Cerritos Beach: Baja California Sur. A surf-born community

Cerritos has become one of the most talked-about areas on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, and it all starts with the wave. Locals will tell you it’s one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. Over the past 30 years, there have only been a handful of times when there were no waves, which makes it a true rarity. Cerritos benefits from both north and south swells, meaning there are always rideable waves, whether you’re a beginner learning on clean, small rollers or a seasoned surfer chasing massive winter swells that can reach 20–30 feet. It’s not the best-shaped wave in the world, but its reliability is unmatched, and that consistency is what has made Cerritos such a hub for the surfing lifestyle.

The surf culture here has shaped the community. Thirty years ago, Cerritos was little more than a taco stand and a single restaurant, with a handful of surfers camping in trailers and renting boards. It was one of the only places on the Baja Sur coast where you could teach surfing year-round, which led to the first surf schools being established; Mario Surf School. From that foundation, the area grew slowly and organically for decades, with small waves of visitors finding their way here. But then the pandemic hit, and everything changed. While much of the world shut down, Mexico stayed open, and Cerritos, like Cabo and San José, was suddenly “discovered” by people looking for a place to escape restrictions. Many came for a few weeks or months and ended up staying for good.

That wave of new residents and investors transformed Cerritos into one of the most successful real estate markets in Baja. What once seemed like Todos Santos’ role—to be the dominant hub of the Pacific side—shifted toward Cerritos, largely because of the beach and the lifestyle it inspires. Now you see cafés, bars, and boutique businesses springing up, almost all tied in some way to surf culture. It’s not an exaggeration to say that 95% of the people living in Cerritos either surf themselves or are connected to surfing through family or friends. The wave became the anchor for an entire community.

Development followed. Those who had the foresight to buy land 15–20 years ago, when prices were low and demand was limited, suddenly found themselves sitting on highly valuable property. What was once a remote surf village now hosts ambitious projects like Ananta Baja Living, a 27-unit condo complex, with more in the pipeline. Developers from inland Mexico are partnering with local landowners to bring in a new level of design and scale, while still trying to maintain the vibe that made Cerritos unique in the first place.

What makes Cerritos fascinating is that its rise wasn’t planned—it happened organically, year by year, and then all at once during COVID. Today it stands out as a rare place where lifestyle and real estate intersect so clearly: the beach and the wave come first, and the community and development have grown up around them. That’s why Cerritos feels different —it’s not just about building homes, it’s about building a surf-driven culture that has quietly become one of the region’s strongest markets.

Buyer and Developer Perspectives

Cerritos presents a fascinating mix of pros and cons. For someone coming to buy a condo or house, the biggest advantage is the lifestyle. Cerritos is one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world, meaning the beach is alive year-round and the community that has formed around it is centered on surf, wellness, and a laid-back coastal vibe. Buyers can choose between building their own home on raw land or purchasing a condo for a more turnkey experience. Condos in particular make sense for part-time residents since they’re easier to maintain, can be rented out when not in use, and have professional property managers available. The challenge for buyers, however, is that Cerritos is still very small—only a few hundred residents—so amenities are limited, and building, while straightforward, requires patience, commitment, and being present for the process. Infrastructure is improving, but it isn’t at the level of Cabo or La Paz, and buyers who expect big-city convenience might find themselves adjusting to a slower, more rural pace.

For developers, the opportunity is huge but different. Cerritos is experiencing strong demand, fueled especially by the influx of people who discovered the area during COVID and never left. Land purchased 15–20 years ago for very little is now highly valuable, and new developments like Ananta Baja Living are showing that boutique condo projects can thrive here. But the challenge is that Cerritos doesn’t want to replicate Cabo’s high-rise hotels or dense resort vibe. Local zoning (through the PDU in Todos Santos and Cerritos) is very restrictive, limiting buildings to two stories, which forces growth to remain horizontal and low-density. That means projects must be carefully planned, often on smaller scales, and with sensitivity to the community. Another factor is that the majority of developers in the area are still foreigners—Americans and Canadians who see the potential—while the community itself is about 90% local. Balancing foreign-driven development with local character is key to keeping Cerritos authentic.

In short, for buyers the pro is lifestyle and investment potential, with the con being slower infrastructure and fewer conveniences. For developers, the pro is rising demand and strong value appreciation, while the con is stricter zoning, smaller-scale projects, and the need to preserve Cerritos’ unique surf-town vibe rather than overbuilding. Both sides, though, benefit from the fact that Cerritos is still early in its growth story—small enough to feel authentic, yet big enough to attract attention and sustainable real estate opportunities.

The Wave and Beyond

If you’re planning a Baja surf trip with friends and you want both waves and community, Cerritos is one of the best spots to recommend. For beginners, it’s hands down the easiest and friendliest beach to learn how to surf in Baja. Unlike San José del Cabo or East Cape breaks, where the waves are more demanding and require stronger fitness, Cerritos offers a forgiving setup—gentle inside waves where you can always touch the bottom, instructors close by, and safe, sandy conditions. You don’t even need to be a strong swimmer to start here. At the same time, if you’re an experienced surfer, Cerritos has the consistency that sets it apart from most surf destinations: if other beaches are flat or blown out, Cerritos almost always has something to ride.

Beyond the waves, Cerritos has evolved into a community that blends surf culture with growing amenities. There are more surf schools, beachfront restaurants, and a welcoming vibe where visitors and locals mix easily. You’ll find volleyball nets set up on the sand, yoga classes, and a lively but still laid-back energy that makes the beach more than just a surf break—it’s a gathering spot. The area now even hosts professional-level competitions, like the Surf Open tournament organized by the ASP. The first event drew around 5,000 people in just four days, with surf action, live concerts, yoga, and workshops, creating a festival-like atmosphere that showcased Cerritos to an international crowd.

That’s part of the charm—Cerritos isn’t just about catching waves, it’s about the community around them. From small local contests to world-class events, from cafés inland to surfboard rentals on the beach, everything revolves around surf and lifestyle. The vibe is inclusive: beginners won’t feel out of place, and pros will still find challenging days, especially in winter when the swells get huge. Cerritos has gone from a surf outpost with a taco stand to a professional, well-rounded destination that hasn’t lost its soul.

So whether you’re traveling with friends to learn, improve, or just be part of a surf scene that’s approachable and fun, Cerritos is the place. With Mario Surf School and other local instructors, you can count on safe, professional guidance. Add to that good food, friendly people, and the guarantee of waves, and it’s easy to see why Cerritos is becoming one of the must-visit surf spots in Baja California Sur.

Contact Us
Alejandro Donnadieu
+52 (669) 149 9257
alejandro@caborealestate.com