Damo Surf School
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Damo Surf School worth booking?
Damo Surf School is a 2-hour experience in Jaco, Costa Rica, from $65 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $65 per person
At Damo Surf Camp, we are dedicated to providing everyone with the most advanced surfing techniques and equipment. We want to make this amazing journey unique. We are focused on a personalized way of teaching, knowing that everyone evolves at different times. Our goal is to prepare you to be an independent surfer able to catch green, unbroken waves! There is no better feeling in the world other than surfing. Surfing and traveling are a way to be free, to meet people, discover ourselves and our passions. Surfing has changed the life and lifestyle of many. We aim to share these feelings and emotions that come from the sea.
What you get
About this experience
At Damo Surf Camp, we are dedicated to providing everyone with the most advanced surfing techniques and equipment. We want to make this amazing journey unique. We are focused on a personalized way of teaching, knowing that everyone evolves at different times. Our goal is to prepare you to be an independent surfer able to catch green, unbroken waves! There is no better feeling in the world other than surfing. Surfing and traveling are a way to be free, to meet people, discover ourselves and our passions. Surfing has changed the life and lifestyle of many. We aim to share these feelings and emotions that come from the sea.
What's included
Included
- Boards - Rash guards - Sunscreen
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Jaco
We´ll be meeting at Room2board Hostel located in front of the beach.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
We´ll be meeting at Room2board Hostel located in front of the beach.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Damo Surf Camp
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Damo Surf School. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best surf instructors ever!
I had an unforgettable week surfing with Damo and his incredible team of instructors. As part of a surf therapy retreat with Emerge Surf and Somatic Therapy, we partnered with Damo Surf Camp to dive into the technical aspects of surfing. Our group of 12 women, ranging in age from 26 to 54, was met with respect, encouragement, and expert coaching. From day one, Damo and his instructors treated us as serious athletes, providing structured skill-building lessons that had us all catching and riding our own waves by the end of five days. They infused every session with joy, playfulness, and deep expertise—never just taking us out but truly teaching us. Their approach emphasized progression, self-sufficiency, and confidence, ensuring we left not only more skilled but also more empowered in the water. Beyond their technical instruction, Damo and his team fostered a positive, body-inclusive, and supportive environment where every participant felt respected and cared for. If you're looking to learn to surf in a space that is both safe and uplifting, I wholeheartedly recommend training with Damo Surf Camp.
via Tripadvisor
Surfing experience of a lifetime
We’ve surfed many beaches with many instructors but Damian and his team are truly the best. We were all up and riding waves quickly thanks to his excellent instruction. He has a super positive approach and made sure we had both the skills and the abilities to start building muscle memory and catch waves on our own. Damian and Lucas were particularly good with our kids - aged 11 and 13 - and made them feel like total champions on their boards. We also booked a range of additional excursions with his team which exceeded all our expectations. We cannot say enough positive things about this experience - deep foundational memories were made for our full family.
via Tripadvisor
The best surf school!
The whole 7 days at the surf camp were super awesome. Damian and Ron are two very great surf instructors. We were a small group with me and another girl. The conditions are perfect for a beginner to learn to surf in 7 days. Both instructors gave their best at all times to make sure you improved every day and surfed your first green waves after just a few days. It was super fun and both instructors were super friendly and very nice people. The conditions in the hostel were also great. There is a pool, hammocks on the rooftop, a restaurant with great food and lots of nice people to meet. I can recommend this surf camp to everyone, you won't find a better one. The prices for the camp are also totally fair, as you get accommodation, surf lessons, a delicious meal every day and some activities (yoga, hiking etc.) included. You can also use the surfboards all the time. Book Damo Surf Camp if you want to learn to surf and have a great time!
via Tripadvisor
Damo Is Great For Beginners!
I'm a mid-size woman (size 12-14) who mostly works behind a desk, so the regular pop-up method wasn't really within my abilities, and I kind of thought surfing was just not for me. But Damian and his instructors have various methods and really seemed to work with my strengths to make me more confident on the board. They adjust their teaching based on the person taking the lesson. He also gave me more exercises to practice on land that will make it easier when I go back. I will definitely be taking more surf lessons! If you are new to surfing and are visiting Costa Rica, I recommend taking a lesson with Damo Surf Camp! The location is also great...I like South Jaco because it has a more chill vibe than the north side, and the Jaco Walk shopping center has everything you need, plus on weekends there's a farmer's market like a minute away. As someone who works from my laptop, the bar area has great wifi and I always work from there, and there is a cafe in the Jaco Walk as well as Bullet, both of which have good wifi and are within walking distance.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!
This was my first time surfing and Damian was the best instructor! He is on time, clear, communicative, patient, gave clear instructions, and mostly is so fun! I was nervous but he made it so easy. He planned my whole stay - hikes, bike ride, food, stay. I’ll be back and recommend everyone to him and his surf camp! Pura vida 🤙🏼
Response from the operator: Thank you Beeba! Amazing to have you be a part of it girl! Keep on rocking! 🤙🏼🤙🏼
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Damo Surf School: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Jaco.
How much does Damo Surf School cost?
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Prices start at $65 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Jaco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Damo Surf School take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Jaco is not rushed.
Is Damo Surf School worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Jaco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Damo Surf School?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Damo Surf School suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Damo Surf School?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Jaco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Jaco and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Damo Surf School start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Jaco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Jaco?
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On Outty we rank every Jaco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Combo Tour with Lunch & Dinner, Jason Crocodile Tours, Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Jaco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Jaco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Damo Surf School?
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Included: Boards - Rash guards - Sunscreen. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Damo Surf School include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Jaco.
What languages is Damo Surf School offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Damo Surf School?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Damo Surf School if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Damo Surf School?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include good for families, food and drink. Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
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