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Best Surf Lessons in Tamarindo – MouseHead Surf School with Mao

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview
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    What's Included

    • Certified Guide with English, French and Spanish
    • Rashguard
    • Locker
      Able to safely store away your items.
    • Snacks
      Fruit or Coconut water after lesson
    • Surfboards

      Meeting and Pickup

      Meeting point

      • Pico Bistro Tamarindo
        Tamarindo Main Road Guanacaste Santa Cruz, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica

        We can find you in the parking lot of Pico Bistro in front of the beach. We can meet at Pico Bistro’s parking area, right in front of the beach.

      End point

      This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      What To Expect

      1

      Tamarindo Beach

      Additional Info

      • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
      • Not wheelchair accessible
      • Service animals allowed
      • Near public transportation
      • 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 is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

      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

      5.0
      based on 47 reviews
      Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

      Best Surf Coach in Tamarindo

      Brady_B, Mar 2026
      Mao from Mousehead Surf School in Tamarindo is the best. I spent three days with him and he gave very in depth tips taking me from raw beginner with white water to intermediate level riding greens. Learning how to read the waves before they come. He was very hospitable and very patient. Very personable and very detail oriented. He carried to my specific needs and helped me progress!

      Fabulous surf lesson in Tamarindo

      Mariam_D, Mar 2026
      We had the best time with Mao and Leo this morning! My husband and 18-year-old son and I had a private lesson and it was absolutely fantastic. They were kind, supportive, informative, helpful and we all were able to get up and enjoyed our lesson. Would absolutely go again with Mao. It was nice that it was just us and not a big group of strangers. Lots of hands-on help. Thanks, Mao and Leo! Pura Vida! Mariam, Scott and Quinlan

      Mao was amazing! We...

      Stephanie_L, Mar 2026
      Mao was amazing! We brought our four kids to learn to surf for the very first time and everyone including adults were successful by the end! Mao was extremely patient and fun at the same time. Highly recommend! Thanks again Mao!

      Response from Host, Mar 2026

      Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙌 It was such a pleasure having your whole family out there with me. I’m really happy to hear that everyone, kids and adults, had success and enjoyed their first time surfing 🤙 That’s always the goal. You all brought such great energy to the lesson, which makes it even more fun for me too. Hope to see you back in Tamarindo for another session soon. Pura vida! 🌊🏄‍♂️

      Book this experience!

      Sharon_B, Mar 2025
      Caleb and his team were excellent. Communication was easy and frequent and he took care to plan the timing of our lesson based on the tides so that we’d have the best experience. After a brief on shore lesson we were able to grit the water. Caleb and another coach from his team were with us the full time helping us line up with the waves and providing individual tips. Everyone was able to stand up and surf at least a few waves on their own! We all enjoyed it and can’t wait to surf again. I highly recommend this booking!

      Great teaching and communication.

      Stewart_D, Feb 2025
      Great experience. Caleb was communicative and helpful, Mao so good in the water. I would recommend them.

      We've made some...

      Katrine_P, Feb 2026
      We made individual lessons my spouse and I, each in turn. Mao is an amazing coach who puts confidence and ensures our success. We enjoyed it very much, we definitely recommend.
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      Response from Host, Feb 2026

      Merci beaucoup pour ce magnifique commentaire 🙏 Ça a été un vrai plaisir de vous donner des leçons individuelles et de vous voir progresser chacun à votre tour. La confiance dans l’eau est essentielle, et je suis super content d’avoir pu vous accompagner et célébrer vos réussites 🌊 Merci pour votre recommandation — vous êtes toujours les bienvenus chez MouseHead Surf School à Tamarindo ! À très bientôt pour d’autres vagues 🤙 Mao

      Mao is the best surf teacher!!

      Maxime_P, Jan 2026
      Mao is really relaxed and attentive. We were a family of 4 (2 boys 5 and 10 years old). He was very good at ensuring our safety, especially that of children. We had a very good course and we surfed several waves. Wow what a great experience!! Mao is the best!! So kind and attentive:))
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      Response from Host, Jan 2026

      Merci beaucoup pour ce magnifique commentaire 🙏 Ce fut un vrai plaisir de surfer avec votre belle famille! Je suis très heureux que vous vous soyez sentis en sécurité, surtout les enfants — c’est toujours ma priorité. Voir tout le monde prendre des vagues et s’amuser ensemble, c’est exactement pour ça que j’aime enseigner le surf 🌊 Thank you again for trusting me and MouseHead Surf School. Hope to see you all back in the water very soon! Pura vida 🤙

      From $50.00

      per person

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

      Book ahead!
      On average, this is booked 7 days in advance.

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