Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Surf Schools & Lessons in Montezuma
Montezuma is a small bohemian town on the southeastern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, better known for its waterfalls, artists, and wildlife than for its waves.…
Why surf in Montezuma?
Montezuma's beaches pick up smaller, softer waves than the Pacific-facing coast 40 minutes away, and a handful of local instructors teach relaxed lessons when conditions cooperate. Think of it as a place to try surfing as part of a broader trip - waterfalls, yoga, snorkeling day trips to Isla Tortuga - rather than a dedicated surf destination. When you're ready for more consistent waves, Santa Teresa is just over the hill.
Is Montezuma right for you?
Great for
- •First-timers who want small waves
- •Travelers mixing surf with waterfalls and wildlife
- •Backpackers
- •Yoga travelers
Not ideal for
- •Intermediate and advanced surfers
- •Anyone building a trip around wave quality
Come to Montezuma for Montezuma - the waterfalls a short hike from town, the howler monkeys, the little arts scene, the ferry-hop convenience from the mainland - and treat surfing as one of several things you'll try. The waves are small and friendly when they show up, which suits nervous first-timers well. Dedicated surfers should stay in Santa Teresa or Mal País instead and visit Montezuma on a rest day.
School listings coming soon in Montezuma
We research schools before listing them, and we haven't finished Montezuma 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 Montezuma
Search live availability via our partner Viator
Live listings for Montezuma are coming soon.
In the meantime, you can search current surf lessons and operators around Montezuma directly on Viator.
Search surf lessons on ViatorThings to do in Montezuma besides surfing
Rest-day ideas and afternoon plans - bookable through our partner Viator.
Montezuma waterfalls hike
NatureThe town's signature outing: a short jungle hike to a three-tier waterfall with deep swimming holes.
Find this on ViatorIsla Tortuga snorkel trip
On the waterMontezuma is the closest jump-off to Isla Tortuga - white sand, calm turquoise water, and the peninsula's best snorkeling.
Find this on ViatorCabo Blanco reserve
NatureThe wild tip of the peninsula is 20 minutes away - monkeys, coatis, and a beach hike you'll have nearly to yourself.
Find this on ViatorWaterfall canopy zipline
AdventureMontezuma's zipline circuit crosses the waterfall canyon itself - short, scenic, and ends with a swim.
Find this on ViatorMarkets, music & the arts scene
Food & cultureMontezuma has been an artists' town for decades - craft markets, open-mic nights, and organic cafes fill the evenings.
Find this on ViatorExplore more surf destinations
Near Montezuma
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Frequently asked questions
For a first taste, yes - the waves are small, soft, and unintimidating when conditions cooperate. But the surf is less consistent than Santa Teresa, 40 minutes away. If surfing is the main point of your trip, base yourself on the Santa Teresa side; if it's one activity among many, Montezuma is lovely.
Guide last reviewed July 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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Quick facts
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Region
- Nicoya Peninsula
- Vibe
- Bohemian arts town
- Best season
- December - April
- Water temp
- 81°F / 27°C
- Wave type
- Small, gentle beach breaks; inconsistent
- Price level
- Budget-friendly ($)