Meet your professional surf instructor for a day of catching waves

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Surf lessons at Tamarindo

Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo

Learn the art of surfing in one of Central America's prime surf spots with a private lesson, then catch a wave yourself

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 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

Eric G.

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... Read more

Jason C.

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... Read more

See all reviews (6) arrow_downward

Overview

Learn to catch a wave in Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica's prime surfing spots. Enjoy a private two-hour surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo and learn the basics of surfing outside of a large group setting. With the supervision of experienced guides, surfing at Tamarindo is safe and fun! At the end of your surf lesson today, even beginners will likely be able to stand up on their surfboards and ride their first waves. You can take the rest of the day to practice riding the waves or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation on the beach.

Highlights

Learn to surf at Playa Tamarindo
Get focused 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
2 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Private group

What you'll do

Head to Playa Tamarindo, where the private lesson begins. You'll meet your guides and learn about the basics of surfing while on the sand. Then it's time to grab a board and paddle out into the waves.

Following your guide's instructions, you'll attempt to get up on your board. Most beginners are able to do so by the end of the lesson. After the two-hour class concludes, you can keep practicing on your own. Another option is to visit another surf spot in the area, like Playa Naranjo.

Note that participants must be able to swim.

Discover more active excursions in Costa Rica and other experiences in Tamarindo.

Start times

Daily

9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm

What's included

2-hour instruction
Rash Guard
Soft Top Surf Board
Professional Bilingual Instructor
Locker
Changing Room
Shower

See alternatives

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Boat Tour

(3)

Small group · 3 hours

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

(4)

Group tour · 4 hours

Soak up the sun and enjoy a sailing adventure on the Pacific Ocean! On this 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 begin silently gliding 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 delicious tropical drinks as you make your way to a tranquil bay where you can swim or snorkel. A barbecue lunch with Costa Rican dishes will be served onboard before you head back to the starting point.

Scuba Diving at the Catalina Islands

Small group · 5 hours

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.

Snorkeling or Diving at the Catalina Islands

(7)

Small group · 5 hours

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.

Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River

Small group · 6 hours

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.

Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo

(1)

Small group · 4 hours

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.

Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience (Seasonal)

(5)

Small group · 4 hours

Witness hundreds of green sea turtles coming onshore to lay their eggs. First, you'll register at the ranger station before waiting for the turtles to come onshore. Once they do, you'll observe as they dig a hole in the sand and lay between 65 to 90 eggs before covering the nest with sand to protect their offspring.

Traveler reviews

7 total ratings, 6 with reviews

5.0 out of 5

Feature ratings

Quality of Experience
5.0

Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0

Transport
5.0

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 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

Itineraries with Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach

Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 6 Days

With cascading waterfalls, idyllic beaches, and smoking volcanoes, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families. This exciting 6-day itinerary takes you to some of the country's major highlights. Hike around the towering Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, then go for a swim in Oropendola Waterfall. Then move on to the surf village of Tamarindo, where you'll learn to ride the waves during a private lesson. Finish the trip with a whitewater rafting adventure or a safari float before heading back to Liberia, where the journey comes to an end.

Relaxing Nicoya Peninsula Road Trip - 15 Days

Get ready for a laid-back beach vacation to the stunning beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Península. This slow-paced trip allows you to slow down and adjust to the Costa Rican lifestyle of pura vida in four quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Sámara and Santa Teresa.

Surf until sunset on Costa Rica's west coast

Costa Rica Surfing Adventure - 6 Days

Travel to three of the best destinations in Costa Rica to ride the waves on this 6-day trip. Start in Playa Santa Teresa, home to major surf competitions and some of the most consistent waves in the country. End the adventure in Playa Tamarindo for surf days that end with glorious Pacific Coast sunsets. You'll also have time to relax on the beach and get acquainted with the country's vast wildlife.

Discover Costa Rica: Highlights of Guanacaste - 8 Days

This eight-day itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced beach holiday, laced with organized day trips and free time by the water. Land in Liberia, the hub of Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, and head south to the popular surf town of Tamarindo Beach. Spend your days riding the waves, swimming, kayaking and snorkeling, and diving through the reefs of some of the most beautiful Pacific waters rich with exotic marine life. Bookmark day trips to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and Rio Negro Hot Springs, Las Catalinas Islands, and Capitán Island, too.

Costa Rica Honeymoon Adventure: Arenal, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, & Tamarindo - 15 Days

Enjoy a 15-day honeymoon adventure that covers several of Costa Rica’s greatest outdoor destinations. Begin in the capital city for a welcome dinner, before heading to the Arenal region for river rafting, volcano hikes, scenic waterfalls, and more. Next, go snorkeling and kayaking in the ocean on the shores of beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park. Venture into the cloud forests of Monteverde to take suspension bridges and ziplines through the greenery, followed by downtime in Tamardino Beach to surf, sail, and relish magnificent sunsets.

Turtle hatchling on the beach in Tortuguero

Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure allows you to experience the country from both coasts. It includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, remote beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to surf lessons in the Pacific.