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Beginner Surf Lessons In Tamarindo - Shared or Private

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
High interest
Booked 2 times today.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Kimberly_S ·
Dec 2025
The instructors were amazing. They all fit for each of our family members. Our whole family was up on the waves and they even had us trying some small tricks like flipping. My youngest says surfing is now one of her sports. Thank you very much to the team.
· Michelle ·
Jan 2026
This was a great experience. David and Ronaldo were patient and excellent teachers. All five family members were successful in surfing - ages 29-65! Would highly recommend to a friend.

Overview

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.
  • Beginner surf lesson in Tamarindo
  • Learn surfing basics like popping up and paddling
  • Choose a private, group, or surf camp option
  • All equipment with board and rash guard included

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Certified Surf Instructor
  • Rashguard Use
  • Surfboard Use
  • Gratuities
  • JW Marriott, Playa Grande, Playa Conchal, Playa Flamingo
  • Hotel's RIU Guanacaste & Palace, Playa Ocotal, Coco, Hermosa, Papagayo

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Native's Way Costa Rica - Tours and Transfers
    200 meteres south of Diria, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

    Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled surf lesson time

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1

Native's Way

2

Tamarindo Beach

3

Tamarindo

4

Playa Langosta

5

Playa Langosta

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9
based on 132 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Nice first lesson

Yassine_N, Apr 2026
It was my first time surfing and was not disappointed. Annie was a good teacher! Of course, as a beginner, I had struggle but finally could stand on the board thank to her advices :)

5 Stars for Ronaldo

Makayla_V, Apr 2026
WE LOVE RONALDO !!! Had such an amazing time surfing. It was all of our first times and he was a great instructor who supported yet also challenged us. Would try again and again

Annie was our instructor...

Sarah_M, Mar 2026
Annie was our instructor and was amazing! After a short walk from the shop to the beach she made she we had our positioning down and felt confident in the water

Great teachers- you will catch a wave!

Michelle, Jan 2026
This was a great experience. David and Ronaldo were patient and excellent teachers. All five family members were successful in surfing - ages 29-65! Would highly recommend to a friend.

So much fun and help! The...

Andrew_W, Jan 2026
So much fun and help! The instructors were great and provided newer tips as this wasn’t our first time surfing. Water and waves were perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. A bit busy but that’s the holidays for yah.

Whole family loved surfing!

Kimberly_S, Dec 2025
The instructors were amazing. They all fit for each of our family members. Our whole family was up on the waves and they even had us trying some small tricks like flipping. My youngest says surfing is now one of her sports. Thank you very much to the team.

Learn to Surf in Two Hours?

David_S, Aug 2025
A 51 year old and his two sons (19, 21) took the beginner's two-hour private lesson. They assigned three friendly and capable instructors (Ronaldo, Alex and Steven), all with good English and ample patience. One-on-one instruction definitely made the first hour much more productive. We went from immediately falling to pretty consistently riding small waves to shore. It’s a physical activity and even the young men were ready for a beer and break at the end of the lesson. The 51 year old asked for ibuprofen the following day. Tamarindo was the perfect place for a first lesson. Good waves, no rocks, in-town. A photographer provided good photos for a few more USD. Easy walk from the tour operator office, which had lockers and a shower. If you’ve wondered if you could learn to ride a small wave in two hours, this is a great way to answer that question.

Loved our lesson!

Darci_C, Jul 2025
Ronaldo and I can’t remember the other name (I’m so sorry!) were awesome! They took my 2 sons and I out to surf and my only goal was to just stand up once! They were super patient and got all of us on our boards. We could have rented boards and tried on our own but I wouldn’t have come close to being in the right spot on the board. We loved every minute of the two hours. Highly recommend this lesson!

Awesome!

James_I, Jul 2025
As a fit 60 year old, Ronaldo had me surfing in no time at all. Clear, concise instruction, and focused attention was perfect. It did feel like a two hour cardio/core workout however but if I can do it so can you! Highly recommended.

Our family of 5, with...

Kyle_L, May 2025
Our family of 5, with zero surf experience, had an amazing time and were all able to surf thanks to the wonderful team of instructors! Our kids are age 15. 14, and 10.

Great experience. Luka...

Jim_D, May 2025
Great experience. Luka was fantastic and made sure we all got up. Luka was absolutely a blast to learn from and would highly recommend this exoerience

Gracias Gonzalo

Alicia_D, Apr 2025
Great instruction from Gonzalo. He really helped us learn and have fun. Lots of help to tell you what to do. Thank you!

Best beginner surf lesson

Kaitlyn_Z, Mar 2025
Our surf instructor Luca was an amazing teacher! Neither me or my partner had ever surfed before and we were both able to stand up on the board and make it to shore by the end of our lesson. Luca was patient with us and very encouraging. I felt very safe out in the ocean with him guiding us on which waves were better for me vs for my partner.

Martin is a fantastic...

Yael_P, Feb 2025
Martin is a fantastic instructor with positive, passionate attitude towards surfing. Thank you Martin!

Martin was awesome. The...

Rheafe_G, Jan 2025
Martin was awesome. The only thing about the beach we surfed (main beach: tamarindo beach) : it was crowded and loud. Wish it was more at a secluded beach. Otherwise, learned some great tips from Martin.

Excellent, patient instruction!

Michele_A, Jan 2025
Our instructor was fantastic. He worked with our family of 4 to teach us the basics and get us up and riding waves. He spent time making sure my son felt confident, gave my daughter the next level instruction she needed and was super patient and supportive. We had an absolute blast and all four of us got up and rode waves. A perfect way to wrap our Costa Rican vacation.

Beginner Surfing Big Success

Linying_W, Jan 2025
The coach Martine was really helpful. Even if you have zero experience, he’ll help you get on the board and have some fun! I was able to stand and surf many times with his help. Great experience!

Lots of fun!

Alexandra_M, Nov 2024
We loved the surf lesson! It was the first time surfing and we were able to stand up and catch waves by ourselves. Our instructor, Luca, was making sure we have the best time and giving us constant tips. Totally recommended :)

An amazing experience!

qkx667hyxd, Nov 2024
Standing up on the surfboard. I’ve always wanted to try surfing and this was a great experience. Luca was a great teacher.

Excellent First Surf Leason

Richard_D, Oct 2024
Annie was fantastic as my surfing teacher. She had a clear passion for surfing that was infectious. This was my first time surfing so she was very patient. Ultimately I stood up on my first wave ! It was a very memorable experience !

Awesome Adventure

Dejanae_P, Aug 2024
Loved these lessons. Easy to get to the location. Was very good for beginners. I tried my best and just wanted to experience surfing.

100% recommend for all ages

Marcia_K, Aug 2024
A really memorable experience for the whole family. Jonah and the other coach José were so good with our little ones. They made sure they were comfortable and in no time they were surfing like pros!! The rest of the staff were amazing too - even with the old man😂. We all had a blast! Thank you!

Amazing time such a good...

Zach_D, Jul 2024
Amazing time such a good use and a def must try . Me and my finance had such a nice time and the instructor was great

Great experience form family with kids

bojan_g, Jun 2024
Luca was great. Knowledgeable friendly great with kids. Overall great experience and exactly what we were hoping for.

Great time surfing

Angelene_C, Apr 2024
Great time with patsy, we caught several waves and had a great time! Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to try surfing

Great service

Owen_B, Apr 2024
My instructor was fantastic. Very personable and I was able to fully stand and surf the entire wave by the end of the lesson. This was also my first time ever surfing so I am very happy with the results.

LUCA was a great teacher! He embraced the opportunity to encourage a willing and eager 14 year old to take to the waves

Isaac_G, Apr 2024
We traveled to Costa Rice from the US with our 14 year old grandson hoping to provide him with some wonderful memories. Surfing was the last thing to do on our list after hiking in Tenorio National Park, ziplining at Witch's Rock and snorkeling at Playa del Coco. Isaac is athletic and loves the water so it seemed like he would love the chance to experience surfing. We live in New England where waves are infrequent, so this was his chance. Luca is a fabulous teacher- energetic, experienced, kind and encouraging. Isaac got up on the board on the second try and had many successes after that. It was a great day thanks to Luca and a great student!

Great lesson with a great...

Samantha_H, Apr 2024
Great lesson with a great group of instructors! Got everyone riding waves, including our 9 year old who was hesitant at first. We very much appreciated the patience and enthusiasm of the team!

Our guide Luca was...

Jill_G, Mar 2024
Our guide Luca was fantastic! He explained everything clearly and was patient and fun. Great for both the kids and adults. Everyone was able to get up after a few tries. Highly recommend! Bring a towel.

Great for kids

Jonathan_F, Mar 2024
Teachers were excellent with our kids and they made sure all the kids got up on their boards. Highly recommend

From $55.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 26 days in advance.

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