Semi-Private Surf Lessons in Tamarindo — just your crew and the waves
Your group of two or three, one instructor, no strangers. Nearly the attention of a private lesson at a lower price per person — with the people you came to surf with.
Why choose a semi-private surf lesson?
Semi-private is the sweet spot — the most personal way to learn together without paying for two private lessons.
You surf only with the people you booked with. Never lumped in with a crowd you've never met.
With only 2–3 of you, your instructor watches each person and gives individual corrections.
Sharing one instructor means it costs noticeably less per head than going fully private.
Since it's just your group, we build the lesson around the time and tide that work for you.
Can you take it at different levels?
A common worry: "My partner has surfed before and I've never touched a board — won't one of us hold the other back?"
In a semi-private lesson, that's not a problem. With just 2–3 of you, your instructor adapts to each person — pushing the complete beginner into gentle whitewash while giving the more experienced surfer tips to improve, all in the same session.
Nobody waits. Nobody gets left behind.
Who semi-private lessons are perfect for
Vacation or honeymoon, sharing the experience.
Surf with each other, not with strangers.
Or two siblings, learning side by side.
Personal attention without the full private price.
One beginner, one improver — same session.
Everything's included for your whole group
No hidden fees, no equipment charges sprung on you at the beach.
- ✓A bilingual instructorEnglish / Spanish — dedicated to your group alone
- ✓A soft-top board for each personMatched to size and level
- ✓Rash guard, leash & waxFor everyone, set up before you arrive
- ✓Tide-timed schedulingYour lesson at the day's best window
- ✓Photos of your group's sessionTo take home
Your semi-private lesson, step by step
Here's how your 90 minutes flow when it's just your group.
Meet & gear your group
We check everyone's experience and fit each person with the right board and rash guard.
Safety & sand practice
Ocean safety, currents, right-of-way and the pop-up — practiced together on the sand until it clicks.
Sharing the waves
Into the water, just your crew. Your instructor moves between you, pushing each into their own waves.
Feedback for each of you
Everyone gets individual feedback — what you did well and what to work on next.
Semi-private vs private vs group
Three formats, three different goals. Here's the honest breakdown.
The middle ground
Almost the attention of private, a lower price per person, and you surf only with your own group. Best for couples and small groups.
Fastest progress
One-on-one, the most reassuring if you're nervous or short on time.
See private →Most social & affordable
A small group of up to 4 that may include other travelers. Best for solo travelers and budgets.
See group →Stand up on your first lesson — guaranteed
If you don't stand up and ride a wave in your first lesson, your next one is on us. With just your small group and an instructor moving between you, standing up on day one is what we plan for — for everyone in your crew.
What our students say
"We booked a semi-private for our honeymoon and it was the highlight of the trip. Just the two of us and our instructor — we both stood up on the first session and have the photos to prove it."
"My wife had surfed before and I hadn't, and I was worried I'd hold her back. The instructor split his attention perfectly — she improved, I stood up, nobody waited around."
"Did this with my teenage daughter. Loved that it was just the two of us with the coach, no strangers. Personal, safe and so much fun — we're already planning to come back."
Semi-private surf lesson FAQs
What is a semi-private surf lesson, exactly?
It's a lesson for just your small group — 2 to 3 people — sharing one instructor, with no strangers added in. It sits right between a private lesson (one-on-one) and a group lesson. You get most of the personal attention of a private lesson, at a lower price per person, while learning alongside the people you came with.
Is a semi-private surf lesson good for couples?
It's the most popular choice for couples in Tamarindo. It's just the two of you and your instructor — you learn side by side, cheer each other on, and walk away with photos and a shared story. Far more personal attention than a group lesson, without paying for two separate private ones.
Can my partner and I take a lesson together if one of us has surfed before?
Yes, and it's one of the best things about semi-private. With only 2–3 of you, your instructor adapts to each person — pushing the first-timer into gentle waves while giving the more experienced surfer tips to improve. Nobody holds anyone back, and nobody waits around.
How much does a semi-private surf lesson cost in Tamarindo?
Semi-private lessons start at $65 per person, including the board, rash guard, leash, wax, your instructor and session photos. Because you share one instructor across your group, it's cheaper per person than a private lesson.
How many people can be in a semi-private lesson?
A semi-private lesson is for 2 to 3 people, plus your instructor — and only your group. You're never paired with strangers. With 4 or more, it becomes a group lesson, which we're happy to set up too.
What's the difference between a semi-private and a group surf lesson?
Who you surf with. Semi-private is just your own group of 2–3 — no outsiders. A group lesson is a small class (up to 4) that may include other travelers. Semi-private gives more personal attention and privacy; group is more social and a bit cheaper per person.
Can a family do a semi-private surf lesson together?
Definitely — a parent with one or two kids is a classic semi-private group. You all learn together, with the instructor's attention split just among your family. We teach kids from age 6, always in shallow, sandy-bottom water with the instructor right beside them.
Will we actually get individual attention, or is it like a big group lesson?
You'll get real individual attention — that's the whole point. With just 2–3 of you, your instructor can watch each person and correct your stance wave by wave. It's nothing like the crowded lessons where one instructor manages 8 or 10 beginners at once.
Can we choose our own lesson time as a semi-private group?
Usually yes — because it's just your group, semi-private lessons are some of the easiest to schedule flexibly. We still time your lesson to the best tide so you catch the most waves, but within that we work around your group's plans. Message us with the days you're in Tamarindo.
Do you provide all the surf equipment?
Yes — everything's included for each person: a soft-top board matched to size, rash guard, leash, wax, plus session photos. You just bring a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen and water. No rentals or surprise fees at the beach.
Book your semi-private surf lesson in Tamarindo
Grab your partner, your friend or your family — the waves are waiting. Book online in two minutes, or message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you sort out your group.
📍 Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica