Puerto vallarta and Nayarit: surf lessons

If you’re dreaming of catching your first wave or just want to improve your surf skills while soaking in some incredible scenery, this surf lesson experience in Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit might catch your eye. We’ve looked into this tour offered by Okala Surf School, which promises private, personalized instruction in some of the area’s best surf spots. Whether you’re new to surfing or have some experience, this tour is designed to suit different skill levels.

What really caught our attention is how much they focus on customized service and the beautiful natural surroundings — you get the chance to surf at spots like La Lancha, Nuevo Nayarit, or Litibu, all renowned for their gorgeous beaches and beginner-friendly waves. Plus, the tour includes free pictures taken with a GoPro, making it easier to remember those first few successful rides.

That said, one thing to consider is the duration — at only 2 hours, it’s a quick but often enough intro, especially for beginners. If you’re after a more intensive or longer surf experience, you might want to look for extended lessons or multiple sessions.

This excursion is well-suited for travelers who want a manageable, fun, and scenic way to try surfing or improve their skills without committing to a full day. If you’re in Puerto Vallarta or Nayarit and you’re curious about surfing, this might be a great choice.

Key Points

• Personalized, private lessons tailored to your skill level ensure a comfortable learning environment.
• Beautiful surf spots like La Lancha and Litibu offer both beginner-friendly waves and stunning scenery.
• Inclusive amenities such as surfboards, rash guards, photos, and transportation add to the convenience and value.
• The short 2-hour duration makes it a manageable activity, especially if you’re on a busy itinerary.
• Knowledgeable instructors provide clear guidance, with reviews highlighting their attentiveness.
• Free photos taken during the session help capture those memorable surf moments.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What to Expect

When you book this tour, you’re in for a fairly smooth and straightforward experience designed to make surfing accessible and enjoyable. The process begins with a free pickup from your hotel or residence, provided you’re within the designated area — a nice touch that saves you the hassle of extra logistics. Once on-site, you’ll meet your surf instructor, who is fluent in both English and Spanish, ready to guide you through every step.

The lesson kicks off with a brief introduction on the beach, covering basic techniques — how to properly paddle, the pop-up maneuver, and safety tips. The instructors are attentive, adjusting their advice based on your skill level, whether you’re a complete beginner or a bit more experienced. Expect to practice on the sand first, which helps build confidence and muscle memory before hitting the waves.

Once you’re ready, you’ll head into the water with your instructor and surfboard. The spots used — La Lancha, Nuevo Nayarit, Litibu — are chosen for their friendly waves and scenic beauty, making the whole experience relaxing and fun. The guide-to-surfer ratio is about 1 instructor per 1-2 surfers, ensuring close guidance without feeling crowded.

You’ll also appreciate the extras included — a rash guard, umbrella for shade, one water bottle, a granola bar, some seasonal fruit, and the photos taken with a GoPro. The photos are a highlight, often shared afterward so you can relive your surfing triumphs or funny wipeouts.

The Locations: Why They Matter

The chosen beaches are more than just beautiful—they are specifically suited to different skill levels, which means you won’t be fighting waves that are too big or dangerous if you’re just starting out. La Lancha, for instance, is known for its consistent, gentle surf, making it perfect for beginners. Litibu and Nuevo Nayarit also offer manageable waves, plus plenty of natural beauty around.

The setting contributes significantly to the experience — surf lessons here feel more like a relaxing day out than a typical crowded lesson. You’ll be surrounded by nature, with views that make the whole process feel special.

What’s Included and Why It Matters

For the $105-per-person price, you’re getting a lot of value. The included gear—surfboard and rash guard—means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. The transportation makes it easy to access the surf spots without extra hassle, especially important if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

The addition of free photos sets this experience apart for many — these are not just quick snapshots but quality images capturing your best waves and wipeouts, all taken with a GoPro. It’s a nice way to remember your trip, especially if you’re not used to taking photos while surfing.

The water, snacks, and fruit are small but thoughtful details that make the activity comfortable and enjoyable, especially in the warm climate. Having hydration and a snack on hand is always appreciated after a few waves.

The Reviews: What Others Are Saying

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the instructors. One traveler from the US mentioned, “Very friendly people and fun company. Great for beginners,” echoing what most others seem to appreciate — a supportive environment where learning feels natural.

A reviewer from Mexico called the class “amazing,” noting the well-explained instructions and the instructors’ attentiveness. Another from the US shared, “Kristhian and Jonathan adjusted the surf lesson to my skill level,” which speaks volumes about the customized approach.

The comments about the photos are equally positive. Many users appreciate the quality of the pictures and how they help capture memories, with one even saying, “The photos and videos they shared make for great memories.”

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Practical Details & Tips

This tour is designed to be straightforward and flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if your plans change. You reserve your spot with the option to pay later, making it easier to plan your trip without upfront commitments.

Remember to bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), and beachwear. Since the lesson is in the water, it’s smart to wear or bring quick-drying clothes. Also, note that tips aren’t included — tipping the instructors if you’re happy with the experience is customary.

This experience is not suitable for children under 2-4 years, which makes sense given the physical demands and safety considerations of surfing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a first-timer or beginner wanting a safe, guided introduction to surfing, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a private, customized experience and want to enjoy some of the most scenic beaches near Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit.

Those with a bit of experience might also find value in the attentive coaching and photo opportunities. However, if you’re seeking an extensive or advanced surf lesson, this short 2-hour session might feel limited.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and supportive environment to try surfing for the first time or improve their skills without the hassle of large groups or complicated logistics.

For the price, this surf lesson offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances fun, learning, and scenic beauty. The private approach means you’ll get personal guidance, and the inclusive extras like photos and transportation add significant value. The beaches used are ideal for beginner surfers, and the reviews underscore the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the experience.

This is particularly suited for those who want a manageable, memorable activity that combines nature and sport, all in a relaxed setting. If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta or Nayarit and want to give surfing a try with good guidance, this could be just the ticket.

The downside? If you’re after a longer or more intense surf experience, or you’re a seasoned surfer, you might find this session a little brief. Still, for most beginners or casual surfers, it hits the right note.

FAQ

What is included in the surf lesson?
The tour includes a surf instructor, surfboard, rash guard, umbrella, transportation, one water bottle, a granola bar, seasonal fruit, and free photos taken with a GoPro.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts 2 hours, making it a quick but satisfying introduction or refresher.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, everything necessary — surfboard, rash guard, etc. — is provided. Just bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
This experience is not recommended for children under 2-4 years due to safety and physical requirements.

Where do the lessons take place?
They typically happen at La Lancha Beach, Nuevo Nayarit, or Litibu, all known for their friendly surf conditions.

Are the instructors fluent in English?
Yes, instructors speak both English and Spanish.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), and beachwear.

If you’re eager to dip your toes into surfing or improve your skills in a beautiful, supportive setting, this tour from Okala Surf School looks like a great option. It combines natural beauty, expert guidance, and thoughtful extras, making it a memorable part of your Puerto Vallarta or Nayarit trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: