About this tour
When Maz from the crew paddled out at Playa Grande, it was clear why this spot draws surfers wanting to skip the crowds. This semi-private lesson on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast keeps groups small so you're not jostling for space with hundreds of others. The beach itself is genuinely stunning—wide, uncrowded, backed by jungle—and the waves cooperate for beginners through intermediate riders, especially around high tide when the swell lines up properly. The two-hour-fifteen-minute session includes kit hire, transport, and enough photos to prove you actually stood up.
Highlights
- Uncrowded break—actually feels like a locals' secret spot
- High-tide timing means cleaner, more forgiving wave sets
- All kit supplied: boards, rash guards, no faff with rentals
- Guides snap 150+ photos and video clips during your session
- Fresh pineapple and ice water between sets—proper recovery
- Jungle-backed beach setting, not a resort-town vibe
- Private transport included; beginner-friendly instructors
What to expect
You'll get picked up from your accommodation (Casa Chameleon or JW Marriott—or elsewhere for a $20 fee) and driven to Playa Grande, a sprawling, relatively quiet stretch of sand backed by forest. The crew brief you quickly, sort your board size, and paddle out during high tide when the waves are most manageable. Expect smaller, rolling swells rather than aggressive peaks—ideal if you're just finding your feet. The guides stay close, offer quick corrections, and let you have proper attempts rather than cramming twenty people into one peak. Between sets, you'll rinse off with fresh water and munch pineapple while the photographer gathers shots. It's relaxed, unhurried, and the emptiness of the beach itself is half the appeal.
What travellers say
- Genuinely quiet beach—no crowd stress, just you and waves
- High-tide timing and board choice suited to your level
- Small groups mean real attention from your guide
- Heaps of photos and video—documentation worth keeping
- Kit supplied; no fiddling with extra rental shops
- Transport included makes logistics straightforward
- Bring your own sunscreen—tropical sun doesn't wait
- Extra $20 per person if outside listed hotel pickups
- Full session is genuinely tiring; pace yourself
- Peak season fills up; book early Dec–Mar
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you're a beginner or early intermediate, this spot's forgiving—waves are consistent and mellow, and you won't be stressed by pros dropping in on you. Small-group format means the guide actually remembers your name and watches your progress. The photo package is genuine (150–250 shots) and useful for proving it happened. Fresh fruit and water matter on a hot day.
You'll need to bring your own towel and sunscreen—don't rely on the supplied water to do the job. The $20 transport surcharge applies if you're staying outside their listed hotels, so factor that in. Costa Rica sun is no joke; apply SPF religiously. Peak season (Dec–Mar) gets busier; shoulder months are quieter. Expect to be in the water for a solid hour-plus of that 2h 15m window—it's work, not floating.
Suit up 30 mins before high tide, bring a change of clothes and decent flip-flops, and waterproof your phone if you care about it. Groups are small (typically 4–6), transport is included, and the whole thing suits any fitness level.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.