COSTA RICA SURF TRIPS
The 8 best costa rica surf trips you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how much standing up you should expect. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Meet Glen and his team at Playa Espadilla Norte for a two-hour lesson suited to beginners and stronger surfers alike. Instructors such as Isaac, Derek, Sebastian, and others offer hands-on help in the water, followed by free board use for the rest of the day. Bring sunscreen and confirm the meeting point before you go.
“Great instruction and patience. It was a blast. Glen is the best and we will keep coming back to him every year.”
Spend about two hours learning to surf at Aloha Josi Surf School in Jaco. Instructors such as Giovanny, Jason, Jeyson, and David teach sea reading, safety, and board technique. Your package includes a surfboard, rash guard, sunscreen, water, beach chairs, and umbrella time after class.
“My sister and I loved it. Was the best activity we’ve done so far. So much fun. All the workers were amazing especially our instructor, I was surfing in no time !!! Felt safe the whole time and really learned a lot from him. I recommend aloha Josi surf 1000/10”
Meet at Iguana Surf in Tamarindo for three private or very small-group 90-minute lessons. Your instructor assesses your level, sets suitable lesson times, supplies boards and wax, and photographs your surfing from shore. Unlimited board rentals and a T-shirt are included.
“Great experience with Edwin. Highly recommend. Tasha was great in the shop. Got up on the board my first day and was a gorgeous beach.”
Join Jose for a private 2.5-hour paddle board outing on Lake Arenal near La Fortuna. You’ll get a safety lesson, equipment, photos, video, fruit, and guidance in sheltered areas where you might see birds, fish, turtles, and otters.
“This adventure was one of our favorites during our 2 weeks stay throughout Costa Rica. Finding tours that allowed us to include our 2yo toddler was proving complicated and then we came upon Jose’s SUP tour and we couldn’t have asked for a more accommodating, knowledgeable, and fun guide! SUP’ing over Lake Arenal allowed us to take in the most breathtaking views we would’ve otherwise missed. We shared stories, fruit, and coffee and left with not only a great new friend, but the most amazing memories with our daughter that we will cherish for many years. I highly recommend this for everyone!”
Meet Álvaro or Juan at Playa Hermosa for a 90-minute private surf lesson in Santa Teresa. You’ll learn board parts, water safety, entry technique, and the pop-up, then practice with steady coaching in the waves. A surfboard is included, but transportation is not.
“I had my very first surfing experience with Alvaro, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Starting completely from zero, he helped me progress incredibly fast. After just a few lessons, I went from learning the basics to being out in the lineup and catching waves.”
You will spend about two hours learning to surf in Playa Grande with a private instructor and equipment supplied. Marco and Daniel work patiently with beginners, including children, while the lesson covers safety, sand practice, wave catching, and independent rides. Fresh fruit, water, lockers, showers, and rash guards are included.
“Wonderful experience. Marco and Daniel were extremely helpful. My 9 year old was a natural and my 7 year old did a great job. They were patient and caring! Thank you for a great experience for first timers!”
Meet Blue Wave Surf & Tours on Tamarindo Beach for a two-hour lesson with instructors such as Andric, Jonathan, Johnny, or Paulo. You’ll practice on land, use provided equipment, and receive steady coaching in the water. Private, family, and group formats suit beginners through advanced surfers.
“Awesome surf instructor! Waves were perfect. Apparently this beach is known for consistently easy waves. Lots of fun!”
Spend about two hours learning to surf near Dominical with instructors such as Alex, Josue, Angel, or Jake. You’ll practice board skills on the sand, learn about currents and wave timing, then work in the water. Beginners use Playa Dominical, while stronger surfers may go to Dominicalito.
“I had an epic surfing lesson with Jake about a week ago. After years of trying to learn how to surf (I'm in my 60s), and taking lessons from at least four surf instructors, I was beginning to think that surfing was a dream of mine that was just not going to come true. I decided to give it one last chance, as Jake was highly recommended as an excellent nature/surf/rapids guide (I live in Costa Rica and got the inside scoop on instructors). In short, it was the best surf day I ever had in my life. I repeatedly caught waves one after the other. More importantly, Jake explained…”
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