Tamarindo Surf Lessons Small Classes Certified Instructors

Four students to one instructor keeps the focus on you.

Small-group surf lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, taught by certified instructors at Tamarindo Diria Hotel, with beginner ocean safety briefing and all equipment provided. Group and private lessons are available. Children from age 3 are welcome. The two-hour session includes a rash guard, locker access and fruit.

The experience

The instructor-to-student ratio caps at four to one, which means you get real feedback in the water instead of watching from the beach. Lessons run two hours and start with an ocean safety briefing before you paddle out. Whether you're stepping on a board for the first time or you already know how to pop up, the instructors (all certified and fluent in English, Spanish and French), pitch the session to where you actually are. Small class size and the latest equipment mean you're not fighting borrowed gear or competing for attention.

You'll get a rash guard to wear, a locker to stash your things, and fruit after the lesson. The beach at Tamarindo works year-round, and the hotel location puts you steps from the water without the scramble of finding parking or a launch point on your own. Group lessons are the standard option. If you want one-on-one instruction, private lessons are available at checkout.

What’s included

• All surfing equipment and rash guard.
• locker access.
• ocean safety briefing.
• fruit after the lesson.
• certified instruction in English, Spanish or French.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tamarindo's Top Surf Lessons - Suitable for Every LevelGuide in English, Spanish or French · No fixed timeLessons for all levels in a group setting. Duration: 2 hours, including 90 minutes on the water. All required equipment is provided.

Private Surf LessonsGuide in English, Spanish or French · No fixed timeSurf lessons lasting 2 hours, with 1 hour 30 minutes of instruction.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 to 71 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Saltee Surf and Golf

Is this one for you?Book a group lesson if you're comfortable learning alongside three other students and want the standard class experience. Choose private lessons if you prefer one-on-one instruction and can adjust your schedule around availability at checkout.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they 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.

What's included in the two hours?

The lesson includes all surfing equipment, a rash guard, locker access, an ocean safety briefing, and fruit after you come out of the water.

Do I need to know how to surf already?

No. The lessons are designed for all levels, from people riding waves for the first time to more advanced surfers looking to improve. The instructors adjust the session to your ability.

Should I book a group lesson or a private one?

Group lessons keep the ratio at four students per instructor and are the standard option. Private lessons give you one-on-one attention. You choose which at checkout depending on how much personal instruction you want.

Where do the lessons happen?

Lessons are based at Tamarindo Diria Hotel, right on Tamarindo Beach. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving.