Two-hour surf lessons on Espadilla Norte introduce beginners to gentle Pacific beach breaks beneath the forested slopes of Manuel Antonio. Learn safety, pop-up technique and get free board time to practice—best in calm morning conditions.
Two-hour surf lessons on Espadilla Norte introduce beginners to gentle Pacific beach breaks beneath the forested slopes of Manuel Antonio. Learn safety, pop-up technique and get free board time to practice—best in calm morning conditions.
A low swell lifts and folds across Espadilla Norte, the Pacific tugging at your leash as an instructor counts down from the sand. You start on your stomach, paddle into a soft, rolling wave and—guided by a steady hand—feel the board edge under your feet. Two hours here move quickly: dry salt on your skin, the forested ridge behind the beach keeping the wind off in the morning.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Travel Costa Rica Tours · Quepos, Puntarenas
A low swell lifts and folds across Espadilla Norte, the Pacific tugging at your leash as an instructor counts down from the sand. You start on your stomach, paddle into a soft, rolling wave and—guided by a steady hand—feel the board edge under your feet. Two hours here move quickly: dry salt on your skin, the forested ridge behind the beach keeping the wind off in the morning.
Manuel Antonio sits on a coastal spine of volcanic rock and rich tropical soil; the beach itself is a broad shelf with consistent beach breaks that make it forgiving for first-timers. The area moved from small fishing village to protected park in the 1970s, and today surf instruction operates alongside forest trails and wildlife viewing—monkeys and sloths often watch from the treeline.
Lessons focus on safety and fundamentals: paddling, pop-up technique, and reading a shoulder of the wave. Instructors supply boards and water; sessions are tailored for beginners but welcome intermediate surfers wanting practice time. Expect groups of up to ten and a pace that alternates focused drills with guided practice in the lineup.
Practical edge: book early for calm morning windows when onshore wind is light, bring reef-safe sunscreen and a water bottle, and be ready for sandy, sometimes rocky entry depending on tide. If you have back issues or heart conditions this activity isn’t recommended; otherwise a moderate fitness level and basic swimming skill are enough to get you up and riding beneath Manuel Antonio’s green ridge.
moderate.
2 hours.
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and upper-body strength for paddling; basic swimming comfort required.
No—lessons are tailored to beginners, covering paddling, pop-up technique and wave selection; instructors adapt drills to your progress.
Instructors provide a surfboard, safety brief, two hours of instruction and water; some operators also offer tropical fruit after the session.
Not recommended for travelers with serious back, heart conditions or pregnancy; basic swimming ability and moderate fitness are required.
You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time; check your booking confirmation for details.
Manuel Antonio grew from coastal settlements into a national park in the 1970s, protecting rainforest and shoreline as tourism increased.
Visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe products, stick to marked paths and follow guides to minimize disturbance to wildlife and coastal ecosystems.
Travel Costa Rica Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A low swell lifts and folds across Espadilla Norte, the Pacific tugging at your leash as an instructor counts down from the sand. You start on your stomach, paddle into a soft, rolling wave and—guided by a steady hand—feel the board edge under your feet. Two hours here move quickly: dry salt on your skin, the forested ridge behind the beach keeping the wind off in the morning.
A low swell lifts and folds across Espadilla Norte, the Pacific tugging at your leash as an instructor counts down from the sand. You start on your stomach, paddle into a soft, rolling wave and—guided by a steady hand—feel the board edge under your feet. Two hours here move quickly: dry salt on your skin, the forested ridge behind the beach keeping the wind off in the morning.
Manuel Antonio sits on a coastal spine of volcanic rock and rich tropical soil; the beach itself is a broad shelf with consistent beach breaks that make it forgiving for first-timers. The area moved from small fishing village to protected park in the 1970s, and today surf instruction operates alongside forest trails and wildlife viewing—monkeys and sloths often watch from the treeline.
Lessons focus on safety and fundamentals: paddling, pop-up technique, and reading a shoulder of the wave. Instructors supply boards and water; sessions are tailored for beginners but welcome intermediate surfers wanting practice time. Expect groups of up to ten and a pace that alternates focused drills with guided practice in the lineup.
Practical edge: book early for calm morning windows when onshore wind is light, bring reef-safe sunscreen and a water bottle, and be ready for sandy, sometimes rocky entry depending on tide. If you have back issues or heart conditions this activity isn’t recommended; otherwise a moderate fitness level and basic swimming skill are enough to get you up and riding beneath Manuel Antonio’s green ridge.