Kelly's Surf Shop
Kelly's Surf Shop
4.8
Surfing & WindsurfingBike ToursNature & Wildlife ToursStand Up Paddleboarding
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Kelly's Surf House is a exclusive premier Retreat/Sports/Education Center in Tamarindo. We started out as Kelly's Surf Shop, where we specialized in surfing and SUP. We have grown to offer bike tours and rentals as well as as full tour center. Now, we provide the ultimate vacation packages. We focus heavily on giving you a safe, fun, and professional experience. Our staff are real, professionals who take great pride and enjoyment in sharing with those who want to enjoy every second of their experiences. We also have the newest, most extensive equipment selection in Tamarindo for all kinds of activities.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.8
743 reviews
Excellent
681
Very good
33
Average
10
Poor
6
Terrible
13
Francesber
San Diego, CA13 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
A good friend of mine who has surfed for many years here in Costa Rica recommended Sebastian with Kelly’s surf shop. We had just arrived to Tamarindo and on day 2 we had the most memorable experience thanks to Sebastian! He was the best instructor and I highly recommend anyone who is looking to learn to surf, improve your current surfing skills or discover some local surfing locations to definitely book with Sebastian! We are on vacation from California and after one lesson my 7 year-old son was more confident and controlled than he was back home all due to the amazing instruction by Sebastian! He was very patient, provided education about the environment, especially the ocean, and how truly appreciate what we have around us.
Sebastian took us to a beginner- friendly location, taught us on shore how to read the waves, get our bodies prepared, and most of all, emphasized that we are out here to have fun!!! My son loved him instantly and I trusted his professionalism, experience and expertise. He added a little extra touch with professional photos to document our fabulous experience! Big thank you to his photographer assistant!
My 7 year said, “he taught me a lot, it was great to learn to surf in warm water and I want to come back!” We can’t wait to return to Tamarindo and will be surfing again with Sebastian! Muchas gracias Sebastian!
Sebastian took us to a beginner- friendly location, taught us on shore how to read the waves, get our bodies prepared, and most of all, emphasized that we are out here to have fun!!! My son loved him instantly and I trusted his professionalism, experience and expertise. He added a little extra touch with professional photos to document our fabulous experience! Big thank you to his photographer assistant!
My 7 year said, “he taught me a lot, it was great to learn to surf in warm water and I want to come back!” We can’t wait to return to Tamarindo and will be surfing again with Sebastian! Muchas gracias Sebastian!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna B
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
We had an amazing time with Kelly’s Surf Shop!! We had a group of 13 friends. Our instructor, Sebastian, took time to make sure we all had the correct sized boards. He also gave detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to properly surf, along with safety instructions. He and his team stayed with our group out on the water and helped each of us get started with our waves over and over. With their help, everyone in our group was able to successfully surf. It was SO fun. I highly recommend.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen O
3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
I took a surfing lesson from Sebastian, and went snorkeling with Sebastian and his wife Jesslyn. Both experiences were excellent. I am not a young person, and was anxious about taking a surfing lesson, but Sebastian was an excellent teacher. I only took one lesson, and only got up once, and only with him helping me, but it was a great feeling. My husband was watching from the shore and saw that there were several other instructors in the water at the same time. It was clear that Sebastian had much better techniques. The snorkeling was in a beautiful cove, not known to any outsiders… The fish were beautiful, and the water was lovely. For both the surfing and the snorkeling Sebastian was very careful about safety. Jesslyn is an absolutely delightful young woman… I recommend their surf shop and any activities they might organize highly.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael R
33 contributions
Mar 2021
Great to work with, affordable and solid surf lessons.
Jesslyn communicates wonderfully and Augustine my surf teacher had me riding waves by hour two on day one at Playa Tamarindo.
Additionally you can book tours like Pacific Coast Snorkel through their website for an easy process for your other desires in Tamarindo.
Kelly's will transport you/your board for your lessons too if need be which is a big W if ya got a longboard and are not directly on the beach!
Jesslyn communicates wonderfully and Augustine my surf teacher had me riding waves by hour two on day one at Playa Tamarindo.
Additionally you can book tours like Pacific Coast Snorkel through their website for an easy process for your other desires in Tamarindo.
Kelly's will transport you/your board for your lessons too if need be which is a big W if ya got a longboard and are not directly on the beach!
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean G
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Based on our experience, Pablo was an honest, trustworthy guy who I was hapoy to rent a surfboard from.
I left credit my credit card details with him after my first rental (standard procedure here in case you lose the board!) and when I came back a few days later he reminded me and gave me the written credit card details - he clearly had been looking out for me to give them back and make sure I wasn't worried about it. Pablo also helped me out by sending me the surf report on whatsapp - magic seaweed app.
Pablos boards are about as cheap as you will find.
Had a blast surfing on the beach at Tamarindo.
I left credit my credit card details with him after my first rental (standard procedure here in case you lose the board!) and when I came back a few days later he reminded me and gave me the written credit card details - he clearly had been looking out for me to give them back and make sure I wasn't worried about it. Pablo also helped me out by sending me the surf report on whatsapp - magic seaweed app.
Pablos boards are about as cheap as you will find.
Had a blast surfing on the beach at Tamarindo.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Logan Sopp
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I had so much fun learning to surf with JC as my instructor. Overall I got to learn a lot about surfing (I was surprised how quickly he got me actually riding waves) and Costa Rica in general. I would highly recommend all travelers to go through Kelly's surf shop for whatever experience on the water you're looking for.
Written September 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monica B
New York City, NY6 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Highly recommend Kelly’s Surf Shop! My friend and I had a semi private surf lesson yesterday and had the best time! Sebastian was an amazing instructor, loved how he even started with 5 minutes of yoga/stretching at the beginning. As my first time surfing, he made it very simple and easy to understand - we got up multiple times! Jesslyn who helped booked was awesome too, very communicative and friendly. Thank you - we’ll be back!
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KK310
Atlanta, GA18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We’ve rented boards here three years in a row and have always had excellent service. Sebastian is very very friendly and courteous. While there are other surf shops in town the boards at Kelly’s are always top notch and the service is personalized. We will be back!!!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Surf-Camp-Authority
Ottawa, Canada7 contributions
Feb 2020
Terrific surf shop with a great selection of boards. All their equipment is in really good shape, and they are passionate about surfing. Also, the owner is extremely knowledge and very friendly. Next time I'm back in Tamarindo I will be renting from Kelly's.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly Desk
Thanks so much for your feedback, we love hearing that our clients are getting everything they need from us. Looking forward to seeing you in the future!
Written March 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TGS1969
Tampa, FL71 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We had an amazing time surfing with Kelly's. They met us right at the beach and we were in the water in just a few minutes. Our guide, Augustin, was very patient and helpful, and everyone in our family (ages, 51, 51, 14, and 12) was able to stand on several waves. Highly recommended!
Written March 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m looking for lessons for two 15 year olds with some experience surfing. They also want to go to Witches Rock? Do you offer a boat ride we can schedule to go there? Would like to watch from the beach or boat as they get to surf.
Written May 12, 2019
We can help with lessons and a boat tour to Witches Rock. If you wanted to watch , you would have to stay on the boat or you are also welcome to paddle to the beach. Please send us a email to set up your lessons.
Written May 13, 2019
Kelly Desk
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Hi, thanks for your message!
We do our lessons either in English or in Spanish. Unfortunately we can not offer them in French.
Have a good one!
Written December 4, 2018
hola voy de viaje a costa rica en enero y me gustaría saber si alquilan bodyboards y aletas/fins?
gracias!
Written December 8, 2017
Kelly Desk
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
¡Hola!
Sí, alquilamos bodyboards y aletas! Si los alquila juntos, es de $15 por día, $25 por 24 horas.
¡Esperamos verte en enero!
Pura Vida!
Kelly's
Written December 9, 2017
What are the cabinas called right behind your shop , are they affiliated with you? Do you offer stay and surf vacations?
Written March 7, 2016
We will be in Tamarindo the week of March 18. What is the cost of renting SUP and where might we go?
Written January 6, 2016
The cost of a SUP is $20 for 2 hours, $40 day , and $200 week. There are many destinations that you can reach by SUP . Such as Capitan island or thru the estuary. Or can go to flamingo and paddle around there !
Written January 11, 2016
Are you given life jackets on the SUP estuary tour? I've read there is a lot of wildlife in this area, especially crocodiles. How safe is it to fall in?
Written October 4, 2015
Yes you are provided life jackets. There is a lot of wild life, we have not experienced any crocodile encounters in the area and we do not provoke the wild wife. You will have the experience to view them if you are lucky but we try to follow all safety precautions. Our instructors are trained in emergency response. We find that if we let them be, they let us be. You will have your on beach instruction to learn the technique to prevent falling, before you get in the water. We also offer SUP to Capitan islang, which has less wild life such as crocodiles. Or we can do Kayak in the estuary if you feel more safe.
Written October 8, 2015
Kelly's Surf Shop is open daily from 9 am - 6 pm. We will open early for lessons depending on the tide .
Written March 28, 2015
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