With more than 50 breaks, year-round warm water temperatures and an excellent variety of surf schools and resorts, it’s little wonder that Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most popular surfing spots.
Selina Surf Camp offers unbeatable value (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Costa Rica’s surf scene boasts the best of both worlds: a well-developed infrastructure and swells without crowds. The pint-sized country is a popular surfing destination all year round too, thanks to consistent waves and a wide variety of surfing conditions, including beach and point breaks, reefs and river mouths. You don’t need to go it alone either, thanks to an excellent range of reputable surf schools and surf resorts dotted across the island, designed for a range of levels and interests. We’ve scoured the internet for seven of the best surf camps in Costa Rica, based on price, programme, location and special features.
8 Day Surf Lessons Package at Selina Surf Camp in Puerto Viejo
Selina Surf Camp offers a variety of surf camps, but this eight-day package is unbeatable when it comes to value for money. Suitable for all surfing levels, from beginner to advanced, the package includes five two-hour surf lessons, board and equipment rental, daily breakfast, seven lunches and three dinners. It also includes seven nights’ accommodation in the eco-friendly hostel with beach views. Guests can also book additional activities in their free time, like canoeing, canopying and kayaking. From €678 for 8 days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
Epic 7 Day Surf Camp at Iguana Surf Camp at Tamarindo
Iguana Surf Camp is one of Costa Rica’s longest-running surf camps (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
With over 30 years of experience, Iguana Surf Camp is one of Costa Rica’s most highly regarded surf schools. The school is based in Tamarindo, one of the top surfing meccas in Costa Rica too. The camp offers three excellent surfing programs and the 7 Day Epic Surf Camp is one of the resort’s most highly-rated camps. The price includes six nights of accommodation, four two-hour surf lessons, unlimited board rentals and guidance from a professional ISA certified surf instructor. It also includes a surf trip to a nearby local break. Guests can enjoy a fresh breakfast every morning, as well as video analysis and reviews to help them perfect their surfing technique. From €701 for seven days.
Book now at BookSurfCamps.com
7 Day Surf and Stay at Lucero Surf Vacations in Santa Teresa
This surf school is located in Santa Teresa, ranked one of the top 10 beaches in the world. There’s one program on offer, designed for beginners and intermediate surfers, and it offers unbeatable value. The price includes four surf lessons, free surf gear rental throughout your stay and breakfast every day. The hotel is ideally situated in a quiet part of town, which makes it perfect for those looking for some downtime too. Guests can choose to stay in a private room, home or jungle-view apartment, with access to a restaurant and swimming pool. From €744 for seven days.
Book now at BookSurfCamps.com
6 Day Spanish Classes and Surf Camp at La Botella de Leche in Tamarindo
La Botella de Leche is ideal for those looking to improve their language skills while learning to surf (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
This six-day surf camp is perfect for those looking to combine surfing and Spanish lessons. Set on Costa Rica’s best learn-to-surf beach, guests can enjoy expert instruction and accommodation in a beautiful hotel. too. The price includes four daily two-hour surf lessons, four daily one-hour Spanish lessons, a yoga session and a snorkelling trip. Guests can also enjoy free use of surfboards and high-quality surf equipment. The programme is suitable for beginner-advanced surfers, with trips to beaches including Avellanas, Langosta, Playa Grande, Playa Negra and Tamarindo. From €702 for six days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
4 Days Amazing Yoga Holiday and Surf Experience with Los Altos de Eros in Tamarindo
Those looking for a luxury surf camp will be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious offering than Los Altos de Eros. This well-being package includes two surfing lessons (with board rental), four yoga classes and nutritious daily meals. The price includes three nights’ accommodation in one of six suites with king-sized beds, cotton bathrobes and organic toiletries. The camp is set in 22 acres of jungle, with an onsite spa to ease muscles after a days’ surf too. From €1064 for four days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
29 Day Intensive Surf Camp at Jakera Adventure in Santa Teresa
Jakera Adventures offers a month-long surf camp in Santa Teresa (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Those looking to extend their surf experience won’t find a better value surf program than this month-long surf school. Run by Jakera Adventure, the surf resort offers four two-hour surf lessons and free surfboard rentals. Guests can also enjoy 20 intensive Spanish lessons, volunteering activities in the rainforest and on the beach and turtle conservation training. There are regular hiking trips to Monteverde national parks too. The price includes 28 nights’ accommodation in a single-sex dorm and three meals every day. From €2,284 for 28 days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
8 Days Luxurious Women’s Retreat at Surf Bikini Retreat in Nosara
Ideal for female learners who prefer to surf with the same sex, Surf Bikini Retreat is an all-inclusive boutique surf camp designed for women. The programme includes 18 hours of professional surf lessons with daily assessment and feedback from certified surf coaches and two video analysis sessions to help you refine your skill. It also includes seven nights of accommodation in the rancho’s beautifully-designed suites, a surfing photoshoot, three yoga sessions and daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers too. From €2,387 for eight days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com