Los Cerritos is the best-known surf beach near Todos Santos, and a guided lesson is the simplest way to get into the water with confidence. The local adventure outfitter Todos Santos Eco Adventures offers a one-hour surf lesson at the beach, led by a veteran instructor who has taught here for years. The lesson is aimed at beginners and at surfers who want a refresher, and it welcomes all ages and levels. A surfboard, a wetsuit and a rash guard are included, so you only need swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. The instructor promises that you will stand up on a wave at least briefly by the end of the hour, which is a bold claim and a useful measure of how patient and well-structured the teaching is. Los Cerritos suits learning because of its long sandy beach and consistent, rolling waves. The break is gentler than the powerful rocky points elsewhere on this coast, and on most days there are sections where beginners can paddle out without being in the way of experienced surfers. That said, the Pacific here is never entirely tame. Currents, tides and swell size change through the day and through the year, and a good instructor reads those conditions before deciding where to take you.
What a lesson usually covers
A beach briefing on safety, how to read the waves and how to lie, paddle and pop up on the board, followed by time in the water with the instructor close by pushing you into waves and giving feedback between sets. One hour is short, so expect to be tired and to remember mostly the best two or three rides. Many people book a second session on another day to consolidate what they learned.
What is included
The board, wetsuit and rash guard are provided. Transportation to and from your hotel is available for an additional fee, so ask about it when you reserve if you do not have a car. Season, schedule and group size are not fixed in advance, so confirm the meeting point, the departure time and whether the lesson is private or shared when you book.
How to prepare
Eat lightly beforehand, drink water, apply reef-friendly sunscreen and bring a hat and a dry layer for afterward. Wear swimwear that will stay on in the surf and leave jewelry at the hotel. If you have a shoulder, back or knee problem, tell the instructor before the lesson so the session can be adapted. Non-swimmers should say so at booking.
Water temperature and conditions
The Pacific here is cooler than the Sea of Cortez, which is why the wetsuit matters. Conditions vary by season and by the hour, with swell sizes changing and winds often rising in the afternoon, so morning slots are frequently the cleanest. If the surf is too big or too messy on your day, a good operator will tell you honestly and offer to reschedule rather than put you in unsafe water.
Plan around it
A lesson takes about an hour but makes for a half-day outing with transfers, a swim-free break on the sand and lunch at one of the beach cafes. After the lesson you can watch the more experienced surfers, join a sunset at the beach, or move on to Punta Lobos or a horseback ride. For friends, couples and families with confident teenagers it is one of the most memorable things to book on this stretch of the Pacific coast.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour guided surf lesson on the sand-bottom waves of Playa Los Cerritos, with board, wetsuit and rash guard provided.
Best time
Morning, when the waves are often cleaner and the sun is gentler.
How long
One hour of instruction, about half a day including transfers and a beach lunch.
Tips
Eat lightly, bring sun protection and a dry layer, and tell the instructor about any injuries or swimming limits.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time surfers and anyone who wants a confident return to the water.
- Families
- Suits older children and teenagers who swim well, and the page says all ages are welcome.
- Couples
- A fun shared first-wave experience, followed by sunset on the beach.
- Pair with
- Playa Los Cerritos, Punta Lobos and a beach lunch.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Do I need experience to take a lesson?+
No. The lesson welcomes beginners and experienced surfers, and the instructor adapts the session to your level.
What is included in the lesson?+
A surfboard, a wetsuit and a rash guard are included. Transportation to and from your hotel is available for an extra fee.
How long is the lesson?+
The instruction lasts one hour. Allow a half day if you are traveling from town and want time on the beach afterward.
Will I really stand up?+
The instructor aims to get every student up on a wave at least briefly, but results depend on conditions and your energy. Most beginners manage a few rides in an hour.
When is the best time to surf at Cerritos?+
Mornings are often cleaner, with lighter wind. Conditions change with the season and the swell, so ask your instructor or hotel on the day.
