COSTA RICA SURF TRIPS
The 14 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…”
Meet instructor Josué Venegas for a private two-hour surf lesson near Quepos. You’ll cover beach safety, paddling, standing, and wave riding, with a board, water, fruit snack, chairs, umbrellas, and 10 digital photos included.
“Super surf lesson - one of the best I ever had. Really enjoyed the session with Jossue & Mario.”
Spend about 2 hours 15 minutes learning to surf at secluded Playa Grande near Playa Flamingo. Your private local instructor teaches safety and technique, supplies boards and rash guards, and coaches two people, or three for an extra $50. Fresh pineapple and ice water break up the lesson.
“This was a huge highlight of our trip! Tim and his wife are absolutely wonderful! The instructors are all locals and take great pride in teaching people the art of surfing. Tim provided us with information on local sites and other recommendations for activities. This was a bucket list item for us and we were successful. My daughter (24 yrs old) was a natural, I (over 50 yrs old) was able to get up on my 3rd try and even my husband (also over 50 yrs old) was able to enjoy this. They provide rash guard shirts and any size and shape. We have fresh pineapple and got to enjoy…”
Meet José at Nuevo Arenal’s lake park for a private paddle board outing on Lake Arenal. After a safety lesson, you paddle about 90 minutes in wind-protected water, pause for fresh Costa Rican fruit, and watch for birds, fish, turtles, and otters. Photos and video are included.
“My wife and I just did paddle board 90 minute trip with Jose. He spoke English for us which was nice. Very knowledgable about the area and the lake. Also, he does other excursion if you liked Jose you can ask about other things. He supplied paddle board and all equipment. Half way we stopped and had fresh Costa Rican fruit which was cool. Great trip and recommend if you want to get on the water for a little exercise.”
Meet Tony at Restaurante Marlin by Playa Espadilla for a private surf lesson in Quepos. You’ll start with 10 minutes of beach instruction, then practice in the water as Tony pushes you into waves, fixes your stance, and helps you catch waves on your own.
“Tony is an excellent teacher! I had a great time learning how to surf. I am very happy that I was able to surf. Thanks again! 100% recommend!”
Start with a gentle paddleboard session at Maracas Bay, then ride south from Quepos to three interactive waterfalls, Playa Ventanas, and a jungle restaurant for lunch. Guides such as Roberto, Ismael, Alejandro, and Reece help beginners feel secure, but you should expect a full, active day.
“What a great adventure! This ended up bring a solo private tour. My guide was Ismael. He took me paddle boarding, waterfalls, took pictures while i was in action, to lunch and the beach. Every stop was awesome. He also filled me in on history of the area. I highly recommend this tour! Thank you Ismael for everything!”
Meet at Sababa Surf School in Jacó for a two-hour lesson with an ISA-certified instructor. You will learn board control, surf rules, wave timing, and how to catch waves, with instruction suited to beginners through advanced surfers. Jay may be your coach.
“Jay is a very respectful and motivating young man. His surfing skills are master level as are his instruction skills related to surfing. Even if you’re intermediate to advanced skill level, he can pinpoint the things you need to focus on to improve your surfing skills. I give my highest recommendation.”
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