Learn To Surf With The Best Crew In Tamarindo
More than a sport, Surfing is our lifestyle, allowing the energies of our body and mind to be in harmony with those of nature.
Our main objective is teaching you to discover how to merge those energies achieving good technique, safety, patience and ethics to enjoy every wave with the best vibe. Caring of all details will allow you to take Surfing to the next level.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or pro, our surf lessons will help you improve your skills and enjoy surfing like never before, and we’ll teach you to surf in one of the most iconic surfing destinations in the world, Tamarindo, Costa Rica. We are mainly focused on safety, and to reach the maximum effectiveness in our lessons we divide our students into small groups according to their level.
This way you can progress at your own pace, not being held back or forced out of your comfort zone. Our lessons are very informative and according to your level and performance we’ll be giving you those tips you are needing to reach the next level of your surfing.
Our lessons are very informative and according to your level and performance we’ll be giving you those tips you need to reach the next level of your surfing.
What We Offer
Private Lessons
Semi-Private Lessons
Group Lessons
Where We Are
Tamarindo is a town in the Guanacaste Province, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s known for beaches with strong surf, like Playa Tamarindo and Playa Langosta. To the north, Playa Grande beach is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles, and forms part of Las Baulas National Marine Park. The mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles.
What People Are Saying About Us
Absolutely the Best Surf School in Tamarindo – Good Vibes Only!
If you’re looking for the ultimate surf experience in Tamarindo, Good Vibes Surfing is hands-down the best choice! From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed like family, and the passion, dedication, and attention to detail from the instructors make all the difference.
The instructors Marko and Julio are patient, knowledgeable, and truly invested in helping you improve, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level. They break everything down in a way that’s easy to understand and provide personalized tips that help you catch more waves and build confidence in the water.
Beyond the technical skills, what makes Good Vibes Surfing stand out is the incredible energy they bring to every lesson. They genuinely love what they do, and that enthusiasm is contagious! They create an atmosphere that is fun, supportive, and inspiring, making every session an unforgettable experience.
By the end of my lessons, I wasn’t just standing on the board—I was riding waves with confidence left and right just having the time of my life! If you are in Tamarindo and want the best surf experience, this is the place to go. Thank you, Good Vibes Surfing, for an amazing time—I’ll definitely be back!
If you’re looking for the ultimate surf experience in Tamarindo, Good Vibes Surfing is hands-down the best choice! From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed like family, and the passion, dedication, and attention to detail from the instructors make all the difference.
The instructors Marko and Julio are patient, knowledgeable, and truly invested in helping you improve, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level. They break everything down in a way that’s easy to understand and provide personalized tips that help you catch more waves and build confidence in the water.
Beyond the technical skills, what makes Good Vibes Surfing stand out is the incredible energy they bring to every lesson. They genuinely love what they do, and that enthusiasm is contagious! They create an atmosphere that is fun, supportive, and inspiring, making every session an unforgettable experience.
By the end of my lessons, I wasn’t just standing on the board—I was riding waves with confidence left and right just having the time of my life! If you are in Tamarindo and want the best surf experience, this is the place to go. Thank you, Good Vibes Surfing, for an amazing time—I’ll definitely be back!
I had an amazing experience with Good Vibes Surf School! Julio was an incredible instructor—patient, kind, and super knowledgeable. It was my first time surfing, and thanks to his guidance, I was able to stand up on the board and catch my first waves! He made the lesson fun and easy to follow, giving me the confidence to keep going. If you’re looking for a great surf school with excellent instructors, I highly recommend Good Vibes Surf School. Can’t wait to come back!
Marco is the man! He gives great advice/ tips throughout the whole session. You can tell he really wants you to succeed! Would recommend everyone to take a lesson with him! 5/5 stars!
Marco was an awesome instructor, could not have been a better time. He was extremely helpful and positive the whole time. Could not recommend this place more.
Marco was a stud! My friends and I did a session with him and had an amazing time. Such a great instructor. Would recommend him to anyone traveling to Tamarindo!!!
I had such a good time at my two surf lessons with Marco. He makes sure everyone has a chance to learn and never stops rooting for you. Our groups consisted of different skill levels but still everyone got equal attention and instruction so we could each learn at our own pace. Sometimes his dog, Tuba, joined us in the water :)) can only recommend.
Best surf class in Tamarindo with Marco!
I’ve taken a few surf lessons in different places over the years, and Marco is by far the best teacher I’ve had. As a beginner, I wanted to relearn the basics in a way that was easy to understand, and Marco made that happen.
Even though it was a group lesson, it felt like a private one because he took the time to focus on my technique and explain things in a way I could easily understand. He was kind, patient, and made the whole experience fun and stress-free. For the first time, I felt like I could just enjoy learning to surf while getting the skills and techniques I’ll need in the future.
If Marco can make a group lesson feel this personal, imagine how incredible a private lesson with him would be!
Thank you, Marco, for an amazing surf class!
I’ve taken a few surf lessons in different places over the years, and Marco is by far the best teacher I’ve had. As a beginner, I wanted to relearn the basics in a way that was easy to understand, and Marco made that happen.
Even though it was a group lesson, it felt like a private one because he took the time to focus on my technique and explain things in a way I could easily understand. He was kind, patient, and made the whole experience fun and stress-free. For the first time, I felt like I could just enjoy learning to surf while getting the skills and techniques I’ll need in the future.
If Marco can make a group lesson feel this personal, imagine how incredible a private lesson with him would be!
Thank you, Marco, for an amazing surf class!
If you’re looking for a lesson in Tamarindo GoodVibes is the surf school to go with!! Marco is an incredible surf instructor. He has helped me from learning the basics when I first started surfing, to now, more advanced surf tips. Very well rounded and never fails to be sure you are comfortable in the water! I 110% recommend:)
Very good surf lesson!! You get a good introduction if you are new to surfing, learn all the basics and rules, then you get to enjoy the waves with the help of Marco.
Very fun experience, reccomend!!
Very fun experience, reccomend!!
Marco, always ready to share his passion with a contagious smile, helped me progress much faster than I could have imagined. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, he will make you feel comfortable and guide you with patience and expertise. I highly recommend him 100%.
Marco is the absolute best!!! He is patient, teaches you good habits and is always saftey first. He helps everyone in the water and I feel confident with him. I’ve had three privates so far, as a beginner, and many more to come.
The best experience of the vacation! Not only will you find the best surf instructor out there, but also an extraordinary person, truly passionate about his work and genuinely committed to your success: the amazing Marco.
He gave us the right advice, guiding us with attention to detail, and most importantly, he made sure we had fun with the calmness and kindness that define him.
If you want to learn or improve, I can guarantee you won’t find anyone better. Marco is one of the most honest and passionate people I’ve ever met!
If you want to take home an unforgettable memory of Tamarindo, don’t hesitate—go to him.
He gave us the right advice, guiding us with attention to detail, and most importantly, he made sure we had fun with the calmness and kindness that define him.
If you want to learn or improve, I can guarantee you won’t find anyone better. Marco is one of the most honest and passionate people I’ve ever met!
If you want to take home an unforgettable memory of Tamarindo, don’t hesitate—go to him.
This was the highlight of my trip to Costa Rica! If you’re looking to learn how to surf or take your skills to the next level, this is the place to go. Marco is incredibly passionate about helping his clients improve. He provides detailed, personalized tips on everything, your pop up, positioning, safety, how to handle the board, and more.
I’ve been to another surf school before, and the difference here is like night and day. During one of my lessons, the waves were too small for effective practice. Marco made the decision to reschedule the session for the next day and didn’t charge us for the incomplete session. This really shows how much he cares about the quality of your experience.
While at the beach in Tamarindo, I noticed other surf schools that clearly don’t put the same effort into teaching, no corrections on bad pop-ups or positioning, and a lack of genuine care for their students.
Marco’s surf school is a hidden gem, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
I’ve been to another surf school before, and the difference here is like night and day. During one of my lessons, the waves were too small for effective practice. Marco made the decision to reschedule the session for the next day and didn’t charge us for the incomplete session. This really shows how much he cares about the quality of your experience.
While at the beach in Tamarindo, I noticed other surf schools that clearly don’t put the same effort into teaching, no corrections on bad pop-ups or positioning, and a lack of genuine care for their students.
Marco’s surf school is a hidden gem, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
Besides being an incredible person Marco is an amazing surf coach. I am an intermediate surfer who came to him to fix some of my mistakes and in one video coaching seshion he showed me a lot of important things to focus on. He gives good imaginable examples of how the things you need to work on function. He loves what he does and cares about the outcome of the lessons. Unlike many surfshops and surfschools in Tamarindo Marco is a great deal you should be looking for if you are looking for a great coach which is reasonably priced. I would totally recommend his services to anyone from beginners to advanced surfers.
I had a fantastic lesson with Marco. We spent at least 30 minutes to learn basics and then practicing surfing for another 1-1:30 hours. Marco was amazing coach and patient . I was able to surf at end of my lesson and had a fun time. I paid 80 $ for private lesson and he offers 65$ for a pair and even less for a group.
Would 100% recommend him!
Would 100% recommend him!
We had a very good experience surfing with Marco! This was our first ever surf class and Marco did a fantastic job explaining the basics of surfing. After just 2 tries, we did our first wave standing! He is very good at teaching the technique step by step, advancing things every time you are comfortable with the current. Would definitely recommend him to everyone looking for a surf lesson.
It‘s such a good surf school!
Julio is the best surf instructor I‘ve ever had!!
He gave me the best tips to improve my skills :))
The most important thing is the safety and you learn exactly how to be safe with other people in the water and what to do with your surf board 🙂
Julio is the best surf instructor I‘ve ever had!!
He gave me the best tips to improve my skills :))
The most important thing is the safety and you learn exactly how to be safe with other people in the water and what to do with your surf board 🙂
Wonderful experience. Thank you Julio… Excellent teacher, with a lot of patience and knowledge, inspires confidence and good vibes.
He takes the time to find the best time for class, explains everything without rushing and making it very clear what needs to be done.
Thank you so much! 👏🏼👏🏼
He takes the time to find the best time for class, explains everything without rushing and making it very clear what needs to be done.
Thank you so much! 👏🏼👏🏼
goodvibes surf school IS THE school if you want to progress in surf and have fun. Outstanding teachers!!
GoodVibes is a great school that I highly recommend! The teachers Marco and Julio are very committed, serious, educational and also adorable! They adapt to differences in family levels and encourage, motivate and share their passion. Everyone has progressed and wants to start again. We will definitely come back!
I did not take a surf lesson, but I did receive some coffee as a gift that is sold at the surf school. The coffee is amazing and you should definitely buy some if you’re there for a lesson!
Went from no surf experience to standing up by myself in a single lesson! Quickly and easily booked the night before we wanted to surf, through WhatsApp. Our instructor Julio was super friendly, encouraging and helpful! All the guys at GoodVibes know how to to make the most of your time in the water.
Marco and Julio at GoodVibes are absolutely amazing! I took a lesson with my girlfriend and 11 year old daughter and these guys made the whole experience super fun with their positive energy, knowledge, and talent for teaching. They clearly explain safety in the water and walk you through all the steps you need to consistently get out on the water, then get up and ride waves. We each came through the lesson with tips and knowledge we’ll always use when we go out in the waves again. Attitude is everything and these guys are the real deal! Pura Vida!! A must do if you want to surf for the first time, or just want to go to a higher level. Absolutely recommend!!
Marco was an excellent surf instructor!! He was very patient and took the time to ensure that myself and the rest of the group had the proper technique and knowledge to be able to surf properly. Even as a beginner I was able to catch many waves. He also provided knowledge and insights so that I would be able to surf on my own later. Overalll, had a great experience and would highly recommend a lesson at Good Vibes Surf School with Marco!
What a great experience. This was my first experience surfing and Julio made the whole experience one to remember! Julio is GREAT surf instructor. You start off the lesson learning water/surf safety and then practice on dry land. His positive attitude made me believe in myself and by the time we hit the water Julio seemed positive we would be riding waves in no time. I still wasn’t so sure! But I quickly became a believer. Very soon into the lesson the whole group was popping up & riding waves. What a great feeling, what an amazing experience, what a great day. Thank you GoodVibes surf!
I had a surflesson as a beginner with Marco and it was the best experience! He’s really good in explaining the technique, safety is really important to him and he gives you more than enough time to practice as well! Definitly would recommend Good Vibes surfschool!!
Very attentive and personable. I was nervous for my first lesson but was put at ease. Highly recommend Good Vibes Surf School!
My lesson with Marco was genuinely the best surf lesson I’ve ever had. While I had a fair bit surf experience before arriving in Costa Rica, I had accumulated some bad habits and generally lacked confidence. Marco helped me fix and improve all the fundamentals of surfing in a private lesson, allowing me to progress so much more than I expected. With his help I probably caught 20+ waves during our time in the water. With each wave Marco would give me personalised feedback and kind encouragement, which helped me progress very quickly. Most importantly I had the biggest smile on my face for the whole lesson. Marco is a fantastic teacher and I would definitely recommend a lesson with him for whatever stage of surfing you may be at.
Marco is a top notch surf instructor. He gave me all the tools and information I needed for surfing without it feeling overwhelming. I caught so many waves, and felt so much improvement in my surfing after just a few hours of lessons. If you get the chance to take surf lessons in Tamarindo (as a complete beginner like me or intermediate surfer) I highly recommend taking lessons with Good Vibes Surf school. Muchos Gracias Marco. Pura Vida!
“Booked a lesson for my teenage kids and had an incredible experience with Julio! He met us on the beach and provided a concise and thorough tutorial. Thanks to his guidance, both kids were able to ride their first wave! They absolutely loved it and are already asking to do it again. Julio made the lesson fun and created an adventure they’ll remember forever. Thank you!”
It was my first surfing experience and it went great, the instructor really knows what he’s doing and you can tell he really enjoys it, he’s patient, explains everything well and just makes you have a good time while learning. 100% will recommend.
Marco is the man. After 1 group lesson with him, I was able to catch my own waves with a bit of luck. After 2 more individual lessons, I was able to catch my own waves without luck. He’s one of the chillest guys you’ll ever meet. He also looks like Rafa Nadal so you can tell your friends that Nadal taught you how to surf. Super worth it!
10/10 recommend! Amazing experience with Marco at GoodVibes Surf School! His technique for popping up worked well for me and the other people in our group. We all got up and rode a wave on our first try! It was amazing and the boards were in good shape. He had rash guards for us and shared his zinc sunscreen. I recommend hydrating well the day before and morning of your lesson. He has good recommendations for surf-related needs in the area!
definitely 5 out of 5 stars. I can wholeheartedly recommend this surf school to everyone. The surf instructors are all great and cater to you and your level. You learn a lot and feel super safe and in good hands. Would do it there again at any time.
We had multiple surf lessons with Julio and it was the highlight of our trip! He taught us so much, safety was a top priority, and he was a blast to be around! Highly recommend this surf school!!
Traveled to Tamarindo not expecting to take surfing lessons, but SO GLAD that I did. Santiago and Julio were very patient and knowledgeable. We practiced on boards in the sand before getting into the water and had several attempts to catch waves (even being part of a group)! Definitely recommend if you like down to earth people that help you feel comfortable trying something new!
It was our second time in Tamarindo and second time we had surf lesson with Good Vibes! These guys are the best! They explain all the basics, pay great attention to safety and making sure you’re having a great time while catching your first waves! We had so much fun, I can’t wait to be back and surf with Marco, Julio and Santi again!!! 🤙 I highly recommend this school, especially if you’re a beginner! 🏄♂️ Pura Vida!
Marco is a kind and patient teacher with a focus on safety and smooth technique. His lessons are strengthening for any level of surf enthusiasts. Seriously! Get lessons from him!
Great surf school! I have taken lesson back in Canada but the method that Marco teaches is far superior. Standing and riding in minutes. Understands what you need to improve and helps you become a better surfer.
We had the best experience with Marco, he was very deliberate in his teaching and focused on the foundations and getting proper technique down first to prevent bad habits from starting. We were not rushed and he worked through all the steps and helped us get good at them rather then just getting us up. However we did get up, many times each, and will definitely be back to see him if we ever find ourselves in tamarindo again.????????
Best surfing experience you could ask for. Marco is a patient, knowledgeable, and safety focused teacher dedicated to ensuring you have a fun and memorable surf. Amazing!
GoodVibes Surf School was a Great experience. Marco is the best teacher in the area. If you visit Tamarindo you should do a surf lesson with Marco. 100% recommend
I really had an amazing surf lesson with GoodVibes Surf School!
The day before the lesson I was feeling very uncomfortable on the board- I was unsuccessfully trying to catch waves for hours, was unsure which wave was worth it to choose, had no clue about the „Basics“.
Lucky me there is Marco! At first he teached me about the important Security aspects during surfing, how to move on the board and how the board behaves on the water. After just a few hours I felt more and more comfortable on the board and could catched some waves by my self!
Marco is a patiently and kindly human being. Right from the start of the lesson you can see that he really teaches with passion!
I can highly recommend to have a surf lesson with GoodVibes!
The day before the lesson I was feeling very uncomfortable on the board- I was unsuccessfully trying to catch waves for hours, was unsure which wave was worth it to choose, had no clue about the „Basics“.
Lucky me there is Marco! At first he teached me about the important Security aspects during surfing, how to move on the board and how the board behaves on the water. After just a few hours I felt more and more comfortable on the board and could catched some waves by my self!
Marco is a patiently and kindly human being. Right from the start of the lesson you can see that he really teaches with passion!
I can highly recommend to have a surf lesson with GoodVibes!
When I came to Tamarindo, I’d only been surfing a couple times and would be lucky to catch one wave in a couple hours of surfing. My first day in Tamarindo, I had a lesson with Marco from Good Vibes and learned so much that I was able to go out by myself from then on and easily catch waves with the tips that Marco shared. He is the rare type that accounts for your skill level, body size, tide timing, wave sizes and more to customize your lessons so that you get the most value for your money and time. Marco starts the lesson with practice on dry land and important safety tips so that by the time you’re out on the water, you feel comfortable that you can handle yourself in any situation. I would recommend Marco and Good Vibes to surfers of any skill level who want to take their surfing to the next level.
From beginner to Pro in just one surf lesson – that’s only possible with Marco! Highly recommended.
AMAZING!!!
I stayed at Tamarindo Backpackers Hostel with the intention of learning how to surf (having never done it before!). My first lesson as a beginner was done as a group lesson, and even though there were 6 of us, Marco and Julio had time for everyone. Their patience to help and provide more tips after each wave was very encouraging and helped me learn so much about my technique and how to correct it.
We spent plenty of time on land beforehand to really understand the basics, with each step explained in a way that allowed us to remember in a logical way. It was great to be able to put that into practice in the water. We were also always encouraged to think about our safety in the water too, which makes me feel much more confident about going out on my own in future.
My first lesson was so good I had a second lesson with Marco. His knowledge is fantastic, and it’s in his best interest to help you improve, and help you learn more than you learnt in the previous lesson. My experience was incredible and I’m very grateful I had such an incredible instructor!
I cannot recommend them enough; you will have a great time and feel like you have learnt so much!
I stayed at Tamarindo Backpackers Hostel with the intention of learning how to surf (having never done it before!). My first lesson as a beginner was done as a group lesson, and even though there were 6 of us, Marco and Julio had time for everyone. Their patience to help and provide more tips after each wave was very encouraging and helped me learn so much about my technique and how to correct it.
We spent plenty of time on land beforehand to really understand the basics, with each step explained in a way that allowed us to remember in a logical way. It was great to be able to put that into practice in the water. We were also always encouraged to think about our safety in the water too, which makes me feel much more confident about going out on my own in future.
My first lesson was so good I had a second lesson with Marco. His knowledge is fantastic, and it’s in his best interest to help you improve, and help you learn more than you learnt in the previous lesson. My experience was incredible and I’m very grateful I had such an incredible instructor!
I cannot recommend them enough; you will have a great time and feel like you have learnt so much!
Highly recommended surf school! As a newbie to surf, I got the luck to have Marco as teacher, the best. He really knows how to communicate what you need to know, very organized thoughts and information. Very easy to follow. Plus, he analyses very personally your specific needs and position flaws. He will take you to the best spots for your level, so grateful for everything!
Had my first lesson with goodvibes surf school and they were really good at teaching me all the basics. I ended up standing on the surfboard several times. Can highly recommend it 🙂
Marco has a lot of technique and patience to transmit it. Your classes are great, thank you!
I had my first ever surf lesson in Tamarindo yesterday and I can’t say enough amazing things about Marco from GoodVibes.
Safety is his #1 priority which put me at ease right away knowing I was in good hands. He is also a really thorough and patient.
I wanted to share this gem of a human so others could also have a great surf experience as well!
Safety is his #1 priority which put me at ease right away knowing I was in good hands. He is also a really thorough and patient.
I wanted to share this gem of a human so others could also have a great surf experience as well!
We had a surf lesson with Julio. He is an amazing surf instructor and by far the best one I ever. If you are in tamraindo this is the best surfing school you can take!
Amazing surf school led by two great teachers who explain everything very well, are patient and make the whole experience a fun one for everyone! We were a group of three with slightly different experience levels and we all had such a good time that we decided to directly book another lesson for the next day.
100% would recommend!!
100% would recommend!!
Had a semi private lesson with my friend and we absolutely loved it! Our instructor, Marco, was very friendly, patient, and made sure we had the best time! We started out learning technique and safety tips on land before catching some waves. As a complete beginner, the lesson certainly gave me a lot of confidence, a desire to keep learning, and of course, memories that will last a lifetime ????♀️????
The most awesome vibes provided by the most awesome instructor, Marco. This was recommended to us by a local. First time on a surf board and I honestly didn’t think I would get very far in one lesson. However with Marcos great teaching that was not the case. Great communication, huge focus on safety and a very respectful instructor. Marco and Julio, great job!
Good vibes is The best surf lessons in Tamarindo if not the best surf school in Costa rica!
Both instructors are amazing!
they are patient and always put safety first. During the beginner surf lessons beginner, I never felt pushed or pressured, and had so much fun!
Also, they help ensure you get the muscle memory so it was easy to get up the first time. Everything is taught step by step. When I went on my own after the lesson, I was able to find our what I did wrong and correct it thanks to the repetition and muscle memory ????
After the lessons I felt confident and safe on the ocean. I always felt safe and in control of my board thanks to Marco & Julio!
I stayed at Tamarindo Backpackers hostel where they operate out of as well, which made it easy to ask questions after the lesson and continue learning.
If you are looking for safe surf lessons in Tamarindo or fun surf lessons in Tamarindo, definitely recommend Good Vibes!
Definitely 5 stars! Would highly recommend. I guarantee the best surf lessons at this surf school!
Both instructors are amazing!
they are patient and always put safety first. During the beginner surf lessons beginner, I never felt pushed or pressured, and had so much fun!
Also, they help ensure you get the muscle memory so it was easy to get up the first time. Everything is taught step by step. When I went on my own after the lesson, I was able to find our what I did wrong and correct it thanks to the repetition and muscle memory ????
After the lessons I felt confident and safe on the ocean. I always felt safe and in control of my board thanks to Marco & Julio!
I stayed at Tamarindo Backpackers hostel where they operate out of as well, which made it easy to ask questions after the lesson and continue learning.
If you are looking for safe surf lessons in Tamarindo or fun surf lessons in Tamarindo, definitely recommend Good Vibes!
Definitely 5 stars! Would highly recommend. I guarantee the best surf lessons at this surf school!
Wow I am so glad I got a surf lesson with Marco on my short visit to Tamarindo. He helped guide me into numerous waves in just one morning and learn how to read which waves to roll under. I tried surfing one time a couple years ago and didn’t continue because I felt very unsafe with the board in the water. This lesson made me feel so much safer, in control, and confident with Marco’s instruction. Wish I could stay longer for more lessons! I truly feel like I have solid fundamentals and safety knowledge that I can take with me forever. On top of being an incredible instructor, Marco also has a very calm and encouraging approach.
