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Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

    What's Included

    • Surfboard use is included in all lessons.
    • Bilingual instructor
    • Rash guard upon request
    • Surf wax upon request
    • Sunblock upon request

      Meeting and Pickup

      Meeting point

      • Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

        Please meet beachside on the sand at Tamarindo Beach, to the left of Perla De La Playa Hotel. We will meet up under the almond tree to the left of the hotel’s light green wall on the sand, on the beach. Our instructors Mario and Julia will meet you at this designated spot.

      End point

      This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      Arranged start time

      Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
      • 09/28/2022 - 05/21/2027

        Monday - Sunday : 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

      What To Expect

      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)

      Featured review

      Julie_O
      I would 100% recommend booking with Julia and Mario. Julia gave a thorough lesson about the basics on the beach (how to paddle, stand up and stay safe in the water). Then Mario did an excellent job helping in the water. He is very calm, knowledgeable and encouraging. We were able to catch a ton of waves and had a blast. There are several people on the beach offering lessons (which I have also used before) but Mario was the best I’ve had. Pro tip: book a day in advance and wait to hear from Julia. We tried to book a same day reservation and communication through Viator was a bit confusing.

      Reviews

      5.0
      based on 24 reviews
      Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

      Awesome

      Deborah_H, May 2026
      Amazing with kids of all ages!! Got all three kids up on surf boards and coasting to the shore. Highly recommended!!

      Response from Host, May 2026

      Thank you for surfing with us and for your positive review! Pura Vida!

      Excellent surf lessons in Tamarindo

      stephenpjones, Dec 2025
      Mario was our instructor and he actually instructed! We have taken 5 or 6 surf lessons over the years around the world. Generally the instructors would show us how to stand up, then push us on to the waves. Mario and his assistant (sorry forgot his name!) went far beyond that. They were showing us how to catch the waves on our own. How to look over your shoulder and how to tell which way the wave was going. Our group has a mix of Spanish and English speakers. Mario and team worked well with everyone. Highly recommend him, his team and this great experience in Tamarindo.

      Response from Host, Dec 2025

      Thank you so much for your positive and supportive review!! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed surfing with us and learned a lot. Pura Vida!!

      Great fun and good workout

      Kees_M, Dec 2025
      First time surfing, met Julia in the beach, very easy to find. She gave instructions on the beach, and when i went into the water with Mario, she stayed and i could leave my backpack. Mario was with me 1 on 1, he was super patient with me when i made the same mistakes over and over. Felt safe all the way. There are so many surf lessons to choose from, I feel I really lucked out and found the best one.

      Response from Host, Dec 2025

      Thank you so much for your kind and positive review! Pura vida! 🌊🇨🇷🤙🏽

      Learning to surf Tamarindo style

      Vicky_J, Jul 2025
      It was quite difficult to locate Mario on the beach so perhaps a small sign would be helpful. Once we found him my child had a fantastic afternoon with him and learned to surf, getting up first time. Mario and his wife are lovely and really good with kids. We would definitely go back for another lesson if we are in Tamarindo again

      Surf lesson with Mario

      Julie_O, Jul 2025
      I would 100% recommend booking with Julia and Mario. Julia gave a thorough lesson about the basics on the beach (how to paddle, stand up and stay safe in the water). Then Mario did an excellent job helping in the water. He is very calm, knowledgeable and encouraging. We were able to catch a ton of waves and had a blast. There are several people on the beach offering lessons (which I have also used before) but Mario was the best I’ve had. Pro tip: book a day in advance and wait to hear from Julia. We tried to book a same day reservation and communication through Viator was a bit confusing.

      Response from Host, Jul 2025

      Thank you so much for your supportive review! We truly enjoyed surfing with you both. Pura Vida!

      Success in the Surf

      Sherry_M, Mar 2025
      Julia and Mario were great. Julia’s classroom teaching background completely translated to the beach. She was clear, kind and supportive. My daughter struggled to get up at first and with Julia’s encouragement, my daughter got back on the board and was catching waves. Mario tirelessly paddled the kids into the surf for the 2 hour session.

      Response from Host, Mar 2025

      Thank you so much for your kind review! We truly enjoyed working with you all. Pura Vida!

      Never give up :,)

      XioSantaella, Jan 2023
      They took me in so last minute which was great! I got the chance to surf before I left Costa Rica 😄 The instructor, I forgot his name 😅(sorry) never gave up on me :,) I was doubting I could stand on the board but he kept encouraging me! I got to stand up twice, which is a lot for me 🏄‍♀️It was such a fun experience and def worth doing!!! If I ever go back to Costa Rica I’ll def come surf with them again☺️

      Response from Host, Jan 2023

      Thanks so much for surfing with us! That’s right, never give up! 🏄🏾‍♀️🤙🏽We hope to see you out in the water with us again soon. 🌊

      From $60.00

      per person

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

      Book ahead!
      On average, this is booked 27 days in advance.

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