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Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!

Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
High interest
Booked 2 times today.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0
·
· Nicole_W ·
Apr 2026
Detailed dry land lesson, 1 instructor per surfer in the water, very beginner friendly! Got up plenty of times with my partner. Was a blast! Expect to be sore the next day.
· Meg_T ·
Apr 2026
My husband and I booked a surfing lesson at the last minute and had an absolute blast! Carlos and Nigel (?) were so patient and fun! My husband and I are terrible at balancing and we were able to surf within the first 5-10 minutes! We highly recommend booking with them!

Overview

Have two hours of fun in the waves of Tamarindo on this private surf lesson, suitable for all levels. Your instructors will give you plenty of instruction both in and out of the water, so there’s a very good chance you’ll catch a wave. If you don’t, you’ll receive a free second lesson. Your board is provided, so just show up ready to surf.
  • Easily meet your instructor at Pico Bistro Tamarindo
  • Surf boards and rash guards provided so no need to bring
  • Receive personalized instruction just for you
  • Surf for around 2 hours

What's Included

  • Surf board
  • Rash guard

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 8536+H75, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

      We meet at the PARKING right next to the restaurant “El Vaquero”, look for the purple flag that says “La Muda” or ask the parking guy/girl for “La Muda Surf”. If you for whatever reason have trouble finding us, you can ask for La Muda Surf, Carlos Brown, Isabella Carrera and Jeison Brown.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    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
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    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

    Jessica_H
    I had the most fantastic time learning to surf for the first time with La Muda Surfing. My instructor Chino made it super fun, easy, and memorable!! He gives great guidance and helped me catch some great waves! I would highly recommend booking this lesson to anyone (of any experience level) who is interested. Easily a highlight of my trip to Tamarindo!!

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 718 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    100% Worth It!!

    Meg_T, Apr 2026
    My husband and I booked a surfing lesson at the last minute and had an absolute blast! Carlos and Nigel (?) were so patient and fun! My husband and I are terrible at balancing and we were able to surf within the first 5-10 minutes! We highly recommend booking with them!

    Had so much fun! Muchas gracias!

    Annika_B, Apr 2026
    Had a great time thanks to Chino! Liked it very much and is worth the price! Would book it again 🔆 thank you!

    Great experience!

    Nicole_W, Apr 2026
    Detailed dry land lesson, 1 instructor per surfer in the water, very beginner friendly! Got up plenty of times with my partner. Was a blast! Expect to be sore the next day.

    Fantastic, fun first time surfing experience!

    Dylan_H, Apr 2026
    Carlos and his team at La Muda surf were amazing. Our kids (11, 13 and 15) were standing up and having a blast almost right away. You could tell th people who skipped the lesson because they were falling constantly and not having fun. Carlos speak excellent English and covered all of the safety and surfing instructions perfectly. It was especially fun when the instructors cheered our kids on when they had a great run! I could not recommend Carlos and La Muda surf more highly! One of the best things we did in all of Costa Rica!

    Great first surfing experience!

    Allison_T, Apr 2026
    AMAZING experience! My 2 teens (13, 15) were both able to get up on the boards and had an absolute blast. Spent about 20 minutes before getting in the water, so time surfing was around 1.5 hrs.

    Great Family Activity

    Danielle_B, Apr 2026
    Great communication. Had one-on-one instructors who were patient and helpful/encouraging. Good value for the price! Would definitely recommend.

    Perfect for the inexperienced

    Heather_B, Mar 2026
    Amazing surfing experience. Our family (54,46,15,13) had zero experience. We all had a great time! Instructors were so patient. Highly recommend.

    The best!

    Brooke_C, Mar 2026
    Beyond great first time surfing. Everyone had so much fun and highly recommend private lessons to learn

    Highlight of my trip!

    Jessica_H, Mar 2026
    I had the most fantastic time learning to surf for the first time with La Muda Surfing. My instructor Chino made it super fun, easy, and memorable!! He gives great guidance and helped me catch some great waves! I would highly recommend booking this lesson to anyone (of any experience level) who is interested. Easily a highlight of my trip to Tamarindo!!

    Best surf lesson ever!!

    Darlene_M, Mar 2026
    This was the best surf lesson ever!!! . Definitely have you standing up riding the waves quickly and to top it off their photographer captured the moment.

    Very in-depth explanation...

    Macarena_P, Feb 2026
    Very in-depth explanation and practice! I’ve had lessons in other places around the world and this was the best!

    We stood up, but the 5...

    Jonathan_L, Jan 2026
    We stood up, but the 5 Stars is for what happened before. We are going through the lesson part, where you practice standing on the board before doing it live, and my daughter's toe nail folds back (yep, not ripped but folded). I'm thinking, day's over. Not so. This is where the owner runs to the parking lot and borrows a pair of nail clippers to save the day. 100% hero and such a nice guy - thanks again.

    Great experience

    Brandi_C, Jan 2026
    We had a great experience! The kids got up on the boards pretty quickly and the instructors were so good at assisting! Awesome experience!

    Tranquility

    Daniel_S, Jan 2026
    Friendly and educated instructors great program do not miss. They will accommodate your level if you can already get up

    We had a blast! The...

    Michael_H, Dec 2025
    We had a blast! The instructor (Carlos ?) and team were extremely attentive and very understanding. Safety was always at the forefront. We had plenty of time in the water to practice what was taught on land, and even then we were coached on every attempt. I can’t stress enough how wonderful these guys were; polite, dedicated to making us surfers and just plain happy.

    Do it!

    Ghilyn_A, Dec 2025
    My instructors were amazing! The guy who did the initial prep was very thorough. He insured that instructions were retained by having me repeat the motions at least 5x before being in the water. My instructor was Jino was very encouraging and gave me feedback every time. I was able to stand right away thanks my instructors. Highly recommend them!

    Wonderful experience for our kids!

    Krystina_V, Dec 2025
    Our kids (ages 9-15) absolutely loved their lessons! After only 30 minutes of instruction on land, they were surfing! Even our daughter who has autism was standing up on her board - surfing! All the instructors were extremely patient and kind to our children. Most importantly, they were safe and made it fun! Highly recommend!

    Instructors were fun and...

    Sandya_L, Nov 2025
    Instructors were fun and care that you have a great, fun experience! Good and helpful feedback was given. Very fun!

    Very nice instructors ...

    Mateus_C, Oct 2025
    Very nice instructors They went at your own pace Very knowledgeable Highly recommend!!! First time surfing couldn’t ask for a better experience

    Great experience with awesome people!!

    DeLee_H, Aug 2025
    What a great experience for the kids (15, 13, 12). The beach instructor (Carlos) was thorough and detailed, giving the kids an opportunity to get comfortable and confident on the board before they hit the water. The number of Instructors in the water was a nice surprise (2 for 3 kids). They were able to stand up within a few tries!! They loved it!! The affordable picture package was totally worth the memories they provided… awesome pics!!

    Wonderful!

    Jenny_F, Aug 2025
    A very fun experience, fun and skilled instructors. We had Steven, Mauro, Juan Carlos, Carlos. They were excellent and everyone in the family made it up! Highly recommend!

    10/10 would recommend

    Paige_T, Aug 2025
    Isabella was super quick to follow up on our booking and even offered to send us travel recs for the Tamarindo area. “Little” Carlos was a great instructor, and we both were able to stand up!! While Carlos was helping me, Steven also stepped in to help my friend get up, and she was super grateful. 😁 10/10 would recommend

    Carlos, Isabella and...

    Stuart_M, Aug 2025
    Carlos, Isabella and their staff were fantastic instructors for a bunch of newbies. Made the lesson both educational and enjoyable for everyone. Highly recommend.

    Excellent experience! Great instructors!

    Gregory_G, Aug 2025
    Steven was awesome! Great experience overall. We had four kids from 7-16, they all were up surfing within 30 minutes. They went out of their way to ensure each learned to surf and had a great time. Definitely will recommend. Thanks La Muda!

    We had a wonderful time!...

    Amy_B, Jul 2025
    We had a wonderful time! The instructors were kind and patient. We all got up several times. Would totally do it again. We had two adults, 12,10, and 7 year old. So fun!

    Big guys can surf!

    Jeff_W, Jul 2025
    Steven and team exceeded my expectations. I tried surfing once before with a class and failed miserably. I’m a hefty guy and thought it might not be possible. La Muda delivered big time. I stood up and surfed for real!! Bucket list check! My fiancé also got up several times. Our coach did a perfect job of alternating us on waves and giving her the right guidance she needed.

    Awesome experience!

    MarieEve_T, Jul 2025
    I had never surf before and I wanted to try, so I did and it has been an incredible experience! I was able to surf at the try! Thanks to Carlos and Gal who did a fantastic job coaching me.

    Friendly and Fun!

    Robert_K, Jul 2025
    A Perfect experience. The instructors were very helpful and patient! We all managed to get up and everyone had fun! The water was warm and clear. A great first time surfing in experience!

    thank you la muda!

    Jenna_G, Jul 2025
    I had a great experience with La Muda Surf. It was my first time surfing and I was a little nervous, but I was in good hands. Steven and Juan Carlos are great teachers - very encouraging and great at letting you go your own pace, making sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. Will definitely return if I come to Tamarindo again.

    Great surf lesson- Highly recommend !

    Jenny_E, Jul 2025
    Isabella reached out as soon as I booked the lesson and had great communication! She was descriptive and made finding the meeting spot very easy. Carlos was a great instructor on land, and Steve took us in the water and helped us to surf for the first time. He gave great feedback, kept us safe, and treated us like family. We had so much fun. I highly recommend. Looking forward to taking more lessons in the future!

    From $54.00

    per person

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

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 19 days in advance.

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