Spanish & Surf Program in Costa Rica

Learn Spanish in the afternoons at Expanish in Playa Sámara, with optional morning surf lessons. Small groups, native teachers, and mornings free for catching waves on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

20 Spanish lessons in the Afternoon

Learn Spanish in Sámara with native teachers in small groups of max 8 students. Afternoon classes from 2:30 to 6:30 PM leave your mornings free for surfing, beaches, and Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Classes meet at IONA Café, a local spot in the heart of Sámara.

Class structure

20 group lessons per week, with each class lasting 50 minutes.

Schedule

Spanish lessons from 2:30 to 6:30 PM Monday to Friday.

Duration

1–6 weeks, flexible duration. Start any Monday.

Class size and levels

Max 8 students per class for personalized attention and plenty of speaking practice.

Start your day riding the waves at Playa Sámara

Complement your afternoon Spanish classes with morning surf sessions at Playa Sámara. Surf lessons for all levels with ISA-certified instructors, catching waves before your Spanish classes begin.

Expanish students learning surfing fundamentals on the beach in Sámara, Costa Rica, listening to an instructor during a beginner surf lesson.

5 Surf Lessons in the Morning

Add morning surf sessions to your Spanish course for a balanced day of adventure and learning. Start your day catching waves with certified instructors, then continue with afternoon Spanish classes.

Class structure

5 morning surf lessons per week, with each session lasting 90 minutes.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, morning sessions. Start times based on optimal tide conditions for the best surfing experience.

Class size and levels

ISA-certified instructors and lifeguards. Ideal for all ages and levels, from first-timers to intermediate surfers looking to improve.

Premium Surf Training

Surf lessons at one of Sámara's top-rated surf schools. Playa Sámara offers consistent waves perfect for learning and progression.

Spanish and Surf

Combined Spanish and Surf from 1 to 6 weeks. All packages include 20 afternoon Spanish lessons and 5 morning surf sessions per week in Playa Sámara. Three sessions: May–June, July–August, October–November.

1 Week

One week of 20 Spanish lessons in the afternoon and 5 Surf lessons in the morning. Start dates:
  • July and August: 13/07, 20/07, 27/07, 03/08, 10/08, 17/08
  • October and November: 19/10, 26/10, 02/11, 09/11, 16/11, 23/11
€635

2 Weeks

Two weeks of 20 Spanish lessons in the afternoon and 5 Surf lessons in the morning. Start dates:
  • July and August: 13/07, 20/07, 27/07, 03/08, 10/08, 17/08
  • October and November: 19/10, 26/10, 02/11, 09/11, 16/11, 23/11
€1,270

3 Weeks

Three weeks of 20 Spanish lessons in the afternoon and 5 Surf lessons in the morning. Start dates:
  • July and August: 13/07, 20/07, 27/07, 03/08, 10/08, 17/08
  • October and November: 19/10, 26/10, 02/11, 09/11, 16/11, 23/11
€1,905

4 Weeks

Four weeks of 20 Spanish lessons in the afternoon and 5 Surf lessons in the morning. Start dates:
  • July and August: 13/07, 20/07, 27/07, 03/08, 10/08, 17/08
  • October and November: 19/10, 26/10, 02/11, 09/11, 16/11, 23/11
€2,540
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How You’ll Progress Through the Levels

Wondering how long it takes to move up in Spanish? This chart gives you a rough idea of how many weeks it usually takes to go from one level to the next, from total beginner (A1) all the way to fluent (C2).

Our intensive Spanish course follow the CEFR levels (A1 to C2), and with consistent study, you’ll see steady progress week by week. Everyone learns at their own pace, but this gives you a good roadmap of what to expect.

Beyond the Classroom

Spanish classes meet in the afternoons, leaving your mornings free for surfing, beach time, hikes to hidden coves, and exploring Sámara. Weekly activities include dancing classes, welcome tours, and end-of-week celebrations where you'll practice Spanish with locals and fellow students.

Dry Season Dec–Apr
Rainy Season May–Nov
Expanish students standing on a coastal viewpoint, looking out over the ocean and lush landscape near Sámara, Costa Rica.
Secluded beach with rocky cliffs and gentle waves along the coast near Sámara, Costa Rica.
Students learning to surf on a beach in Sámara, Costa Rica, celebrating with instructors after a surf lesson.
Outdoor market in Costa Rica with small food stands surrounded by tropical greenery.
Morning Activities

Hikes to secret beaches, yoga sessions, dancing classes, and welcome tours. Activities run in the mornings before Spanish classes, taking advantage of Costa Rica's best weather.


Learn at IONA Café

Spanish classes meet at IONA Café in central Sámara, a cozy local spot where you'll learn Spanish and can return to practice with locals and classmates.


Weekly Social Events

End-of-week celebrations with karaoke, local drinks, and dancing. Connect with your class, meet locals, and practice Spanish in a relaxed setting.

Explore Sámara

From Playa Izquierda to Punta Indio, discover hidden beaches within walking distance. Your welcome tour shows you the town's banks, markets, and local spots on day one.

1-6 week programs available
Morning adventures, afternoon classes, evening socializing
All levels (beginner to advanced)
Cultural, social, and leisure activities
Optional: Day trip excursions, accommodation, airport transfers

Why Expanish?

Accredited academic excellence

For over 15 years we have been meeting the highest teaching standards in our Spanish classes in Costa Rica, as demonstrated by our awards and official accreditation.

A fully immersive experience in Costa Rica

Studying with us is more than just Spanish language classes - it's opening the door to a whole new cultural and social experience that you will never forget.

Social activities and conversation classes

You can discover all about local culture, improve your conversation skills and meet other like-minded students in our free after-class activities.

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Housing in Costa Rica

Choose between homestays with local families for full Spanish immersion, hotel rooms with breakfast included, or independent studios with kitchens. All options are within walking distance of IONA Café and the beach.

Homestay

Live with a Costa Rican host family and experience full cultural immersion during your Spanish program. Perfect for students seeking daily language practice and a warm, authentic environment.

Quick facts

Private single or double bedroom. Double bedroom available for 2 students traveling together.

Half-board: breakfast and dinner

Safe neighborhoods

Hotel Room

Experience comfort and privacy in a hotel room with daily breakfast. A great choice for students looking for a convenient and peaceful stay close to the school and Sámara’s natural surroundings.

Quick facts

Double bed for single or double occupancy (double bed only available for students traveling together)

Private bathroom

Breakfast included

Safe neighborhoods

Single Studio

An excellent option for those who want autonomy and a cozy, home-style environment. These self-catered, fully equipped studios deliver outstanding privacy and flexibility during your stay.

Quick facts

Single studio for 1 to 3 travelers

Private bathroom

Self-catering: access to kitchen facilities

The images provided are for reference purposes and may not precisely depict the assigned accommodations.
Discover the Expanish experience through the eyes of our students

Frequently Asked Questions about our Spanish + Surf Program in Costa Rica

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