Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach, Tamarindo

5.0 (9 reviews)
Learn the art of surfing in one of Central America's prime surf spots with a private lesson, then catch a wave yourself

Overview

Learn to catch a wave in Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica's prime surfing spots. Enjoy a private two-hour surf lesson at Playa Tamarindo and learn the basics of surfing outside of a large group setting. With the supervision of experienced guides, surfing at Tamarindo is safe and fun! At the end of your surf lesson today, even beginners will likely be able to stand up on their surfboards and ride their first waves. You can take the rest of the day to practice riding the waves or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation on the beach. 

Highlights

  • Learn to surf at Playa Tamarindo
  • Get focused attention from a private instructor
  • Ride your first wave by the end of the lesson
  • Continue practicing on your own with a rental surfboard

Know before you go

Duration
2 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private

What you'll do

Head to Playa Tamarindo, where the private lesson begins. You'll meet your guides and learn about the basics of surfing while on the sand. Then it's time to grab a board and paddle out into the waves.

Following your guide's instructions, you'll attempt to get up on your board. Most beginners are able to do so by the end of the lesson. After the two-hour class concludes, you can keep practicing on your own. Another option is to visit another surf spot in the area, like Playa Naranjo.

Note that participants must be able to swim.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm

What's included

  • 2-hour instruction
  • Rash Guard
  • Soft Top Surf Board
  • Professional Bilingual Instructor
  • Locker
  • Changing Room
  • Shower

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Traveler reviews

9 total ratings, 7 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
Howard
Howard L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
We had Keki and Moses ans instructors and they did their job to perfection. We both were surfing within 30 minutes. Iguana Surf is a must do. Read more

We had Keki and Moses ans instructors and they did their job to perfection. We both were surfing within 30 minutes.

Iguana Surf is a must do.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023
I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and experienced this activity. I was with a private small group lesson, and we had three instructors, and everybody in our group could get up and catch waves! The guides are great and very helpful to catch waves. Read more

I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and experienced this activity. I was with a private small group lesson, and we had three instructors, and everybody in our group could get up and catch waves! The guides are great and very helpful to catch waves.

Quality of Experience
They had lockers to store our items and provided rash guards and surf boards for each person in my group.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The instructors were very helpful and started with a lesson on technique before going into the water.
Yuri
Yuri I.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023
We did this activity as a team and it was incredible! After a short introduction I caught my first wave immediately. Thanks to amazing guides who really love what they do. Read more

We did this activity as a team and it was incredible! After a short introduction I caught my first wave immediately. Thanks to amazing guides who really love what they do.

Tips for future travelers

Bring a change of clothes and flip-flops to walk to the beach from the office.

Quality of Experience
Every single wave was mine! thanks to the help of the guides.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guys really love their job, very communicative and engaging
Transport
not transportation needed
Ioannis K.
Ioannis K. A.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023
This was my first time surfing. The instructors took about 20 minutes to prepare/inform me about safety and technic and then we jumped in the water. The guides were all super friendly giving me feedback after every attempt to surf:) Read more

This was my first time surfing. The instructors took about 20 minutes to prepare/inform me about safety and technic and then we jumped in the water. The guides were all super friendly giving me feedback after every attempt to surf:)

Tips for future travelers

Get the photo book package!

Quality of Experience
The organization, guides and overall experience was great
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Eric
Eric G.
San Mateo, CA | Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023
I took the Private Surf Lesson and enjoyed it so much I came back for the group lesson (slightly less cost) and then three other days to just rent a board (you get 50% off if you take a class). I kept coming back because the staff was incredible and treated me like family. It is very professional and a great place to take your first surf lesson. Read more

I took the Private Surf Lesson and enjoyed it so much I came back for the group lesson (slightly less cost) and then three other days to just rent a board (you get 50% off if you take a class).

I kept coming back because the staff was incredible and treated me like family. It is very professional and a great place to take your first surf lesson.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jason
Jason C.
San Carlos, CA | Reviewed on Sep 10, 2023
Was super fun! The instructors were all very helpful to make sure that you were able to stand up on your first wave. I wouldn't have been able to do that with out their help. Read more

Was super fun! The instructors were all very helpful to make sure that you were able to stand up on your first wave. I wouldn't have been able to do that with out their help.

Quality of Experience
Profesional, helpful well run!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The instructors are all super helpful
Cheri
Cheri A.
Simi Valley, CA | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2023
I had such a fun time with this. The lesson was actually at Langosta Beach, not Tamarindo, which is a short ways away. This worked out fine as the beach is sandier and better for beginners. It turned out I was the only one in the group, so it was really a private lesson. I was able to get up my first try, and I am 68 years old. What a kick. The instructor guides you out on the board, then pushes you onto a wave, so it is not too difficult. Staying up is the harder part. The water was warm and... Read more

I had such a fun time with this. The lesson was actually at Langosta Beach, not Tamarindo, which is a short ways away. This worked out fine as the beach is sandier and better for beginners. It turned out I was the only one in the group, so it was really a private lesson. I was able to get up my first try, and I am 68 years old. What a kick. The instructor guides you out on the board, then pushes you onto a wave, so it is not too difficult. Staying up is the harder part. The water was warm and shallow, and it was aslo a great respite from the heat.

Tips for future travelers

You should some knowledge of swimming, as there is a lot of falling involved.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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Itineraries with Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach