Surf Lessons
Catch your first wave with a certified instructor on one of the Central Pacific's beginner-friendly beach breaks.
* Rack rates before Costa Rica's 13% VAT. Includes hotel pickup & certified bilingual guide. Book now, pay later.
The experience
This is a hands-on surf lesson on the Pacific coast, run for every level from total first-timer to experienced surfer who just wants to log a session. You do not need to bring a thing but the willingness to fall off a few times. We provide the boards, the gear, and instructors who know these breaks.
The beaches here are some of the best learning waves in Costa Rica, gentle enough for beginners and good enough to host local and national surf tournaments.
You start on the sand learning how to handle the board, read the wave, and pop to your feet, then head into the water with your instructor right beside you. Beginners spend the session in a forgiving break where the white water does most of the work, so standing up on the first day is a realistic goal.
More experienced surfers can use the time to work on technique and find the better sets. Either way, lessons are kept small and matched to your level. After a morning in the water, our Catamaran Adventure is an easy way to keep the ocean day going.
Highlights
- A lesson with a certified local instructor, in the water with you the whole time
- Beginner-friendly breaks on the Central Pacific coast
- Private or group lessons, sized to your level
- Boards and rash guards provided, nothing to bring
- All ages and abilities, from first wave to fine-tuning
- A real shot at standing up on your first session
What's included
- Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off
- Certified bilingual surf instructor
- Surfboard and rash guard
- A snack and water
What to bring
- Swimsuit worn under your clothes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- A towel and a dry change of clothes
- Short pants or board shorts
A typical day
- Tide-based hotel pickup in Manuel Antonio, Quepos, or Jacó
- Drive to the surf break
- On-the-beach lesson: board handling, paddling, and standing up
- In-water session with your instructor
- Time to keep practicing the skills you have learned
- Return drive to your hotel
Departures & pickup
- Departs from Manuel Antonio, Quepos, and Jacó, about 3 hours total, from $93 per person.
- Lessons run on the tide, so we confirm your pickup time once your date is set.
- Group size is small, with a maximum of 16 guests per session.
Frequently asked questions
You should be comfortable in the water, but you do not need to be a strong swimmer. Instructors stay close, and lessons are in a beginner-friendly break.
Perfect, that is who these lessons are for. You start on the beach with board handling and wave timing, then move into the water with the instructor supporting you the whole time.
Any fitness level, and kids are welcome with a parent. If you can walk on the beach and paddle for a few minutes, you can surf.
Board, rash guard, and instruction for the full session. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a dry change of clothes.
There is surf year-round. The dry season (December to April) usually has cleaner conditions, but instructors work with whatever the ocean brings.
Lessons are scheduled around the tide so the waves are best for learning. We confirm your time when you book.
Ready to book Surf Lessons?
Free hotel pickup, certified bilingual guides, book now and pay later.
Prefer just your group? Take this tour private →
