Surf lessons at Tamarindo
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

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.

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

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
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

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.

Quality of Experience
They had lockers to store our items and provided rash guards and surf boards for each person in my group.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The instructors were very helpful and started with a lesson on technique before going into the water.
Yuri
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

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.

Tips for future travelers

Bring a change of clothes and flip-flops to walk to the beach from the office.

Quality of Experience
Every single wave was mine! thanks to the help of the guides.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guys really love their job, very communicative and engaging
Transport
not transportation needed
Ioannis
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

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:)

Tips for future travelers

Get the photo book package!

Quality of Experience
The organization, guides and overall experience was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Eric
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

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.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
J
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

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.

Quality of Experience
Profesional, helpful well run!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The instructors are all super helpful
Cheri
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

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 shallow, and it was aslo a great respite from the heat.

Tips for future travelers

You should some knowledge of swimming, as there is a lot of falling involved.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff

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.

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.

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.