Central Pacific, Costa Rica
Surf Schools & Lessons in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio, beside the working port town of Quepos, is Costa Rica's most visited destination for a reason: a national park where sloths and squirrel…
Why surf in Manuel Antonio?
Playa Espadilla's gentle beach break is well suited to first-timers, and several established operators teach daily on its southern stretches. More adventurous surfers day-trip to breaks up and down the Central Pacific coast. The real pitch is the combination: learn to surf in the morning, watch monkeys in the national park in the afternoon - few places on earth stack a first wave and a sloth sighting into the same day.
Is Manuel Antonio right for you?
Great for
- •Families
- •First-timers
- •Wildlife lovers
- •Travelers who want comfort and easy logistics
Not ideal for
- •Serious surfers building a trip around waves
- •Budget travelers in high season
- •Crowd-averse travelers
Manuel Antonio is the easiest place in Costa Rica to combine a first surf lesson with everything else the country is famous for - wildlife, rainforest, comfortable hotels, restaurants with sunset views. Families do especially well here. The trade-offs are crowds and prices in high season, and waves that will bore anyone past the beginner stage. Surfers chasing quality should look to Dominical, 45 minutes south.
School listings coming soon in Manuel Antonio
We research schools before listing them, and we haven't finished Manuel Antonio yet. You can still book lessons through our partner Viator, or compare nearby towns where schools are already listed.
Nearby towns with listed schools
Book surf lessons in Manuel Antonio
3 experiences bookable via our partner Viator
Things to do in Manuel Antonio besides surfing
Rest-day ideas and afternoon plans - bookable through our partner Viator.
Manuel Antonio National Park
WildlifeThe headline act: guided walks spot sloths, squirrel monkeys, and toucans above some of the country's prettiest beach coves. Book ahead - entries are capped.
Find this on ViatorCatamaran & dolphin cruise
On the waterSail the coast off the park with dolphin sightings, snorkeling stops, and sunset on the way home.
Find this on ViatorDamas Island mangrove kayak
NaturePaddle the tunnel-like mangrove channels near Quepos - monkeys, boas, and silky anteaters live in the canopy.
Find this on ViatorWhitewater rafting
AdventureThe Savegre and Naranjo rivers behind Quepos offer class II-IV rafting through rainforest canyons.
Find this on ViatorRainforest night walk
WildlifeThe forest changes shift after dark - guided night walks find frogs, kinkajous, and sleeping birds by flashlight.
Find this on ViatorSportfishing from Quepos
On the waterQuepos' Marina Pez Vela is a world sailfish capital - serious offshore charters run daily.
Find this on ViatorExplore more surf destinations
Near Manuel Antonio
More in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
Yes - Playa Espadilla, the main beach outside the national park, has a soft beach break that's well suited to beginners, and several schools teach there daily. It's not a destination for experienced surfers, but for a first lesson it's one of the most convenient spots in the country.
Guide last reviewed July 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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Quick facts
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Region
- Central Pacific
- Vibe
- Wildlife & resort comfort
- Best season
- December - April
- Water temp
- 82°F / 28°C
- Wave type
- Gentle beach break at Playa Espadilla
- Price level
- Premium ($$$)