If you have always wanted to try surfing, Tamarindo is one of the friendliest places in Costa Rica to do it. It is the best-known surf town on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste: a long, wide beach with a lively town right behind it, and a lot of people stand up on a board for the first time here.
- Best for
- First-timers and beginners
- Lesson
- About 2 hours, board included
- Water
- Warm all year
- Best season
- Dry season, December to April
- Avoid
- Swimming at the river mouth (crocodiles)
Why beginners learn in Tamarindo
The main reason is the waves. In front of town they are usually reliable and gentle, the bottom is sand, and the water is warm all year. That combination gives beginners many chances to catch a wave in a short session, without the size or power that makes other beaches hard for a first-timer.
There are also many local instructors who teach every day, so lessons are easy to set up and the teaching is practiced.
How a first lesson works
A typical beginner lesson lasts about two hours and the board is included. It starts on the sand, where your instructor shows you how to lie on the board, paddle and pop up to your feet. Then you go into the water together, and the instructor helps you choose the waves and gives you a push at the right moment.
Many people stand up during their first lesson. It depends on the day, the waves and the person, so the best attitude is to enjoy the water and count every ride as a win.
Best time of year
Tamarindo has surfable waves all year. The dry season, from December to April, brings sunny weather and manageable surf, which many beginners prefer. In the green season the town is quieter and the waves can be bigger on some days, so your instructor will pick the spot and the time with that in mind.
If surfing is not for you
Not everyone in a group wants to surf, and in Tamarindo that is easy. You can walk the beach, swim in front of town, or sit in the shade with a cold drink and watch the surfers. The main street runs along the beach and is full of souvenir stalls, surf shops, boutiques and cafes.
For lunch there are restaurants with tables on the sand, fresh seafood and Costa Rican food. If you stay until late afternoon, Tamarindo also has one of the best sunsets on this coast.
A few safety notes
- Swim and surf in front of town, where the instructors work, and watch for currents.
- Do not swim at the river mouth at the north end of the beach. Crocodiles live in that estuary.
- Use plenty of sunscreen and drink water. The sun is strong, even on cloudy days.
Going with us
Our Tamarindo tour is a relaxed private half day. We pick you up at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, show you around the town and the beach, and book your surf lesson with a local instructor if you want one. Tell us when you book so we can reserve it. Lunch and shopping are at your own pace and expense.
Questions
Is Tamarindo good for beginner surfers?
Yes. The waves in front of town are usually reliable and gentle, and it is one of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica to learn to surf.
How long is a surf lesson?
A typical beginner lesson lasts about two hours, starting on the sand, and the board is included.
Can I stand up in my first lesson?
Many people do. It depends on the day, the waves and the person, so enjoy the water and count every ride as a win.
What if someone in my group does not want to surf?
No problem. They can walk the beach, swim, shop for souvenirs or have lunch by the ocean while the others surf.
Carlos runs Blue Sky Private Tours, a 100% Costa Rican company based in Liberia, Guanacaste. For more than 10 years his team has guided private tours from the beach hotels to the rivers, volcanoes and reefs of the region.
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