
Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates worth booking?
Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates is a 1.5-hour experience in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica, from $65 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 76 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (76)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $65 per person
Unlike large surf schools, our Private Group Surf Lesson offers a personal and authentic surfing experience in Playa Grande. Your lesson is exclusively for your group, so you can learn and enjoy the ocean together without being combined with other travelers. Our experienced local surf instructors adapt the lesson to each participant’s age, confidence, and surfing ability, making it ideal for couples, families, friends, and first-time surfers. We keep our instructor-to-student ratio small — up to 3 adults or 2 children per instructor — providing more individual attention, hands-on guidance, and a strong focus on safety. More than simply standing up on a surfboard, we want you to understand the ocean, build confidence, learn proper surfing techniques, and experience the surf culture of Playa Grande with people who know and love this beach. Come catch your first waves — or improve your skills — and create an unforgettable experience together in Costa Rica.
What you get
About this experience
Unlike large surf schools, our Private Group Surf Lesson offers a personal and authentic surfing experience in Playa Grande. Your lesson is exclusively for your group, so you can learn and enjoy the ocean together without being combined with other travelers. Our experienced local surf instructors adapt the lesson to each participant’s age, confidence, and surfing ability, making it ideal for couples, families, friends, and first-time surfers. We keep our instructor-to-student ratio small — up to 3 adults or 2 children per instructor — providing more individual attention, hands-on guidance, and a strong focus on safety. More than simply standing up on a surfboard, we want you to understand the ocean, build confidence, learn proper surfing techniques, and experience the surf culture of Playa Grande with people who know and love this beach. Come catch your first waves — or improve your skills — and create an unforgettable experience together in Costa Rica.
What's included
Included
- Bathrooms, lockers and showers
- Surfboard, rash guard t-shirt
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase) $30 extra
- Private transportation
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa Flamingo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- YouAreCostaRica
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 76 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
6 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
76 verified traveler reviews for Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not a good experience...
Not a good experience overall - Viator charged us the the surf place contacted us and said we had to pay more in order to get the lesson. I couldn't cancel it either.
Response from the operator: Hi Trevor, Thank you for sharing the waves with us. I want to clarify a small misunderstanding. On the Viator page, it clearly states that the minimum for a class is two people. In your case, you made the reservation for just one person, which meant you had a private lesson with the instructor, focusing solely on you. That's why the lesson price varies, and you were asked to pay the difference at the venue. I appreciate your understanding and encourage you to review the information provided for future bookings. We hope to see you back in the water soon! Pura vida, Mariana
via Viator
Best surf camp 🤙
We had such an amazing experience at this week’s surf camp with Marcos and his team! My 6-year-old son joined the camp on his own, so naturally he was a little nervous, but he was welcomed with so much kindness, encouragement, and fun from the coaches right from the start. It was an awesome week of surfing and skating, with a great group of kids of all ages. The coaches made sure every kid got plenty of 1:1 time in the water, which was incredible to see. They strike the perfect balance between keeping things fun and relaxed while also helping the kids build confidence, learn new skills, and stay safe. My son came home every day excited, proud of himself, and eager to go back, so we will definitely be back:) We highly recommend Marcos and his team! 🌊🤙
via Tripadvisor
A++ surf lessons for kids and adults
Our family has used this group for the last two years—lessons for both adults and kids, camps, the works! Highly recommended and very reputable.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent
You are Costa Rica is amazing. My kids attend the surf club year round and the surf camp in the summer. They love all the teachers and have become braver on the water and have grown as surfers.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend, great for us beginners
We had surf instructor Bryan, and he was so good with my two boys and I; all beginners. We all had a blast and if you’ve ever felt like you can’t surf, take a private lesson with thes guys and prove yourself wrong. Pura Vida 🤍
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $65 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Flamingo.
How much does Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates 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 Playa Flamingo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Playa Flamingo is not rushed.
Is Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 76 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa Flamingo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates?
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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 Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates?
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Around 27 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 Playa Flamingo 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 Playa Flamingo and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates 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 Playa Flamingo 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 Playa Flamingo?
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On Outty we rank every Playa Flamingo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flamingo, Guanacaste All Inclusive Catamaran Snorkel Adventure, Adventure Pass, Playa Flamingo Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Lunch, Cocktails. 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 Playa Flamingo?
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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 Playa Flamingo?
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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 Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates?
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Included: Bathrooms, lockers and showers; and Surfboard, rash guard t-shirt. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenir photos (available to purchase) $30 extra; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates offered in?
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It is offered in 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 Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates?
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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.
Is Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Playa Flamingo. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates?
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Across 76 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include good for families, small groups. Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
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