Last updated on November 24th, 2023 at 01:21 pm
If you are looking for a surf camp in Costa Rica you came to the right place. In this post we listed our top picks for a surf camp in Costa Rica, where you can have the perfect surf vacation, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the best surf destinations in the world. It receives consistent swells all year long and offers surfers a huge variety of surf spots, warm water, and friendly local people. Several key factors must be considered when choosing a surf camp in Costa Rica. The type of accommodation, transportation, location, and price are obviously necessary, but not as much as the level of the surf instructors and their coaching tools. Moreover, your current surf level and the kind of people you will meet are also things to consider to make the best of the experience. So let’s get right to it, in detail; these are the most recommended surf camps in Costa Rica:
A List of the Best Surf Camps in Costa Rica:
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Tamarindo
Witch’s Rock is definitely one of the best surf camps in Costa Rica. It is a place where surfers of all levels can meet each other, surf together, learn, hang out, and have a great time.
At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, you can enjoy a beachfront hotel and surf fun waves right out front. The facilities are also top quality, with 2 restaurants, 3 bars, and a microbrewery. Moreover, you can get everything you need from the surf shop and surfboard demo center. The professional staff will take care of everything you need so you can enjoy your surf vacation.
As for the surf packages, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp offers something for any skill level. It has a different program for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers, so you can choose the best package depending on your needs. It is an excellent choice for both families and solo travelers as well.
For more information about surf camps in Tamarindo please click here.
Iguana Surf Camp, Tamarindo
Iguana Surf Camp is a beachfront boutique camp located in Tamarindo Bay, offering various surf programs for its guests. It caters to beginner surfers who want to explore the surfer life in a supportive and safe environment. The camp coaches in small and intimate learning groups and focuses on personal guidance and a good atmosphere. Also, you can combine your package with some Spanish lessons, yoga practice, or touristic activities.
For more information about surf camps in Tamarindo please click here.
La Botella de Leche, Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is one of the best “learn to surf” beaches in Costa Rica. It consistently delivers perfect surf conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers. This location and La Botella de Leche Surf Camp’s professional coaching and high-quality surfing gear ensure the ultimate surf experience. La Botella de Leche has various surf packages to suit your specific needs. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, the camp, with its qualified surf instructors, will take your surfing game to the next level. The camp guarantees small classes (4 students max per instructor) to ensure the most personalized learning experience.
For more information about surf camps in Tamarindo please click here.
Safari Surf School, Nosara
Safari Surf School is another leading surf camp in Costa Rica since 1998. All the instructors here are local Costa Rican ISA Level 1 or 2 surf coaches or certified lifeguards, so quality and improvement are guaranteed.
Safari Surf School offers 3 packages- a standard for women only and a budget program. All packages include video surf coach analysis to break down your surf performance.
Depending on your needs, you can enjoy an all-inclusive, customizable package to suit your ideal surf vacation. Moreover, you will have access to some top-end surf equipment brands, from Firewire to Walden Surfboards and more.
For more information about Safari Surf School please click here.
Surf Simply, Nosara
Surf Simply is a camp that will take your skills to the next level. It offers technical coaching by focusing on many specific skills behind the sport and then breaking down the mechanisms, making surfing accessible to everyone.
All the coaches at Surf Simply are ISA and ILSF-qualified and work with just 12 guests weekly to ensure you get all the attention you need. Moreover, the package includes a combination of video feedback, theory lessons, and in-water coaching.
Besides surf coaching, the camp also covers all the rest. Starting from picking you up from the airport to the resort in Nosara and all the way to your preferred activities such as massages, stretch classes, food, stand-up paddle boarding, zip lining, or horseback riding. After your stay, you will get all your photos, video footage, and even a film about your week.
For more information about surf camps in Nosara please click here.
Selina Surf Camp, Nosara
Selina is a well-known brand in the surf community, with a variety of accommodations for surfers in some of the best surf spots in Central America. Selina always has the best locations, high-quality facilities, and surf lessons with the best equipment.
In Selina Surf Club, you can learn from professional and experienced surf teachers who will take you to the next level and maximize your time in the water. They use the latest and most advanced tools to guarantee safety and comfort.
Selina Surf Club offers different surf packages according to your needs and budget. From 1-hour surf lessons all the way to 10-night surf camps, all options are available.
For more information about Selina Surf Club please click here.
Corky Carroll’s Surf School, Nosara
Since 1998, Corky Carroll’s Surf School has helped beginners and pros learn how to ride waves. Corky Carroll’s all-inclusive Costa Rica “Surf & Stay” resort in Nosara is an epic adventure for travelers and surfers of all ages.
The 7-night packages at Corky Carroll’s include transportation from the airport, accommodations in a private bungalow, meals, surfboards, coaching sessions, and a private pool.
In the mornings, you will get a private 1:1 surf lesson, and in the afternoon, there is a sunset group surf session with the coaches to practice the new skills learned in the morning. Sessions are filmed and analyzed, providing an innovative way to capture and improve individual surf progression.
For more information about surf camps in Nosara please click here.
Kalon Surf Resort, Dominical
Only 2.5 hours drive from the International Airport of San Jose, you will find the beautiful surf town of Dominical. With consistent waves and a relaxed vibe, it is an excellent place for a surf camp.
Kalon Surf School offers several programs for a 7-night stay:
The Boardriders- a beginner program for those who want to stand up on a surfboard for the first time.
Cruisers- a program for intermediates looking to catch waves consistently, controlling angled take-off and timing.
Carvers: This advanced program focuses on timing, carving, cutbacks, and floaters.
Chargers: This is the highest level of coaching you can get to take your surfing to the next level. The goal is to get the perfect mix of maneuvers, speed, and flow.
For more information about surf camps in Dominical please click here.
Costa Rica Surf Camp, Dominical
CCosta Rica Surf Camp in Dominical is a great place to meet people, enjoy nature, and practice surfing in a family environment and with experienced local coaches.
Costa Rica Surf Camp offers a variety of packages to suit anyone’s needs and interests. The packages are based on a 6-night/7-day vacation, but you can customize it if you want to.
There are 3 types of programs:
Classic Surf Camp Package- pick from several partner hotels that range from budget to luxury accommodations.
Surf and Yoga Surf Camp Package- the Surf and Yoga Retreat is ideal for travelers who want an active vacation combining surf and yoga. Here, you will surf and practice yoga every single day. The Surf and Yoga Surf Camp Package accommodations are at the beautiful Danyasa Ecolodge.
The Big Kahuna Group Surf Camp Package is perfect for groups and families in a beautiful ocean-view villa that will be a great getaway for your surfing vacation.
For more information about surf camps in Dominical Costa Rica please click here.
Lucero Surf Retreat, Santa Teresa
Lucero Surf Vacations is located in the heart of Santa Teresa- a slow-paced little town on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The Surf & Stay packages can be joined every week from Sunday to Saturday, and there is also flexibility in case you would like to stay shorter or longer or arrive on different days of the week.
With over 15 years of coaching experience in Santa Teresa, Lucero Surf offers personalized surf lessons for all levels and ages. Moreover, the lessons here are done in small groups and with certified instructors.
The basic package includes 4 surf lessons, accommodation, meals, and free use of surf gear during your stay.
For more information about Lucero Surf Vacations please click here.
Blue Surf Sanctuary, Santa Teresa
BBlue Sanctuary boutique hotel is the perfect heaven for anyone wishing to experience the authentic “Pura Vida” vibe of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Blue Sanctuary Surf Camp is sponsored by Billabong Camps and provides an educational, memorable, and fun group experience. The student-to-instructor ratio never exceeds 3 to 1, allowing each individual quality time with an instructor in order to meet individual needs.
Among the different packages you can choose in Blue Sanctuary, there is a standard package, surf&yoga retreat, and also a “girls only” program.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Teresa Costa Rica please click here.
Shaka Costa Rica, Santa Teresa
Shaka Surf Camp is based in Playa Hermosa Beach, just north of Santa Teresa. The Surf Package is designed for both beginner and intermediate surfers, and you can choose between a 5 and 7-night stay. Other than surfing, combining it with yoga lessons is an option.
The coaches at Shaka will teach you how to choose the best waves to maximize your time in the water, explain surf lingo, and help you select the right board.
Depending on your level, the instructor’s goal is to take you to the next stage, from essential pop-ups to angled take-offs, maneuvers, and cutbacks. You will ride waves like a champ after a few days at Shaka Surf Camp.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Teresa please click here.
Pura Vida Surfers, Santa Teresa
Pura Vida Surfers is located in the heart of Santa Teresa Beach and is proud to offer world-class surf, SUP, yoga vacations, surfing lessons, and lodging in a stunning boutique hotel. This local surf school and retreat offers personalized surfing and stand-up paddle boarding SUP vacations for people worldwide. The professional coaches in the camp love sharing their love of the ocean, surfing, yoga, and paddle boarding with surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. During the camp, the crew carefully watches the weather conditions and waves to ensure that each day on the water is the best day possible for the guests. The camp’s goal is to provide each and every one of the guests with the trip of a lifetime while sharing valuable surfing knowledge and the love of the ocean. In today’s busy world that we live in, there is a high importance of unplugging, connecting with nature, and pushing your body and mind to new limits. Allow yourself the vacation of a lifetime and walk away with new skills, new perspectives, new friends, and an appreciation for the Pura Vida Lifestyle.
For more information about surf camps in Santa Teresa Costa Rica please click here.
School of the World Surf Camp, Jaco
With this great surfing package in School of the World, you will be surfing twice daily, Monday through Friday (two hours per session, four hours per day). The camp aims to keep the learning groups as small as possible, so one instructor will teach no more than three students. As part of the package, you will get personal guidance and one surf video analysis session to improve your skills and help you reach the next surfing level. The camp suits all skill levels, from beginner to advanced surfers. These are the main highlights of School of the World Camp: 2 surf classes per day. 120 minutes per surf lesson. Guidance of highly qualified instructors. Surfboard rental is available during classes. Video analysis or surf workshop. Transportation to the beach. 6 nights accommodation.
For more information about surf camps in Jaco Costa Rica please click here.
Surf Synergy Academy & Resort, Jaco
Only 1.5 hours from the airport, in the beach town of Jaco, Surf Synergy provides a comprehensive system to develop surfing and stand-up paddling skills. This surf center is designed and oriented to provide world-class athletic and wellness tools to anyone who wishes to learn and improve. It has created an integrated whole-being training system, including the technicalities of the sports and core foundational wellness elements such as breath work, state-of-the-art physical training routines, cryotherapy, mental training, nutrition, and a follow-up takeaway program of training routines.
The surf camp offers packages for all skill levels:
Entry Level One- Never surfed before or only tried a few times.
Entry Level Two- Starting to catch and surf unbroken waves.
Intermediate Level One- Consistent take-offs and can ride the shoulder.
Intermediate Level Two- Working on producing speed and basic maneuvers like cutbacks.
For more information about Surf Synergy Academy please click here.
Selina Surf Club, Puerto Viejo
Unlike the other surf camps in Costa Rica, this one is on the Caribbean Coast. Although the season here is short and lasts only from December to March, Selina Surf Club is a great choice if you happen to be here during this time and want some surf lessons or a camp.
Selina Surf Club offers different packages according to your individual needs and budget. From 1-hour surf lessons all the way to 10-night surf camps, all options are available.
For more information about Selina Surf Club please click here.
Surf with Amigas, Pavones
This surf camp is different from the others, as it is only for girls. With a team of experienced lady instructors, Surf With Amigas is ready to welcome women of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and help them improve. The coaching program includes beach lessons, in-water one, one-on-one assistance, “classroom” sessions, and video coaching.
Surf With Amigas Camp operates in several locations in North and South Costa Rica and other countries.
For more information about surf camps in Pavones Costa Rica please click here.
Why Do People Love Surf Camps in Costa Rica
Going on a surf vacation in a place like Costa Rica is one of the best things a surfer can do for himself. There is something beautiful about leaving everyday life and dedicating a week or two to something you love. However, planning a surf vacation can be quite a hassle, especially when you need more local knowledge about the destination. Tasks like booking hotels, finding restaurants, and knowing which surf spots to surf can be pretty exhausting.
This is precisely where a surf camp kicks in. By booking a surf camp in Costa Rica, you remove the annoying part from the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp will take care of transportation, accommodation, meals, equipment, and surf lessons, you can simply enjoy your vacation time. In addition, surf camps in Costa Rica are a great place to meet new surfers from different countries.
What is the Cost of a Surf Camp in Costa Rica
When booking a surf camp in Costa Rica, the cost should significantly influence your decision. Luckily, you will find a great variety of camps and packages to suit any budget here. In fact, most of the surf camps in Costa Rica offer great value for your money. Factors like the quality of the accommodation, number of days, number of surf lessons per day, seasonality, and additional services determine the cost of a surf camp. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Costa Rica will actually cost you less than it would be if you booked all services on your own. As for the numbers, a one-week package in a surf camp in Costa Rica should cost somewhere between $400 on the lower end and $1200 on the higher end.
Are Surf Camps in Costa Rica Suitable for Beginners
Costa Rica is one of the most diverse surf destinations you can find. That means that different beaches offer different types of waves. For instance, while the waves in Playa Hermosa and Playa Negra are powerful and challenging, you will find beginner-friendly waves on beaches like Tamarindo and Jaco. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can come to a surf camp in Costa Rica. Moreover, the instructors in all the surf camps in Costa Rica know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them practice in waves that suit their skills.
What Time of the Year is Best for a Surf Camp in Costa Rica
Luckily, Costa Rica is a year-round surf destination. It receives consistent swells almost 365 days a year, so any time is a good time to come for a surf camp. Although the dry season, between December and April, is a more convenient time as you don’t have to deal with heavy rains, some surfers prefer the wet season (from May to November) as there are fewer crowds and the waves are bigger. In short, no bad days are in Costa Rica; just choose your preferred time.
Which Location in Costa Rica is Best for a Surf Camp
Although there are many good surf beaches in Costa Rica, these are the most recommended ones for a surf camp:
1. Santa Teresa- Great town with various breaks and kicking nightlife.
2. Playa Nosara- Magical town with a spiritual vibe.
3. Playa Dominical- Consistent waves and less crowds.
4. Tamarindo- Good beach for beginners.
5. Jaco- soft beach break and variety of surf camps.
6. Puerto Viejo- Caribbean town, good only from December to March.
Essential Things You Should Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Costa Rica
Before choosing a surf camp in Costa Rica, don’t forget to check the following list:
1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio during the surf sessions? In general, the smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get from the instructor. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.
2. Are surfboard rentals included in the deal? Will you have to bring your own surfboard or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboard for practice after the lessons?
3. Are airport transfers included in the deal, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during your stay?
4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive, which meals are included?
5. How many surf sessions are included in the package? Is there a precise schedule?
6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?
7. Does the program suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers?
8. What is the qualification of the surf instructors, are they certified? Remember, your safety is above everything.
9. Which coaching tools are used in the program? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?
10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the package price cover everything?
How to Book a Surf Camp in Costa Rica
Once you choose your surf camp in Costa Rica, booking it is pretty simple. Nowadays, there is no need to speak with anyone on the phone; everything is available online. The main question should be what kind of surf camp you are looking for, and these are the two best options:
1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, the best website to book your surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most details about the surf instructors, weekly schedule, and general guidance.
2. If you are an experienced surfer and don’t need anything but a place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your stay on www.booking.com.
Both websites are reliable and user-friendly, so you can feel comfortable using them for booking your surf camp in Costa Rica.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top surf camps in Costa Rica. In reality, it doesn’t matter which one you choose, as they are all good and offer pretty much the same. What’s most important is your attitude. If you come open-minded to learn, practice, and make the best of it, you can improve your surfing drastically, meet great people, and have lots of fun.
Before you go, you might want to visit our post about the best beginner surf beaches in Costa Rica, and also the one about surf resorts in Costa Rica.
