Cerritos Beach: Baja's Most Forgiving Surf Break

Cerritos Beach sits 12 minutes south of Todos Santos on Mexico's Pacific coast, and it is the rare Baja beach where you can actually swim without tempting fate. The bay curves gently around a rock point at the north end, softening the open-ocean swell into waves that beginners ride on their first morning and experts still enjoy on a good day. The sand is a distinctive orange with black volcanic swirls, and the water stays warm enough for boardshorts from June through October.

Most people base themselves in El Pescadero, a low-key farming town just inland, or in Todos Santos itself. The beach is free to access — no gate, no ticket booth, no official opening hours. Vendors rent boards and umbrellas for around 300 to 500 pesos a day, and several beachfront restaurants serve ceviche and cold beer within sight of the break.

Getting There and Getting Around

From Los Cabos Airport

The drive from SJD takes about 70 minutes via the toll road (Carretera Federal 19). Rental cars are the practical choice — the beach has no public transport link, and taxis from Cabo run expensive. Expect to pay roughly 400 to 600 pesos in tolls round-trip. Once you pass Todos Santos, watch for the signed turnoff to Playa Cerritos; the final approach is a dirt road that's fine for sedans in dry weather but rutted after rain.

From La Paz

Head south on Highway 19 through Todos Santos and continue about 20 minutes. The total drive is roughly 80 kilometers, or a little over an hour. There are no big overhead signs, so set your odometer or use offline maps — the turnoff comes up faster than you'd expect.

Parking and Access

Parking is informal and free along the beach access road, though the lot closest to the surf break fills by 10 a.m. on weekends. The south end of the beach is quieter and has more shade trees. A word of warning: the dirt road down to the sand gets soft in places, and I watched a compact car bury its front wheels in loose gravel — front-wheel drive is fine, but don't stop mid-slope.

Surfing, Swimming, and Safety

The Wave

Cerritos is a sand-bottom beach break with a rock point that knocks down the rawness of the Pacific. The inside wave is soft enough for a first pop-up; the outside holds shape for cutbacks when the northwest swell fills in. November through March is the most consistent surf season, though you'll find rideable waves most weeks year-round. Lessons run about 2 hours and cost 600 to 900 pesos including a soft-top board — the instructor-to-student ratio is typically 1:3, which is better than most Cabo operations.

Swimming

This is one of the few genuinely swimmable beaches in the region. Most people cluster toward the right side near the big yellow Hacienda Cerritos building — that's the safest zone. There is a rip current on the south end of the beach where the water pulls back out. If you feel the pull, don't fight it; swim parallel to shore until you're out of the current, then angle back in. Lifeguards are not always present, so check the flags and ask your hotel about conditions before you go in.

Who It Suits

Families with kids do well here because the sand is wide, the slope is gentle, and the swimming zone is clearly defined. Advanced surfers might find the wave a bit forgiving on smaller days, but on a solid northwest swell it offers plenty of speed. If you want a serious overhead barrel, head to San Pedrito instead — Cerritos is the learning wave, and it owns that role.

When to Go and What to Pair It With

Weather and Seasons

Water temperatures range from about 68°F in February to 82°F in August. Air temps in summer hit the low 90s, and winter mornings can be chilly at 55°F — pack a light jacket if you're surfing at dawn in January. The busiest weeks are around Semana Santa and Christmas, when the parking area overflows and the surf lineup gets crowded. September and October are the quietest months, though that's also hurricane season; check forecasts before booking.

Nearby Combinations

Cerritos pairs naturally with Todos Santos, a Pueblo Mágico 15 minutes north with galleries, the historic Hotel California, and a growing farm-to-table restaurant scene. El Pescadero has several organic farms that serve lunch — a good stop after a morning surf session. For a longer day, continue north to Punta Lobos to watch fishermen launch pangas at dawn, or drive south to Migriño for empty dunes and ATV tours. The whole loop from Cabo San Lucas, including a surf lesson and lunch, fits comfortably into 6 to 7 hours.

Where to Stay

Options range from the yellow Hacienda Cerritos (a wedding venue with dramatic views) to small boutique hotels like Cerritos Beach Hotel Desert Moon, which has a pool and free parking. Villas de Cerritos Beach offers condo-style units with kitchens, useful if you're staying a week. The beach itself has no camping, but several RV parks sit within a 5-minute walk of the sand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cerritos Beach free to visit?

Yes. There is no entrance fee and no official gate. You'll pay only for parking (free but limited), board rentals (300 to 500 pesos), or lessons (600 to 900 pesos).

Can you swim at Cerritos Beach?

It's the safest swimming beach in the immediate area, but only in the right-hand zone near the yellow hotel. A rip current runs along the south end, and lifeguards aren't always on duty. Ask locals about daily conditions.

Do you need a car to get to Cerritos?

A car is strongly recommended. There is no public bus service to the beach, and taxis from Todos Santos or Cabo are expensive and hard to find for the return trip. The drive from Todos Santos takes about 12 minutes.

What's the best time of year for surfing at Cerritos?

The most consistent swell runs November through March, when northwest groundswells light up the outside peak. Summer brings smaller, softer waves — fine for beginners but less exciting for experienced surfers.

Are there restaurants and facilities at the beach?

Several beachfront restaurants and bars operate daily, serving tacos, seafood, and drinks. Vendors rent umbrellas and lounge chairs. There are basic changing areas and portable toilets, but no formal shower facilities.