Tamarindo Beach Surf Lessons: Stand Up Your First Wave

Skip the hot sand: walk straight to your board and sip a refreshing drink after riding Tamarindo’s waves

A two-hour surf lesson in Tamarindo where you learn to stand and catch your first wave with trained instructors who guarantee results. You meet at Ocho Artisans Bungalows restaurant to suit up, walk 100 meters to the beach facing Capitan Island, and spend the lesson at your own pace with hands-on instruction. The lesson ends with a smoothie, beer or soda and time to shower and change.

The experience

You meet at Ocho Artisans Bungalows restaurant, where you change into your rashguard and use the bathrooms before a short walk of about 100 meters along the beach to the surfboards. The lesson takes place facing the sea with a view toward Capitan Island. Your instructor (trained and fluent in English or Spanish) teaches you the fundamentals on the sand first, then guides you into the water at your own pace. All you need is the ability to swim and a willingness to try. The instructors guarantee you will stand on the board and ride at least one wave during the lesson.

The two-hour class is built around getting you comfortable in the water and on the board without rushing. Your instructor takes the time necessary for your pace and adjusts the lesson so you get the most out of it. Unlike other operators in Tamarindo, you don't carry the surfboard or equipment across the hot sand. The staff handles all the gear. Children from age 6 are welcome, though each child under a certain age gets their own private guide, which increases the cost.

When the lesson ends, you shower and change in the facilities at Ocho Artisans Bungalows, then enjoy a refreshing smoothie, tropical juice or beer. The instructors have over 20 years of experience teaching people to ride waves, and they work with beginners of all fitness levels. No prior surfing experience is needed.

What’s included

• Surfboard and rashguard (surf shirt) for the lesson.
• smoothie, tropical juice or beer at the end.
• shower and changing facilities at Ocho Artisans Bungalows restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Tamarindo Beach Surf Co

Is this one for you?The two-hour pace means you spend most of your time in the water learning to catch waves rather than sitting through long theory or drills on shore. If you want to get on the board and ride your first wave in a single morning or afternoon without a long time commitment, this lesson fits that window.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 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.

Can I really stand on a surfboard if I've never surfed before?

Yes. The instructors guarantee that you will stand on the board and ride your first wave during the lesson. They teach the basics on the sand first, then guide you into the water step by step, adjusting the pace to match your comfort level.

What's included in the two-hour lesson?

The lesson includes the surfboard, a rashguard (surf shirt), and a smoothie, beer or soda at the end. You also get access to the bathrooms and shower facilities at Ocho Artisans Bungalows restaurant before and after the class.

Do I have to carry my surfboard to the beach?

No. The staff carries all the equipment to the beach for you, so you walk the 100 meters from the restaurant to the water without hauling gear across the hot sand.

What do I need to know before booking?

You need to be able to swim. Children are welcome from age 6 onward. The lesson is suitable for all fitness levels, but it is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Instructors speak English and Spanish.