The Best Surf Lessons in Playa Samara!

If you're even thinking about learning to surf in Costa Rica...BOOK. WITH. THEM. This was my first time surfing, so I signed up for a week of lessons, and by the end of the trip I was completely hooked. Surfing challenged me, humbled me and reminded me to be patient with myself. There's nothing like finally catching your first wave! What made this trip even better was how easy everything was. I booked my surf lessons, nighttime turtle tour, Swedish massage, sunset ATV tour, and kayak/snorkeling tour all through them. My shuttle was waiting at the airport with my name on a sign, and Meg had every detail of my itinerary planned. If I wanted to change something or had a question, she was on it. This was also my very first solo trip, and I honestly couldn't have picked a better company. Traveling alone can feel intimidating, but I always felt safe. Meg checked in on me throughout the week, made sure everything was going smoothly, and truly cared that I was having the best experience possible. I came to Costa Rica hoping to learn how to surf, but I left with so much more. I left with unforgettable memories, a new love for surfing, and a heart that feels so full. This was the reset my soul needed. Thank ya'll for making my first solo adventure one I'll never forget!

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We only had 4 days for a first trip to Costa Rica so we needed to make the most of every day. Costa Rica surf trip to on the challenge with excitement and care, curating our whirlwind adventure. We were given a variety of choices for tours, stays, and activities to choose from. Every step of the planning process we were able to give feedback, ask questions and have our needs met. We could have never planned everything ourselves to make such an efficient use of time. Plus, as oft happens on vacation, one of our chosen activities was cancelled due to weather. CRST alerted us, gave us a back up option for the evening (beach sunset tour) and secured a replacement activity for the following morning (dolphin tour). While we opted to try surfing, you don't need to. They create your adventure according to your own desires, interests and goals! I'm also really impressed how clearly this company is integrated in the local community, highlighting and supporting Costa Rican owned businesses and contributing to the growth of the Samara Beach area (and Costa Rica as a whole). I was worried about such a short trip being worth it, but I truly can not imagine a better experience. We did ALL the things and had a wonderful experience thanks to CRST's care and expertise. You won't regret working with this company to plan your own Costa Rica visit.

Meg (Costa Rica Surf) was very engaged in helping us design a trip to Costa Rica. She was very attentive and curated a trip that suited our budget, our choice of activities and areas to stay in. She even organized drivers for us! All we had to do was to get our flights sorted ourselves. I highly recommend Meg as your travel organizer for your trip to Costa Rica! She made the organizing so easy.

I had an outstanding experience surfing with Jiaro—truly some of the best teaching I’ve ever received. From the very beginning, the instructor created a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere that made it easy to relax. He clearly broke down each step in an easy-to-understand way and offered helpful, real-time feedback in the water making the surf experience comfortable. By the end of the session, I was not only confident on the board but also understanding the fundamentals of reading waves and positioning. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I left feeling energized and eager to get back out there. I would highly recommend this surf instruction to anyone looking to learn or improve—it's professional, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable.

Nicoya - Playa Sámara My surf trip to Costa Rica was the best one yet, nothing short of extraordinary. Costa Rica Surf Trip is the best in the business. Jairo, Meg and the entire staff are amazing. Beginning with transfer from the airport and accommodations, to lessons and history of the area, the experience was professional, stress-free and unforgettable. I was greeted with genuine warmth and enthusiasm the second I met with my driver, Eloi. The surf conditions were phenomenal. Each day brought new waves and new challenges, with a beach offering variable waves so all skill levels could have a great time. I felt safe and supported during my time in the water. Jairo is a consummate professional and absolute master of his craft. He was patient, highly skilled, and truly invested in helping me improve. He took the time to explain wave dynamics, paddling techniques, and positioning. All in a welcoming way that shows he cares about his passion. Outside of the surf sessions, the trip offered so much more than I expected. I was surrounded by vibrant wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and small town culture. The kind that makes you never want to leave. Monkeys, tropical birds, colorful fish and lizards of every size, were part of the everyday backdrop. The sunsets in Playa Sámara were amazing. The local meals and drinks were on another level. Fresh, flavorful, and authentically Costa Rican. After a long day riding waves, sitting down for a delicious dinner was the perfect way to cap an evening. Perhaps the most impressive part of the trip was the balance it struck between adventure and relaxation. Mornings were filled with surfing and learning new skills, afternoons with exploring or simply unwinding on the beach. Every moment felt like it was designed to help relax and reset the mind. The staff’s knowledge of local culture and surf spots added a personal touch that made the experience feel truly special. If you’re dreaming about the ultimate surf vacation, Costa Rica Surf Trip delivers on every level. This trip combined expert instruction, stunning scenery, incredible hospitality, and pure fun. I left with more confidence on the board, unforgettable memories, and a deep appreciation for the pura vida lifestyle. Five stars doesn’t even feel like enough—this was an experience I’ll treasure forever! Pura Vida - Luke

A friend recommended me to Costa Rica Surf Trip after taking lessons with Jairo in New York, and I’m so glad I chose them for my trip! This was my first trip abroad without parents and Meg was incredibly helpful. From what town to stay in to what time of year to book, Meg answered all my questions. She made the entire process stress-free and I was able to avoid having to do extensive research online. She set us up with amazing and budget-friendly excursions like a kayaking and snorkeling trip, an ATV tour through the rainforest, zip lining, and an impromptu trip to see turtles hatching! She was also able to set us up with transportation to the volcano and hot springs with a guided hike. Jairo is an incredible surf instructor and the results you have will speak for themselves! He gave detailed instruction that really helped me feel comfortable and confident as a surfer. He even took us to two new beaches throughout our stay to try more advanced waves. No matter how much I advance in surfing, I plan on booking more lessons with Jairo in the future. I still have so much to learn from him! Booking with Costa Rica Surf Trip was hands down the best decision I could have made. Both Meg and Jairo went out of their way to make me feel like family and have an amazing adventure!

Meg and Jairo were both so nice, fun, and friendly! Jairo was a super patient, helpful surf coach. I really enjoyed hanging out with them and learning more about surfing. Jairo is a very good surfer and I knew I was in good hands. These two are a step above the rest, I definitely recommend booking your surf lessons or general transportation with them!!

Beyond highly recommend!!! A dear friend who did a surf camp with Meg and Jairo referred us to CR Surf Trip. From the initial call through the planning stages of our trip, we really felt like Meg "got" us. She designed a trip that allowed us to see so much of the country. Their relationships with local, and often family owned, businesses from accommodations, transport, tours and even restaurants put us in good hands for the entire journey. And Meg is responsive (within minutes!) if anything comes up along the way. We could really relax and have fun, knowing Meg had everything taken care of. We are beginner surfers, and are so grateful for Jairo's instruction. We learned a lot and had a blast riding waves.

Instructors were phenomenal. 7AM was early but totally worth it. The waves were great (3-4 ft) for beginners and the water felt great.

I actually came home different than when I left, a truly life changing experience. I had never travelled internationally before and was coming as a solo traveller so a bit apprehensive, but Costa Rica Surf trip made the entire process so easy. Before my trip they sent me all sorts of helpful information, including FAQs, packing lists, etc. My driver was waiting when I arrived. It was a private, air-conditioned transport that had plenty of room for myself, bags, and surfboard. I arrived to Samara and immediately had the most incredible view of the beach and ocean. Coming from NY, I could never have imagined such a serene, uncrowded beach with the most incredible waves. The accomodations were incredible. I had a nice large air conditioned room with a small kitchenette and everything I needed for my stay. The adjoining restaurant had the most amazing food and staff, so great in fact, I enjoyed all my meals here. I enjoyed getting to try the local fruits and the best coffee I've ever tasted. When I wasn't surfing I spent my days at the beach or staring at the beach from the restaurant and have never felt such contentment. Now for the surfing, that's what I came for right? The water was so warm and clear, and always waves. I only saw another surfer on one day and she was quite a ways away, I got to totally focus on my surfing and not navigating a crowded line up. My instructor, Jairo, is world class. He makes sure to cover all the basics with you and gives you a goal to work on for the day. He really takes the time to coach on each wave, letting you know what was good if it went well, and what you could work on or have done differently if it didn't go so well on that wave. He was so patient and if I didn't understand a concept right away, he'd find different ways to explain it so I did. I feel like he really adapted to my style of learning and was able to pick the perfect waves and time of day for my skill set. We did a video review session mid week and I could already see the progress from the beginning to mid-week. He really helped with my wave reading and knowing where to line up and when to paddle. He also gave me some paddling techniques that really helped. I've been surfing almost 2 years now and no one ever actually taught me 'how' to paddle. I felt like I was moving through the water so much quicker and easier after he showed me. I will be going home with a new found confidence I didn't have before I came. If you really want to increase your skills and take your surfing to a new level I can't reccomend Costa Rica Surf Trip enough. Meg was amazing in coordinating the whole trip from start to finish and stayed in touch the entire trip to make sure my accomodations were perfect, that I was getting to experience everything in Costa Rica I had dreamed of. She is so positive and inspiring and just has a way of reading people to know exactly what would make a dream trip for you. She provided maps of the area and great advice on local places, just an experience you can only get from travelling with a group that really knows the area so you can have the experience of a lifetime.

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