Costa Rica · WORKSHOPS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 workshops & classes worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Meet Glen and his surf team at Playa Espadilla Norte for a two-hour lesson suited to beginners and improving surfers. Instructors such as Derek, Sebastian, Isaac, and others teach water safety, wave timing, and board technique. After class, keep the board for the rest of the day and practice on your own.
“Very fun, good instructors!!! A lot time was spent on the water, which was great. Would recommend!!!”
Spend about three and a half hours cooking a Costa Rican meal, eating what you helped prepare, and learning salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. Guides including Kathy, Katherine, Jennifer, and Jenny lead the evening, which starts at 5:00 pm and includes hotel transportation. Expect a friendly, open-air setting and plenty of hands-on work.
“How fun!!! We got to make a delicious Costa Rican meal with Jennifer, who was so helpful and knowledgeable in local cuisine. Kathy was an excellent salsa and dance instructor, we had such a fun time! Highly recommend!!!”
Walk a forest trail with guides such as David, Sergio, Jaime, or Jason while searching for sloths, frogs, birds, bats, and lizards. Use a spotting scope for close views, then press sugarcane and make tortillas with cheese and local toppings. The two-hour tour costs $38, with morning and afternoon departures.
“This was the perfect sloth walk. The group was small and felt personal. Our guide, David, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we all got great pictures of the animals we saw. We encountered sloths, many birds, frogs, lizards, and an agouti. There is no way we would have spotted the sloths without David’s expertise! My kids had a blast pressing sugar cane to make juice and learning to make handmade tortillas after the walk. “Best tortillas I ever had” - my 9 year old son. Highly recommend this family run business.”
Spend about two hours learning to surf at Jaco Beach with Aloha Josi Surf School. You’ll get beach instruction, safety guidance, a board, rash guard, sunscreen, water, and an instructor who stays with you in the waves. Names frequently associated with lessons include Jason, Jeyson, Giovanni, and David. Keep the board and beach chairs after class.
“Great experience! First time surfing, great, patient host. So much fun. The location, the beach and the weather are 10/10”
From Manuel Antonio or Quepos, you’ll ride about an hour to the Savegre River, learn basic paddling strokes, and raft Class II to III rapids with a guide and safety kayaker. Guides such as Nico, Nicholas, Jonathan, Mario, Jairo, and Eric have helped first-timers and families enjoy the river. Lunch, snacks, drinks, and hotel transfers are included.
“What a great time- be prepared to get absolutely drenched! The guides knew their water safety, spotted more animals than we ever could have, and shared great information about the nature and the culture”
This 2.5-hour evening class takes you from La Fortuna to a covered riverside kitchen near El Salto waterfall. You’ll mix a sugarcane-liquor cocktail, prepare casado with picadillos, tortillas, rice, beans, and salad, then eat what you make. Instructors have included Kathy, Katherine, Jenny, Linda, and Eli. Hotel pickup, dinner, and recipes are included.
“We had a good time, four of us went together and there were five more there. We all help in the preparation. It would have been nice if the tables were set in an Lshaoe so we could have all been together during the preparation instead of separating us into 2 groups.”
Meet Álvaro or Juan at Playa Hermosa for a private 90-minute surf lesson suited to beginners and improving riders. You’ll learn board parts, water safety, proper entry, and the pop-up before receiving constant coaching in the waves. A surfboard is included, but transportation to the beach is not.
“Absolutely amazing surf lessons with Álvaro and Juan! I booked together with two friends and had an unforgettable experience. From the very first moment, we felt incredibly welcome, safe, and perfectly taken care of. They explained all the basics and the rules in the water in a clear and motivating way, which gave us a lot of confidence right from the start. Álvaro took a very individual approach, gave constant, constructive feedback, and helped us improve so quickly. The surf sessions in the lineup were an absolute highlight and so much fun. I’m already looking forward to coming back to Playa Hermosa and surfing again with Álvaro and Juan. Thank…”
From La Fortuna, Costa Rica Descents takes experienced rafters onto nearly nonstop Class V rapids on the Balsa River. Orlando leads the raft, with safety kayakers such as Jean Carlos nearby. Expect about six hours, hotel transfers, fruit snacks, lunch, and possible farm activities after the river.
“First of all, this was my first rafting experience ever and I was very nervous going into it. My boyfriend really wanted to do class V, so I sucked it up for him. I could not have been more safe than with Orlando and his team! Orlando is a veteran of these rivers and is a top notch guide. Jean Carlos was there for safety following us along in a kayak as well. They are both so experienced. Every time I almost fell out Orlando would grab me before I had the chance to actually fall out. He was on top of it & knew how to handle every situation…”
Start early from Jaco with hotel pickup, breakfast, and a scenic drive to the Savegre River. Paddle Class II and III rapids with guides such as Orlando, Jairo, or Roberto, stop at a waterfall, watch for monkeys and toucans, then enjoy fresh fruit and lunch before returning. Groups are limited to eight.
“Having rafted in California this experience was just as exhilarating but just add beauty and 5 stars”
Meet Blue Wave Surf & Tours on Tamarindo Beach for a two-hour lesson with instructors such as Andric, Jonathan, Johnny, and Pablo. You’ll get beach practice, equipment, safety guidance, and plenty of time in the water. Private instruction suits families, first-timers, and surfers ready for focused coaching.
“We had a great time! We opted for private lessons so there was an instructor for each of us. They taught us the basics and got us in the water right away. They are so patient and very professional.”
Meet Alvaro at Tidal Wave Surf Academy in Tamarindo for a two-hour lesson built for beginners and mixed skill levels. You’ll learn paddling, board control, wave timing, and how to stand and ride. Private and group lessons are available, with a maximum of 10 people, and fresh fruit after the session.
“My family Had a great surf lesson with Alvaro. Communication was great through WhatsApp and he and his buddy helped the 4 of us (2 adults and 2 kids). They were patient and very encouraging. Alvaro bought is dessert afterwards as well. Highly recommend for the personalized lesson and ratio of teachers to students. Plus no extra up charge for young kids. (Some places charge extra but he does not!). Best value, you won’t be disappointed”
At La Finquita Farm near La Fortuna, you’ll tour an ecological farm, gather seasonal ingredients, and cook gallina achiotada, tortillas, plantain chips, and more. Guides such as Marco, Melanie, Diego, and Nelson have led the experience, while local chefs guide the hands-on meal. Hotel pickup, an apron, and lunch or dinner are included.
“This tour was prenominal. My friend and I loved it so much! Pick up was on-time and a comfortable drive to the farm. Melanie was a spectacular guide. We loved chatting with her and learning about the finca and the sustainable farming practices they utilize. Anna was the chef that we worked with and she was so much fun and ensured we made a delicious meal. It was so great to learn about traditional ingredients and cooking methods. We also saw wildlife on the farm which was fun too. We highly recommend this experience!”
Spend five hours rafting 11 km of Costa Rica’s Balsa River with guides such as Christian and Marcos. Expect Class 3 rapids, jungle wildlife, a riverside fruit stop, hotel pickup at 10:00 AM, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch after the run. No rafting experience or swimming skills are required, and the minimum age is eight.
“Our family has done whitewater rafting before and we all agree that this is one of the best. From pick up to drop off, Christian and his team were top notch in the equipment, safety and knowledge of the river. The Balsa River was nonstop action with very little calm water. We had a blast and really appreciated all the little extras like a towel to dry off, fresh fruits and snacks and a delicious wood fire Costa Rican lunch. Pura Vida!”
Costa Rica Explorer’s two-hour lesson pairs you with instructors such as Alex, Josue, Angel, or Jake for beach practice and guided ocean coaching. Beginners may surf Playa Dominical or Dominicalito, depending on skill and daily conditions. Groups are capped at eight, with water and snacks included.
“Alex and Josue were amazing instructors who had a bunch of baby boomers standing up on boards in about an hour. Their professionalism and learning progression were outstanding.”
Join Costa Rica Pura Vida Rafting for a beginner-friendly two-hour run on the Sarapiqui River. Guides such as Arturo, Felipe, Andres, and Philippe lead the trip through Class II-III rapids, with a natural-pool swim stop, fruit, cookies, towels, equipment, and transport from the rafting base. Morning and afternoon departures are available.
“Andres and Philippe were terrific. Make sure to jump in at the stop. I am 73 and had concerns, but it was fantastic. They took very good care of me.”
Pick a volcano, a canopy or a coastline.
