Your first wave in Cabo feels like a plan. I like the small-group class and the built-in Mexican lunch, so you don’t waste time hunting for food. The only catch is that the lesson uses foam boards unless you request fiberglass ahead.

With a cap of 15 travelers and a coach-to-surf ratio of about 1 guide for every 3 people, I like that the day doesn’t feel like a production line. Instructors like Marco and Alan get mentioned for staying hands-on, including coaching in the water and helping you get your positioning right.

If you’re traveling with non-surfers, you can book an observer spot and hang out at a shaded beach camp with chairs, umbrellas, snacks, and water while you surf. Just remember there are no locker facilities on the beach, so keep valuables minimal and rely on the transport for storage.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Cerritos is the winter wave stop: from November 15 to March 15, lessons shift to Cerritos because Costa Azul can be wave-free in winter.
• Foam boards are included for safety: request fiberglass in advance if that matters to you.
• Small-group coaching: max 15 travelers, and roughly 1 guide for every 3 people.
• Photo-friendly drive: you pass the Transpeninsular Highway with Pacific Ocean and mountain views.
• Observer option is real: shaded camp plus snacks and bottled water for non-surfers.
• Lunch is part of the value: Mexican food with a vegetarian option included.

Surf Lessons at Cerritos: what makes this day feel worth $70

At $70 per person, this is one of those Cabo activities that sounds simple but adds up well once you price it out. You get professional instruction, surf board equipment (foam boards for safety), a rash guard or wetsuit, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, and lunch. For a full 7-hour day, that’s a lot of “included stuff” for the money.

The other value is how the lesson is set up. You’re not just assigned a board and told to figure it out. The class is kept small, and the coaching ratio (about one guide per three people) is designed to keep your time on the sand useful, not wasted.

Where you meet and how pickup actually works

This tour starts at 9:00 am. If you’re on a schedule, pay attention to the pickup window: pickups start roughly 1.5 hours before the tour, and exact times are assigned based on where you’re staying.

Your main meeting point is at Plaza Gali parking lot (Oxxo), Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 36, Centro, Marina, Cabo San Lucas. If you’re driving yourself, you’ll meet right outside the Oxxo at the exit of that parking lot area.

For cruise ship passengers, the “walk from the tender pier” route matters: head through the pier security gate, turn right along the red sidewalk that borders the harbor, and look for the guide near the Oxxo at Plaza Gali. It’s straightforward, but it’s not the kind of meeting point where you can show up casually and wing it.

There’s also complimentary transport if you’re staying in the tourist corridor and Cabo San Lucas area (not further out like Hard Rock, Nobu, or Four Seasons). If you fall into that farther-out zone, you’ll meet at Plaza Gali instead.

The drive with the Pacific views: Transpeninsular Highway stops

One of the pleasant surprises is that the day isn’t only “ride to beach, surf, ride back.” You make stops along the Transpeninsular Highway (La Carretera Transpeninsular), with viewpoints where you can see the Pacific Ocean and mountains. It’s the kind of quick photo-and-stretch break that keeps the day from feeling rushed.

You’ll stop on the highway, then head to Playa Los Cerritos, then back again along the highway, and finally end up at Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa. In plain terms: you’ll get enough scenic moments to feel like you left Cabo for a real beach day, not just a quick excursion.

Practical tip: bring a phone you’re comfortable with. You’ll likely want quick snaps at multiple viewpoints, and those short breaks are the easiest time to do it.

Playa Los Cerritos and the Surf Town beach base

When you arrive at Playa Los Cerritos, you’re getting to a beach that works well for surf learning. This is the kind of location that supports a beginner-to-intermediate progression, where your instructors can manage groups and control the rhythm of the lesson.

The day wraps at the base near Cerritos Surf Town Beach Hotel & Spa. That matters because it’s where the day’s logistics feel simplest: you have a clear “home base,” and you’re not constantly figuring out where everyone is supposed to gather between sessions.

If you’re expecting locker rooms, keep your expectations realistic. There aren’t locker facilities on the beach. The plan is that you keep your personal items light and safe, and leave the rest with the transport.

What happens in the water: from first pop-up to bigger sets

No prior experience is required, and that shows in how the coaching is described. You’ll be taught enough to catch a wave, and the instruction can adjust as you improve. The goal is not just to say you tried; it’s to help you actually ride.

Instructors get praised for the same kinds of details: positioning, timing, and confidence-building. For example, Marco is noted for giving step-by-step guidance from paddle positioning to when to stand, then gradually reducing what he does while you take more control. Alan and Allan get mentioned for being fun, encouraging, and focused on making sure you’re progressing without feeling overwhelmed.

What that means for you: expect a lesson that starts with basics and builds. If you’re a total first-timer, you should still see progress quickly. If you’ve surfed before, you’ll likely spend more time refining wave selection and technique rather than repeating beginner drills forever.

One more practical note: the tour is described as having a moderate physical fitness requirement. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but you should be ready for sand walks, getting on and off the board, paddling, and the general effort of time in the water.

Equipment setup: foam boards, wetsuits, and rash-guard sizing

The equipment is included, which is a big part of why this tour is such an easy choice. You’ll get a surf board and a rash guard or wetsuit. They specifically note that for safety they use foam boards.

Here’s the key detail: if you require a fiberglass board instead, you need to request it in advance at booking. If that’s important to you—maybe you’ve surfed on fiberglass before and want the feel—don’t wait until the day-of. Ask ahead so the team can plan accordingly.

Also, for rash guards or wetsuits, you’ll want your size ready when you book. That small step makes the whole day smoother, because you’ll spend less time adjusting gear and more time actually surfing.

Lunch at a Mexican restaurant: the real mid-day reset

Lunch is included and it’s not a sad grab-and-go. You’ll be taken to a local Mexican restaurant, with options like fish tacos, shrimp, chips, sauces, and guacamole. There’s also a vegetarian option (things like salads, quesadillas, beans, and rice).

Two reasons I like this detail. First, it removes the most common vacation problem: deciding where to eat while the day is still moving. Second, it keeps the energy up for the later part of the surf time.

If you skip lunch, it’s still included in the day plan, but you won’t get a discount for skipping. In other words: if you’re already paying for the full experience, it’s usually worth eating.

If you’re an observer: what the non-surfers actually do

This is a great option if you’re traveling as a group with different comfort levels. Non-surfers can book an observer (non-surfer) spot on the transport.

The observer experience includes round-trip transportation, shaded camp with umbrellas and chairs, plus bottled water and snacks. You’ll be able to enjoy the beach while watching the surf lesson from camp, without having to sit in the sun for hours.

It’s also a good choice for kids who aren’t ready to commit yet, or for adults who want to experience Cabo beach time with the least amount of physical strain.

When weather changes the plan: rain, wind, swell, and jellyfish

Surf days depend on conditions, so you should expect flexibility. The team notes they may change location, reschedule, or cancel if conditions get rough, including rain, high swell, wind, or jellyfish.

If conditions aren’t favorable (for example wind, high waves, or a tropical storm), they offer either a date change or a refund. And if they cancel due to poor weather, you’re offered another date or a full refund.

The takeaway for you: check your forecast, but don’t build a strict timeline around this one day. Build in buffer time so weather changes don’t wreck the rest of your vacation plans.

Who this Cabo surf lesson suits best

This is a solid fit if you want:

• Beginner-friendly coaching (including first-time riders)
• A small-group feel rather than a crowded lesson
• A full day with transportation, equipment, and lunch handled for you
• A group setup where someone can watch as an observer without being left behind

It may be less ideal if:

• You only want a specific board type (like fiberglass) and don’t want to request it in advance
• You hate being outside for several hours with limited on-beach storage
• You’re looking for a quick, ultra-low-effort activity (this involves time walking and paddling)

Should you book Surf Lessons at Cerritos?

I’d book this if you want a well-run surf day that removes the biggest hassles: gear, pickup, and food. At $70 you’re not just paying for instruction—you’re paying for the whole structure that helps beginners stand up and keeps the day moving.

Book it especially if you’re visiting Cabo with family or mixed experience levels. The observer option is built in, and the coaching ratio helps keep attention on each person in the water.

If you’re picky about boards, do the small homework now. Request fiberglass when booking. And if you’re bringing kids, note the minimum age is 6 years, and the team says they aim for extra supervision when children participate.

FAQ

Do I need prior surfing experience?

No. The lesson is designed for all experience levels, including beginners who are taught enough to catch a wave.

What surf equipment is included?

You get a surf board (foam boards for safety). You also get a rash guard or wetsuit. If you require a fiberglass surfboard, you need to request that in advance.

Is lunch included, and is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. Lunch is included at a local Mexican restaurant, and there is a vegetarian option available.

Do you offer pickup from hotels and cruise ports?

Yes. There is hotel/port pickup and drop-off. Pickup is also provided via complimentary transport for hotels in the tourist corridor and Cabo San Lucas area, while some farther-out hotels meet at the standard Plaza Gali location.

Can someone in my group just watch instead of surfing?

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

What’s the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 6 years. Prices are the same for children and adults, and you should specify if children are participating.