Good questions.
Before you book
I've never surfed. Is that OK?
Yes. Most of our guests are first-timers. We start on the sand, then go into gentle waves on soft boards. Most people stand up in the first lesson.
How old do kids need to be?
Group surf from 8, the camp from 12, private surf from 5, snorkel from 6. Whale trips, the sunset sail and private boats are for all ages (babies from 6 months), with life jackets in every size. On shared boats kids pay the same as adults (it's a seat on a 12-seat boat); babies under 2 ride free on a lap.
Do I need to swim?
For surf, you need to swim 50 m (about two lengths of a hotel pool) and float without help (private lessons: be comfortable in waist-deep water). For snorkel, you need to swim without help. For boat trips, no: everyone has a life jacket.
How many people per group?
Max 6 surfers per coach, 10 on the snorkel morning, 12 on the shared boat.
Can we make it private?
Yes: private surf lessons, coaching, a private whale boat or a private boat day.
Do your coaches speak English?
Every lesson and trip runs in English or Spanish, often both.
Can family come and watch?
Yes, free. There's shade nearby but bring water and a hat.
What if my child gets scared mid-lesson?
The coach stays with them on the sand or in the shallows; no pressure to go back out.
On the day
Where do we meet, and how far is it?
We're on Banderas Bay; most hotels in Puerto Vallarta are 15–40 minutes away by taxi or Uber. We send the exact dock or beach, a map pin and parking tips with your booking, and again the evening before.
Can you pick us up?
For private bookings, yes: from hotels in Puerto Vallarta and around the bay, $600 MXN per vehicle, round trip, up to 6 people, paid on the day. Car seats on request; tell us your kids' ages. Group lessons don't include pick-up. Tell us your hotel when you book and we'll confirm.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel and a hat. On winter boat mornings, a light layer. We bring boards, rash vests, reef-safe sunscreen, life jackets, water and fruit.
Will I get seasick?
Mornings are usually calmest. If you're prone to it, take a tablet an hour before and sit at the back, near the middle of the boat.
When is whale season?
Roughly mid-December to March, on the dates the authorities set each season. January and February are the busiest months.
Will we definitely see whales?
In season we meet whales on most trips, but they're wild and we can't promise it. If we see none on a shared trip, you come again free. Leaving Vallarta before the next shared trip? We refund half your ticket.
Can we get in the water with the whales?
No. It isn't allowed, and it isn't good for them. We watch from the boat.
Is there a toilet on board?
On the covered boat (shared whale trips) and the catamaran (snorkel and sunset sail), yes. On the private panga, no. Trips run 3½–4 hours, so we stop at the marina toilets before leaving, and since it's your boat we can head back in for a stop. Need a toilet on board? Book seats on the covered boat.
Is it OK for grandparents or anyone with limited mobility?
Yes on the covered boat and the catamaran: you board from a dock, with no wading. Tell us when you book and we'll save you a seat in the shade.
Can we bring a stroller?
Leave it at the dock; there's no room on board.
What if there are no waves, or too many?
We move you to the beach where the waves are kindest that morning. If it's still not right, we move your lesson or refund it.
Money and changes
What's your cancellation policy?
Group lessons and shared trips: free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Private lessons and coaching: free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Surf camp and private boats: full refund up to 7 days before; after that we keep the deposit, but you can move your date once for free. Full details on Policies.
What if the weather is bad?
If the port is closed or our crew judges the sea unsafe, we cancel and you choose a new date or a full refund. We tell you by WhatsApp and email by 7 p.m. the evening before; if the sea changes overnight, by 6 a.m. for morning trips, or at least 2 hours before afternoon trips. Rain alone doesn't cancel a trip.
Do I pay a deposit?
On the surf camp ($1,500 MXN; the rest on the first morning) and on every private booking ($1,000 MXN; the rest on the day). Group lessons and shared trips are paid in full.
How can I pay?
Online by card; for a bank transfer (SPEI) deposit, message us on WhatsApp. Balances on the day: card, pesos in cash, or bank transfer. Need a Mexican invoice (factura)? Send us your tax details when you book.
Are prices in pesos or dollars?
We charge in Mexican pesos (MXN). If your card is from another country, your bank converts it. Prices include IVA.
Is the tip included?
No. Always appreciated, never expected.
Can I change my date?
Private lessons and coaching: yes, from the link in your confirmation email, up to 48 hours before. Private boats: use the same link, but please give us 7 days so we can re-crew. Group lessons and shared trips: message us on WhatsApp, free up to 24 hours before; the camp, up to 7 days before.
Does the trip run if we're the only ones booked?
Yes, if you're at least 2: set-date trips run from 2 guests. If you booked alone and nobody else joins, we offer a new date or a full refund.
