Where can I learn Spanish AND a water sport?
Currently, there are schools in seven countries around the world that offer Spanish courses with some form of water sport, whether it’s diving, surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing or sailing.
Combing language lessons with tuition in a water sport not only makes your time abroad more varied and active, it also enables you to practise the language you’ve learnt in a real life environment. Normally, the water sports instruction will be in Spanish, although essential information can normally be communicated in several other languages if your language skills aren’t very advanced.
Below are details of the locations where students can take Spanish and water sports courses.
1. Spanish and Surfing / Kite surfing in Pichelimu, Chile
A beach resort town in central Chile, Pichelimu has become known as the country’s surf capital. The city is surrounded by some lovely scenery, with rolling hills and forests, and is also known for its entertainment scene. The spectacular beaches are a great place to learn to surf or kite surf – both are possible here…
More about courses in Pichelimu
2. Spanish and Surfing in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica
Located just two hours from San José by road, Jaco Beach is one of the closest to the capital and is therefore popular with both Costa Ricans and foreign visitors. The resort is well-known for its surfing and laid-back atmosphere, and there’s a huge array of bars and restaurants to enjoy when the sun goes down. Jaco’s 3km stretch of golden sand means that you can find your feet on a board without being swarmed by other surfers.
More about courses in Jaco Beach
3. Spanish and Surfing in Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica 
Playa Tamarindo’s long white beaches and sparkling turquoise waters make it a great place to learn to learn to surf. It’s friendly, vibrant and, for any nature lovers, has the added benefit of being sandwiched by two protected beaches, Playa Grande and Playa Langosta, that serve as nesting areas for the giant leatherback turtle from October-March.
More about courses in Playa Tamarindo
4. Spanish and Surfing in Samara, Costa Rica
Located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in the north west of the country, the tranquil resort of Samara is home to a safe and beautiful beach. Palm trees line 5km of soft white sand, in a protected coral reef bay. It’s a real tropical paradise that will make learning to surf an absolute pleasure.
5. Spanish and Windsurfing/Diving/Kite Surfing in Sosua, Dominican Republic 
A small seaside town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Sosua is a great location for all water sports enthusiasts. Currently on offer in conjunction with Spanish classes are windsurfing, diving and kite surfing lessons for both beginners and those who are more experienced. In the evenings, students will be able to enjoy all that Sosua has to offer in terms of bars and restaurants, of which there are many!
6. Spanish and Diving in La Ceiba, Honduras
The third largest city in Honduras, La Ceiba is situated on the country’s northern coast and is home to beautiful Caribbean beaches and sparkling waters that would entice anyone into the world of diving. The city now boasts the coveted title of ‘entertainment’ capital of Honduras, which ensures that there is plenty to enjoy after your daytime Spanish and diving lessons too…
More about courses in Le Ceiba
7. Spanish and Diving in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico 
There are few places that come closer to the image of a tropical paradise than Playa del Carmen. The vast white sand beaches and bright blue waters that typify the resort make it an ideal place to learn how to dive, and the lively resort atmosphere offers students plenty of opportunity to practise their Spanish outside of lessons. The Spanish school in Playa is a well-established and large centre that offers a really large range of course options and activities.
More about courses in Playa del Carmen
8. Spanish and Surfing in Lima, Peru
Lima may not immediately spring to mind as a prime surf location, but in actual fact the capital city of Peru is in close proximity to some really great beaches with big waves. Students can surf in Miraflores in walking distance of the school, but the best breaks are to be found all along the rugged Pacific desert coast to the North and South of the city.
9. Spanish and Surfing in Cadiz, Spain
Located on the south coast of Spain in the region of Andalucia, Cadiz has lots going for it, with plenty of history and culture but some great beaches to enjoy too.
10. Spanish and Surfing in San Sebastian, Spain 
An up- market resort on Spain’s basque coast, San Sebastian has long been popular amongst both Spanish learners and surfers. The incredible golden beach is delightfully uncrowded and the town itself is a fantastic mix of Basque and Spanish tradition, and is well known for its restaurants and tapas bars especially.
More about courses in San Sebastian
11. Spanish and Surfing/Diving in Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife seems to have developed a reputation as a prime package-holiday destination over the years, but away from the tacky tourist resorts there are some lovely and authentic corners to explore. The island benefits not only from year round nice weather, but also from some fantastic waters that make a great place to learn to dive or to surf.
More about courses in Tenerife
12. Spanish and Surfing/ Windsurfing/Diving in Montevideo, Uruguay 
Another location that might seem an unlikely option for water sports, Montevideo’s location on the Rio de la Plata estuary actually means that there are several on offer. The city is quite European in feel, and there is certainly plenty in the way of arts, culture and entertainment to enjoy too. It offers a good alternative to the typically tropical locations in South America, should some students want one.
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