Manuel Antonio: Private Surf Lesson & Beach Day with Alejandro

Summary

Private surf lesson on Manuel Antonio Beach with local guide Alejandro, fruit snack and beach time included

You’ll get private surf instruction right on Manuel Antonio Beach with Alejandro guiding you from dry land to your first real wave. Chairs, umbrellas, water and fresh fruit are included so you can relax between tries—or just watch others wipe out for a while. There’s space for everyone in your group to join or cheer you on. It’s the kind of day you’ll remember next time you hear waves crashing somewhere far away.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to actually stand up on the board. Alejandro laughed when I told him that — he just nodded and said, “You’ll see.” The sand was warm under my feet while we practiced paddling and popping up, and I could hear monkeys chattering somewhere behind us in the trees. There’s something about being taught by someone who’s spent half his life in these waves; he made it look so easy but never made me feel silly for wobbling.

The first wave knocked me straight off, obviously. But then Alejandro shouted some encouragement in Spanish (I caught maybe half), and somehow on the third try I was standing — wobbly, arms out like a scarecrow. The water was salty and warm, and when I finally wiped out I came up laughing. He handed me a slice of pineapple from the cooler after, sweet and cold against all that sun. We had chairs set up under an umbrella so we could just sit there dripping for a bit, watching kids playing with boogie boards.

There were families everywhere — some tiny kids trying to drag boards twice their size, older folks cheering each other on. A couple of capuchin monkeys darted across the sand at one point (nobody seemed surprised except me). After the lesson ended, Alejandro told us we could keep practicing as long as we wanted; no rush. I liked that. It felt like nobody was counting minutes or pushing us along — just letting us enjoy Manuel Antonio Beach however we wanted. Honestly, I still think about that first moment upright on the board sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private surf lesson at Manuel Antonio Beach

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

Top questions

Is transportation included in this private surf lesson?

Yes, transportation is available if you need it.

Are surfboards provided during the lesson?

Yes, surfboards are provided for the lesson and you can keep using them after.

Can children participate in the surf lesson?

Yes, children of all ages can join—the activity is suitable for families.

Is there shade available on the beach?

Yes, chairs and an umbrella are included for shade during your beach day.

Are snacks or drinks provided?

You’ll get fresh fruit and water included with your booking.

How experienced is the instructor?

Alejandro has over 15 years of experience teaching surfing at Manuel Antonio Beach.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can I use boogie boards or skimboards too?

Yes, boogie boards and skimboards are available to use during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes optional transportation to Manuel Antonio Beach, a private surf lesson with experienced local instructor Alejandro, use of surfboards plus extra time after your lesson to keep practicing or try boogie boards or skimboards if you want. Chairs and an umbrella are set up for relaxing between sessions, with fresh fruit and water always nearby—so you can make it a proper beach day before heading back whenever you’re ready.