West Side Surf School

Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero, B.C.S.

Hours

Open daily 8 a.m. - sunset

Cost

Here are costs associated with visiting West Side Surf School:

Introductory group lesson: $50 eacher/hour (4+ people)
Private lesson: $60 per hour
Surf board day rental: $20
Boogie & Skim board daily rentals: $10

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

+52 612 199 4359

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About

Whether a newbie or a seasoned surfer, any visit to Todos Santos in Baja California Sur should undoubtedly include a stop at Cerritos Beach. West Side Surf School in the heart of Cerritos Beach welcomes surfers of all levels with dynamic surf lessons No need to trek your board to the Baja peninsula as they’ve also got accessible surf and boogie board rentals.

Within the surf community, Cerritos Beach is a top destination given its calm waves and sandy beaches. Located 15 minutes south of the magical pueblo of Todos Santos, it is also one of the area’s most swimmable spots.

The family-run surf school aims to ensure that all visitors experience and appreciate all the Pacific Coast has to offer. This was actually the inspiration for the endeavor, which provides careful hands-on instruction to the art of surfing. Top off a day of surfing by sharing stories over cool drinks at Barracuda Cantina right on the beach.

Founded by Heli “Tacho” Campos-Palmera, originally from Mexico’s surfing community in Colima, West Side Surf School shares Tacho’s passion for surfing and pride in Mexico’s diverse cultures and environments. Along with his family, Tacho has successfully transformed this passion into an innovative teaching approach that combines expert instruction with fun, fostering a love for the ocean in students.

West Side Surf School: Fun Facts & Cool Features

West Side Surf School prides itself on encouraging care for the natural environment and animals that depend on it. A cool feature incorporated into all their surf lessons and adventures is a focus on ocean conservation. This instills respect for not only the waves but also marine life and the surrounding ecosystem.

Another strong feature is the use of high-quality surfboards and wetsuits. You only need to bring your towel and (environmentally safe) sunscreen. Bilingual instructors provide expert hands-on instruction, with a promise to get you up on the board and catching waves during your first lesson.

West Side Surf School is also known for its uplifting community events and often host beach clean-ups. Getting the whole family in on surf lessons, or hooking up for a beach clean-up will surely endear you to this beachside community. Meet up at Shaka’s Delicious Wood Cantina for an ice cold beverage and something tasty to eat while you share your adventures.

Including surf lessons into a Todos Santos vacation is a rewarding experience. Whether a novice or an experienced surfer, West Side Surf School offers an inviting atmosphere full of passion, knowledge, and community spirit. Sharing a love and passion for surfing is all part of the job as you experience Baja!

Getting There

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

Head southeast on Calle Juárez towards Calle de la Revolución.
Turn right onto Calle de la Revolución.
Follow the signs for Highway 19 toward La Paz.
Merge onto Highway 19 and continue for approximately 18 miles.
Take the exit for Playa Los Cerritos.
Continue straight until reaching the school’s entrance.
Address: West Side Surf School, Playa Los Cerritos, Cerritos, Mexico.

Local Tips

Bring environmentally friendly sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun.
Check the surf conditions before booking to ensure a suitable experience.
Review surf rules on their website and remain aware to other surfers while out on the water.
Consider booking lessons during weekdays for a quieter experience.
Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
The hour lesson includes use of the board for the rest of the day.

Location

Playa Los Cerritos, El Pescadero, B.C.S.

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.