Surfing Playa Los Cerritos

Cerritos works as two waves in one. On bigger west and northwest swells the outside breaks as a right off the northern headland and runs along the rocks, then reforms as softer lefts and rights in the sheltered corner inside the point. That inside section is where the surf schools teach: a sand bottom, long rolling whitewater and small waves that rarely close out. Experienced surfers sit further out at the point, where a solid winter swell produces fast, peeling rights over rock. The best months run from November to March, with January usually the most consistent.

Spring often brings glassy mornings and mid-size waves that suit learners, while summer is smaller and less predictable, although south swells also reach the beach. East to northeast wind is offshore and the beach works on all tides, but watch for rocks near the point at low tide. Rip currents are part of this coast and strengthen with winter swell, and the southern part of the beach is more exposed and more dangerous. Winter brings a crowd of learners and visiting surfers. Water ranges from about 20 °C in spring to 28 °C in September.

The north corner keeps the action compact enough to shoot well. Standing on the sand near the rocks, you look up the line at the rights coming off the headland, with learners in the whitewater in front of you. The beach faces southwest, so the morning sun comes from behind you and lights the wave faces; by late afternoon it drops towards the ocean, backlighting the spray and setting up the sunsets the beach is known for.

A 100–400 mm lens covers the point, and a standard 24–70 mm zoom is enough for lessons in the inside whitewater. Swimming with a housing is easy on small days in the sheltered corner, which is also the place for close shots of someone standing up for the first time. Watch the currents as the swell grows. The old domed building on the cliff makes a recognisable backdrop for wide shots of the bay.

Cerritos is about 45 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas and around 15 minutes south of Todos Santos on Highway 19; Los Cabos airport (SJD) is roughly 90 minutes away. Take the signed turn-off south of El Pescadero and follow a maintained dirt road for about 3 km, heading towards the domed building on the cliff. There is a paid, attended car park, plus beachfront restaurants, board rentals and surf schools. Bring cash, as many vendors do not take cards.