Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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 the basics or master your technique during this surf lesson in Tamarindo
- Keep your stuff safe in a locker and enjoy an included equipment rental
- Choose from multiple start times to suit your schedule
- Your instructor tailors the lesson according to your ability
What's Included
- 90 minutes lesson
- Rash guard (Surf Shirt)
- Soft-Top surf board
- Locker
- Professional bilingual instructor
- Shower
- Use of changing rooms
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Iguana Surf Camp & Surf Shop152, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Iguana Surf
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 12 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- Children under 12 are Required to Book a Private Lesson for safety reasons and to ensure a more one-on-one attention
- Note: Please contact the phone number on your voucher to advise your chosen lesson time
- Semi private lessons are for two or three people travelling together
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 2,719 reviews
Robert_I, May 2026
Iguana Surf didn’t disappoint and definitely lived up to our expectations. The staff were easy to communicate with and the whole business experience was professional and friendly. They were expecting us and check in was fast. Items not needed were put in lockers. Rash guards distributed, boards selected, instructor introductions made and then we were off to the beach. On shore lessons were taught in a quick but thorough manner and it was time to put those lessons to the test. The instructors kept a close eye on the group and helped where needed and constantly offered words of encouragement. Everyone in our group was looking like they had been surfing for more than an hour by lessons end. Great experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Tamarindo. Iguana Surf is the place to learn how to surf and lived up to all the reviews I had read.
Hats off, literally, to the instructor who let me where his hat while out on the water. It was greatly appreciated. Just another example of how I knew that I had selected a great company to use in my search of beginner surfing. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the instructors names and for that I apologize.
Response from Host, May 2026
Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review, Robert!😊
I'm so happy to hear that you and your group had such a great first surfing experience with us and that everything felt smooth and welcoming from the moment you arrived. That’s exactly the kind of experience we hope every guest has when they come surf in Tamarindo.
Loving that the instructor lended you his hat out in the water 😂 It looks like your instructor was either Kenny or Tablon, and I’ll make sure your kind words get passed along to them.
I'm so happy everyone managed to stand and felt comfortable in the water. It's a sign to keep finding those waves! We really hope we get to see you back in Tamarindo for another session someday soon. You're welcome anytime!
Shawn_M, Apr 2026
Amazing time with coach Nunez! It was both my girlfriend and I’s first time surfing and we both managed to catch some good waves!
Fantastic staff, great service, amazing coaches. Looking forward to coming back!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words, Shawn! We’re thrilled to hear that both you and your girlfriend had such a great first surfing experience with Coach Nunez. 🌊
Catching waves on your first session is always an unforgettable feeling, and we’re so happy our team helped make it a fun and memorable experience for both of you. We’ll be sure to pass your compliments along to Nunez and the rest of the crew!
Looking forward to seeing you back in Tamarindo for more waves and good times.
Pura Vida,
The Iguana Surf Team
Corey_B, Mar 2026
Amazing instructors! Myself and my 2 daughters were all able to get up multiple times. We are all beginners, and found the way they teach to be extremely helpful. Highly recommend!
Corey_B, Mar 2026
Instruction was excellent. Pretty much everyone from the group I was in got up multiple times. Highly recommend!
Charlotte_H, Jan 2026
Amazing experience. I have never surfed before and am not even a very strong seimmer. We took tje 8am time slot avoiding crowds & heat & ended up with a private lesson.
Greivip ensured we were safe and taught us what we needed to get started. It was so much fun and it was a successful lesson.
Jonathan_B, Jan 2026
Really great experience, I highly recommend. Went with my girlfriend and we both had no experience. We both ended up able to catch some good waves
Kate_E, Jan 2026
Our daughters, 11 & 13, had a blast in their lessons! They lucked out and each got an instructor since no other people registered for their group time slot. Chaco and Luca were kind, enthusiastic and great teachers! Totally recommend lessons here
Pooja_N, Dec 2025
jordi was a great instructor he was very good at teaching inexperienced students how to surf i would recommend
Genesis_C, Dec 2025
One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. This was sooooo much fun. Our instructor FIFO was a great teacher. It’s hard at first, but once you get the hang of it, you feel like a pro. Can’t wait to come back to Costa Rica to surf again. I understand the excitement around it now
Aislinn_G, Aug 2025
Great time! Kenny was a good instructor, he made sure each of us got to surf several waves during our time. Would recommend!
Amy_A, Aug 2025
What an incredible experience!! Our instructor was kind, patient, and knowledgeable! We plan to do another lesson tomorrow!!
Mike_H, Jul 2025
Had a fantastic time surfing with the Iguana crew. My family of 5 had a group lesson for 4 of us and a private for our youngest. Great instruction, patient and got everyone up surfing! Highly recommended.
Sara_R, Jul 2025
This was so much fun! The instructors were great and we absolutely loved it. We had a private lesson since we had two kids with us and everyone got up. FYI - they take pictures of you so bring cash if you want to buy them. It was 40 colones and the cash saves you the government tax.
Christine_S, Jun 2025
This was awesome. Easy to check in, great friendly staff and all of us were standing. They take pictures of you and you get all pictures if you want at the end for like 10/15 bucks. I wanted to cry because I was so happy they did that!
Natalia_g, Apr 2025
We had a wonderful time! The beach is an amazing beginner surfing spot with mellow waves and soft sand. The instructors were knowledgable, helpful and got my 10 and 15 year old boys standing on the board and surfing in no time !
Allison_H, Mar 2025
Lots of fun! The instructor was super nice and the beach was beautiful. Would definitely recommend!!
Nicole_F, Jan 2025
This was a great experience! I got up on the board a few times which was really cool. My instructor, Luis, made an effort to get to know me and make conversation which made the entire lesson more enjoyable.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We always love to hear that our surf instructors do such a great job and hope you come back to catch some more waves with us again soon! Pura Vida.
Lisa_H, Jan 2025
What a fun activity! The instructor was great and everyone got up on the first try! Can't wait to do it again. The water was a little crowded and non-surfers just stand in your way so that was difficult to manage. Would have been great if there was a roped off section for beginners.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your review! We always love to hear that our surf instructors do such a great job and your satisfaction makes every effort worth it. Pura Vida.
kcmelcher5, Jan 2025
The lesson was amazing and all of us got up but I wish they had told us a little more about how to time it when we are on our own. Later we couldn't replicate how well we were doing during the lesson because we couldn't get the timing down. Great lesson though and we love it!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your review! We appreciate all of the feedback to ensure that every experience with us is amazing. Pura Vida.
richard_f, Dec 2024
Kenny was an excellent instructor. Easy location to find and a quick walk across the street to the beach.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! Your satisfaction makes every effort with it :) Pura Vida.
Dagmara_G, Oct 2024
We had an amazing experience taking lessons. Moses was such a great instructor! Highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for your amazing review and recommendation! Your satisfaction makes every effort worth it. Pura Vida.
Betsy_C, Oct 2024
Curt was such an amazing instructor. He was kind and fun and encouraging. My husband and I had a blast and learned a lot. We would 10000% go back again!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We love to hear that our surf instructors do such an amazing job and that you were able to catch some great waves! Pura Vida.
Judi_B, Aug 2024
Three of us took a lesson from Curt and Moses. Everyone had fun and the instructors were great! Our ages were 71, 32 and 5. We would recommend for all ages.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your amazing review and recommendation! We love to hear that our surf instructors do such an amazing job and your satisfaction makes every effort worth it! We look forward to your family catching some more waves with us again in the future!!
Christine_M, Aug 2024
If I could give it a 10 out of 5 I would. The instructors were amazing, even the ones that were not directly working with us. Mocha was very helpful and patient. The conditions were great. So much fun!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for your amazing review and recommendation! We love a 10/5 !! We are so happy to hear that our surf instructors do such an amazing job and your satisfaction makes every effort worth it! We look forward to you coming and catching some more waves with us again soon! Pura Vida :)
Bruce, Jun 2024
Kurt with Iguana Surf did an awesome job teaching me for my first surf adventure! Rode several waves all the way in!
Thank you so much Kurt
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review! We always love to hear that our surf instructors do such a fabulous job, and your satisfaction makes every effort worth it! We hope you come back to surf with us again soon! Pura Vida :)
Morgan_G, May 2024
It was my first time surfing ever and they were so warm and welcoming! Gave me the desire to keep practicing when I get home. Thank you all again so much.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your amazing review! We always love to hear that our surf staff do such a great job! We hope you come back and surf with us again soon :) Pura Vida!
Marisa_M, May 2024
Kurt is great! Very informative, safe, and fun. It took a few tries to stand up, but felt like a great accomplishment and a check off the bucket list.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your amazing review! We always love to hear that our surf instructors do such a great job! We hope you come back and surf with us again soon :) Pura Vida!
Diane_H, May 2024
Definitely worth booking! The surf lesson was super fun and our instructor Kurt was awesome. He was great at teaching people who have little to no experience. Highly recommend booking and was a highlight of my visit to Tamarindo
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! We always love to hear that our surf instructors do such a fabulous job, and your satisfaction makes every effort worth it! We hope you come back to surf with us again soon! Pura Vida :)
Justin_M, Apr 2024
I did it!!! I surfed!! I am pretty good at sports and have decent balance, but so many people had told me how difficult surfing was. Within 10 minutes I was up and surfing. My instructor (Bryan I think?) was awesome. He was patient and explained things very well. Then he took me out there and pushed me into the wave, and then next think I know I was surfing!! I now realize why surfers are so skinny though. It is a lot of work getting out to the break. The ride in is fun though and worth it. I would highly recommend it, but be aware that it is strenuous.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! We always love to hear that our surf instructors do such a fabulous job, and your satisfaction makes every effort worth it! We home you come back to surf with us again soon! Pura Vida :)
Sephy_P, Apr 2024
Our guide, Luis, was an excellent instructor. This was our first surf lesson and it was a lot of fun.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your fabulous review! Your feedback means to a lot to us and we always love to hear that our surf instructors do such an amazing job. Your satisfaction makes every effort worth it! Pura Vida :)
From $56.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
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