Surf Lessons in Tamarindo: Learn with Local Instructor Mao

Stand up on your first wave with a guide who stays in the water beside you

Learn to surf at Tamarindo Beach with certified instructor Mao, who leads every lesson personally in small groups rather than rotating staff. The class starts with ocean safety and technique drills on the sand, then moves into the water for guided coaching as you catch your first waves. Mao speaks English, Spanish, Italian and French, and the lesson runs 90 minutes with surfboard, rashguard and refreshment included.

The experience

Tamarindo Beach has consistent waves and a sandy bottom that make it one of Costa Rica's best places to learn surfing, and the difference here is that Mao teaches every single lesson himself. That means no rotating instructors, no guessing whether your coach knows the local conditions, and no standing in a crowd waiting for attention. He reads the waves at the start of each session, picks the safest zone on the beach, and walks you through currents and positioning before you ever enter the water.

The lesson follows a step-by-step structure built to get you standing up fast. On the sand, you'll practice board positioning, paddling technique, and the pop-up (the explosive movement that gets you vertical) before the ocean ever touches your board. Mao runs through wave timing and body mechanics so your first attempts in the water aren't your first time trying. Then comes a guided warm-up to prep your body for balance, and you're in the water with him coaching you into the right waves at the right moment, close enough to adjust your form and build your confidence with every ride.

The 90-minute session includes a surfboard fitted to your size, a rashguard to protect your skin, and fresh fruit or coconut water when you're done. Mao speaks English, Spanish, Italian and French, and the lesson works for first-time surfers, families with kids from age 1 onward, couples, and intermediate surfers refining their technique. No prior experience is necessary. Just bring energy and willingness to get wet.

What’s included

• Surfboard and rashguard.
• 90-minute lesson led personally by Mao.
• ocean safety briefing and technique practice on sand.
• in-water coaching.
• fresh fruit or coconut water after the session.
• live instruction in English, Spanish, Italian or French.

Options for this experience

3 options

Surf lesson for groups of three or moreGuide in 4 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Lesson for two people, semi-privateGuide in 4 languages · 7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00

Private lesson for one person onlyGuide in 4 languages · 7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

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.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mousehead surf school

Is this one for you?Pick private for undivided attention on your technique, semi-private if you're learning with one other person, or group if you want to meet fellow surfers while sharing instruction time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 4 years).

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.

What's the difference between a private lesson and the group option?

Private lessons are one person only; semi-private lessons fit two people; group lessons accommodate three or more. All are led by Mao personally, with the same step-by-step structure and in-water coaching: the group size just changes how much individual attention you get during the session.

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

The lesson focuses on ocean safety and positioning from the start, and Mao stays close to you in the water throughout. The sandy bottom and consistent waves at Tamarindo are designed for beginners, though comfort in the ocean helps.

What happens if the waves are too big or too small on the day of my lesson?

Mao reads the conditions at the start of each session and selects the safest area of Tamarindo Beach for that day's waves. If conditions aren't suitable for learning, he'll reschedule your lesson for a better day rather than push forward in unsafe water.

What should I bring and what's provided?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water. Mao provides the surfboard, rashguard, and refreshment after the lesson. You can safely store your personal items during the session.