Manuel Antonio Beach: Private Surf Lesson & Guaranteed Stand-Up

Your First Wave in Manuel Antonio

You get a private surf lesson with a 15-year veteran instructor who guarantees you'll stand up on the board, plus access to Manuel Antonio Beach's waves and views for the rest of the afternoon. The lesson starts on sand, moves to water, and includes all boards, shade, snacks and transport from your hotel. Plan for a half-day in the water, with the option to keep practicing after the formal instruction ends.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private surf lesson at Manuel Antonio Beach

• Receive dry surf instruction on sand
• Practice surfing in the water
• Use provided chairs, umbrella, water, fruits
• Enjoy boogie boards and extra surf time

The experience

The sand is still warm under your feet when Alejandro walks you through the basics: how to paddle, where your hands go, what your body does when the board catches the wave. It's all dry land at first, maybe ten minutes of him showing you the motion and you copying it back. Then you're in the water, and the lesson starts for real. Manuel Antonio's waves roll in steady and forgiving, the kind that let you feel what you're doing instead of throwing you around. Alejandro's been teaching surf for over fifteen years, and he means it when he says everyone stands up. He's built the lesson so it happens.

The beach itself is the thing you didn't expect. Monkeys move through the trees behind the sand, close enough that you hear them before you see them, and the whole curve of Manuel Antonio National Park rises up to one side. You're not just learning to surf. You're doing it in a place where the view keeps pulling your eyes away from the board. After the formal lesson ends, you can keep paddling if you want, or switch to a boogie board and just play in the shallows. Alejandro leaves the boards with you for a couple more hours, so there's no rush to get out of the water the second the instruction stops.

The setup takes care of the details that usually wreck a beach day. Chairs and an umbrella stay planted in the sand so you have somewhere to sit that isn't wet, fruit and water are there when you get thirsty, and if you need a ride from your hotel in Quepos, that's included too. The air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and drops you back, so you're not negotiating transport or figuring out parking. Families come here (kids, grandparents, people who've never been on a board), and the lesson scales to whoever shows up that day.

What’s included

Your lesson includes a private surf instructor with over 15 years of teaching experience, a surfboard and boogie boards for the water, a chair and umbrella for the sand, fresh fruit and water throughout the day, and an air-conditioned vehicle for transport from your hotel if you need it. After the formal lesson, you can keep using the boards for a couple more hours to practice or play in the waves.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (20 to 60 years) · Youth (12 to 19 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Alejandro Surf School

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in Quepos who want to learn to surf without arranging a guide or transport. The lesson is private, pickup is included, and the guarantee means you'll actually stand up instead of spending the session frustrated. Expect a half-day in the water and sun. That's what makes the calm waves and the monkeys in the trees part of the same morning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 19 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 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 24 h before the start.

Does Alejandro really guarantee I'll stand up on the board?

Yes. The lesson is structured so that standing up happens during the session. If you can follow basic instructions and get in the water, it's part of the plan.

Is this lesson for beginners only?

No. Alejandro teaches young and old, all fitness levels. The lesson adjusts to whoever shows up.

What if I don't want to keep surfing after the lesson?

You don't have to. The boards are available for a couple more hours if you want to keep practicing, but you can also just relax on the beach, swim, or watch the monkeys.

Are there monkeys on Manuel Antonio Beach?

Yes. The beach is next to Manuel Antonio National Park, and monkeys often pass through the trees behind the sand during the day.

Is transport from my hotel included?

Yes, if you need it. The lesson includes an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and drop-off.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. The lesson is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Infants and small children can come along, and the whole family can use the boards and beach after the lesson.

What's included in the price?

The surfboard, boogie boards, skin board, chair, umbrella, fruits, water, and transport if needed. Everything except food and personal items is covered.