Ask any Baja surfer where they learned, and there is a good chance the answer is Cerritos. Roughly thirty miles north of Cabo San Lucas and a short hop from Todos Santos, this long sandy-bottom break has quietly become the peninsula’s most approachable wave – gentle enough for a first lesson, consistent enough to keep advanced surfers coming back each winter.
For anyone weighing a Cerritos Beach vacation rental against a stay closer to Cabo San Lucas, the surf is often the deciding factor – few other breaks in Baja California Sur combine this kind of consistency with genuine beginner-friendly conditions.
What Makes Cerritos Different
A Beach Break Built for Beginners
Unlike the rockier breaks further south, Cerritos’ sandy bottom and gentle slope make wipeouts forgiving, which is exactly why so many first-timers choose it for their opening session. Most lessons run in the softer morning waves, before the wind picks up in the afternoon.
Winter Brings the Real Swell
From November through March, the wave grows more serious, with swells reaching up to twelve feet for surfers who want more than a lesson. Local surf reports are checked daily by regulars, and conditions can shift noticeably within the same week.
Instructors Line the Shore
Between the beginner-friendly conditions and the number of local instructors renting boards and offering lessons, Cerritos is as easy to learn at as it is to simply watch from the sand. Board rentals are typically available right on the beach, with no need to book ahead outside of peak holiday weeks.
The Rest of the Day Belongs to the Beach
Tide pools appear at low tide, boogie boards replace surfboards by afternoon, and a handful of beachfront palapas serve fresh seafood until sunset turns the whole scene gold. It is entirely possible to spend a full day here without ever leaving the sand.
Whales Pass By, Too
From December through April, gray and humpback whales migrate just offshore – often visible breaching from the sand between sets. Surfers frequently report spotting a whale mid-session during peak migration weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cerritos Beach good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Its sandy bottom, gentle slope, and abundance of local instructors make Cerritos widely regarded as one of the best beginner surf spots in Baja California Sur.
When is the best surf season at Cerritos Beach?
November through March brings the largest and most consistent swells, with waves reaching up to twelve feet during peak winter conditions.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard to Cerritos?
No. Board rentals and lessons are widely available directly on the beach, making it easy to surf here without traveling with your own equipment.
Wake Up Steps From the Break
A Ronival Vacations villa near Cerritos puts the entire experience within walking distance – board wax on the terrace, saltwater rinse before dinner, and a sunset that needs no filter.Explore our Los Cabos vacation rentals to find a villa close enough to Cerritos to make the morning surf check part of the daily routine.
