Manuel Antonio Beach: Beginner & Advanced Surf Lessons Quepos

Learn to Surf Where the Waves Work Year-Round

You get personalized instruction in the water with an instructor who stays with you through each wave, starting with ten minutes of technique on the sand. The lesson includes your board, rashguard, leash, and a snack afterward. Manuel Antonio's year-round swell means consistent conditions whether you're a first-timer or refining your skills, and the protected beach keeps the focus on learning rather than fighting the ocean.

Step-by-step itinerary

Surf lessons at Manuel Antonio Beach

• Practice stance and posture on sand
• Enter water with instructor guidance
• Get pushed into waves and corrected
• Paddle and catch waves independently

The experience

"You're going to feel it the moment you catch your first wave," our instructor told us before we even hit the water. That promise stuck with me through the whole lesson, and it turned out to be true. The surf lessons at Manuel Antonio Beach start on the sand, where you spend about ten minutes learning the mechanics: how to position your feet, where your hands go, how to pop up without looking like you're wrestling the board. It sounds simple until you're actually lying down and trying to make your body do what your brain is telling it.

Once you're in the water, the instructor stays close. Really close. They're right there pushing you into waves, catching the small mistakes before they become habits, and letting you know when you're ready to try paddling out on your own. The whole thing moves at your pace, whether you're five years old on a boogieboard or someone who's surfed before and wants to tighten up your technique. Manuel Antonio has consistent waves all year, which means there's always something to work with, and the beach itself is protected enough that you're not fighting a riptide while you're learning.

Your gear is sorted before you arrive: surfboard or boogieboard depending on what makes sense for you, a rashguard so you're not raw by the end, a leash so the board doesn't drift away. After the lesson winds down, there's fruit and water, which tastes better than you'd expect when you're tired and salty. The whole thing is built around making you feel steady enough that when you do catch a wave, you actually understand what just happened instead of just holding on.

What’s included

• Your lesson includes a surfboard or boogieboard, rashguard, and leash.
• After the water work, you get fruit and water.
• The instructor provides all teaching and stays with you throughout the lesson to correct technique and build confidence.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (4 to 75 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We are located across the most famous restaurant at the public beach The Marlin Restaurant.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Tony's Surf School

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to learn surfing without figuring out which beach has the right waves or renting gear separately. The lesson handles the instruction, the equipment, and the timing, leaving you to focus on catching your first wave.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

51 verified traveler reviews

5 ★50

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

Do I need to know how to swim to take a surf lesson?

The lessons are designed for all skill levels, including beginners. The instructor works in shallow water and stays with you throughout. If you're uncomfortable in water, mention it when you book.

What's included in the lesson?

Surfboard or boogieboard, rashguard, leash, fruit, and water. The instructor and personalized teaching are included. No hidden fees.

Is Manuel Antonio good for beginners?

Yes. The waves are consistent year-round and suitable for first-timers. The instructor adapts the lesson to your level, whether you're brand new or looking to improve technique.

Can children take lessons?

Yes, lessons are offered for all ages. Infants and small children can be brought along (in a pram or stroller), though the lesson itself is designed for the person in the water.

What if the weather is bad?

Surf conditions at Manuel Antonio are generally good year-round, but confirm with the instructor about rescheduling options if conditions are unsafe on your booked day.