O n this very special family adventure in Mexico's Baja Peninsula, your family will have an opportunity to learn how to surf from Mario, our energetic guide who has developed his own top-notch system of teaching the tough but rewarding water sport. He guarantees that you'll get up on the board, and after four extensive lessons, you may have found yourself a new lifelong hobby!

On every day of the trip except one, you'll have a morning or afternoon surf lesson, learning something new each time. During the first lesson, Mario and his team of instructors will host a practice session on the beach for you and your family, helping you master all the moves before you head into the water to give it a shot. Each lesson after that will lead you back into the water to review what's been taught so far and to build on your recently acquired skills, and the instructors will focus on helping everyone in the family catch their first waves all by themselves. You may even have to move to shorter, narrower boards for a more advanced ride. 

For those who already have some experience with surfing, the waves at Los Cerritos break in sections, so you can always paddle farther out to ride some larger waves! 

In addition to surfing, we'll also have chances to ride on horseback on a vast stretch of pristine beach, visit and volunteer with the children of the non-profit Palapa Society, and swim with sea lions at Los Islotes in the famed Sea of Cortez. 

This Surfari Baja Surf Camp is an active family's dream come true, with abundant activity to keep everyone entertained in a unique and beautiful natural setting. Kids and adults alike will have a blast learning to surf in sun-soaked Baja! 

2012 Dates

Day 1 – Depart home / Arrive Cabo San Lucas

Welcome to Mexico’s Baja! Bordered by both the wild Pacific Ocean and the protected Sea of Cortez, this finger-like desert peninsula is a haven for exotic plants, birds and animals (both terrestrial and marine) and home to friendly and welcoming people. Whether vacationing with teens or with youngsters—the Baja offers unexpected delights and adventures for all ages. After your arrival into Cabo, transfer to Todos Santos, check into your accommodations at Los Colibris, and prepare for a spectacular family adventure! 

Days 2 and 3 – Todos Santos

An undiscovered gem, Todos Santos is back-dropped by the Sierra de Laguna Mountains and rimmed with gorgeous beaches and lush gardens. It’s an official Pueblo Mágico—one of Mexico’s 36 off-the-beaten-path towns known for their “magical” ambiance. During your time here, you and the kids will have the chance to make local friends and fully explore this fascinating, less-traveled area—on foot, by horseback, and in the water. Of course, you'll also be learning to surf using our guide Mario's tried and true method! 

First Los Cerritos surfing lesson A spectacular crescent of sand, Los Cerritos is one of the best surf breaks in Baja. And with a smooth, sandy bottom and small waves breaking close to shore it is the perfect place to introduce beginners to the joy of surfing. (Already more advanced? Never fear! Part of the beauty of Los Cerritos is that the waves break in sections, so that more advanced surfers can move further out and ride larger waves - great for all comers!) This morning Mario and his crew of instructors will impart the secrets of MIST - Mario's Infallible Surf Technique. Yep, that's right, you will learn to surf - guaranteed! You'll get the motion and moves down in a practice session on the beach, then head out for your first session on the waves.  If you follow the rules of MIST you'll catch your first wave in no time - earning full bragging rights! Horseback ride on the beach Take a horseback ride along an endless ribbon of sand—we’ll have it virtually to ourselves. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is... our riding instructor will make sure you have a wonderful time. Watch for some of the local wildlife. Dinner at Ataxcon   Enjoy a terrific family-style Mexican dinner at the restaurant Ataxcon, and listen as the owners give you the background of each dish. Los Cerritos surfing round 2   We’ll head back to the beach with Mario and his crew to start building on the basic skills we required yesterday. Today the instructors will focus on helping you to catch your first wave all by yourself, teaching you how to get the feel of when and how to paddle to catch the wave at the right time. If you're getting the hang of it Mario might start moving you to shorter, narrower (faster, harder to ride) boards to keep moving your skills along. Remember, by the end of the week you're going to be a Baja Surfer Dude/Dudette! Palapa Society volunteer visit   Visit the Palapa Society, a non-profit civil organization founded to help young Mexican children learn to speak English and develop strong, friendly links between them and the English-speaking people living in the area and throughout the world. The people at the Palapa Society believe that children are the most precious resource in the world, and they are committed to improving the quality of their lives. Your family will have the chance to speak with these children and work with them, proving to your kids that no border can hinder true friendship and solidarity.

Day 4 – Todos Santos

We'll take a 90-minute drive today from Todos Santos to La Paz, where we'll board a boat that will take us to a permanent sea lion colony!

Swim with sea lions at Los Islotes   As our excursion boat approaches the cluster of rocky islets known as Los Islotes, listen for the noisy bark of sea lions. Grab some snorkel gear provided onboard and jump in! A playful whiskered friend just might suddenly pop up to greet you eye to eye—your own personal welcome! He’ll dive and disappear just as quickly, spinning round you and begging you to follow suit. Imagine the delight of your kids as they watch the underwater antics of these curious creatures—surely a magical moment they’ll be talking about for a long time to come.

Days 5 and 6 – Todos Santos

Casual and relaxing, Todos Santos sits in the shadows of the Sierra de Laguna Mountains, surrounded by gorgeous beaches and lush gardens. It’s an official Pueblo Magico—one of Mexico’s 36 off-the-beaten-path towns whose harmonious blend of culture, history, and natural environment lend it a “magical” ambiance.

Los Cerritos surfing lessons 3 and 4 The breaks are calling us back again! We'll review everything we've learned so far and those who are ready will start moving out to somewhat larger waves. Mario's expert instruction and energetic spirit just may turn everyone into seasoned pros! Then we'll enjoy a final day of family surfing – this is our active families’ chance to show off everything they’ve learned and ride some nice waves! Don't forget the camera - you're not believe how good you're going to look hanging 10 in the Baja surf! Farewell dinner at Michael's the Gallery Get together with your family and all your new friends for a tasty farewell dinner prepared by Todos Santos artist, sculptor and chef Michael Cope.

Day 7 – Todos Santos to Cabo San Lucas / Arrive home

After a fond farewell, a Thomson Family Adventures representative will help with your transfer to the airport in Cabo San Lucas for your international flight home. Hasta luego...! 

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Baja?