Surf Lessons, Santa Teresa North, Costa Rica
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Ideal for travelers interested in learning how to surf, or beginners who haven’t brought the right gear, this surf lesson provides boards and everything you need to improve your surfing skills. Meet your instructor directly at Hermosa Beach, considered one of the top surf spots for beginners, and start with stretching exercises and short lessons on surf etiquette and rules. Then, get in the water and learn to catch your first waves.
- A surf lesson on Hermosa Beach near Santa Teresa
- Learn etiquette, safety, and how to “pop up” and catch waves
- Don’t stress about gear: Board, rashguard, sunscreen included
- Visit one of the best beginner surf spots in Costa Rica
What's Included
- surfboard & equipment
- Rash Guard UPF 20+
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Hermosa Beach Access RoadHermosa Beach Access Rd, Puntarenas Province, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
https://goo.gl/maps/bxCWXQNFntyQn7gB6
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Playa Hermosa
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Tina_S
Richard explained everything very clearly. He was in a great mood and was always willing to help. It was really funny, a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it.
Reviews
4.9
based on 155 reviews
Angie_L, Apr 2026
I was with my two athletic 12 year old twins. Richardo was my instructor; he helped me and one other adult. A second instructor had my kids. My kids killed it, switching out front foot multiple times during one wave. The other guy and I did great. We’re not exactly children. Both of us had multiple good runs on the waves. Ricardo had a fun and supportive attitude.
Tina_S, Apr 2026
Richard explained everything very clearly. He was in a great mood and was always willing to help. It was really funny, a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it.
Maggie_T, Mar 2026
Richard was an amazing instructor, we had so much fun! highly recommend! we really enjoyed our time. pura vida!
Mara_K, Jan 2026
We're so glad we booked this experience with Richard. His enthusiastic energy and great teaching skills made this an unforgettable experience. Would re-book in a heartbeat!
Ishika_C, Jan 2026
We stayed in Santa Teresa and had the opportunity to take surf lessons with Richard at Playa Hermosa. First time surfers, we had an absolutely amazing experience. Richard guided us into the water and taught us how to surf we were able to catch some waves!!
Would recommend booking to any first time surfers!
Andor_B, Apr 2025
Great experience! Very nice instructor. Listen to your wishes and adapt when needed.
The waves were to wild today so we can come back tomorrow
Destiny, Mar 2025
Richard was an amazing instructor! We had the best time learning to catch waves, and we were actually very successful. I would recommend this class to anyone looking to have fun on the water, absolutely 10/10 great vibes- THANK YOU!!!
Jasmine_K, Mar 2025
Anyone who wants to try surfing or improve their skills should definitely take a lesson with Richard. He is passionate about his work, explains things very clearly and responds to each person individually. We had a lot of fun - pura vida! :) We'll definitely be back when we're in the area again.
Talia_R, Feb 2025
Richard was fantastic!!! We had a great time and he broke things down in an easy to understand way and got us riding some waves in no time. We will definitely be back for a more advanced lesson in the future!
Ruben_T, Feb 2025
Richard was an amazing coach. He was clear, patient and funny; making this experience unforgettable. In one hour time we were catching the waves!
Sara_d, Dec 2024
A fantastic introduction to surfing! Richard and Naya were fun, kind and expert and took care of everything so that we could focus on catching waves.
Jan_A, Aug 2024
We enjoyed a great lesson with Richard. We were a family of 5 with little experience. He had an extra instructor help out since we had various levels, and they worked with each of us to successfully get up on our boards. They adjust our start time according to the waves, which helped ensure a more enjoyable experience. Would highly recommend, had a great time!!
Jen_W, Feb 2024
Richard - thanks so much for giving us such a wonderful surfing experience. I can't believe that all three of us were able to catch waves even in our first intro class, and how good you were at focusing our attention on the key details and useful skills (and pulling our attention back when we got distracted by other details that don't matter). You are a master teacher - our class with you was one of our favorite memories of our week in Costa Rica.
Thank you so much and for anyone reading this - book with Richard now! Pura vida! :)
Cody_M, Feb 2024
The instructor wasn't where I was told to go and the company wouldn't respond to messages or calls. The company was not available, I still haven't heard back from Richard
Madeline_M, Feb 2024
This was the best possible experience!!! Richard was a fantastic teacher and we had sooo much wave time. He is very involved and attentive, and this is one of the best priced private lessons you can find in Santa Teresa. He brought the best energy to our lesson and we are so grateful! Would absolutely recommend!!!!
Jace_E, Feb 2024
Richard's expertise and teaching style made the entire lesson enjoyable and accessible for complete beginners. His clear instructions, combined with his enthusiasm for the sport, created a supportive learning environment allowing me to catch my first waves.
Brooklynne_G, Dec 2023
Great surf lesson! Richard was super helpful and was with us the whole time in the water. Can’t wait to come back and surf with Richard again!
Chad_F, Nov 2023
Fun times! Richard was not only welcoming and fun, but also knowledgeable and a great teacher. Would definitely recommend and book his services again.
Melissa_R, Nov 2023
Richard and Melissa were such amazing teachers. Really friendly, clear, knowledgable and most of all they made us feel safe and we all had so much fun. You can tell they love surfing and want you to experience the thrill of catching a wave. If you’re new to surfing or have some experience, they are the teachers for you! Local Tico’s sharing their love and passion for a truly wonderful way of life. Please book them. You won’t regret it!
Thank you both!
Breanna_B, Nov 2023
Richard was such a great instructor!! He was a ton of fun, a good teacher and he got us up on our first wave. Highly recommend!
Jason_B, Jul 2023
Richard was upbeat and funny, but when it came to the surfing part…all business! He will make sure you are up and running!
David_O, Jul 2023
Our experience learning to surf with Richard and Pelican Experiences was the absolute best! His energy and positive attitude are so contagious but he supports that with a very professional and expert approach to his teaching and coaching. Great communicator and motivator. Perfect English. If we did it over again, we would have got a package with him - maybe lessons every day or every other day. The kids got so much better on their second lesson - they were surfing a bit, not just standing up and being pushed by the wave. By the way, even the parents were regularly getting up on waves all week with the foundation Richard provided us on our only lesson. Loved the coconut water in the parking lot after a morning of surfing. He provide rash guards and boards of course. Because we had four taking lessons, he brought another instructor - Melissa, who was also fantastic. Richard also loves Costa Rica and Santa Teresa and so enjoyable just to hang out and talk with him. A great guy and couldn’t be more of a fan. Five plus stars!
Coral_H, May 2023
Had such a wonderful surfing lesson with Richard! He was extremely kind and funny but also wanted to see you succeed. Couldn’t recommend his lessons enough!
Brandon_T, Apr 2023
Richard was a great instructor to have for my very first surfing lesson! He was very prepared, giving me a long-sleeved surf shirt and a 9’ board in perfect condition. We started out with some stretches (very important) followed by “dry” practice, going through the motions on the beach. He was very professional and made sure I knew exactly what to do to succeed and be safe. After a few minutes of this we went into the water and put it into practice. Richard was always ready to go, and did a great job coaching me & stabilizing me on every run. He had me up on the board & riding a wave on the second attempt. Great energy from him the entire lesson, and he was just as happy and excited by my successes as I was. Would absolutely surf with him again.
Fleur_M, Mar 2023
We really loved the surf lesson! We found Richard to be a very good teacher, his positive vibe is contagious!!! After 1 fall I already managed to stay on the surfboard. Highly recommended! 🏄♀️
Michelle_B, Feb 2023
Richard is awesome!!! We ended our trip with these surf lessons and it was the perfect conclusion. Neither me nor my friend though we would stand up on the surfboard but we both did, many times! Richard, the instructor, was such a great teacher and also so much fun. 100% recommend these lessons for anyone interested in learning how to surf in the Santa Teresa area.
nathan_b, Feb 2023
Richard is amazing. Super positive high energy that is infectious. And a great/patient teacher. Stood up on multiple waves!
Chad_H, Dec 2022
We’ve never surfed before but Richard and Wesley had us all up and surfing in no time! Great setting, new boards, and super patient surf instructors make this a great outing for anyone.
Kim_P, Feb 2022
Good teacher so Much fun first try and i wake up on my board!!
We are french canadien and he speak really good in english
Hannah_S, Jan 2022
Richard was a fantastic instructor. Both of us were standing before we knew it. He gave good tips while standing on the board so we could directly feel the improvement while riding the wave.
From $60.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Surf Lessons, Santa Teresa North, Costa Rica
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1 hour 30 minutes
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