Surf Lessons in Punta de Mita: Learn to Catch Your First Wave

Catch your first wave with a family who’s shared that joy for generations

A two-hour surf lesson in Punta de Mita taught by a family of three instructors who run the school from the beach. You start with balance and pop-up technique on shore, then paddle out to practice in the ocean with safety and wave-reading skills built in. Maximum twelve people per booking; minimum age eight; lessons start at 10am or 5pm, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

The experience

The lesson opens on the beach with a ten-minute balance test and pop-up technique. The motion that gets you from lying flat to standing on the board. You'll adjust your body position and posture here, on dry sand, before the ocean enters the picture. All equipment is provided, and the three instructors (Alejandro and his sons Alex Jr and Diego) work as a team or one-on-one depending on the group, each focused on making sure you catch your first wave.

Once you're ready, you paddle out to the surf area the instructors have chosen for the day's conditions. The second half of the lesson is in the water, where you practice the pop-up and learn to read the ocean: how to spot the right wave, position yourself, and time your paddle. Safety is woven through the whole session, not tacked on at the end. The family runs the school from Punta de Mita itself, and that continuity shows in how they teach: they know the water, the breaks, and the rhythm of the day.

What’s included

• All necessary equipment including board and safety gear.
• professional instruction from a live guide in English or Spanish.
• balance and pop-up technique training on the beach.
• ocean-reading and safety skills taught in the water.
• access to the designated surf area for the lesson.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (8 to 75 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

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.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Mita Aventuras

Is this one for you?You paddle out and practice yourself, with the instructors in the water coaching and spotting you. This is not a demonstration or a spectator experience. The shared format keeps the cost down and puts you in the water with other learners. If you want one-on-one attention, the instructors can arrange that within the group structure. A moderate level of fitness helps, since you're paddling and moving on the board for two hours, but the lesson is built for beginners, not athletes.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the difference between the 10am and 5pm lesson times?

Punta de Mita Surf offers both times to fit your schedule. You choose your preferred time when you book. The water and wave conditions vary between morning and evening, so pick whichever slot works best for your day.

Can an eight-year-old really learn to surf in two hours?

Eight is the minimum age, and the instructors have taught children that age before. Two hours is enough to learn the pop-up on shore and catch at least one wave in the water. The goal is to give you the foundation and the feeling of riding one, not to make you an expert.

What do I need to bring, and what's included?

All necessary equipment (board, wetsuit if needed, and safety gear) is provided. Bring a towel, water, and sunscreen. The lesson includes instruction from a live guide, safety briefing, ocean-reading guidance, and access to the designated surf area for the day.

How many people will be in the lesson?

A maximum of twelve people can book in one session. The three instructors work as a team or split into smaller groups depending on the size and the skill level in the water.

Is this safe for families with kids?

Yes. The school is marked as safe for all family and has a minimum age of eight. The instructors are experienced with children and focus on safety throughout: balance work on shore, proper positioning in the water, and reading conditions before you paddle out.