Top Guanacaste and Northwest Surfing Lessons

Enjoy the waves of Tamarindo with our passionate surf team. We combine years of teaching experience with a lifelong love of surfing to offer fun, safe and effective classes for all ages and levels. Whether you’re on the board for the first time or want to perfect advanced techniques, we tailor each lesson to your goals, always providing patience, energy and authentic local knowledge. Learn in the warm waters of one of Costa Rica’s most iconic beaches, with classes available in Spanish and English. Choose from private, group or family sessions — all with high-quality equipment included. Book today and let us turn your Tamarindo vacation into an unforgettable surfing experience!

There’s a good reason why Tamarindo is known as a top surf destination for beginners. In just one lesson, you can pop up on your board and ride a wave when you take a private or group lesson. Or, even upgrade to a 3-day mini-surf camp—the choice is yours when you book. No matter what you choose, hang easy knowing that all equipment and a qualified instructor are included with all packages.

A surf lesson with us at Tamarindo Beach is a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. We offer surf lessons and rentals that are tailored to your level of surf experience. Your comfort and safety in the water are our top priority. We offer expert knowledge of the region, the beach and waves that can only be provided through native, local instruction based on a lifetime of local experience. We offer lessons in English and in Spanish. Tamarindo beach hosts a world class learning wave that is perfect for everyone from beginners on a soft top board, to more advanced short boarders and everything in between. We work with all ages and ability levels. We’ll customize your lesson to suit your individual needs based on your ability level. We love to teach children, teenagers, adults and special needs surfers. Julia is a NY state certified Bilingual Special Education teacher and Mario has over 17 yrs of local surf instructing experience! We make a great dynamic team!

Learn how to hang ten with this beginner surf lesson in Guanacaste. Instructors choose surf sites based on the current swell and tide conditions, finding the best breaks for successful learning. Students will learn how to paddle and take control of the surfboard. There is a maximum of 4 guests per instructor allowing for personalized attention.

Learn how to navigate Tamarindo’s waves during this roughly 1.5 hour surf lesson. Choose the group size that works for your budget, with private, small-group, and larger group options. Practice paddling, popping up, and riding with guidance from your instructor. More experienced surfers can also practice their technique by surfing alongside an instructor.

Learn to surf in Tamarindo at a school that teaches in a holistic manner. The instructors will assess your needs to see what you need to become a better surfer, and continue to improve and become better with further lessons. You will start with a digital presentation to understand the concepts, and go from there to your individual lesson.

With Tamarindo Surf & Tours you'll have two hours of fun living the local, Costa Ricain surf experience you've been dreaming about. Your instructor will give you plenty of instruction and tips both in and out of the water for you to get very good chances of catching plenty of waves. We guarantee you will enjoy your lesson with us. Surfing is all about having fun and living in the moment, and that is our number one goal for you. - Lockers, showers, bathroom and changing room available. - Lessons are available in English, and Spanish. - You can easily meet your instructor at our surf shop Tamarindo Surf & Tours. - Surfboards and rash guards are provided, so there's no need to rent them. - This experience is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and children are welcome. - Your guide will be informative, friendly, and professional. Come catch some waves and make unforgettable memories in Tamarindo!

We are local Costa Rican surfers who love the ocean and love giving back. We want you to leave here with the biggest smile and the best stories to take back home. We love our job and we want you to feel how special Tamarindo really is! Our 20+ years of experience gives us an understanding of how to approach the different levels of skill and confidence. The ocean is an amazing place and no matter where you are at on your journey, we are here to support you and want to help guide you to leave Costa Rica with new, lasting memories.

Surf Tamarindo Like a Local Tamarindo Beach is one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn how to surf, thanks to its consistent waves and sandy bottom. With local instructor Mao guiding you, you’ll feel safe, supported, and confident from start to finish. This is more than just a surf class — it’s an unforgettable Costa Rica experience. Perfect For First-time surfers Families with kids Couples Travelers only Teens Intermediate surfers improving technique Do not experience necessary. Just bring your energy and we’ll handle the rest.

We have 5 star reviews on all platforms. There are less than 30 ISA certified instructors in Costa Rica - Our surf director, Jairo Zuñiga, is one of them. Our staff is CPR & First Aid Certified. Our staff is lifeguard certified. We provide insurance for our guests and staff. We are registered with the local authorities and pay taxes that help our community. We are proud to be one of few places that pay a living wage to our staff. Our staff is 100% Costa Rican - you support local people and families with your experience!

SALT | Surf As Life Therapy Surf School • We offer the best experience with surf lessons for all skill levels. We personalize our lessons to suit your specific needs and experience. Whether you're brand new or intermediate we promise to take your surfing to the next level. We focus on safety, surf skills, and mindset so that you can feel confident to practice on your own. We have a small surfer to instructor ratio for more quality and chances to catch more waves. Children 7 and under are booked as a private lesson with a personal instructor for safety reasons. We host our lessons during optimal tides and conditions to ensure you have the best possible outcome in both ability and experience.

Travel from Liberia Airport to the RIU Guanacaste Hotel in style and comfort: by pre-booking an airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive with a private, air-conditioned vehicle reserved for just you and your party to take you directly to your accommodations, comfortably and efficiently.

Experience the surf of a lifetime with us! We're not just any surf school; we're committed to your growth as a surfer. Our lessons are tailored to your needs, focusing on fundamentals like popup technique, positioning, and paddling. It's not just about catching waves; it's about mastering the art of surfing. We carefully select the best times to hit the water, ensuring ideal conditions for learning and enjoyment. But what truly sets us apart is our team of local Costa Rican instructors. These surf experts have spent their entire lives riding the waves and are well-respected within the community. They bring a unique blend of expertise and playful energy to every lesson, making learning to surf an unforgettable experience. And for those picture-perfect moments, we capture stunning drone footage, so you can relive your surfing triumphs again and again. So why wait? Book your surf lesson with us today and discover the joy of surfing in paradise!

Learn how to surf like a local in Tamarindo, Costa Rica—a popular destination for hanging ten. During the lesson, you will learn the basics, including how to paddle out by yourself. Rash guards, boards, and bottled water are included. Choose to depart from either your hotel or the surf shop.

Tailored for surfers of all levels, this elite surf experience in Costa Rica offers personalized coaching from professional surfers Dean Wandevalle and Malakai Martinez. Each session adapts to the day’s best surf spots, ensuring optimal conditions for both beginners and advanced surfers. Enjoy in-water guidance, premium equipment, and an authentic connection to local surf culture. With a maximum ratio of two students per coach, participants receive focused attention and the option for video coaching and pro feedback, enhancing the learning process.

Why book this experience: Join us for a truly integral surf experience in beautiful Tamarindo! Learn to surf safely and confidently with personalized guidance, improve your skills regardless of your level, and connect deeply with the ocean. Enjoy fun, supportive lessons, gain insider tips on waves, and create unforgettable memories in Costa Rica’s stunning surf paradise.

Our local and experienced surf coaches will have you standing up and riding your very first wave, or improving your existing skills, in no time! We are experts in this area and know where to catch the best waves suited for your experience level.

Considered a hotspot for beginner surfers, Tamarindo can quickly fill up with surfers hitting the waves. Book a surf lesson in advance to make sure that you can squeeze the experience into your trip. Whether it's your first time on a board or you're just brushing up, this lesson can be catered to fit your needs with a small-group ratio of only three students per instructor.

You haven't been to Costa Rica if you haven't tried surfing! We invite you to come learn surfing at a beach that looks like a postcard. Tamarindo has excellent conditions for beginners on a daily basis. It's easy to learn here and it's easy to enjoy it. In just one lesson, you can pop up on your board and ride waves! We offer surfing lessons for all levels, for individuals and groups. You can also choose to take a 3-day mini course, or a full course of 5 days surfing. No matter what you choose, hang easy knowing that all equipment and a qualified instructor are included with all packages. - Learn surfing basics like popping up and paddling - Choose a private, group, or surf cours option - All equipment included surfboard and rash guard

If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, Costa Rica’s Playa Grande is a great place to turn that dream into reality. These 90-minute lessons are designed for beginners, so you’ll learn the best technique and etiquette from the start. Choose from group, semi-private, or private lessons, depending on how you learn best. More experienced surfers wanting to improve their skills will also benefit from private lessons.

Foil surfing is the new way to fly over the ocean. Thanks to a special board that lifts you over the water, you will slide in absolute silence, with total smoothness and speed. You don’t need previous experience – your learning is progressive, safe and designed to enjoy you from the first minute. Classes are held in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, one of the most iconic surf spots in Costa Rica, with the exclusive Pangas Beach Club as the meeting point. You will learn from Tomas Pathenay. At the age of 18, Tomas is Costa Rica’s national champion, Latin American surf champion, and current WSL World Tour competitor. Each session lasts two hours and includes the full equipment (plus Lycra and helmet). Upon completion, you will have free access to the facilities of Pangas Beach Club, with showers, lockers and its oceanfront restaurant. Quotas are limited to guarantee 100% personalized attention. Encourage yourself to live it!

We have instructors from the area which makes the experience safer and more professional We use surfboards adapted to each person either by size or weight We have a professional photo session (entry) We are on the pure Tamarindo Beach easy to locate.

We go beyond traditional surf lessons by offering a personalized experience tailored to each surfer’s skill level. Before entering the water, we provide an in-depth demonstration covering safety, wave dynamics, and proper technique to build confidence and understanding. Unlike standard lessons, our instructors stay by your side in the water, offering real-time feedback to accelerate progress. Whether you're a beginner catching your first wave or an advanced surfer refining your technique, lessons are adapted to your pace and goals. After each session, we provide snacks and electrolytes to support hydration and recovery, ensuring you leave the water feeling energized. Our mission is to create a surf experience that blends expert guidance, ocean awareness, and pure stoke, helping you make the most of every wave!

Experience surfing in Tamarindo with White Sand Surf School, where every level of surfer is welcome. What sets us apart is our focus on more than just teaching—you’ll gain the skills, safety, and confidence to surf independently. Your experienced instructors specialize in beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, tailoring each lesson to your goals. At White Sand, we believe understanding the ocean is just as important as standing on the board. That’s why we teach you how to read waves, connect with the elements, and truly feel at home in the water. Whether it’s your first wave or your hundredth, every session is designed to help you surf your best and leave the ocean stoked.