
Surf Lessons
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 142 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Surf Lessons worth booking?
Surf Lessons is a 2-hour experience in Jaco, Costa Rica, from $50 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 142 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (142)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $50 per person
We provide a safe, fun environment for all levels. In which we guarantee you will stand up. We are certified by the International Surfing Association for teaching surf lessons and safety.
What you get
About this experience
We provide a safe, fun environment for all levels. In which we guarantee you will stand up. We are certified by the International Surfing Association for teaching surf lessons and safety.
What's included
Included
- 2 hours surf lesson
- Board rental for the day when you do a lesson with us.
- Rash guard, 2 beach chairs and umbrella.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Jaco
Google maps Jaco Surf School. Arrive 15/ 20 mins before lesson. Please note free pick ups are available within a 1 (one) Kilometer radius of Jaco. If traveler is located outside of 1 KM radius we can pick them up with a fee which will be confirmed depending on location.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Google maps Jaco Surf School. Arrive 15/ 20 mins before lesson. Please note free pick ups are available within a 1 (one) Kilometer radius of Jaco. If traveler is located outside of 1 KM radius we can pick them up with a fee which will be confirmed depending on location.
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 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jaco Surf School
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 142 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
142 verified traveler reviews for Surf Lessons. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fransisco was fantastic!...
Fransisco was fantastic! He has a great love of surfing and he wants to share that with his students. Our 3 surfers had a great time and look forward to surfing again.
Response from the operator: Lynne, thank you for your comments. I'm glad that Francisco did a good job teaching the surf lesson and that the students enjoyed the lesson. I hope you choose jaco surf school again in the future.
via Viator
When you fall off realize...
When you fall off realize you are in shallow water. Lol. It was a great experience. The guides were great!
Response from the operator: Shannon, thank you for your comments. I'm glad you had a good experience and the guides were great. I hope you choose to do a surf lesson with jaco surf school again in the future.
via Viator
This is an amazing but...
This is an amazing but intense experience!! First time surfing and it was very tough but the instructors are super supportive and encouraging and we both made it on the board a few times! Javier is so sweet and made the experience incredible and safe! We will definitely be surfing here again!
Response from the operator: Caroline, thank you for your comments. I'm glad you thought the lesson was a good experience and you were safe in the water with the instructors. I hope you choose to do a lesson with jaco surf school again in the future.
via Viator
Real surf lessons
I’ve taken surf lessons in Hawaii, San Diego and the Outer Banks. These were the best. Our group had three completely new surfers and three who had some time in the water. All of us learned and grew our skills. Everyone rode waves. And - important!! No foamies. Real surf boards. You’ll walk away with the skills to ride beginner level surf (rent a board) anywhere in the world. No lie you’ll be in surf bootcamp. If you want to ride - this is it.
Response from the operator: Charlotte, thank you for your comments. I'm glad you were all able to enjoy the lesson and improve as well as ride waves. I hope you choose to do a lesson again with jaco surf school in the future.
via Viator
A very fun experience!
We had a great experience the instructors were very kind and helpful and made sure we were ready to enter the water with confidence. Thank you for a great time!
Response from the operator: Kelly, thank you for your comments. I'm glad the instructors were kind and helpful and prepared you well for the lesson. I hope you choose to do a lesson with us again in the future.
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
- 50
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Surf Lessons: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Jaco.
How much does Surf Lessons cost?
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Prices start at $50 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 Surf Lessons 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 Surf Lessons worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 142 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 Surf Lessons?
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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 Surf Lessons 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 Surf Lessons?
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Around 50 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 Surf Lessons 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 Surf Lessons?
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Included: 2 hours surf lesson; Board rental for the day when you do a lesson with us; and Rash guard, 2 beach chairs and umbrella. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Surf Lessons include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Jaco. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Surf Lessons 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 Surf Lessons?
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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 Surf Lessons wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Surf Lessons 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 Surf Lessons?
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Across 142 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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