Learn to Surf in Manuel Antonio

Warm tropical water, perfect beginner waves, and certified local coaches. Book a daily surf lesson or join our ultimate surf camp experience.

More Than Surfing — A Family, A Way of Life.

Founded in 2004 by Luis Gatgens, a passionate Costa Rican surfer with a dream to share the magic of the ocean, Manuel Antonio Surf School (MASS) became the very first surf school in the area  and the heart of a vibrant surf community in Costa Rica.

What started as a small local program has evolved into a world-class space where ocean lovers from around the globe come together to learn, grow, and experience the true Pura Vida spirit.

When you train with us, you are learning from the blueprint of local surfing. Our hands-on coaching bridges the gap between fear and confidence, breaking down complex ocean mechanics into simple, actionable steps.

From perfecting your paddling posture on land to reading the Pacific swells, our personalized guidance ensures you feel safe, supported, and ready to catch the ride of your life.

SURFING FOR EVERYONE

More Than Surfing — A Way of Life Since 2004

For over 20 years, Manuel Antonio Surf School (MASS) has led the surf scene in Costa Rica. Founded by local surfer Luis Gatgens and his wife Jessica, we’ve built a vibrant community where passion for the ocean, adventure, and local culture come together. Whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced surfer, we guarantee you’ll stand on a board  and smile  from your very first lesson.

Our Teaching Philosophy & Safety

At MASS, teaching surfing goes beyond standing on a board  it’s about connecting mind, body, and ocean. Our certified, bilingual instructors are also trained lifeguards and experts in water safety and first aid. We create a fun, patient, and highly supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace, filled with positive energy and true “Pura Vida” vibes.

Our Unique Surf Training Method

Preparing on land and in the water before hitting the waves:

HALF DAY SURF CLINIC

Take your surfing to the next level in Costa Rica

Premium 4-hour experience combining advanced simulators (pool & balance board) with personalized beach coaching. Refine your technique, posture, and balance with certified pros in Manuel Antonio or Isla Damas.

TOUR INFO

INCLUDES

Why MASS? Our unique combination of simulator training, world-class wave progression, and raw Costa Rican eco-adventure connects you deeply with nature and the true “Pura Vida” lifestyle safely.

DOMINICAL FULL DAY

Surf & Adventure in One of Costa Rica’s Best Surf Beaches

The ultimate 8-hour adventure combining professional surf instruction at iconic Dominical beach with a hidden jungle waterfall experience. Start with advanced simulators at our HQ, drive through scenic palm plantations, catch powerful waves, and plunge into crystal-clear natural pools.

TOUR INFO

INCLUDES

Why MASS? Our unique combination of simulator training, world-class wave progression, and raw Costa Rican eco-adventure connects you deeply with nature and the true “Pura Vida” lifestyle safely.

REGULAR SURF LESSON

Learn to surf in paradise — Costa Rica’s most complete experience!

Our signature 3-hour experience is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers looking for a solid foundation. Master essential mechanics, paddling technique, and balance control using our pool and balance board simulators before heading out for a premium 2-hour session in the warm waves of Manuel Antonio or Isla Damas.

TOUR INFO

INCLUDES

Why MASS? Our unique combination of simulator training, world-class wave progression, and raw Costa Rican eco-adventure connects you deeply with nature and the true “Pura Vida” lifestyle safely.

LEVEL UP YOUR SURFING!

SURF CAMP PACKAGES

For over 20 years, Manuel Antonio Surf School (MASS) has led the surf scene in Costa Rica. Founded by local surfer Luis Gatgens and his wife Jessica, we’ve built a vibrant community where passion for the ocean, adventure, and local culture come together. Whether you’re a total beginner or an advanced surfer, we guarantee you’ll stand on a board  and smile  from your very first lesson.

OUR CAMP EXPERIENCE & PHILOSOPHY

The MASS Camp Experience goes beyond coaching. Our philosophy combines elite surf progression with a seamless tropical getaway. We take care of absolutely everything: from round-trip transport and premium gear, to daily beach-fueling meals and luxury accommodations at Villas In Sueño our school’s private oasis. You just focus on riding the waves; we handle the rest.

This Is The Path To Master Your Skills & Style

WHAT YOU WILL MASTER

7-NIGHT ULTIMATE SURF CAMP

Live the Ultimate Surf Vacation in Costa Rica

Join our flagship 7-Night Surf Camp at Manuel Antonio, widely recognized as one of the best surf destinations on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an intermediate surfer aiming to refine your technique, this immersive escape combines elite coaching, tropical adventure, and absolute comfort.

Start your mornings with specialized balance board and pool training, specifically designed to lock in your paddling posture, balance, and core strength before hitting the ocean.

Each day, you’ll ride the waves at Manuel Antonio or Isla Damas, guided by our certified bilingual instructors who provide continuous feedback and individualized coaching.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR 7-NIGHT CAMP

Ready to catch unforgettable waves? Come surf, learn, and feel the true Pura Vida energy with us — your wave is waiting!

4-NIGHT SURF GETAWAY CAMP

The Perfect Tropical Surf Escape

Looking for the ultimate surf adventure in Costa Rica? Our 4-night surf camp combines warm tropical waves, expert coaching, and pure “Pura Vida” vibes — making it the perfect quick getaway to recharge your mind, body, and spirit where the jungle meets the ocean.

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to take your skills to the next level, each day blends professional instruction with incredible relaxation.

Experience the laid-back rhythm of paradise, enjoy vibrant sunsets, and ride the waves of your dreams under expert supervision.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR 4-NIGHT CAMP

Don’t miss your chance to surf, grow, and discover the beauty of Costa Rica. Reserve your surf adventure today!

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Will Marr profile picture
Will Marr
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Una muy buena experiencia con esta escuela de surf. Todos muy amables y el proceso super efficient.
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Monika Leitner profile picture
Monika Leitner
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Hallo, Ich hatte die beste surflesson in meinem leben in dieser Surfschule bei marlon. Er war richtig nett zu mir, konnte gut englisch sprechen, hat uns die beste Ananas🍍 serviert und ist für uns sogar auf eine kokuspalme hochgeklettert und der Fahrer der genauso nett war und uns sicher zu dem surfspot gefahren hat, hat und die Kokosnuss vor unseren Augen mit einer Machete geöffnet. Ich als Anfänger hatte die beste Zeit und hab mich sehr gut betreut gefühlt. Ich kann es nur weiterempfehlen.
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iris terpstra profile picture
iris terpstra
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Top-notch surf school. We only decided the night before that we wanted to learn to surf, yet we were still able to get a lesson the next morning. Two instructors for the three of us. It was great fun. I’m looking forward to the photos that were taken.
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Begoña PT profile picture
Begoña PT
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Mi familia y yo fuimos a hacer surf con Marlon, sin experiencia previa, y fue un día marqvilloso de principio a fin. Desde el minuto uno Marlon te enseña, te tranquilIza y trabaja contigo para que disfrutes y aprendas. Pero la experiencia no solamente es el surf, sino el ambiente, la playa paradisíaca para tí sólo, el almuerzo de piña y cocos, la compañía... Todos, desde Marlon hasta Nara, hacen que la experiencia sea inolvidable. Volveremos
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Jordan Puckett profile picture
Jordan Puckett
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This is the the best first time experience they are good at teaching young kids and older kids how to surf and they are late for hoping if you need help and they can do all the things also let you swim and you eat coconuts, pineapples, and let you play around too, and they will teach you the things that you wanna learn and this is the first time experience that my son has done this so it’s I think you guys should try to do it if you want I’m not making you, but this is the best first time experience. I would love to do this again. Thanks for teaching people.
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Katelyn Cabral profile picture
Katelyn Cabral
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I had the best day with the manual Antonio surf school. You can tell that the instructors really love what they do and want you to love it to. They were so dedicated to making everyone feel comfortable and understand the basics before getting in the water, everyone in my group not only stood up but continued to ride waves all day! I can’t recommend this school enough, the instructors were patient, encouraging, and just all-around amazing! Pura Vida!
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Sofia Solis profile picture
Sofia Solis
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I had an excellent experience with this surf school. From the very beginning, you can tell they take teaching surfing very seriously. It is not just about taking you into the ocean, they genuinely focus on helping you learn how to surf correctly, safely, and progressively. The class is very well structured and truly methodical. They have a program designed step by step so that even someone who has never surfed before can understand the technique, build confidence, and enjoy the learning process. I really appreciated how they first work on the fundamentals outside the water and explain every detail patiently before moving into the ocean practice. The instructors are incredibly professional, attentive, and dedicated. They are always focused on correcting your posture, teaching you how to read the waves, and helping you improve constantly. Thanks to their methodology and guidance, I was able to stand up on the board and catch waves during my very first lesson, which honestly surprised me. You can truly see the passion, experience, and commitment they have toward teaching surfing the right way. I highly recommend this surf school to anyone who wants to learn properly and have an amazing experience 🤙🏽🌊🏄🏼‍♀️✨
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Kylie Resnick profile picture
Kylie Resnick
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The highest recommendation for MASS! My husband and I did three days of surf lessons with Marlon, and we had such a blast each day at three different beaches. Each beach brought something different and I think our skills definitely got better each day, but with Marlon’s clear instruction, we were standing waves and having a great time in the very beginning as well. Recommend multiple days if you can swing it, it only gets more fun. Nara and Fabian were also great drivers and hosts. Hillary was awesome and easy to ask questions to and book. Thank you all for the highlight of our trip!
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Oriana Coburn profile picture
Oriana Coburn
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Best day in Costa Rica! Our instructor Marlo was excellent. Having never tried surfing before I was nervous, but the time taken at the start of the lesson to go through basics in a pool was so helpful. Fresh pineapple and coconut water on the beach mid lesson made for a lovely treat as well! Thank you so much!
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Dan Posner profile picture
Dan Posner
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Fabian and Marlow were AWESOME!! They took the time with our family of 5 (3 kids) to help us learn to surf and more importantly, really helped us feel the Pura Vida love of Costa Rica. Highly recommend.

THE MASS HOSPITALITY GROUP

We are a premier family of local brands dedicated to making your Costa Rican stay absolutely flawless. From world-class surf coaching to luxury lodging, authentic dining, and elite ocean adventures, our ecosystem is built to deliver the ultimate tropical getaway.

Villas In Sueño Hotel

Located right at Manuel Antonio. Fuel your surf days with fresh, authentic Costa Rican flavors, healthy beach-side meals, and a vibrant local culinary experience made to recharge your energy.

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Tico Times Restaurant

Located right at Villas In Sueño. Fuel your surf days with fresh, authentic Costa Rican flavors, healthy beach-side meals, and a vibrant local culinary experience made to recharge your energy.

The Sushi Hunter Sportfishing

An spectacular boat setting sail from the world-class Marina Pez Vela. Experience elite sportfishing charters or embark on breathtaking whale-watching tours during the season. The ultimate ocean adventure.

MASS

BEYOND THE WAVES... OUR BLOG

Your ultimate guide to local surf culture, Costa Rican lifestyle, and the best eco-adventures around Manuel Antonio.

GET IN TOUCH

Have questions about our surf camps, hotel availability, or ocean adventures? Drop us a line! Our team is ready to help you craft the perfect tropical escape..

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