
Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! worth booking?
Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! is a 2-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $45 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 37 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (37)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $45 per person
A surf lesson with us at Tamarindo Beach is a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. We offer surf lessons and rentals that are tailored to your level of surf experience. Your comfort and safety in the water are our top priority. We offer expert knowledge of the region, the beach and waves that can only be provided through native, local instruction based on a lifetime of local experience. We offer lessons in English and in Spanish. Tamarindo beach hosts a world class learning wave that is perfect for everyone from beginners on a soft top board, to more advanced short boarders and everything in between. We work with all ages and ability levels. We’ll customize your lesson to suit your individual needs based on your ability level. We love to teach children, teenagers, adults and special needs surfers. Julia is a NY state certified Bilingual Special Education teacher and Mario has over 17 yrs of local surf instructing experience! We make a great dynamic team!
What you get
About this experience
A surf lesson with us at Tamarindo Beach is a unique experience that cannot be replicated anywhere in the world. We offer surf lessons and rentals that are tailored to your level of surf experience. Your comfort and safety in the water are our top priority. We offer expert knowledge of the region, the beach and waves that can only be provided through native, local instruction based on a lifetime of local experience. We offer lessons in English and in Spanish. Tamarindo beach hosts a world class learning wave that is perfect for everyone from beginners on a soft top board, to more advanced short boarders and everything in between. We work with all ages and ability levels. We’ll customize your lesson to suit your individual needs based on your ability level. We love to teach children, teenagers, adults and special needs surfers. Julia is a NY state certified Bilingual Special Education teacher and Mario has over 17 yrs of local surf instructing experience! We make a great dynamic team!
What's included
Included
- Rash guard upon request
- Bilingual instructor
- Surfboard use is included in all lessons.
- Sunblock upon request
- Surf wax upon request
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tamarindo
Please meet beachside on the sand at Tamarindo Beach, to the left of Perla De La Playa Hotel. We will meet up under the almond tree to the left of the hotel’s light green wall on the sand, on the beach. Our instructors Mario and Julia will meet you at this designated spot.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please meet beachside on the sand at Tamarindo Beach, to the left of Perla De La Playa Hotel. We will meet up under the almond tree to the left of the hotel’s light green wall on the sand, on the beach. Our instructors Mario and Julia will meet you at this designated spot.
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 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- A New Day Surf School
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome Lesson!!
I had a great experience and caught way more waves than I ever expected! Julia and Mario are so friendly and helpful and really made me feel comfortable. I highly, highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent beginner surf lesson!
Mario and Julia at A New Day Surf School on Tamarindo Beach run a top notch beginner friendly lesson. Julia coaches the basics on the beach, with plenty of time for your group to practice before getting in the water. Julia took photos and video while we surfed. She will also stay with your personal belongings while you’re in the water, so no need to leave anything unattended. Mario is a Master! He gave each of our three family members abundant individual time, and had all of standing after just a few tries! His coaching style is consistent, patient, and positive, and his ability to read the water and find us the right waves I believe contributed to our success. Don’t sleep on this small, family-run surf school. The instruction and experience can’t be beat!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your supportive review! We are glad to hear you all enjoyed your surf lessons and overall experience at Tamarindo Beach with us! Pura Vida!
via Viator
Girls First Time Surfing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Best Surfing Experience for My Girls! This was by far one of the highlights of our trip to Costa Rica! My two girls had never surfed before, and Mario made their very first experience absolutely amazing. He was incredibly patient, encouraging, and made them feel comfortable from the very beginning. They caught some of the best waves and had SO much fun! Mario’s passion and patience truly made this experience special and so memorable for all of us. His wife, Julia, was also wonderful—she was extremely helpful, informative, and made the booking process so easy. If you’re traveling to Costa Rica and want to try surfing, I highly recommend booking with Mario and Julia! They made our experience unforgettable, and my girls left with huge smiles and memories they’ll be talking about for years. 🏄♀️🌊❤️ Thank you, Mario and Julia, for making our trip even more special!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your shining review! We are so glad to hear that the girls had a wonderful first surf experience with us! Pura Vida!
via Tripadvisor
Passionate instructors, amazing lesson
10/10 I had such an amazing time with Mario and Julia. They were so generous of their time and of their knowledge. It was my second lesson in Tamarindo, and this one was much better on top of being much more accessible price-wise. If you have the opportunity, you should definitely book with them!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind and supportive review! We are very happy to know that you enjoyed surfing with us and that you recommend us. Pura Vida!!
via Tripadvisor
Julia and Mario are...
Julia and Mario are amazing people who care about their community and making surfing accessible and affordable to everyone. The lesson for my 16 and 19 yr olds was outstanding. They are patient, effective and encouraging teachers. Both kids were up within 20 minutes and had a great time despite multiple wipe outs. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review and recommendation! We are so glad that the kids enjoyed their surf experience with us. Pura Vida!
via Viator
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
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! cost?
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Prices start at $45 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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! 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 Tamarindo is not rushed.
Is Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!?
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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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! 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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!?
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Around 13 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! 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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!?
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Included: Rash guard upon request; Bilingual instructor; Surfboard use is included in all lessons; Sunblock upon request; and Surf wax upon request. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!?
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Please meet beachside on the sand at Tamarindo Beach, to the left of Perla De La Playa Hotel. We will meet up under the almond tree to the left of the hotel’s light green wall on the sand, on the beach. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! 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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!?
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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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! 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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach! 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 With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!?
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Across 37 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include good for families, knowledge and storytelling. Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
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