Surf Lessons, SUP & Catamaran Tours in Costa Rica
Warm Pacific water, year-round waves, and sheltered bays made for paddling — the Central Pacific coast is built for time on the water. These are the operators who'll get you out there.
Curated by Nest Stays — We curate this directory of local service providers. Availability, pricing, and services should be confirmed directly with the provider. Nest Stays is not the direct provider of these services.
Tico Surf Lessons
$$Local surf instructors based at Jacó Beach offering private lessons, group sessions, and guided surf tours to nearby breaks at Playa Hermosa, Esterillos Oeste, and Bejuco. The big difference: instruct...
Jaco, Playa Hermosa
SUPHERR Stand Up Paddle & Kayak Center
$ISA-certified paddleboard and kayak center operating directly on the calm, sheltered waters of Herradura Bay, one of the best spots in the region for learning SUP. Offers rentals, beginner to advanced...
Herradura, Los Suenos
Tortuga Island Catamaran Tour
$$$A full-day cruise on a 55-foot air-conditioned catamaran departing from Los Sueños Marina to uninhabited Isla Tortuga: white sand, clear water, and all-day rum punch included. The all-inclusive packag...
Los Suenos, Herradura, Jaco
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners do SUP in Herradura?
Absolutely. Herradura Bay is one of the best beginner SUP spots in all of Costa Rica — the bay is sheltered from open-ocean swells, so the water stays calm and flat most mornings. SUPHERR offers ISA-certified instructors, beginner courses, and rentals right on the beach. Kids and first-timers are welcome; no experience needed.
Is Tortuga Island worth it from Jacó?
Yes. The catamaran departs Los Sueños Marina at 7am and returns around 3:45pm. The all-inclusive package covers breakfast, buffet lunch, open bar, snorkeling gear, a banana boat ride, and an eco-hike — all for around $150/adult. The island itself has white sand, crystal-clear water, and far fewer crowds than Caribbean-side beaches. It consistently ranks as one of the top day trips from the Central Pacific.
More Water Activities
Explore our full guides to surfing the Central Pacific and tour options beyond the water.
Your Concierge Books It All
Surf lessons at sunrise, paddleboarding at noon, catamaran cruise at sunset — tell us what you want and we'll have it lined up before you land.