Experience the Waves with Private Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa Beach
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding the iconic Costa Rican surf, Santa Teresa is the perfect place to start or improve your skills. These private lessons, available for beginners through advanced surfers, are offered at a very reasonable $85 per person for around 90 minutes of personalized instruction. Your guides will meet you at a designated spot just 100 meters north of Santa Teresa’s football plaza, and include options for pickup, making the whole process smooth and hassle-free.
Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the personalized coaching—your instructor tailors the lesson to your skill level—and the use of quality surfboards, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident in the water. Plus, with a small group or private session, you get focused attention and plenty of time to ask questions and practice. A possible consideration is that the lessons are weather-dependent; if the surf isn’t ideal, your booking can be rescheduled or refunded.
This experience suits adventurous travelers eager to learn or refine their surfing skills, especially those who want personalized guidance in a supportive environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already catching green waves, this tour offers a fun, confidence-boosting, and scenic way to spend time at Santa Teresa Beach.
Key Points
- Customized for all levels: lessons are tailored from beginner to advanced.
- Personalized instruction: you’ll receive dedicated attention to improve quickly.
- Includes surfboard use: no need to bring your own gear.
- Flexible scheduling and location: meet in Santa Teresa, with optional pickup.
- Highly rated and recommended: 5-star reviews from dozens of happy surfers.
- Weather-dependent: lessons may be canceled or rescheduled due to poor conditions.
A Deep Dive into Santa Teresa’s Private Surf Lessons
Location and Accessibility
Santa Teresa’s stunning coastline draws surfers from all over, thanks to consistent surf and a laid-back vibe. The lesson meeting point is conveniently located just 100 meters north of the local football plaza, easily reachable from most accommodations in town. The provider, Santa Teresa Extreme Center, operates daily from early morning until evening, giving you plenty of flexible options to fit into your schedule.
What to Expect at the Meeting Point
When you arrive, expect a friendly welcome and a quick check-in before heading into the water. The owner or instructor will explain safety measures and give a brief overview of the lesson. If you opt for pickup, they will arrange to collect you from your hotel or hostel—saving you time and effort. The meeting spot is close to public transportation, which is a big plus if you’re relying on local buses or shuttles.
Choosing Your Skill Level
The lessons are designed to match your current ability. For beginners, the focus is on learning the basics—how to paddle, stand up, and control the board. Many reviews highlight positive experiences for first-timers. One guest remarked, “This was the best first surf lesson ever,” emphasizing how patient and skilled instructors like Sammy make the learning process smooth and fun.
Intermediate and Advanced Lessons
For those with some experience, the instructor will help you catch green waves, improve paddling techniques, and introduce more advanced maneuvers such as bottom turns, cutbacks, and roundhouses. We loved the way this progression boosts confidence and keeps the session engaging.
The Instruction Style
Based on reviews, instructors like Sammy and Ryan are praised for their patience, enthusiasm, and clarity. One guest shared, “Sammy was a great instructor! He teached us a lot and was really patient.” The focus is on personalized feedback, ensuring each surfer gets the most out of their time in the water. The lessons are private or semi-private, meaning your group won’t be crowded out or rushed.
Equipment and Safety
All lessons include the use of a surfboard, which can be a longboard for beginners or a shorter board for more advanced surfers. This ensures that your focus is on learning and enjoyment rather than gear logistics. Safety is a priority, with instructors explaining surf etiquette and ocean safety.
The Value of Personalized Attention
Many reviews emphasize how focused coaching helps even first-timers walk away with a sense of achievement and clips of catching their first wave. We appreciated the small group sizes or private format, which allows instructors to tailor feedback and correct form more effectively than in a large class.
Weather and Cancellation Policies
Since surf conditions depend heavily on the weather, lessons may be canceled if the surf is too rough or conditions aren’t safe. The provider offers full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance—a reassuring policy. If rain or poor conditions spoil your plans, your booking can be rescheduled or refunded, which adds peace of mind.
Pricing and Overall Value
At $85 per person for 90 minutes, these lessons are quite competitive considering the personalized instruction and scenic location. When you compare that to the cost of renting gear or taking a group lesson, the private experience offers great value, especially for those eager to truly improve their skills.
Authentic and Enjoyable Experience
The reviews confirm that these lessons aren’t just about riding waves—they’re about connecting with the surf culture, feeling confident in the water, and having fun. One review calls it “a fun surfing class,” and many mention how instructors make the whole process enjoyable and memorable.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Santa Teresa
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is ideal for first-timers who want a gentle, encouraging start to surfing. It’s equally suited to intermediate surfers aiming to catch more waves or improve technique, thanks to the customized coaching. If you’re looking for a safe, fun, and scenic way to spend time on the water, this is a solid choice.
Travelers who appreciate personalized attention, quality equipment, and flexible scheduling will find these lessons well worth the price. The positive reviews and high ratings suggest you’ll leave with not only new skills but also a better understanding of the ocean environment.
Final Thoughts

Choosing a private surf lesson in Santa Teresa offers more than just the thrill of catching waves. It’s about learning in a friendly and supportive environment, with instructors who genuinely want you to succeed. The scenery, warm waters, and expert guidance combine to make this a memorable part of your trip.
If you’re an adventure seeker, eager to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, this experience hits all the right notes. It’s also a great activity for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who want a more intimate, focused lesson.
While weather can be unpredictable, the flexible cancellation policy and friendly staff make this a low-stakes investment in your Costa Rican adventure. Whether you’re looking to cruise your first wave or sharpen your skills, this surf lesson strikes a great balance of value, authenticity, and fun.
FAQs
How long is each lesson?
Each session lasts about 90 minutes, giving plenty of time to learn, practice, and enjoy the surf.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the lessons are designed for all levels, including complete beginners who want to learn the basics.
What equipment is provided?
The lesson includes the use of a surfboard appropriate for your skill level.
Where do lessons meet?
Meet at the Santa Teresa extreme center, located just 100 meters north of the local football plaza in Santa Teresa.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if the weather cancels the lesson.
Are transport options available?
Pickup is offered, making it convenient if you’re staying nearby or prefer not to walk.
How many people will be in my lesson?
Since this is a private tour, only your group will participate, allowing for personalized coaching.
What ages are suitable?
Most travelers can participate, and the lessons are tailored to your experience level.
Is the price per person?
Yes, the listed price of $85 applies per person for the lesson.
What makes this tour a good value?
With dedicated instruction, quality gear, and scenic surroundings, it’s a cost-effective way to gain new skills and memories.
Whether you’re looking to stand up on your first wave or improve your technique, these Santa Teresa private surf lessons promise a fun, safe, and scenic experience that comes highly recommended by past participants.
More Workshops & Classes in Santa Teresa
While in Santa Teresa, here are other experiences we've covered
More Private Tours in Santa Teresa
More Tour Reviews in Santa Teresa
More Santa Teresa experiences we've covered
- Santa Teresa to Liberia Airport Private Shuttle
- Inshore Fishing trip 4 hours
- Private Transportation From Liberia Airport to Occidental Papagayo
- Offshore Fishing trip (Deep sea fishing)
- Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa
- Private Nature Tour in Cabo Blanco Park Costa Rica
- Surf Lessons, Summer 2025! Santa Teresa North, Costa Rica
- Double Kayak Bioluminescence Tour in Costa Rica
- Paquera Sunset and Full Moon Kayak Tour
- Specialized Group Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa
- Private Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa Santa Teresa
- Costa Rica Horseback Riding Experience
