Catching your first wave in Cabo is a rush. This 7-hour Cerritos Beach surf lesson is built for beginners, with gear handled for you and a small group that keeps you close to the instructor. I like that you also get classic Pacific-and-mountain roadside views along the way, so the day isn’t just sitting on the sand.

Two things I really like: first, the coaching time. The group caps at 15, with a coach-to-student structure that helps you get corrections fast. Second, the included Mexican lunch is properly part of the experience, with fish tacos, shrimp, chips, guacamole, and a vegetarian option.

One thing to consider: like any surf day, conditions can change. If there’s rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish, they may shift the plan, and you’ll need to be flexible.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Small-group structure (max 15) with extra coaching
• Foam boards and wetsuits/rash guards handled through the tour
• Scenic photo stop along the Transpeninsular Highway
• Observer option with shaded camp, snacks, and water
• Lunch included at a local Mexican restaurant (vegetarian available)
• Season swap: Costa Azul in summer, Cerritos in winter

Why Cerritos Beach makes sense for learning

If you’re learning, you want a day that feels controlled, not chaotic. This lesson is designed for all levels, starting from zero experience, and the safety-first approach matters because beginners learn fastest when they’re not guessing.

Cerritos is also the go-to choice in the winter months. From November 15 to March 15, lessons move to Cerritos because there are no waves on the Costa Azul beach during that stretch. So if you’re traveling in the cooler months, you’re not stuck hoping for good surf somewhere else—you’re going where the program is set up for surf lessons.

From the feedback tied to specific instructors, the biggest win is how quickly you can progress. You’ll hear stories of first-timers standing up far sooner than expected, with instructors staying in the water, correcting positioning, and dialing back hands-on help once you’re catching your rhythm. That teaching style is what makes Cerritos a smart bet for a first day on a board.

From Marina pickup to the Pacific views on the Transpeninsular Highway

Your day starts in the Cabo marina area. The main meeting point is Plaza Gali, with a clear reference point near the parking lot exit by Oxxo (the instructions differ slightly depending on whether you’re on a cruise or driving yourself). The tour runs from 9:00 am, and pickup starts about 1.5 hours before that based on where you’re staying.

If you’re on a cruise, the instructions are very specific: after you pass the tender pier security gate, you turn right along the red sidewalk, find Gali Plaza on your left, then walk to the cruise terminal area and look for your guide by the Oxxo area at the pickup point.

The drive is part of the value. You’ll stop on the La Carretera Transpeninsular route where you can see the Pacific Ocean and mountain scenery, and it’s a legit opportunity to grab photos before you’re focused on the surf. Then the day loops back through the route again before you reach the beach area.

The practical takeaway: this is not a rushed straight shot to the sand. It’s paced like a small outing—transported, guided, and scenic—so you’re not just arriving, changing, and hoping for the best.

Your lesson day: foam boards, wetsuit sizing, and how coaching works

The plan keeps things simple: you don’t need to bring surf gear. You’re provided a surfboard, and for safety they use foam boards. If you specifically want a fiberglass board instead, you need to request that in advance—so message them during booking rather than waiting until the morning.

You’ll also want the right waterwear. They include a rash guard or wetsuit, but you have to give your size when you book. This matters because the fit affects comfort and warmth, especially if the water feels cooler or you’re sensitive to cold.

Group size is small. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, and there’s a coach per every three people in the class. That structure helps you avoid the common problem where you spend most of the session watching someone else surf.

You also don’t need to be athletic. They ask for moderate physical fitness and set the minimum age at 6, but the coaching is built for beginners. The way instructors teach is gradual: you start with basics in the water, learn how to position yourself for the right takeoff, then progress to bigger waves as your confidence builds.

In real-world terms, the teaching style seems consistent across different instructors. Marco is described as patient and funny, staying close with hands-on help for first-timers and then moving toward lighter cues. Alan’s lessons were praised for being fun, trustworthy, and focused on getting people up safely. Louis and Mike also show up in reviews as the types who make families feel taken care of, including with kids who are still learning.

My advice: if you’re worried you’ll freeze up, tell your instructor what you’re comfortable with. This lesson is set up to match your energy and adjust as you improve.

Stops at Playa Los Cerritos and the Surf Town beach area

Once you hit the beach stretch, expect the day to shift into surf mode quickly. Playa Los Cerritos is where the lesson time lives, with instruction delivered right where you’ll be riding. The program also uses the Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa area as part of the day flow, which is helpful because it gives you a dependable base for setup and downtime.

If you’re bringing family members, you’ll appreciate the observer setup. There’s an option to book an observer (non-surfer) spot. Observers get round-trip transport plus a shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs, bottled water, and snacks. You’ll be able to watch from the beach rather than waiting in a car.

One limitation to know up front: there are no locker facilities at the beach. The instructions say you can safely leave personal belongings in the transportation. So if you’re bringing phone + keys, plan to keep essentials with you, and use the transport as the staging point for anything you won’t want to carry during the lesson.

This is also one of those days where weather changes how the schedule feels. Wind and swell can tighten the window for safe surfing, and if conditions aren’t right, they’ll switch things up rather than push you into questionable waves.

Mexican lunch at a local restaurant, plus vegetarian options

Surf lessons are physical, and food becomes part of whether the day feels satisfying. Lunch is included, and it’s described as 100% Mexican dishes such as fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole, plus refreshing flavored water.

There’s a vegetarian option too, and it’s not just a sad side plate. The vegetarian meal includes things like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice.

One detail that’s easy to miss: lunch is included but listed as optional, and there’s no discount if you skip it. So if you’re watching your diet or worried about eating right after a workout, you can choose not to eat, but you shouldn’t expect money back for opting out.

If you’re traveling with non-surfers, this lunch hour helps everyone sync. Observers still have shade, snacks, and time on the beach, while surfers recharge before heading back.

Price and value: what $70 really covers in Cabo

At $70 per person, this lesson looks straightforward, but the value comes from what’s bundled. You’re paying for:

• A professional instructor
• A provided surfboard (foam for safety)
• A rash guard or wetsuit (sizing requested in advance)
• A full Mexican lunch with vegetarian option
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

The transport is also described as complementary and optional. If you want to meet at the standard Plaza Gali location, you can, and the price doesn’t change.

The one extra planning item is board preference. If you want fiberglass instead of foam, that request must happen ahead of time. If you don’t care, you can travel light because the foam boards are part of the standard setup.

So who gets the best deal? People who don’t want to buy or rent surf gear in Cabo, families who want the whole day managed, and first-timers who want structured coaching instead of a random beach attempt.

Weather changes happen: how this tour handles safety

Surf is outdoors, and Cabo can bring surprises. The program notes that rain, high swell, wind, and jellyfish can lead to changes. If conditions aren’t favorable—especially around wind, high waves, or tropical storm risk—you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

There’s also a cancellation timeframe in their policies that can be confusing. One section references full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, while another posted cancellation terms section says 24 hours. Check your booking confirmation for the exact cutoff they’ll use for your reservation.

My practical rule: book this when you have at least a little flexibility. If your trip days are rigid and non-refundable, consider building in a buffer day or choosing a lesson date with travel insurance.

Should you book Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

I’d book this if you want a beginner-friendly surf day with gear provided, small-group attention, and a real lunch built in. It’s especially worth it for families because the observer option keeps everyone included: shaded camp, chairs, umbrellas, snacks, and water, while you’re learning.

You should also book if you like instruction that happens in the water, with coaching that starts with safe basics and then grows as you improve. The repeated praise for instructors like Marco, Alan, Louis, and Mike points to a consistent style: patient in the beginning, focused on positioning, and willing to adjust to your comfort level.

Skip (or at least reconsider) if you hate weather uncertainty. You’re depending on real surf conditions, and the team may change the plan if wind or swell doesn’t cooperate.

FAQ

What is the price for the surf lesson at Cerritos?

The price is $70.00 per person.

How long does the experience take?

It’s about 7 hours on average, and the activity lasts about 6:30 hours including round-trip transportation.

Do I need prior surfing experience?

No. The lesson is designed for all experience levels, including beginners with no prior experience required.

Is surf equipment provided?

Yes. Surfboards are provided, and foam boards are used for safety. Rash guards or wetsuits are also included.

Can I request a fiberglass surfboard instead of a foam board?

Yes, but you must let them know in advance when you book.

What should I do about rash guard or wetsuit sizing?

You should provide your size when you book so they can bring the right rash guard or wetsuit.

Is lunch included, and do you have vegetarian options?

Lunch is included. The menu includes Mexican dishes like fish tacos and shrimp, and there is a vegetarian option as well.

Is there a separate spot for someone who doesn’t surf?

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

Where does the tour start?

The standard meeting point is Plaza Gali parking lot (Oxxo) on Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas.

What happens if weather or surf conditions are not good?

The tour prioritizes safety and may modify the plan, reschedule, or cancel due to rain, high swell, wind, and jellyfish. If canceled by them due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.