
Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 2,810 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica worth booking?
Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a 1.5-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $69 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 2,810 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (2,810)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $69 per person
Learn how to surf with Tamarindo’s #1 Surf School since 1989. All skill levels welcome. We are located directly in front of a beach break and we are Tamarindo’s original surf shop! We are highly experience, having taught over 100,000 surf lessons in the 30 years we have been operating. All of our staff members are friendly, bilingual and very experienced professionals. Over half of our staff has been with us for over 10 years! We cater specifically to each and every customer’s needs and it is our goal to have every customer leave 100% satisfied and we put a huge emphasis on safety. We are a fully insured company with properly trained instructors in water and surf safety, CPR and First Aid.
What you get
About this experience
Learn how to surf with Tamarindo’s #1 Surf School since 1989. All skill levels welcome. We are located directly in front of a beach break and we are Tamarindo’s original surf shop! We are highly experience, having taught over 100,000 surf lessons in the 30 years we have been operating. All of our staff members are friendly, bilingual and very experienced professionals. Over half of our staff has been with us for over 10 years! We cater specifically to each and every customer’s needs and it is our goal to have every customer leave 100% satisfied and we put a huge emphasis on safety. We are a fully insured company with properly trained instructors in water and surf safety, CPR and First Aid.
What's included
Included
- Professional bilingual instructor
- Shower
- Soft-Top surf board
- Locker
- Use of changing rooms
- 90 minutes lesson
- Rash guard (Surf Shirt)
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tamarindo
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Private Surf Lesson
Private Surf Lesson
Semi-Private Surf Lesson
Semi-Private Surf Lesson
Group Surf Lesson
Duration: 2 hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Iguana Turismo Aquatico
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children under 12 are Required to Book a Private Lesson for safety reasons and to ensure a more one-on-one attention
- Note: Please contact the phone number on your voucher to advise your chosen lesson time
- Semi private lessons are for two or three people travelling together
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,808 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
2,808 verified traveler reviews for Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Perfecto!
So much fun with Rigo!! Caught me the perfect sized waves for my first time ever surfing.
via Tripadvisor
From beginner to surfer!
Our instructors Luca and Steven “Búho” were incredible instructors! I had never surfed before in any shape or form, and by the end of my time with these two, I was standing and cruising on the board and waves. Their professionalism, kindness, patience, and positive reinforcement all led to me to be able to learn this new skill. We even ran into our instructors out and about in the town, and they remained friendly and personable “out in the wild”. I’m so incredibly thankful for these two, would absolutely return and recommend to anyone.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing First Surf Experience
Luca and Steven were amazing instructors for our week of surf lessons. The experience was not only safe, but very fun for us beginners. Luca and Steven and kind, encouraging, and very knowledgeable. I would HIGHLY recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Surf Lessons and Rooftop Oasis
We did the week-long surf trip with Iguana the first week of October and had an amazing stay! Christian, Chiara, and Oscar were incredible sources of knowledge on surfing, local food, activities, and so much more. Iguana Surf also helped us book a mountain adventure day with Al as our amazing guide and driver. The day included canyon zip-lining, river tubing, hot springs, and horseback riding. The surf boutique had amazing meals, a rooftop pool and bar, and great surf lessons. A special shoutout to Luca and Steven for being phenomenal instructors! As first-time surfers, they taught us the basics and by weeks end had us catching our own waves at Playa Avellanas. Getting to surf with them every day made the trip truly unforgettable. 🤙 Couldn’t recommend Iguana enough for anyone looking for an awesome surf trip and a taste of Costa Rica
via Tripadvisor
Hidden Gem - worth it!
Awesome experience! Reasonably priced, friendly staff, great accommodations. Surf lessons with Luca and Steven were amazing!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $110
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 983
- 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 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica cost?
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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo 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 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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 Tamarindo is not rushed.
Is Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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 (4.9/5 across 2,810 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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 Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
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Around 983 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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 Tamarindo 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 Tamarindo?
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On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). 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 Tamarindo?
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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 Tamarindo?
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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 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
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Included: Professional bilingual instructor; Shower; Soft-Top surf board; Locker; and Use of changing rooms. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
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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 in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 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 Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Tamarindo. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
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Across 2,810 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Private Surf Lesson, Semi-Private Surf Lesson, Group Surf Lesson. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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