The 8 Best Surf Lessons in Costa Rica

1.Surf Lessons in Manuel Antonio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65Our pick

Meet Glen and his surf team at Playa Espadilla Norte for a two-hour lesson suited to beginners and improving surfers. Instructors such as Derek, Isaac, Sebastian, Corey, and Willie teach beach technique, water safety, paddling, and wave timing. Afterward, keep the board to practice for the rest of the day, with water and tropical fruit included.

“Had so much fun! Felt safe in the water and had great tips from our instructor. Only advice : don’t skip the sunscreen!! The sun is harsh on the water”

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2.Surf Lesson + Beach day in Jaco Beach!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $52Best value

Meet Aloha Josi Surf School in Jaco for a two-hour group surf lesson shaped around the tide. You’ll get beach instruction, safety tips, a rash guard, board, sunscreen, water, and access to chairs and umbrellas. Instructors such as Giovanny, Jason, Jeyson, and Randall work with beginners and returning surfers. Pickup and professional photos are available.

“Great experience with Jason! Very professional and dedicated! Thank you so much for the class and the great time !”

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3.Stellar 3 Day Surf Package

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $360

Spend three days learning to surf at Iguana Surf in Tamarindo. Your instructor begins with a skill check, then teaches 90-minute lessons at a suitable daily time. The $360 package includes boards all week, wax, water, beach photos, and an Iguana Surf T-shirt. Instructors including Edwin, Kenny, Luca, and Oscar work with beginners and returning surfers.

“Great experience with Edwin. Highly recommend. Tasha was great in the shop. Got up on the board my first day and was a gorgeous beach.”

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4.Specialized Group Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95

Meet Alvaro and Juan at Playa Hermosa for a private 90-minute surf lesson built around safety, board skills, pop-ups, and wave practice. You’ll learn how to enter the water, read basic conditions, and improve with steady coaching. A surfboard is included, but transportation is not.

“Absolutely amazing surf lessons with Álvaro and Juan! I booked together with two friends and had an unforgettable experience. From the very first moment, we felt incredibly welcome, safe, and perfectly taken care of. They explained all the basics and the rules in the water in a clear and motivating way, which gave us a lot of confidence right from the start. Álvaro took a very individual approach, gave constant, constructive feedback, and helped us improve so quickly. The surf sessions in the lineup were an absolute highlight and so much fun. I’m already looking forward to coming back to Playa Hermosa and surfing again with Álvaro and Juan. Thank…”

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5.Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65

Meet YouAreCostaRica in Playa Grande for a two-hour private surf lesson shaped to your level. Marco and Daniel have worked with young beginners, and the lesson includes board, rash guard, safety practice, beach transport, fruit, water, lockers, and showers. Choose 7am, 10am, 1pm, or 4pm.

“Wonderful experience. Marco and Daniel were extremely helpful. My 9 year old was a natural and my 7 year old did a great job. They were patient and caring! Thank you for a great experience for first timers!”

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6.Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Meet Blue Wave Surf & Tours on Tamarindo Beach for a two-hour lesson with instructors such as Andric, Jonathan, Johnny, and Pablo. You’ll practice on land, use provided equipment, and spend most of the session in the water. Private, family, and group formats suit first-timers through more experienced surfers.

“Highly recommend! Two hours of surfing, mostly in the water, with constant feedback for improvement! I stood up 95% of the time and I don’t think I would have been able to without the emphasis on practice on land and the support given in the water!”

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7.Beginner Surf Classes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Costa Rica Explorer’s beginner surf lesson gives you about two hours in the Dominical area, with instructors such as Alex, Josue, Angel, and Jake teaching ocean safety, board control, and wave timing. Beginners usually surf Playa Dominical, while stronger surfers may go to Dominicalito. Time can change daily, and groups are capped at eight.

“Alex and Josue were amazing instructors who had a bunch of baby boomers standing up on boards in about an hour. Their professionalism and learning progression were outstanding.”

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8.Surf Lesson by South Surf Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $99

Meet instructor Josué Venegas for a private two-hour surf lesson near Dominical. He and his team teach beach safety, paddling, standing, and wave riding for all ages and skill levels. Your session includes a board, water, fruit, ten digital photos, and beach chairs with umbrellas. The beach and start time follow the tide.

“Super surf lesson - one of the best I ever had. Really enjoyed the session with Jossue & Mario.”

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