Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach are the surf heart of Baja California Sur, offering everything from gentle beginner waves to powerful reef breaks for experts. Water temperatures stay 70-80 degrees year-round, board rentals cost $20-$30 per day, and the growing surf culture is driving 10-15% annual real estate appreciation in beachfront communities.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Cerritos Beach: Baja's best beginner spot — sandy bottom, consistent waves, surf schools from $60/lesson
- ✓ Year-round surfing with water temps 68–82 degrees — boardshorts most of the year
- ✓ Board rentals $20–$30/day, surf lifestyle costs $1,500–$3,000/month total
- ✓ Cerritos beachfront real estate has appreciated 12–18% annually since 2020
- ✓ Five distinct breaks from beginner (Cerritos) to expert-only (San Pedrito, La Pastora)
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Schedule a Free Consultation1. Todos Santos Surf Breaks: The Complete Map
The Todos Santos coast stretches 20 miles along the Pacific, with five primary surf breaks ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-only.
Unlike the Sea of Cortez side (Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo), the Pacific coast receives direct ocean swells that produce real, rideable surf. The coastline faces west-southwest, catching both south swells from summer storms and north swells from winter Pacific systems. This dual exposure means there is surfable waves nearly every day of the year at one break or another.
The breaks are spread across roughly 15 miles of coast, from Cerritos Beach in the south to La Pastora in the north. Each has a distinct character, crowd level, and skill requirement.
2. Cerritos Beach: Best Beginner Spot in Baja
Cerritos Beach is the most consistent, most accessible, and safest surf break in Baja California Sur — perfect for beginners and intermediates.
The beach faces southwest and catches virtually every swell that hits the Pacific coast. A wide, gently sloping sandy bottom creates mellow, peeling waves that break in the 2-4 foot range on average days and 4-6 feet on bigger swells. There are no rocks, reefs, or hazards in the primary break zone.
What makes Cerritos special for beginners:
- Sandy bottom: No reef, no rocks — safe wipeouts
- Consistent waves: Rideable surf 300+ days per year
- Multiple peaks: Wide beach means plenty of space for everyone
- Warm water: 72-80 degrees means boardshorts or a thin wetsuit
- Surf schools on the beach: Walk up and book a lesson any day
- Lifeguards: Present during peak hours in high season
The Cerritos Beach community has grown significantly around the surf scene, with beachfront restaurants, boutique hotels, and a growing residential neighborhood. Real estate here has appreciated 12-18% annually since 2020.
3. San Pedrito: Advanced Reef Break
San Pedrito is Todos Santos' premier advanced break — a powerful right-hand reef break that produces hollow, fast waves for experienced surfers only.
Located about 5 miles south of Todos Santos town, San Pedrito breaks over a rocky reef shelf that creates steep, barrel-capable waves in the 4-8 foot range. On the best days, it produces some of the heaviest waves in Southern Baja. The takeoff zone is shallow and the wave jacks quickly, demanding confidence and experience.
Key details:
- Type: Right-hand reef break
- Best swell: South-southwest, 4-8 feet
- Best season: June-October (south swells)
- Skill level: Advanced only — sharp reef, fast takeoff, powerful closeout sections
- Crowd: Moderate — respected local crew, be respectful of lineup hierarchy
- Hazards: Shallow reef, strong currents, sea urchins
San Pedrito has a small camping community and a couple of beachfront restaurants. The RV park at the point is legendary among Baja surf travelers.
4. Punta Lobos: The Locals' Break
Punta Lobos is a rocky point break south of Todos Santos town, known as the locals' wave and the launch point for traditional fishing pangas.
The wave breaks left off a rocky point, producing long, walling rides on south swells. It is not as powerful as San Pedrito but requires solid intermediate-to-advanced skills due to the rocky entry/exit and localized lineup. Punta Lobos has a strong local surfing community — visiting surfers should respect the pecking order and wait their turn.
- Type: Left-hand point break over rocks
- Best swell: South-southwest, 3-6 feet
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
- Crowd: Local-heavy — be respectful, patient, and friendly
- Note: This is also a working fishing beach. The pangas have right of way.
5. Los Mangos and La Pastora
Two additional breaks offer options for surfers willing to explore beyond the main spots.
Los Mangos: A seasonal beach break north of Cerritos that works best on larger south swells. When it is on, it offers uncrowded waves in a beautiful, empty setting. Access is via a dirt road — 4WD recommended during rainy season. Skill level: intermediate.
La Pastora: A remote, powerful beach break about 15 miles north of Todos Santos. Rarely surfed, incredibly beautiful, and challenging. Strong currents, no facilities, and no cell service. For experienced surfers with local knowledge only. The drive alone is an adventure on sandy, unmarked roads.
6. Water Temperatures and Gear
Water temperatures in Todos Santos range from 68 degrees in January to 82 degrees in September — warm enough for boardshorts most of the year.
| Month | Water Temp (F) | Recommended Gear |
|---|---|---|
| January-March | 68-72 | 3/2mm wetsuit |
| April-May | 72-76 | Spring suit or 2mm top |
| June-August | 76-82 | Boardshorts / rash guard |
| September-October | 78-82 | Boardshorts / rash guard |
| November-December | 72-76 | Spring suit or 2mm top |
Board rentals are available at Cerritos Beach and in Todos Santos town:
- Soft-top longboard (beginner): $20-$25/day
- Fiberglass longboard: $25-$30/day
- Shortboard: $20-$30/day
- Weekly rental: $100-$150
- Monthly rental: $250-$400
7. Surf Schools and Lessons
Cerritos Beach has multiple surf schools offering professional instruction for beginners, with group lessons starting at $60-$80 per person.
Mario Surf School: The original Cerritos surf school, operating for over 15 years. Mario and his team are certified instructors who focus on safety and fundamentals. Group lessons (90 minutes, max 4 students) cost $65 per person including board. Private lessons are $120. They also offer multi-day surf camps.
Cerritos Surf Town: A newer school with a beachfront location and a fleet of soft-top boards. Group lessons are $70/person, privates $130. They also rent boards, sell gear, and have a small cafe on the beach.
Costa Azul Surf Shop (Todos Santos town): Primarily a board rental and repair shop, but they can connect you with local instructors for private lessons at various breaks. Good resource for intermediate-to-advanced surfers looking for guidance on breaks beyond Cerritos.
Most schools operate year-round, with the busiest season being November through March when north swells and tourist season coincide.
📥 Free Download: Los Cabos Neighborhood Guide
Compare Cerritos Beach and Todos Santos with every Los Cabos community — pricing, lifestyle, and surf access.
Download Free Guide8. Surf Season Guide
Todos Santos receives two distinct swell seasons, meaning there is quality surf available 10-11 months per year.
South Swell Season (June-October): Tropical storms and hurricanes in the eastern Pacific generate consistent south-southwest swells. This is the best season overall — consistent 3-6 foot surf at most breaks, warm water, offshore morning winds, and fewer crowds. San Pedrito fires during this season. Cerritos is consistently fun. This is prime time for surf-focused trips.
North Swell Season (November-March): North Pacific storms send powerful northwest swells to the coast. These swells are larger (4-10+ feet) but less consistent. Cerritos handles the north swells well, turning them into manageable waves. San Pedrito can be too big and closeout-prone during major north events. This season coincides with peak tourist season, so expect more crowds at Cerritos.
Transition Months (April-May): The lull between seasons. Smaller, less consistent surf. Good for beginners at Cerritos, but advanced surfers may find it flat. Great time for exploring, as the weather is perfect and crowds are minimal.
9. How Surf Culture Drives Real Estate Values
The surf lifestyle has been the primary driver of real estate growth in Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach, with beachfront properties appreciating 10-18% annually.
The pattern is familiar to anyone who has watched surf towns evolve globally — from Byron Bay to Nosara to Taghazout. Surfers discover a wave, a small community grows, restaurants and shops follow, then real estate investors recognize the lifestyle premium and prices rise.
Todos Santos and Cerritos are in the acceleration phase of this cycle:
- Cerritos beachfront lots: Were $50,000 in 2015, now $200,000-$400,000
- Cerritos homes: $250,000-$800,000 depending on proximity to beach
- Todos Santos town homes: $300,000-$1,200,000
- Todos Santos desert lots: $60,000-$150,000
- Annual appreciation (2020-2025): 10-18% for beachfront, 8-12% for town
The Hotel San Cristobal (a luxury boutique hotel) put Todos Santos on the international travel map. The growing restaurant scene (Benno, Jazamango, Taller) attracts food-focused travelers. And the surf scene provides the daily-life appeal that turns visitors into residents.
10. Living the Surf Life: Monthly Costs
A surf-focused lifestyle in Todos Santos or Cerritos costs $1,500-$3,000 per month, making it one of the most affordable surf destinations in North America.
| Expense | Budget | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (studio/1BR near beach) | $800-$1,000 | $1,200-$1,500 |
| Groceries | $300-$400 | $400-$600 |
| Dining out | $150-$250 | $300-$500 |
| Transportation | $50-$100 | $100-$200 |
| Board rental/gear | $50-$100 | $100-$200 |
| Utilities/internet | $80-$120 | $100-$150 |
| Total | $1,430-$1,970 | $2,200-$3,150 |
Compared to surf towns like Santa Cruz ($4,000+/month), Nosara ($2,500+), or Byron Bay ($3,500+ AUD), Todos Santos delivers premium waves at a fraction of the cost.
11. Plan Your Todos Santos Surf Trip
Whether you are a beginner looking for your first wave or an experienced surfer relocating to Baja, Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach offer an exceptional surf lifestyle. Start with our Todos Santos Real Estate Guide to explore property options, or dive deeper into the Cerritos Beach community for beachfront living details.
Ready to make Baja's Pacific coast your home? Contact our team for surf-lifestyle property options in Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach. For daily surf forecasts, check Surfline's Cerritos Beach report. The Los Cabos Tourism Board provides visitor information for the Pacific coast region.
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Contact Us TodayFrequently Asked Questions
Is Cerritos Beach good for beginner surfers?+
Yes. Cerritos Beach is the best beginner surf spot in all of Baja California Sur. The wide sandy beach produces gentle, rolling waves that break consistently in the 2-4 foot range. The sandy bottom eliminates reef and rock hazards. Multiple surf schools operate on the beach with lessons starting at $60-$80 for a 90-minute group session including board rental.
What is the best surf season in Todos Santos?+
Todos Santos has two surf seasons. South swells (June-October) deliver consistent 3-6 foot waves ideal for intermediate surfers. North swells (November-March) bring bigger, more powerful waves from 4-10+ feet, best for experienced surfers. Cerritos works year-round for beginners. Advanced breaks like San Pedrito are best during south swell season.
How much does it cost to live the surf life in Todos Santos?+
A surf-focused lifestyle in Todos Santos costs $1,500-$3,000 per month. This includes rent ($800-$1,500 for a studio or 1-bedroom near the beach), food ($400-$600), transportation ($100-$200), and surf-related expenses ($100-$200 for board rental, wax, and gear). Buying a small property near Cerritos starts at $200,000.
Can you swim at Todos Santos beaches?+
Caution is needed. Most Todos Santos beaches have strong currents, shore break, and undertow. Cerritos Beach is the safest for swimming, especially at the south end near the surf schools. Beaches like San Pedrito, Punta Lobos, and La Pastora are dangerous for swimming but excellent for surfing. Always check conditions with locals before entering the water.
How much does a surf lesson cost at Cerritos Beach?+
Group surf lessons at Cerritos Beach cost $60 to $80 per person for a 90-minute session including board rental. Private lessons run $120 to $130. Multi-day surf camps are also available. Board rentals without lessons cost $20 to $30 per day for soft-top longboards and $25 to $30 for fiberglass boards. Weekly and monthly rental discounts are common.
Do I need a wetsuit for surfing in Todos Santos?+
A full wetsuit is not needed year-round. From June through October, boardshorts and a rash guard are sufficient with water temperatures of 76 to 82 degrees. From November through March, a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended when water drops to 68 to 72 degrees. Spring suit or 2mm top works for the transition months of April, May, November, and December.
Is Todos Santos a good place to buy surf real estate?+
Yes. Cerritos Beach properties have appreciated 12 to 18 percent annually since 2020, driven by surf tourism and lifestyle demand. A two-bedroom casita near Cerritos starts at $250,000 to $350,000. Beachfront lots that sold for $50,000 in 2015 now command $200,000 to $400,000. The area is in the acceleration phase of a surf-town real estate cycle similar to Byron Bay or Nosara.
Aaron Cuha
Real Estate Advisor & Los Cabos Market Expert
Real estate advisor and founder of Living In Cabo. 15+ years helping families navigate complex real estate decisions. Strategic partner with Ronival — Baja's largest brokerage.
