Semi-Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo

Name: Semi-Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)

5.0 (10 reviews)

Learn to surf in one of Central America's prime hotspots with this private two-hour experience.

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Lynn N.

Jan 07, 2025
The guides were so nice and we had a great time. The surf shop was excellent. Highly recommend them.

Howard L.

Jun 03, 2024
We had Keki and Moses ans instructors and they did their job to perfection. We both were surfing within 30 minutes. Iguana Surf is a must... Read more

Adam G.

Sep 20, 2023
I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and experienced this activity. I was with a private small group lesson, and we... Read more

Yuri I.

Sep 15, 2023
We did this activity as a team and it was incredible! After a short introduction I caught my first wave immediately. Thanks to amazing guides who... Read more

Ioannis K. A.

Sep 15, 2023
This was my first time surfing. The instructors took about 20 minutes to prepare/inform me about safety and technic and then we jumped in the water.... Read more

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Overview

Learn to catch a wave at one of Costa Rica's prime surfing spots with a semi-private surfing lesson at Playa Tamarindo. With the supervision of experienced guides, you'll learn the basics on the beach before heading into the surf to hear about paddling techniques and the secrets of reading the waves. Designed for a minimum of two travelers, this exhilarating experience is perfect for adventurous friends, couples, and families who want to learn a fun new skill together.

Highlights

Learn to surf (or hone your craft) at surfing haven, Playa Tamarindo
Get one-on-one attention from a private instructor
Ride your first wave by the end of the lesson
Continue practicing on your own with a rental surfboard

Know before you go

Duration
2h

Recommended for
10 years old & up

Group
Private

What you'll do

Meet your experienced instructor at the Iguana Surf headquarters, get kitted out with your rash guard and board, then head to Playa Tamarindo, where the private lesson begins. After learning about the basics and practicing on the sand, it's time to grab a board and paddle out into the salty surf. By the end of the two-hour lesson, if you're a beginner, you'll most likely be ready to stand up and catch your first waves in one of Costa Rica's prime surfing destinations. And if you're already seasoned, the one-on-one approach will help refine your skills all the more.

If you're not ready to swap the surf for land, you have the option of renting a board to practice riding the waves further or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation on the beach.

Start times

Daily

8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

What's included

Instructor
Rashguard
Surfboard
Changing room and locker
Shower

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Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach

(10)

Private · 2h

Learn to catch a wave at Playa Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica's prime surfing spots, with a private lesson to learn the basics—or hone your skills—outside of a large group setting. Under the supervision of an experienced guide, surfing at Tamarindo is suitable for both novices and seasoned surfers looking for personalized instruction. Expect hands-on support to catch and ride the waves, upgrading your skills with every attempt. Ideal for anyone seeking a fun, engaging introduction to surfing, this activity promises attentive coaching and the chance to enjoy the sport in a friendly, supportive environment.

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Boat Tour

(4)

Small group · 3h

Embark on a fascinating journey through the Tamarindo Estuary, one of the largest estuaries in Guanacaste Coast and part of Las Baulas National Park. Glide along the river in a comfortable open-air boat, exploring narrow canals and observing diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, monkeys, and iguanas. With an experienced guide, learn about the local flora and fauna, specifically the famous Guanacaste trees, and listen to the sounds of howler monkeys above. Note that departure times vary based on the tide.

Catamaran Sailing Adventure

(5)

Group tour · 4h

Soak up the sun and enjoy a sailing adventure on the Pacific Ocean! On this group excursion, you'll depart from a landing dock in one of three locations: Playa Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, or Playas del Coco. Board a catamaran and set off along the Gold Coast past pristine bays, white-sand beaches, and tropical jungles. You may spot dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and breaching whales. The crew will serve tropical drinks as you make your way to a tranquil bay where you can swim or snorkel, and a barbecue lunch with Costa Rican dishes will be served onboard before you head back to the starting point.

Catalina Islands Scuba Diving

Small group · 5h

Explore an underwater world on this diving tour off the Catalina Islands! From a local dive shop in Playa Flamingo, you'll embark on a 40-minute ride to a group of volcanic islands and rock formations that rise above the ocean's surface in front of Flamingo Bay. If you're a beginner, your lesson begins now—find out how to breathe underwater, make communication signals, and more—before attempting two open-water dives. Certified divers can jump right in! Dive below the surface of the indigo waters (to a maximum depth of about 60 feet or 18 meters) to discover a menagerie of exotic wildlife congregating around colorful coral reefs. You'll see quickly why this is a world-famous diving location! You might spot white tip reef sharks, giant manta rays, stingrays, eagle rays, jewel and green morays, butterfly fish, and schools of damsels, jacks, and grunts. In the right season, you can even sometimes hear humpback whales singing.

Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River

Small group · 6h

Embark on a Safari-style tour of the Corobicí River with a naturalist guide. Spend approximately 2 hours floating down the river on a raft boat, admiring the diverse ecosystem and spotting a wide variety of animals and plants. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, the tour's main highlight.

Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands

(13)

Small group · 5h

Discover an underwater world on this half-day snorkeling tour off the Catalina Islands! From a local dive shop in Playa Flamingo, you'll take off on a diving boat for a 40-minute ride to a group of volcanic islands and rock formations that rise above the ocean's surface in front of Flamingo Bay. Plunge below the surface of the indigo waters to find an undersea menagerie of exotic wildlife congregating around colorful coral reefs. You'll see quickly why this is a world-famous diving location! You might spot giant manta and devil rays, sea turtles, parrotfish, moray eels, and much more. In the right season, you can even sometimes hear humpback whales singing.

Palo Verde National Park Safari Cruise

(7)

Small group · 4h

Discover the natural wonders of Palo Verde National Park on a safari cruise along the Tempisque River. As you navigate the internationally recognized wetlands, white-faced capuchin monkeys swing from the tree branches onshore as caimans and crocodiles patrol the waters. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, you may also spot the largest bird in Costa Rica, along with iguanas and a myriad other bird species, like the osprey. The adventure concludes with a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local ranch.

Private Wetlands Safari & Rum Tasting with Lunch

Private · 1h 30m

Boat along the private waterways of Hacienda El Viejo, followed by a rum distillery tour and a tasting. You'll first cruise along the Río Tempisque, where there's a great chance of spotting endemic wildlife, including crocs! Then, it'll be time to visit the family-operated estate's distillery and rickhouse for a look-see and to learn about the rum production process, from sugar cane juice extraction to distillation to aging. The fun ends with a tasting of aged Sabandí rum in the form of a cocktail as you lunch on traditional, home-cooked fare. This activity is ideal for nature and rum fans eager to explore Costa Rica's Blue Zone.

Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo

(2)

Small group · 4h

Adventure at a family-owned "hacienda" or ranch where you will enjoy a spread of tropical fruits and fresh coffee or tea. From there, you will embark on a private boat safari of the wetlands, where you'll encounter an abundance of tropical birds, reptiles, and monkeys. You'll then return to land for a rum tour and tasting, where you'll learn about the process of creating high-quality rum from pure sugar cane and end with a delicious cocktail and stunning views of exotic birds along the banks of the lagoon.

Please note that transportation is not included, but can be added for an additional cost.

Self-Guided visit to Playa Conchal - The White Shell Beach

(1)

Self guided · 4h

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Playa Conchal, renowned for its unique seashell beach and turquoise waters. This beach, which is made up of crushed shells instead of sand, is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! Start your day early or visit during the shoulder season for a crowd-free experience.

Traveler photos

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Traveler reviews

10 total ratings, 8 with reviews

5.0

Feature ratings

Quality of Experience
5.0

Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0

Transport
5.0

Lynn N.

Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2025

The guides were so nice and we had a great time. The surf shop was excellent. Highly recommend them. Read more

Howard L.

Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024

We had Keki and Moses ans instructors and they did their job to perfection. We both were surfing within 30 minutes. Iguana Surf is a must do. Read more

Adam G.

Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and experienced this activity. I was with a private small group lesson, and we had three instructors, and everybody in our group could get up and catch waves! The guides are great and very helpful to catch waves. Read more

Yuri I.

the Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

We did this activity as a team and it was incredible! After a short introduction I caught my first wave immediately. Thanks to amazing guides who really love what they do. Read more

Ioannis K. A.

the Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

This was my first time surfing. The instructors took about 20 minutes to prepare/inform me about safety and technic and then we jumped in the water. The guides were all super friendly giving me feedback after every attempt to surf:) Read more

Eric G.

San Mateo, CA | Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

I took the Private Surf Lesson and enjoyed it so much I came back for the group lesson (slightly less cost) and then three other days to just rent a board (you get 50% off if you take a class). I kept coming back because the staff was incredible and treated me like family. It is very professional and a great place to take your first surf lesson. Read more

Jason C.

San Carlos, CA | Reviewed on Sep 10, 2023

Was super fun! The instructors were all very helpful to make sure that you were able to stand up on your first wave. I wouldn't have been able to do that with out their help. Read more

Cheri A.

Simi Valley, CA | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2023

I had such a fun time with this. The lesson was actually at Langosta Beach, not Tamarindo, which is a short ways away. This worked out fine as the beach is sandier and better for beginners. It turned out I was the only one in the group, so it was really a private lesson. I was able to get up my first try, and I am 68 years old. What a kick. The instructor guides you out on the board, then pushes you onto a wave, so it is not too difficult. Staying up is the harder part. The water was warm and... Read more

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Semi-Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo

Learn to surf in one of Central America's prime hotspots with this private two-hour experience.

Overview

Highlights

Know before you go

What you'll do

Start times

What's included

Like what you see?

See alternatives

Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Boat Tour

Catamaran Sailing Adventure

Catalina Islands Scuba Diving

Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River

Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands

Palo Verde National Park Safari Cruise

Private Wetlands Safari & Rum Tasting with Lunch

Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo

Self-Guided visit to Playa Conchal - The White Shell Beach

Traveler photos

Traveler reviews

Like what you see?

Itineraries with Semi-Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach

Tamarindo Experiences

Costa Rica Experiences

Best of Tamarindo

Trip Planning Essentials