Dominical Surf School
Dominical Surf School teaches surfing in Dominical, Costa Rica, with ISA & ILS-certified instruction, in groups of up to 2 per instructor.
Prices compiled from public sources (as of Oct 2026) — not yet confirmed by the school. Run this school? Confirm or correct →
Languages taught: not published yet. Add languages
About Dominical Surf School
Dominical Surf School is a locally owned surf school and camp operator at Dominical Beach, Costa Rica. It was founded by Debbie Zec, a former national and international competitive surfer who began working in the local surf industry at 14 and opened her own school at 17. The school teaches surf lessons, surf camps, and women's retreats with ISA-certified coaches and nationally certified lifeguards, emphasizing personalized coaching at a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
- ISA and ILS certified surf coaches and lifeguards
- 2:1 student-to-instructor coaching ratio
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for six consecutive years
- Travel & Hospitality Award winner for 2025
- Listed among the Best 10 Surf Schools in Costa Rica by Culture Trip
- Listed among the Top 8 Women Surf Camps by The Inertia
Who teaches here
Beyond the courses
CampsWhat’s on site
Video analysis
Massage / spa
Transfer / pick-up
Breakfast includedCourses & prices
Beginner Surf Lesson
2h · BeginnerIncluded: board rental · storage · parking · sun protectionIncludes ISA-certified instructors and nationally certified lifeguards.Private Surf Lesson
Private lesson · Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · PrivateOne-on-one lessons for children and adults at Dominical, Dominicalito, or Playa Hermosa.Family and Group Surf Lessons
Group lesson · Group 6+ · Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · GroupFor mixed-level groups, from complete beginners to experienced surfers.4 Lessons Package
4-lesson package · Beginner · IntermediateCosta Rica Surf Camp
7d · Group 2+ · Beginner · IntermediateIncluded: private airport transfers · accommodation at partner hotel · 5 surf lessons (2:1 ratio) · unlimited board rental · 2 photo/video analysis sessions · 1 adventure tour · t-shirt or hat · massage · daily breakfastLunch and dinner not included. Minimum two people to run the package.As published: “Starting at $1,700 USD per week”Women's Surf Camp
7d · GroupIncluded: private group airport transfers · accommodation at partner hotel · daily breakfast · 5 dinners · 5 surf lessons with a rest day · board rental · waterfall tour · massage · 2 video analysis sessionsTaught by professional male and female coaches; lunch and two dinners outside the hotel not included.Intermediate Surf Lesson
2h · IntermediateHeld at Dominical and Dominicalito beaches, beginning with an assessment and a tailored session plan.Advanced Coaching
Advanced coaching · AdvancedGuided exploration of the area's best waves with a local guide; video analysis available as an add-on.Dominical Surf School — common questions
Is Dominical Beach a good place to learn to surf?
Dominical is known for good waves, but tides on this Pacific coast change dramatically every six hours, so conditions can be dangerous for beginners without the right timing. The school prioritizes safety, choosing suitable tides and equipment, and does not run lessons when conditions are dangerous.
Can I join a class or package if I'm traveling solo?
Yes, many solo travelers join lessons and packages, and the town, staff, and accommodation partners are friendly and sociable.
What if I'm already an experienced surfer looking for intermediate or advanced coaching?
The school offers specialized, technical coaching with feedback after each wave, on-land and in-water instruction, and tailor-made programs led by staff with professional competition backgrounds.
What is included in a Surf Camp Package?
A Surf Camp Package includes 7 nights of accommodation at a partner hotel, airport pickup and drop-off, 5 surf lessons, weekly board rental, 2 photo/video analysis sessions, one adventure tour, two therapeutic massages, and a souvenir, and it can be customized by adding or removing items.
When is the best time to visit Dominical?
The dry season from December to July is recommended for the best weather. The camp usually closes during the wettest months, August to November, when storms and river runoff can make the water choppy and cold, but lessons may continue if conditions allow.
Is Dominical Surf School suitable for beginners?
Yes — Dominical Surf School lists a beginner course at $1700 (~€1564)/7 days.
Is Dominical Surf School certified?
Yes — Dominical Surf School is ISA/ILS-certified.
How big are the groups at Dominical Surf School?
Dominical Surf School teaches a maximum of 2 students per instructor.
Contact Dominical Surf School
Puntarenas Province, Savegre de Aguirre, Dominical, Costa Rica · Open in Google Maps