Pacific Coast Surfing & Sandboarding: Sea Lions & Food

Catch waves and ride sand dunes facing the Pacific, then refuel with Chilean wine and Pisco Sour.

A 6-hour class on the Pacific Coast combining surfing instruction for beginners, sandboarding in coastal dunes, and sea lion viewing at Valparaiso fish market. You learn from certified instructors in English or Spanish, get all equipment and a Chilean picnic with wine and Pisco Sour, and travel by air-conditioned vehicle between sites. Children from age 5 are welcome. Minimum group size is two people.

The experience

Six hours on the Pacific Coast means you start at Valparaiso fish market to watch wild sea lions, then drive through Viña Del Mar to Concon beach for your surfing lesson. The beach is designed for beginners and intermediates: shallow enough that the waves won't overwhelm you, big enough to give you something to work with. A certified instructor meets you with equipment and walks you through the effective steps. After an hour of instruction, you have extra time to practice on your own before the group moves on.

Between surfing and sandboarding, you rest with a Chilean picnic: snacks, bottled water, wine and Pisco Sour. Then you head to the sand dunes at Concon's edge, right where they meet the Pacific, for your sandboarding lesson under another instructor's supervision. The skills you picked up surfing carry over. The operator shoots pictures and video throughout the day so you leave with a record of what you learned.

Pickup is included from your accommodation. The vehicle is air-conditioned and the group stays small. Bring your own sunscreen and flip-flops if you have a preference. Those aren't provided. Children from 5 years old can join. Younger children can ride in a stroller or on an adult's lap. The operator notes that the activities aren't suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns, and you should be in at least moderate physical condition.

What’s included

• Surfing equipment and group instruction with a certified instructor.
• sandboard and lesson in the dunes.
• bottled water.
• a Chilean picnic with snacks, wine and Pisco Sour.
• towels.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport between all three sites.
• photos and video shot by the operator.
• pickup from your accommodation.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We will pick you up at your place, or we can meet you at the meeting point, which is, Plaza Anibal Pinto. We happily will be waiting for you!”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Go Penguins

Is this one for you?The day runs 6 hours with water entry and physical activity, so you need at least moderate fitness and comfort in the ocean. The fixed schedule moves between three sites, which is what fits sea lion viewing, surfing instruction and sandboarding into one morning without rushing any of them.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the surfing lesson actually like if I've never been on a board?

The Concon beach is specifically chosen for beginners. The water is shallow and the waves are sized to keep you moving without feeling out of control. Your certified instructor spends the first hour teaching you the effective steps to stand and ride. After that, you practice on your own while the group is still there. Most people catch waves in that first session.

Do I need to bring my own wetsuit or surfboard?

Surf equipment is provided as part of the lesson. You don't bring your own. Sandboard and instruction are also included. You should bring sunscreen and flip-flops if you prefer your own, since those aren't supplied.

What happens between the surfing and sandboarding?

You rest and eat a Chilean picnic with snacks, bottled water, wine and Pisco Sour. It's timed so you recharge before moving to the sand dunes for your second lesson.

Are the sea lions at the fish market easy to see, or is it just a quick stop?

You visit Valparaiso fish market where a wild sea lion colony is visible. It's the first activity before you drive to Concon beach. The drive itself passes through Valparaiso and Viña Del Mar, so you see the contrast between both cities on the way.

Can my 6-year-old come, and will they be able to surf?

Children from age 5 are welcome. Your child can participate in the surfing and sandboarding lessons with the instructors. Younger children (under 5) can ride along in the vehicle or a stroller but won't take the lessons themselves.

Do you take photos, or should I bring a camera?

The operator shoots pictures and video for you throughout the day, so you leave with a record of your lessons and the sea lions. You're welcome to bring your own camera as well.