Lessons
Prices are in US dollars and include the 13% tax. Nothing is added at checkout.
Private
Most popularOne surfer, one coach.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water
Semi-private
Two surfers, one coach.
$85 per person.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water
Kids private
One child, one coach. Ages 13 and under.
A parent or guardian books and signs.
60 minutes
Group
Up to four people, two coaches.
$85 a person, $340 for the group. Families and friends welcome.
90 minutes, about an hour of it in the water · 2 coaches
Three days or more cost less per day: 10% off for 3 or 4 days, 15% for 5 or 6, and 20% for 7 or more. The booking form applies it.
We accept
, and cash.
For larger groups, reach out on WhatsApp or book direct and we will be in touch shortly.
What a lesson looks like
You meet your coach at the beach access and pick out a board. Before you get in the water, your coach walks you through the technique on the sand: why the wave breaks the way it does that day, where your weight needs to be. Then you take it straight into the water and put it to work on a real wave.
How you progress
Every lesson follows the same order, whatever level you start at. You begin in the whitewater, where the waves have already broken and it is shallow enough to work on balance without also fighting the wave itself. Once you are catching those waves on your own, your coach moves you out toward the rising tide, where the wave holds its shape longer and gives you more to work with. When that move happens is the coach's call, based on how you are doing in the water that day, not a fixed number of lessons.
Included
Rash guard, board, sunscreen.
Reviews
“Allan was so lovely with our daughter. Highly recommend.”
Mary
“Our grandkids 7/9/14 all learned to surf and loved it. Nosara is the perfect place to learn. 10/10”
Lindsey
“Just being out there was completely worth it, but catching my first real wave was surreal.”
Nomia
“If I can do it on my 70th birthday you can certainly do it in your 30s.”
Greg from Texas
“These boys are the best.”
Andres
“I was a little timid and scared to try but Steven made me super comfortable, it's basically just yoga in the water lol. One day and I was locked in.”
Dakota
“My daughter was surfing and skating within the first week of summer. 5 stars.✨”
David
“The best experience - I'm moving here.”
Georgia
“Allan is a maestro with kids.”
Mikael
“Women's surf retreat 2025 featuring Allan and Piri ❤️”
Laura W.
“I wish I had more time. Surfing at sunset is the best time. Don't forget your camera.”
T
More from Dispatch
Lessons cover every level at Playa Guiones. These pages go deeper on specific formats.
Questions
How much do surf lessons cost in Nosara?
A private lesson is $115, a semi-private for two is $170, and a group of up to four people with two coaches is $340. A kids lesson is $100. Prices are in US dollars and include the 13% tax. Nothing is added at checkout.
What time are surf lessons at Playa Guiones?
Any daylight time on the booking calendar. For kids and first-timers we recommend the whitewater from low tide as it rises to mid; once you are catching unbroken waves, the rising tide from mid to high has the best shape. The conditions page marks both windows for each day.
What's included in a surf lesson?
The board, a rash guard and sunscreen. You bring a swimsuit, a towel and water.
Where is your surf school located?
We are a mobile school. We meet you at one of Playa Guiones's three beach accesses: North, Main or Bakers, whichever has the best conditions that day. We confirm the meeting point by WhatsApp after you book.
Do you pick people up?
Yes, we pick up surfers and groups that need a ride. Tell us where you are staying when you book.
What happens during the 90 minutes?
You meet your coach, pick out a board, and cover the basic technique on the sand. Then the two of you get in the water, and your coach teaches you to read the waves, pop up, and ride.
What if the conditions are bad on the day of my lesson?
If you or the coach judge the conditions unsafe, the lesson is rescheduled.
Do I need to have surfed before?
No. A first lesson starts on the sand, where your coach covers the basic technique before you get in the water. From there you move into the whitewater, where the waves have already broken and are easier to stand up on, and the conditions page marks when that window falls on any given day.
Do I need to be able to swim?
There is no swimming requirement. Lessons start in the whitewater, where the waves have already broken and the water is shallow and easy to stand in. If you are nervous in the ocean, tell us when you book in the box that asks what we should know, and your coach will have read it before the two of you meet.
How far ahead can I book?
The calendar opens six months ahead, and a same-day lesson needs two hours of notice. If your first lesson is more than 30 days away, a 50% deposit books it and the rest is due before you surf. Inside 30 days the full amount is due when you book.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Cancel more than 30 days before your first lesson and you get everything back. Inside 30 days the booking is non-refundable, because by then we have turned other people away from your slot.
Can I move my lesson to another day?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Plans change and so does the ocean, so if the conditions are wrong or something comes up on your side, send us a message and we will find you another slot while you are here, as often as you need.
What happens if I am running late?
Lessons end at the scheduled time because the coach usually has another booking after yours, so arriving late shortens your lesson. If you are running late, send us a WhatsApp message and we will do what we can.
What is the best time of year to surf in Nosara?
Guiones has waves all year and we teach every month. December through April is the season most often recommended, because the swell is smaller, which suits a beach break, and offshore wind cleans up the wave faces. The wet season brings bigger and more frequent swell along with rain and dirtier water after a heavy day, and whichever month you come the conditions page shows the tide windows and the wind for the next seven days.
Can I rent a board without taking a lesson?
Yes. A beginner soft-top is $20 a day, and a longboard or a performance board is $35 a day. Every board comes with a leash and wax, and we meet you at the beach access with it.