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Learn to surf in Marino Las Baulas National Park at Playa Grande with local instructors and adaptive equipment. This beginner-focused lesson combines land drills, guided water time and drone footage on a protected Pacific beach.
Learn to surf in Marino Las Baulas National Park at Playa Grande with local instructors and adaptive equipment. This beginner-focused lesson combines land drills, guided water time and drone footage on a protected Pacific beach.
A morning at Playa Grande begins with the surfline whispering from the dunes and the humid breath of the Pacific pressing warm air across the sand. You meet at a small surf shop inside Hotel ONDA, suit up in a long-sleeve rash guard and zinc, then walk three minutes to a wide, sandy beach where gentle peaks unspool along a shallow reef.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ONDA Experiences · Playa Grande, Guanacaste
A morning at Playa Grande begins with the surfline whispering from the dunes and the humid breath of the Pacific pressing warm air across the sand. You meet at a small surf shop inside Hotel ONDA, suit up in a long-sleeve rash guard and zinc, then walk three minutes to a wide, sandy beach where gentle peaks unspool along a shallow reef.
Playa Grande sits on the north edge of Marino Las Baulas National Park, an area shaped by volcanic uplift and Pacific swell. The shoreline is young in geological terms — sand tongues and backed mangrove estuaries that funnel currents and shape consistent, learner-friendly breaks. Culturally the town is quietly surf-focused: local instructors who grew up on these waves run lessons and read sets like old maps.
Lessons emphasize pop-up technique, paddling position and wave selection; expect a 15-minute land drill followed by guided water time and video/drone clips of your rides. The school offers adaptive equipment for riders with limited mobility, and basic safety orientation is included.
Practical notes: aim for low tide windows or mid-morning sessions when onshore breezes ease. Use reef-safe sunscreen, bring reusable water, and wear a snug rash guard — boards and leashes are provided. Respect protected turtle nesting zones (watch for markers and avoid night beach lighting) and listen to your instructor about currents and exit points.
This is a compact, confidence-building surf session ideal for beginners and returning novices who want coached wave time in a protected, ecologically sensitive setting.
easy.
2–2.5 hours.
Suitable for people with basic swimming ability and general fitness; expect repeated paddling and short bursts of effort.
No — lessons are designed for beginners and focus on paddling, pop-up practice, and catching small waves under instructor guidance.
Yes — the school offers adaptive surfboards and accommodations for participants with mobility or sensory impairments; notify them when booking.
Lessons are suitable for most ages with basic swimming ability; not recommended for people with serious spinal, heart, or pregnancy-related concerns — disclose health details at booking.
Yes — they supply boards tailored to height/weight, leashes, wax, rash guards and waterproof zinc sunscreen; bring personal items like water and a towel.
Marino Las Baulas was established to protect leatherback nesting habitat and the coastline shaped by volcanic and marine processes.
The park restricts beach access at night during nesting season and encourages reef-safe products; keep distance from nests and refrain from flash photography.
ONDA Experiences operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A morning at Playa Grande begins with the surfline whispering from the dunes and the humid breath of the Pacific pressing warm air across the sand. You meet at a small surf shop inside Hotel ONDA, suit up in a long-sleeve rash guard and zinc, then walk three minutes to a wide, sandy beach where gentle peaks unspool along a shallow reef.
A morning at Playa Grande begins with the surfline whispering from the dunes and the humid breath of the Pacific pressing warm air across the sand. You meet at a small surf shop inside Hotel ONDA, suit up in a long-sleeve rash guard and zinc, then walk three minutes to a wide, sandy beach where gentle peaks unspool along a shallow reef.
Playa Grande sits on the north edge of Marino Las Baulas National Park, an area shaped by volcanic uplift and Pacific swell. The shoreline is young in geological terms — sand tongues and backed mangrove estuaries that funnel currents and shape consistent, learner-friendly breaks. Culturally the town is quietly surf-focused: local instructors who grew up on these waves run lessons and read sets like old maps.
Lessons emphasize pop-up technique, paddling position and wave selection; expect a 15-minute land drill followed by guided water time and video/drone clips of your rides. The school offers adaptive equipment for riders with limited mobility, and basic safety orientation is included.
Practical notes: aim for low tide windows or mid-morning sessions when onshore breezes ease. Use reef-safe sunscreen, bring reusable water, and wear a snug rash guard — boards and leashes are provided. Respect protected turtle nesting zones (watch for markers and avoid night beach lighting) and listen to your instructor about currents and exit points.
This is a compact, confidence-building surf session ideal for beginners and returning novices who want coached wave time in a protected, ecologically sensitive setting.