REVIEW · CABO SAN LUCAS
Private Surf lessons at Cerritos
Book on Viator →Operated by High Tide Los Cabos · Bookable on Viator
Want to surf on a famous Baja break?
These private surf lessons at Cerritos put you at Playa Los Cerritos with coaching, gear, and a smooth day plan that includes hotel pickup and great photo-worthy scenery on the drive.
What I like most is the focus on making you feel safe fast, and that the instruction fits both beginners and more experienced surfers. You also get a proper Mexican lunch (including vegetarian options), not just snacks and a vague plan.
One thing to consider: there are no locker facilities on the beach, so don’t plan on storing a bunch of valuables at your feet.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Playa Los Cerritos: the classic break you can ride with confidence
- How the 5–6 hour day works (and why the morning timing helps)
- Stop 1: the Transpeninsular Highway photo break with ocean + mountains
- Stop 2 at Playa Los Cerritos: where the lesson turns into real wave time
- The coach-to-student ratio: the difference between surfing and surviving
- Foam boards, rash guards/wetsuits, and smart gear expectations
- Stop 3: returning along the same highway for more Cabo views
- Stop 4 at Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa: unwind time after you ride
- What makes the lunch plan actually useful (fish tacos and more, but with options)
- Price and value: what $100 per person buys you in the real world
- Who should book this private Cerritos surf lesson (and who should think twice)
- Should you book Private Surf Lessons at Cerritos?
- FAQ
- What level of surfer is this lesson for?
- How long is the private surf lesson?
- What’s included for surfing and beach comfort?
- Is lunch actually included, and do you have vegetarian options?
- Do you offer fiberglass surfboards?
- Do you pick up from hotels or ports?
- Is there a place to store belongings on the beach?
- What happens if weather conditions aren’t good?
- What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?
Key things to know before you go

- Professional coaching for all levels so beginners can catch a wave and experienced surfers get real feedback
- Private group setup (3–10 people) with a guide/coach ratio of about 1 for every 3 people
- Foam boards for safety, with fiberglass available only if you request it ahead of time
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, plus optional complimentary transport in the tourist corridor
- Lunch included at Cerritos Surf Town area, with fish tacos, shrimp, guacamole, and a vegetarian menu
- Weather-aware planning since rain, wind, jellyfish, or swell can change the day
Playa Los Cerritos: the classic break you can ride with confidence

Playa Los Cerritos has a reputation for being one of those dependable surf spots that makes a first surf lesson feel possible. It’s a beach break that can light up for days with clean conditions when the swell lines up. That matters, because on a surf day you don’t just want a pretty beach—you want waves that actually show up.
This is also a good match for mixed groups of skill. The coaching style is built around confidence: you start learning the basics in a way that’s not scary, but you’re still surfing—not just watching. If you already surf regularly, you’ll get coaching that helps you refine what you’re doing instead of starting from scratch.
My practical take: you’ll get more satisfaction if you treat it like a lesson, not a “just rent a board” vibe. The private setup makes that easier.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cabo San Lucas
How the 5–6 hour day works (and why the morning timing helps)
The tour runs about 5 to 6 hours, starting around 7:30 am. That early start is useful for surf conditions and for keeping the day feeling relaxed instead of rushed.
You’ll spend most of the time at the beach, with a scenic drive portion at the beginning and another return trip later. If you’re the type who likes to know where the time is going, this one is laid out clearly rather than feeling like a wandering transport shuffle.
Because it’s private, your group can also decide whether to complete the full activity if you want to shorten the day.
Stop 1: the Transpeninsular Highway photo break with ocean + mountains

Before you even hit the water, you get a laid-back start on the La Carretera Transpeninsular. The drive is long enough for it to feel like part of the experience, not just an awkward transfer.
You’ll have a chance to see the Pacific Ocean and the mountains along the way, and you’ll get that classic Cabo-on-the-way-there photo moment. It’s the kind of scenic break that makes the morning feel like more than logistics.
Downside to know: this is still a ride day first. If you’re only interested in being on the sand immediately, you may wish the beach time started sooner.
Stop 2 at Playa Los Cerritos: where the lesson turns into real wave time

This is the heart of the day—about 3 hours at the beach for surfing instruction. Cerritos is exposed to northwest swells, which is why conditions can be so good. Your coaches aim for a specific goal: get you feeling safe quickly so you don’t lose the fun to hesitation.
Here’s what you should expect for different experience levels:
- Beginners: the coaching is designed to get you moving through the basics and into positions where catching a wave feels doable. You learn enough technique to start having fun on the water.
- Experienced surfers: you won’t be ignored. The private coaching framework means you can get feedback aimed at your style and what you’re working on.
What makes this stop valuable: the time is long enough to learn, try, and adjust. One-and-done lessons tend to feel random. This one gives you more reps, which is how you improve.
You’ll also handle lunch around this block of time—Cerritos Surf Town Restaurant is part of the plan.
The coach-to-student ratio: the difference between surfing and surviving

A private lesson sounds like it should mean one-on-one, but the reality here is smarter. The group size is capped at 10 participants max, with a guide/coach for about every 3 people.
That ratio matters. It means you’re not getting swallowed by a big crowd, and you’re not waiting around between attempts while someone “handles” 15 surfers.
Also, since this is set up for minimum age 6, the lesson structure is built to handle real beginners and families—not just advanced surfers who already know how to read a break.
A few more Cabo San Lucas tours and experiences worth a look
Foam boards, rash guards/wetsuits, and smart gear expectations

For safety, lessons use foam boards. Foam is a big deal for beginners because it helps you learn faster with less chaos during starts and wipeouts.
If you specifically want a fiberglass surfboard, you’ll need to notify the provider in advance. Don’t count on switching boards last-minute.
You should also plan on being in the right water-wear. You’ll want to let them know your size ahead of time for a rash guard or wetsuit. This isn’t a throw-it-on-and-hope situation; the point is to set you up so you can focus on technique and balance.
Small but important detail: there are no locker facilities at the beach. You can leave personal belongings in the transportation, so bring only what you need and keep valuables handled.
Stop 3: returning along the same highway for more Cabo views

After the main surf time, you’ll head back along La Carretera Transpeninsular again. It’s another chance to enjoy the scenery—ocean lines, mountain silhouettes, and that wide-open Baja feel.
This is basically your decompression time. You’re done with the hard part (the learning and paddling), and now you can just enjoy the ride and reset for the final beach-hotel stop.
Stop 4 at Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa: unwind time after you ride

The final stop gives you a comfortable wrap-up window around the Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa area. This is part of how the day stays friendly instead of turning into a nonstop schedule.
You’ll also get additional time connected to lunch and post-surf recovery. Lunch is part of the package, and the Mexican menu is the focus—think fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, guacamole, and flavored water. There’s a vegetarian option too (salads, quesadillas, beans, rice, and more).
One note: lunch is included but optional, and if you skip it, there’s no discount on the activity.
What makes the lunch plan actually useful (fish tacos and more, but with options)
A lot of surf experiences fail at food. You end up with something random, or you wait while everyone else eats. Here, lunch is built into the timing so you’re not starving on the walk back—or stuck hungry while everyone else has already recovered.
The menu is classic Mexican beach comfort:
- Fish tacos and shrimp
- Chips and sauces with guacamole
- Vegetarian dishes like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice
- Flavored water
If you’re surfing for hours, that’s the right kind of energy—carbs, protein, and something you’ll recognize as real food.
Price and value: what $100 per person buys you in the real world
At $100 per person, the price looks simple on the surface, but the value comes from what’s bundled.
You’re getting:
- Private guide (and coaching built for beginners and advanced surfers)
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Surf board (foam boards for safety)
- Rash guard or wetsuit in your size (tell them ahead of time)
- Lunch with Mexican food and vegetarian options
- Chairs and umbrellas at the beach
If you’ve ever tried piecing together surf rental + instruction + transport separately, you know how quickly the cost and hassle add up. This package is doing the math for you—turning a “maybe I can figure this out” day into a planned experience with less friction.
The main value trade-off: the surfing time is set inside a 5–6 hour structure. If you’re hoping for an all-day surf marathon, you might wish there were a bit more time on the water.
Who should book this private Cerritos surf lesson (and who should think twice)
This is a strong fit if you:
- Want a real surf lesson, not just board rental
- Have a mixed group (beginner + intermediate) and want everyone included
- Appreciate hotel pickup/drop-off and a clear day plan
- Like the idea of combining surf with Mexican food and easy beach-time downtime
It’s not the best fit if:
- You hate early starts (7:30 am is part of the schedule)
- You need locker storage on-site (there’s none)
- You want total control over the schedule. Weather can change things, and the plan may shift.
If you’re bringing a non-surfing friend or partner, there’s an observer option on the transport. They can hang at the beach camp with shaded seating, bottled water, and snacks while you’re in the water.
Should you book Private Surf Lessons at Cerritos?
I’d book it if you want your first (or next) surf day to feel guided, safe, and focused—without turning into a big-group circus. The coaching structure, the board choice for safety, and the included lunch make this feel like a complete outing rather than “just a short lesson.”
The decision hinges on one thing: be okay with the reality of weather-driven surf conditions. If the day changes, you’ll need flexibility. But if you can roll with it, this is one of the easiest ways to experience a classic Cerritos surf break with a private setup and real support.
FAQ
What level of surfer is this lesson for?
No prior experience is required. The class is designed for beginners and also offers coaching for more experienced surfers, depending on what each participant needs.
How long is the private surf lesson?
The experience runs about 5 to 6 hours, starting around 7:30 am.
What’s included for surfing and beach comfort?
You get a surf board (foam boards for safety), a rash guard or wetsuit by size, chairs and umbrellas, and a private guide. Lunch is also included.
Is lunch actually included, and do you have vegetarian options?
Yes, lunch is included. It features traditional Mexican food such as fish tacos and shrimp, plus chips, sauces, and guacamole, and there is a vegetarian option.
Do you offer fiberglass surfboards?
Foam boards are used for safety. If you want a fiberglass board, you need to request it in advance when booking.
Do you pick up from hotels or ports?
Yes. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off are included. There’s also optional complimentary transport that covers hotels in San Jose del Cabo, the corridor, and the Cabo San Lucas tourist area, with pickup about one hour before the tour starts.
Is there a place to store belongings on the beach?
There are no locker facilities on the beach. The tour notes that you can safely leave personal belongings in the transportation.
What happens if weather conditions aren’t good?
Weather can lead to changes in location, rescheduling, or cancellation due to factors like rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish. If the provider cancels due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.



































