Puerto Vallarta: Surf lessons — A hands-on guide to catching waves in Jalisco
If you’re dreaming of riding your first wave or sharpening your skills, a surf lesson in Puerto Vallarta offers a rewarding mix of stunning scenery, professional instruction, and personalized attention. For $98 per person, you’ll get a 2.5-hour session tailored to your experience level—whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate surfer eager for a new challenge. Guides pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb, transport you to beautiful beaches in Nayarit if needed, and provide all the gear you’ll need, including a GoPro for photos you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.
What we particularly love about this tour is the dedication of the instructors—they focus on safety, making sure everyone feels comfortable, and they’re also keen to help you succeed, no matter your skill level. Plus, the included professional photos help capture those triumphant moments of standing up for the first time or catching a decent wave. The second standout? The flexibility to travel to different beaches, depending on your experience and the best surf conditions that day, means you’ll get the optimal experience whether you’re a first-timer or more advanced.
A minor consideration is that you’ll need to bring your own towel and swimsuit, and the tour doesn’t include meals or alcohol. It’s also worth noting that this activity isn’t suitable for children under five or pregnant women, so it’s best suited for active, confident swimmers. If you’re looking for an authentic, fun, and professionally guided surfing experience that offers great value, this tour is a fantastic choice—especially if you want that perfect blend of instruction, safety, and memorable photos.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Personalized instruction suited for all skill levels, from first-timers to intermediate surfers
- Transportation included, with stops for snacks or coffee along the way
- All equipment and surf gear provided, including a GoPro for capturing your best moments
- Beautiful beaches in Nayarit as your surfing playground, chosen for optimal surf conditions
- Professional guides who are attentive and friendly, ensuring safety and fun
- Flexible cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
An in-depth look at Puerto Vallarta surf lessons
Picture yourself being picked up from your hotel or Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta by friendly guides who are eager to help you get your surf on. This door-to-door service is one of the first things we appreciated because it removes the hassle of arranging transport, giving you more time to focus on the excitement ahead. Your guides will stop for a quick coffee or light snack—an excellent way to fuel up before hitting the waves. You then head to the surf shop to pick up your gear, which includes a full set of surf equipment, a UV protective lycra, and a beach tent for shade.
The tour is designed to be completely flexible based on your skill level and comfort. If you’re a total beginner, your instructor will spend about 20-30 minutes on land, covering safety measures, parts of the board, paddling techniques, and the basics of standing up. This ground session is invaluable because it builds your confidence and understanding before you hit the water. For those with some experience, instructors tailor the lesson to your needs, emphasizing techniques to improve your balance and timing.
Once in the water, the focus is on fun and safety. For two hours, you’ll be guided, supported, and encouraged as you try to stand, paddle, or simply enjoy catching waves. The guides are well-versed in the best spots—sometimes traveling to beaches in Nayarit—ensuring you catch the best waves for your level.
A standout feature here is the GoPro 10 camera used during your session. The guides take photos of you riding waves, catching the moments when everything clicks. As several reviews mention, having professional photos taken during your lesson is a huge bonus—these pictures become treasured souvenirs of your trip. One reviewer from Canada shared, “The guides were very attentive and made sure the kids were successful,” highlighting that the guides truly care about making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
The tour wraps up with time to rinse off and relax, often under a beach tent with water and snacks provided. The entire experience is designed to be lighthearted and encouraging, ensuring that even if you don’t stand up right away, you leave with a smile and a story to tell.
What’s included and what not
The value of this tour largely hinges on its inclusions. All transportation, gear, water, snacks, and photos are included in the $98 fee. The photo package, especially, earns high praise because it allows you to relive your surfing triumphs without hassle. You’ll also appreciate the professional treatment from guides who speak both English and Spanish, making communication smooth for international travelers.
However, it’s important to note that you’ll need to bring your own towel and swimsuit, as these aren’t provided. The tour doesn’t include meals or alcohol, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward. Also, while the tour is flexible, it’s not suitable for children under five or pregnant women due to the activity’s physical nature.
The experience from reviews
Feedback from past participants underscores how well-organized and personable this tour is. Many emphasize the knowledgeable guides and the stunning beach locations. One traveler from Canada said, “The whole experience was amazing from the beach they chose to the boards but mostly the friendly and supportive instructors.” Another noted how supportive the guides are, especially when helping children to succeed, which speaks to the inclusive nature of the lessons.
The fact that many reviewers plan to repeat the experience during their stay, like Michael from Canada, who states, “When I am back in PV I will definitely take another lesson,” suggests that the tour offers not just a one-time thrill but an engaging, welcoming environment for multiple sessions.
More Great Tours NearbyWho should consider this surf lesson?
This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a safe, professional, and fun-focused introduction to surfing. It’s especially suited to beginners eager to learn in a supportive setting, as well as intermediate surfers wanting a fun refresher with a friendly team. Because the guides are attentive and customize lessons, it’s perfect for families with kids (over five) seeking a memorable activity or solo travelers eager to conquer their first waves.
If you’re a confident swimmer and comfortable in the water, this tour offers a genuine, enjoyable way to experience Puerto Vallarta’s beaches from a new perspective. However, if you’re expecting a more relaxed, sunbathing day, or if you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant women, this might not be the best activity for you.
Final thoughts
In essence, this surf lesson with Vallarta Surf Company provides great value through its personalized approach, professional guides, and inclusive photos. It’s a chance to learn and have fun in a safe environment, with stunning beaches and supportive instructors ensuring you get the most out of your time in Puerto Vallarta. Whether you’re new to surfing or trying to improve your skills, this tour offers a memorable experience that combines the thrill of catching your first wave with the comfort of professional guidance.
For travelers seeking an active, engaging, and authentic way to connect with Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty, this surf lesson is a solid choice. It’s perfect for those who want to step outside their comfort zone, enjoy a scenic beach day, and leave with photos that keep the adventure alive long after your vacation ends.
FAQ
Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel or Airbnb is included, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a towel and your swimsuit or beachwear. The tour provides gear and water, but personal items like towels are your responsibility.
Can children participate?
Children under five are not suitable for this activity, but older kids (above five) can enjoy the experience, especially with attentive guides.
Is this activity suitable if I don’t know how to swim?
Knowing how to swim is necessary for participating safely in the activity, as it involves being in the water.
Are photos of me taken during the lesson?
Yes, a GoPro 10 is used to capture your surf moments at no extra cost, giving you lasting memories of your experience.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
Is the tour bilingual?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for diverse travelers.
This surf lesson offers more than just a chance to learn to ride waves — it’s an opportunity to connect with Puerto Vallarta’s beaches in a safe, fun, and memorable way. Whether you’re chasing your first wave or improving your technique, this guided experience balances professionalism with authentic enjoyment. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or groups, it’s a surf adventure that leaves you ready to catch the next wave.
You can check availability for your dates here: