Reviewed · WORKSHOPS

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor

4.6 · 58 reviews 2 hours - 390 minutes From $13 Operated by Explora Peru Tours · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Lima has waves worth meeting. This Miraflores surf class gives you a simple way to try them, with a professional instructor, board, wetsuit, warm-up, and guided practice in the Pacific. You do not need previous experience, and the class can be adjusted if you already surf.

I like the low $13 price, especially since it includes the main equipment and a 90-minute lesson. I also like the patient teaching style reported by students who worked with Felipe, Denis, Nicolas, and Dennis. Beginners managed to stand several times, while experienced surfers received help with paddling, positioning, and balance.

The main consideration is the timing and add-ons. The activity information lists a duration ranging from two hours to 390 minutes, while the lesson itself is 90 minutes. You may also stay in the sea longer for an added payment, but GoPro video and professional photos are not included in the base price.

Key Details Before You Paddle Out

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - Key Details Before You Paddle Out

  • A 90-minute guided lesson: You begin with warm-up exercises, stretching, and a dry-land practice session before entering the water.
  • Equipment is included for the lesson: You receive a surfboard and wetsuit, with instructors providing safety guidance and technique support.
  • Beginner-friendly instruction: The class covers paddling, positioning, and body balance, and the instructor can adjust the pace for people with previous experience.
  • Several languages are available: Instruction is offered in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German.
  • Photos and videos cost extra: You can buy pictures or video separately, but they are not included in the $13 booking.
  • A minimum of four participants is required: Keep this in mind when planning around a tight Lima schedule.

Why Surfing in Miraflores Makes Sense

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - Why Surfing in Miraflores Makes Sense

Miraflores is one of Lima’s most convenient areas for a first surf lesson. Instead of arranging a separate trip away from the city, you can make the beach part of your Lima day. The setting also gives you a very different side of the capital. After museums, restaurants, and city streets, you are suddenly dealing with salt water, a board, and your own balance.

That change is part of the appeal. Surfing is not a passive beach stop. You have to listen, move, fall, reset, and try again. A lesson gives you a safer way to get started than renting a board without knowing how to handle the waves.

The school meets you at the surf location, where you receive the necessary equipment before heading down to the beach. Exact meeting arrangements may depend on the option you book, so check the final location carefully. The listed coordinates are approximately -12.1296266, -77.0362517.

I would arrive at least 15 minutes early. That gives you time for the initial briefing, equipment assignment, and changing into your wetsuit without cutting into the lesson.

A few more Lima trips worth lining up side by side

The First 30 Minutes: Warm-Up and Dry-Land Practice

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - The First 30 Minutes: Warm-Up and Dry-Land Practice

The lesson begins on land with a warm-up and stretches. This is not filler. Surfing asks a lot from your shoulders, arms, legs, and core, so loosening up before entering the water is useful.

You also practice a simulation of the terrain. In practical terms, this is where you begin learning the movement needed to get from lying on the board to standing. You can work out the basic sequence before waves and water make everything feel more rushed.

For a first-timer, this dry-land section may be the most important part of the class. The hardest moment is often not understanding the idea of standing, but remembering the steps while paddling toward a wave. Practicing first gives you a pattern to repeat.

You should pay close attention to the instructor’s advice on foot placement and body position. The supplied information specifically highlights paddling, positioning, and balance, three skills that determine how much control you have once you are in the water.

The 90-Minute Water Lesson

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - The 90-Minute Water Lesson

After the warm-up and practice, you head into the sea for the main lesson. The water portion lasts 90 minutes, although the description also refers to about one hour in the water. Since the timing language is not perfectly consistent, confirm the exact schedule when you book.

The instructor’s job is to help you read the conditions, paddle effectively, and find a stable position on the board. For beginners, the early goal is not to perform a perfect turn. It is to catch a manageable wave, keep your balance long enough to rise, and understand what made the attempt work or fail.

This is where the class earns its value. A board and wetsuit alone do not teach you when to paddle or how to position your body. An instructor can give you a correction at the moment you need it, then send you back for another attempt.

The strongest praise focuses on encouragement and clear guidance. Owen had a particularly good experience with Felipe, who made the instructions easy to understand and helped build confidence in the water. Marley appreciated an instructor who encouraged progress but also allowed breaks when the lesson became difficult.

That balance matters. Surfing can be tiring, particularly when you are paddling repeatedly and getting knocked off the board. A good class should push you enough to learn without treating every pause as failure.

Several beginners managed to stand multiple times. Maire, surfing for the first time, was pleased to get upright several times during the lesson. That does not mean every participant will have the same result, since waves, fitness, balance, and comfort in the water all vary. It does show that the lesson is built around active practice rather than a short demonstration from the beach.

What Changes If You Already Surf

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - What Changes If You Already Surf

You do not have to be completely new to book this class. The instructor can adapt the session to your ability, with extra attention to paddling, positioning, and balance if you already have some experience.

That makes the class useful for people who have surfed elsewhere but want to get familiar with Lima’s conditions. Barbara, who had surfed in Brazil and Morocco, still found the Peru lesson different and worthwhile. Her experience suggests that prior knowledge does not make the session pointless. You may still need help adjusting to a new beach and wave pattern.

Be clear about your level when meeting the instructor. A first-timer needs basic help with getting up and staying safe. An intermediate surfer may need more useful corrections on timing, stance, or paddling. The class has room for both, but only if the instructor knows what you can already do.

Also leaving from Lima, and nothing like the above:

Equipment, Safety, and Comfort

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - Equipment, Safety, and Comfort

The lesson includes a surfboard and wetsuit. The equipment received strong praise for its quality, with Henrique specifically appreciating the board and the rest of the gear.

A wetsuit is especially helpful during a session that includes repeated attempts in the ocean. It gives you warmth and some comfort while you wait for the next wave. You should still bring swimwear to wear underneath, plus a towel for changing afterward.

The class also includes safety guidance and professional conduct in the water. Follow the instructor’s directions closely, particularly if you are tired or unsure about a wave. The activity asks you to be in good physical condition, and you should consult a doctor first if you have medical concerns.

Bring sunscreen and water, along with comfortable clothing for before and after the lesson. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That rule is sensible, since balance, judgment, and awareness matter in the sea.

A place is available for your belongings, but I would still bring only what you need. Keep valuables to a minimum and use the storage provided by the school.

The Extra Hour and the Photo Question

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - The Extra Hour and the Photo Question

After the class, you may continue surfing for an additional hour, with extra payment. The information also says you can stay in the sea for up to four hours after the class with additional payment, so ask about the exact extension options before you commit.

This can be a good deal for someone who improves late in the lesson. Many beginners need time to stop thinking about every movement. An extra hour gives you a chance to repeat the basics while the instructions are still fresh.

The drawback is that the added cost is not stated here. At $13, the initial session is easy to justify, but you should ask the provider about the price of extra water time rather than assume it is included.

The same applies to photos and video. The activity title refers to videos, but GoPro video and professional pictures are not included in the standard booking. Some participants bought images afterward, and Madelynn particularly liked the work from Jesus. If you want a record of your first ride, ask about the photo and video price before the lesson begins.

The Instructors and Teaching Style

The named instructors receive the warmest praise in the available feedback. Felipe is described as patient, encouraging, and easy to understand. Denis is praised for knowing what he is doing, while Nicolas receives high marks for making a beginner feel safe and confident in the water. Dennis is also described as helpful, fun, and a good teacher.

That repeated pattern is important. Surf instruction depends as much on communication as on surfing ability. You need someone who can give short, useful directions while you are wet, tired, and trying to stand on a moving board.

The activity supports English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German instruction. That gives you a better chance of understanding safety advice and technique, especially when you are new to surfing. A private group option is also available, which may suit friends or family members who want more control over the pace.

The minimum group size is four participants. This may help create a lively beach atmosphere, but it also means the class depends on enough people booking. If your schedule is tight, check that your selected time is confirmed.

Is $13 Good Value?

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - Is $13 Good Value?

Yes, for a first lesson, the price is very attractive. You receive a 90-minute lesson, a surfboard, wetsuit, safety instruction, and access to professional teaching for $13 per person.

The price is especially useful if you are testing surfing rather than planning a full surf holiday. You can find out if you enjoy the sport without buying equipment or paying for a long multi-day course.

There are limits. The price does not include an extra hour in the sea, professional pictures, or GoPro video. You also need to supply your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. These are small costs, but they matter if you are comparing the booking with another class that includes media or longer water time.

The lesson is best value for a beginner who wants a proper introduction. A confident surfer looking mainly for board rental may prefer the rental option, but note that the rental booking includes only a surfboard and wetsuit, not the full instructional service.

Who Should Book This Class?

Miraflores: Surf Class with Videos, Equipment and Instructor - Who Should Book This Class?

I would recommend it to first-time surfers, active visitors to Lima, and anyone who wants a beach activity that fits into a city stay. The class suits a broad range of ages, with the stated restrictions that children under three, pregnant women, and people over 80 should not participate.

You should be comfortable with physical activity and willing to follow instructions. You do not need to arrive as an athlete, but surfing involves paddling, repeated attempts, and time in the water.

It is also a good match for people who speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, or German. If you are traveling with friends, the private group option may make the experience more personal, though the minimum group requirement still applies to the activity.

I would think twice if you dislike cold water, have a medical condition that affects strenuous activity, or need a guaranteed short appointment with no possibility of schedule changes. The listed duration is unclear, and extra sea time can extend the outing.

Booking Details Worth Noting

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is useful if your Lima plans may shift.

Check the meeting point for the exact option you select, since it may vary. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early, and allow extra time after the lesson if you want to change, buy pictures, or ask about staying in the water.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 58 ratings, with particularly strong praise for instructor patience, encouragement, equipment, and the success beginners had getting upright. The most useful names to remember are Felipe, Denis, Nicolas, Dennis, and Jesus, who handled photos and video for at least one booking.

Should You Book the Miraflores Surf Class?

Book it if you want an inexpensive, well-supported first try at surfing in Lima. The $13 fee includes the essentials, the 90-minute lesson gives you real time in the water, and the instructors appear especially good at helping nervous beginners make progress.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may stand several times, or you may spend much of the lesson learning to paddle and balance. Either result is normal. Ask about the exact duration, the cost of extra sea time, and the price of photos or video before you begin.

For a city visitor who wants more than another museum or restaurant stop, this is a practical choice. You get exercise, instruction, and a chance to experience Miraflores from the water without a large financial commitment.

FAQ

How long is the surf lesson?

The included lesson lasts 90 minutes. The activity information also lists the overall duration as ranging from two hours to 390 minutes, so check the available starting time and exact schedule when booking.

What equipment is included?

The lesson includes a surfboard and wetsuit. If you book the rental option instead of the lesson, the included equipment is only a surfboard and wetsuit.

Is the class suitable for beginners?

Yes. The class is designed for all levels and includes warm-up exercises, dry-land practice, and instruction on paddling, positioning, and body balance.

Can experienced surfers take the class?

Yes. The instructor can adapt the lesson to your existing skill level.

Are photos and videos included?

No. GoPro videos and professional pictures are not included in the base price. They may be available to purchase separately.

What languages do the instructors speak?

Instruction is available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German.

Can I stay in the water after the lesson?

You may continue surfing for an extra hour with additional payment. The information also states that you can stay for up to four hours after the class with additional payment, so confirm the available extension and cost with the provider.

More like this

Workshops, compared.

The full Workshops list →
Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,712 reviews· from $57

Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco

Read our review →
#1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 995 reviews· from $48

#1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class

Read our review →
Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 744 reviews· from $65

Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting

Read our review →
Cusco Cooking Classes and San Pedro Market Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 691 reviews· from $55

Cusco Cooking Classes and San Pedro Market Tour

Read our review →
Peruvian Cooking Class, Cocktails & Local Market Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.9· 512 reviews· from $67

Peruvian Cooking Class, Cocktails & Local Market Tour

Read our review →
Hands-on Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Visit in Cusco
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 421 reviews· from $57

Hands-on Peruvian Cooking Class & San Pedro Market Visit in Cusco

Read our review →
Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop in ChocoMuseo Cusco
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 410 reviews· from $33

Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop in ChocoMuseo Cusco

Read our review →
Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 384 reviews· from $59

Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Peru

From the Inca stonework to the dune fields, and the best of each.