Learn Spanish and Surf in Costa Rica
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Learn Spanish and Surf in Costa Rica

Study Spanish in the mornings at Expanish in Playa Sámara and spend your afternoons surfing on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This immersive program combines small-group classes with daily surf sessions, allowing you to improve your Spanish while experiencing the local lifestyle.

Daily Surf Lessons as Part of Your Spanish Immersion

Combine your Spanish course with daily surf lessons in Playa Sámara. This immersive experience allows you to improve your Spanish while enjoying Costa Rica’s waves with certified instructors and a relaxed beach lifestyle.

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

20 Spanish Lessons in the Morning

Learn Spanish in Sámara with native teachers in small groups of max 8 students. Morning classes leave your afternoons free for surfing, beaches, and Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Classes meet at our Expanish School located in the heart of Sámara.

Class structure

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

Schedule

Spanish lessons from 8:30 to 12:30 PM Monday to Friday.

Duration

1–44 weeks, flexible duration.

Start any Monday.

Class size and levels

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

5 Surf Lessons in the Afternoon

Add afternoon surf sessions to your Spanish course for a balanced day of adventure and learning. Surf at stunning Playa Sámara with top local instructors, a perfect mix of adrenaline, progress, and tropical living.

Class structure

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

Schedule

Monday to Friday, afternoon 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 Classes in Playa Sámara

Open to students 16 and older, from complete beginners to advanced. Courses start every Monday, from 1 to 44 weeks.
Select number of weeks
Enjoy our Early Bird Discounts: 10% off in all our Spanish Programs in Costa Rica!

Intensive and Surf

20 Group Spanish Lessons + 5 Surf Classes

Learn Spanish every morning in small groups, then hit the waves in the afternoons at Playa Sámara. ISA-certified instructors for all levels, from first-timers to improvers.
  • 20 group Spanish lessons per week (mornings)
  • 5 surf classes per week, 1.5 hours each (afternoons)
  • ISA-certified instructors and lifeguards
  • Max 8 students per class
  • Weekly cultural activities included
Price
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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.

Spanish Immersion Beyond the Classroom

Our Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica goes beyond the classroom. Study in the mornings and spend your afternoons surfing, relaxing on the beach, or exploring nature. Join weekly activities and connect with locals to practice your Spanish in a fun and natural way.

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.
Afternoon Activities

Hikes to secret beaches, yoga sessions, dancing classes, and welcome tours.


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.

1-44 week programs available
Morning classes, afternoon adventures, 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, or independent studios with kitchens. All options are within walking distance of Expanish School 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.

Residence Features

Single Room or Double Room

Shared bathroom (used by the family and/or other students)

Half board (breakfast + dinner) every day

In and around Sámara, reasonable distance from school

You live with local Costa Rican family (couple, single host, or household, with or without children; possibly other students)

Studio Villas Verdes

This is a great housing choice for students who want an independent atmosphere while staying close to restaurants, activities, nature, and other Expanish students living on the property.

Residence Features

Private Studio (1–2 students sharing a queen size bed)

Private bathroom

Swimming poolPrivate fully-equipped kitchen (fridge, microwave, stove, utensils)

Right next to school

You live with Expanish students on property (1–2 per studio)

For students 18+ (minors with accompanying adult)

Swimming pool, private porch with dining table & rocker chairs, outdoor shower, private garden with hammock

Studio IONA

A great housing choice for students who want an independent atmosphere while staying close to restaurants, activities, nature, and other Expanish students living on the property.

Residence Features

Private Studio (1–3 students, individual beds)

Private bathroom

Private fully-equipped kitchen (fridge, microwave, gas stove, utensils), daily IONA Coffee included

Right next to school

You live with other Expanish students on property (1–3 per studio)

For students 18+ (minors with accompanying adult)

Private walled garden, hammock, outdoor shower, access to on-site coffee ranch and tidal river

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 and Surf Program in Costa Rica

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