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
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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 - 08/29/2027
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
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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 33 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Melissa_D, Aug 2026
Julia and Mario are amazing people who care about their community and making surfing accessible and affordable to everyone. The lesson for my 16 and 19 yr olds was outstanding. They are patient, effective and encouraging teachers. Both kids were up within 20 minutes and had a great time despite multiple wipe outs. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review and recommendation! We are so glad that the kids enjoyed their surf experience with us. Pura Vida!
rachel_p, Aug 2026
We had a great time learning to surf with Julia and Mario! Everyone in my family was able to stand up and enjoy the waves with their help. Highly recommend
faustine_r, Aug 2026
Amazing surf lesson, Julia was great at giving explanations to cover the basics before getting in the water, and Marco was very clear and patient in the water. Would definitely recommend them!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your kind feedback and recommendation! We are glad to know that you enjoyed surfing with us. Pura Vida!
Tammy_R, Jul 2026
If you've thought about learning to surf, do it. You won't be disappointed. We didn't have a specific time we had to meet but worked with Julia on what was the best time to learn since she was more familiar with the area and the tide. She was easy to find and we quickly learned the basics of a board and the process of getting up. After each of us had the chance to practice on dry land, it was time to head into the water. Julia worked with our 12 yr old, Kendall worked with our 17 & 22 yr olds and Mario worked with my husband and me. The videos I have of my family getting up and surfing are memorable. We were so happy with our experience and never felt like we were on the clock to finish or pressured to get it immediately. Julia, Mario and Kendall love what they do and it was evident from the first time we met them.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your supportive review! We are glad to hear you enjoyed learning to surf with us, it was a pleasure to teach you all. Pura Vida!
Giacomo_C, Jun 2026
What a fantastic experience for our kids! Mario is really a great surf teacher with a lot of patience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for surfing with us! We are glad the kids enjoyed their surf experience. Pura Vida!
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!
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!!
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! 🌊🇨🇷🤙🏽
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
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!
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!
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. 🌊
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per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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