Macao Beach Private Surf Lessons: One-on-One Instruction

Catch waves on one of the Dominican Republic's best beginner breaks, with a guide in the water the whole time.

Private surf lessons on Macao Beach in the Dominican Republic pair two hours of one-on-one instruction in the water with dry-land practice, professional equipment and free round-trip transport from Punta Cana. The lessons work for anyone who has never surfed before and for surfers who want to improve, with guides speaking English, Spanish or Russian. All gear is provided, including a 50+ SPF long-sleeve rashguard.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Punta Cana hotel or meeting point. The shuttle is included, so you skip arranging your own transport. You arrive at Macao Beach, a relatively quiet stretch on the Dominican Republic's north coast, where the school has been running lessons for over a decade. The beach itself sits among the country's ten most beautiful, with a natural break that rolls in different sizes depending on the swell, so the same water works for absolute beginners and for surfers who already know the basics.

The lesson splits into two parts. On the sand, a professional instructor walks you through the fundamentals: how to position yourself on the board, how the pop-up works, what to watch for in the water. This part happens in a small group so everyone gets the safety briefing and the dry-land practice at the same pace. Once you're in the water, the instruction becomes one-on-one: your guide stays with you the whole time, positioning you on the board, timing your takeoffs and catching waves alongside you. The teaching method is built to move you forward fast, and the guides are trained to keep it fun instead of stiff. You get two hours in the water, which is long enough to feel the board respond and to land several rides.

The school provides everything you need: a surfboard matched to your size and ability, a 50+ SPF long-sleeve rashguard so you don't burn, and bottled water between sets. The shack has chaise lounges, umbrellas, showers and restrooms, so you can rinse off and dry out before the ride back. Transport back to your hotel is included in the booking, so the whole day (lesson, gear, water and the shuttle both ways) is arranged before you arrive.

What’s included

• Professional one-on-one instruction in the water.
• dry-land practice on the sand.
• all necessary surfboard and equipment.
• 50+ SPF long-sleeve rashguard.
• bottled water.
• round-trip air-conditioned transport from your Punta Cana hotel or meeting point.
• access to the school's beach facilities including showers, restrooms, chaise lounges and umbrellas.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 8 Jan 2027

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 9 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Punta Cana Surf Adventure

Is this one for you?The free transport from Punta Cana means you don't need a rental car or a ride arranged separately. The shuttle picks you up and drops you back, so the lesson works whether you're staying at a resort, a villa or anywhere else in the area without your own wheels.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Russian.

What's Macao Beach like as a place to learn to surf?

Macao Beach is a natural beach-break on the Dominican Republic's north coast with rolling waves in different sizes, which means the same water works for first-timers and for surfers who already know how to read the swell. The beach itself is relatively quiet and ranks among the ten most beautiful in the country. Water is warm and clear year-round.

Do I need to know how to swim before I book?

Yes, surfers must know how to swim. The lesson is one-on-one in the water, and your guide stays with you the whole time, but swimming ability is a requirement before you start.

What's included in the two-hour lesson?

The lesson includes professional one-on-one instruction in the water; dry-land practice on the sand; all necessary equipment (board, rashguard, water); and round-trip transport from your Punta Cana hotel or meeting point. Guides speak English, Spanish or Russian.

Can I bring someone who doesn't want to surf?

Non-surfing companions can come along, but you'll need to contact the school directly to reserve space on the shuttle. The lesson itself is designed for surfers only.

What should I bring or wear?

Bring sunscreen for your face and any exposed skin (the rashguard covers most of your body). Wear whatever you'd normally wear to the beach before the lesson. The school provides the rashguard, board and water. You don't need to bring your own gear.

How does the one-on-one instruction work if I'm in a group?

The group gathers on the beach for the safety briefing and dry-land practice so everyone learns the basics together. Once you're in the water, each surfer gets their own guide for the full two hours, so the instruction is personalized and the school can watch your progression closely.