Rain, high swell, wind, and jellyfish can lead to changes in location, rescheduling, or cancellation. If canceled by them due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation deadline for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.