Mario Surf School

About

Catching a wave while vacationing in Todos Santos on Mexico's Baja peninsula is the perfect getaway adventure. Mario Surf School on nearby Cerritos Beach has been meeting this surf desire since 2008. It is a great spot for new and experienced surfers, providing private and group lessons, multi-day lessons, “surfari” excursions, and rentals at its own Pescadero Surf Shop. In addition to surfboards, you will also find opportunities for SUP and kayaking experiences.

Cerritos Beach is just 15 minutes from Todos Santos. The smooth sandy bottom and calm waves make it one of the most swimmable spots around. It is renowned as one of the best beaches on the Baja where you can learn to surf. The location is ideal, offering consistent, beginner-friendly waves and spectacular ocean views. Surfing aficionados of all levels will appreciate the great surf conditions on this part of the Baja.

Founded by owner Mario Becerril in 2008, Mario Surf School is set apart by its commitment to personalized instruction. Are you new to surfing? Cerritos Beach is the perfect place for your first surf lesson. Are you a seasoned surfer? This will help you maximize and refine your surf skills with great beach conditions. Traveling with friends and family? Private group surf lessons make for an epic shared vacation experience. Grab cool drinks and a bite to eat at Shaka's Delicious Wood Cantina afterward to retell the thrills and spills of the day.

Mario Surf School: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Cerritos Beach outside Todos Santos has great waves for year-round surfing. Use of wetsuits is recommended from February to June when temperatures get around 72 degrees F. Mario Surf School includes the cost of wetsuits in their lesson price, but feel free to bring your own. Otherwise, just plan to bring your bathing suit, towel, water, sunblock, and good vibes.

The instructors at Mario Surf School are bilingual, making lessons accessible to a wider range of people of all ages. All lessons and surfari excursions include bilingual staff to ensure language barriers won’t hamper the surfing journey.

Not sure what size surfboard you need? No worries, Mario Surf School boasts an impressive collection of boards, available for all skill levels. From longboards perfect for beginners to high-performance shortboard, there's something for every surfer.

Classes at Mario Surf School include not just surfing but also important ocean safety education. Participants learn about wave dynamics, rip currents, and crucial environmental conservation practices. It’s all about becoming part of a community that values and respects the ocean.

More than just lessons, Mario Surf School provides a connection to the local culture and ideal sea conditions. Hopping on a surfboard is a great addition to any Todos Santos getaway.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Mario Surf School from Todos Santos:

Start by heading south on Calle Benito Juárez toward Miguel Hidalgo.
Turn right onto Calle Miguel Hidalgo, continue to merge onto MX-19 South.
Follow MX-19 South for approximately 50 minutes.
Once you reach KM 64, turn right towards Cerritos Beach.
Continue straight until you reach Mario Surf School, which is located on Playa Los Cerritos, 23361, El Pescadero, B.C.S., Mexico.

Local Tips

Arrive early in the morning for the best surf conditions and to avoid crowds.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the ocean.
Bring cash as some local eateries and shops might not accept cards.
Check the tide schedules to time your lessons with optimal wave conditions.
Wear a rash guard to protect against any potential skin irritation from the surfboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Todos Santos?

The closest airports to Todos Santos are the San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) and the La Paz International Airport (IATA) in Baja California Sur. Each of these airports is about 1.5 – 2 hours driving distance from Todos Santos.

Several shuttle and private car services provide transportation to Todos Santos from the airport, though it’s best to book ahead. Don’t hesitate to consider renting a car as roads are safe and well-maintained. You’ll come across tolls (casetas) from San Jose del Cabo so it’s recommended to have small bills in pesos on hand (about 100 pesos).

Highway 19 from San Jose del Cabo to Todos Santos extends up the Pacific coastline and is a beautiful drive, while Highway 1 from La Paz (that turns into 19) provides a winding adventure through the rugged landscape linking the two coasts.

Renting a car in San Jose del Cabo or La Paz is a great option as this offers you the freedom to explore area beaches more easily, hop up to El Triunfo or over to Los Barriles, or drive between Baja California Sur’s two largest cities.

What's the best way to spend one day in Todos Santos?

Start the day off with the rich aroma of coffee from Chiapas and freshly baked bread at La Esquina. As its name states, this is “the corner” of Todos Santos for a delicious meal any time of day. With an abundance of locally produced fruits and vegetables, La Esquina has over 16 years of experience serving up some of the best breakfasts in the region. Take your time and enjoy the open-air patio as all dishes are made to order.

Continue your journey with a stroll along Calle Benito Juarez, renowned for colorful papel picado overhead that complements the inviting art galleries and handcrafts lining the street. While along Calle Juarez, stop for a picture at the colorful Todos Santos sign right across from the Todos Santos Mission Church. Venture on to the somewhat mistakenly infamous Hotel California for a cool drink at what centuries ago was the first bar to serve ice-cold beer in town.

Take the afternoon to enjoy the waves, surf, and tranquil beaches in and around Todos Santos. Join a surf class at Cerritos Beach and get ready to hit the waves at one of Mexico’s best surf spots. For true adventurers, hike down the lush jungle-like entrance to Palm Beach (Playa San Pedro) that opens out to nearly virgin sands and one of the most picturesque spots on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

After a day with sand between your toes, wind down with the authentic essence of Mexican cuisine at Los Adobes de Todos Santos. Fresh herbs cultivated in their own garden is only one of the unique touches to this idyllic culinary destination. Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach in El Pescadero are all about art, so you can bet there’s a vibrant, happening music scene to wrap up the night. From banda to reggae, trop-rock to jazz, and guitar strumming to salsa, you will surely find your groove in Todos Santos.

Mario Surf School

Hours

Cost