Surf Lessons in Tamarindo: All Levels, 90 Minutes

90 minutes in warm water teaches you to stand and ride.

Surf lessons in Tamarindo with bilingual instructors at the school operating since 1989, teaching all skill levels in 90 minutes with board, rash guard and shower included. Children under 12 book private lessons for one-on-one attention. Semi-private lessons work for two or three people traveling together. Contact the operator to confirm your preferred lesson time before arrival.

The experience

Tamarindo ranks in the top 10 best places to learn to surf in the world, and the school sits directly in front of the beach break that makes it work: warm water, light currents, no rocks. The 90-minute lesson starts with instruction on the sand, then moves into the water with a bilingual instructor who has taught over 100,000 lessons across three decades. You get a soft-top board, a rash guard, and a guide trained in water safety, CPR and First Aid. The school has been fully insured and operating since 1989.

The school offers three formats: group lessons, semi-private (two or three people), and private one-on-one. Group lessons put you with other learners at the same level; semi-private works if you're traveling with a friend or partner; private lessons are required for children under 12 and give you the instructor's full attention. All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to advanced surfers looking to refine technique. After the lesson, you can shower and use the changing rooms before heading back into town.

The school is Tamarindo's original surf shop and has kept most of its staff for over a decade, so the instructors know the beach, the conditions and how to match the lesson to what you actually want to learn. You'll need to contact the operator using the phone number on your voucher to confirm which lesson time works for your schedule.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual instructor in English or Spanish.
• soft-top surf board.
• rash guard.
• 90-minute lesson.
• locker.
• shower.
• use of changing rooms.

Options for this experience

3 options

Group Surf LessonGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00The lesson lasts 2 hours

Semi-Private Surf LessonGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00Semi-Private Surf Lesson

Private Surf LessonGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00Private Surf Lesson

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 dayDepartures at 08:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Iguana Turismo Aquatico

Is this one for you?Group lessons put you with other learners at your level and cost less; semi-private works if you're traveling with one or two others and want more of the instructor's focus; private lessons give you one-on-one attention and are required for children under 12.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the water like when I'm learning to surf in Tamarindo?

Tamarindo's water is warm with light currents and no rocks, which is why the beach is ranked in the top 10 best places to learn to surf in the world. The school sits directly in front of the beach break, so you're in ideal conditions for beginners.

Do I need to have surfed before, or can I start from scratch?

All skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to advanced surfers. The bilingual instructors teach over 100,000 lessons and tailor each one to where you're starting from.

What do I get to keep or use during the lesson?

The lesson includes a soft-top surf board, a rash guard, use of a locker, and access to changing rooms and a shower. You bring your own swimsuit. Everything else is provided.

How do I choose between group, semi-private and private lessons?

Group lessons put you with other learners at the same level. Semi-private lessons work for two or three people traveling together and give you more instructor attention. Private lessons are one-on-one and are required for children under 12.

When do I need to book my lesson time?

Contact the operator using the phone number on your voucher to confirm your preferred lesson time before you arrive in Tamarindo. This ensures the instructor is ready for you at the beach.