It is not that difficult to know the reason why Costa Rica is a popular surf destination as it provides perfect waves for surfers irrespective of their current progress, from beginners to experts. The coastline has beaches and bays that make it all good for surfing making it an ideal location. There are waves for both beginners and experienced surfers, and the water temperature is pleasant year-round.
In addition, The lush rainforest also makes the surfing experience more beautiful.
Surfing in Costa Rica
Surfing is not a sport you can just pick a book and get it right away. It can be very challenging and takes a lot of time and practice to become good at it.
To master the art is to learn, you have to put in a lot of work and patience is also a virtue you want to consider.
So how do you get started? That is a very important question to ask. There are lots of schools around the world and the best of them are usually in Hawaii, California, Australia, and then lovely Costa Rica.
Learning at camp is also another option. Surf camps could last up to two weeks and you can rest assured that it will all be intensive training from experienced surfing coaches.
But what if you want to learn to surf, Are there any good surf schools and camps in Costa Rica?
Yes! There are plenty of good surf schools and camps in Costa Rica.
Actually, you could totally make the case that Costa Rica is one of the absolute top spots worldwide to pick up surfing skills. Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned wave-rider, there’s a surf school or camp that fits the bill perfectly for you in Costa Rica.
With loads of schools and camps out there, don’t rush it – take your time to look into your options before making a call. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few that catch your eye, start thinking about things like costs, where they’re located, and what they will teach you.
For instance, some surf schools focus on giving students lots of wave time while others emphasize specific techniques or board-riding skills.
If you are a solo traveler, consider looking for a surf school or camp that caters specifically to solo travelers. This will make it easier to meet and connect with others like you. And if it happens you will be going with kids, look for a school or camp that make arrangement for kids.
List of Great Surfing Schools and Camps in Costa Rica
The majority of surfing and camping destinations in Costa Rica are located along the Pacific coast, where all of our top recommendations are selected from.
On the northwest Nicoya Peninsula, this is where you can surf nearly all year, particularly in the wet season (May to November), when the biggest, most consistent waves are available.
The eastern half of the country, however, has world-class surfing in remote regions. The most powerful waves occur on the other side of the country along the southern Caribbean coast, however, these only happen during the hot, dry months (December to March), and surf camp programs are limited and substandard at this time of the year.
We’ve compiled a list of the finest surf camps in Costa Rica, each with a distinct appeal. From family-friendly hotels to luxurious all-inclusive resorts with yoga sessions, massages, cultural excursions, and gourmet meals included, there are several surf camp alternatives available—but we’ve chosen only 10 of the best.
1. Safari Surf School
Image Credit: Safari Surf School
The Safari Surf School in Guiones, Nosara is the best camp for environmentally inclined surfers. This is a true leader committed to providing clients with a realistic experience that provides the wow factor. This goes beyond what is common in an attempt to give you a lifetime experience.
The aim of the school is to help local communities by providing them with the best practices in such areas as employment and training only locals. It also supports conservation efforts and assesses and offsets all guest and employee carbon emissions through reforestation projects.
Environmentalism is more than just recycling at Safari Surf School; it also involves environmental responsibility in terms of its surfboards, some of which are produced according to sustainable standards, and all of which are given or recycled into art.
Also close are the beaches at Playa Guiones, a playground for novice and intermediate surfers with its sandy bottom, gradual slope, and long (and very rip-able) rolling breaks that can take you all the way to the beach. Larger waves for more experienced surfers are also available farther out.
Safari Surf School may be one of the most “pure vida” surf camps, if only for its capacity to deliver personalized and adaptable adventures.
2. La Sirena Surf Adventures
La Sirena Surf Adventures is an excellent option for those who want to have their lessons from some of the best teachers around the world with an option for surf tours or a week-long surf for those who are only looking for adventure. The school is situated in Tamarindo and also offers lodging to everyone. The price is also affordable despite the high quality of lessons that students are to receive.
Monica, the owner and instructor, oozes pure surf professionalism: Her upbeat attitude, passion, and deep understanding will only enhance your surfing knowledge while you’re in Costa Rica.
3. S.A.L.T. Surf School
At S.A.L.T Surf School, they provide lessons and tours suitable for everyone, whether you’re just starting out, an experienced surfer, or trying it for the first time. Private and group lessons are available, as well as board rental if required.
Just bring along a positive attitude and a bunch of excitement – that’s all it takes! Tamarindo happens to be the perfect spot for picking up the art of surfing or honing your surfing skills.
The school is situated at Tamarindo Backpackers, right along the stunning North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Elias, the school’s founder and surf instructor does an excellent job there.
4. Kalon Surf Resort
Kalon Surf Resort stands as one of the best surf schools in Costa Rica. The resort treats guests to a lovely ocean view and comes with top-tier surfing opportunities. It caters perfectly to those looking to explore and those embarking on their surfing journey.
It is also in a great location that surf lovers will love featuring waves suitable for every skill level. In other words, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or expert, the location is enough for you.
Their comprehensive seven-night package encompasses a stay in one of Kalon’s lavish ocean-view villas, all meals, convenient airport transfers, and daily introductory surfing lessons. The seven-night package includes accommodation in one of Kalon’s luxurious ocean-view villas, all meals, airport transfers, and daily Introduction to Surfing lessons.
5. Bodhi Surf School
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner for 2021, Bodhi Surf School offers classes and surf camps for all levels of surfing ability.
Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced surfer looking to brush up on your skills, Bodhi Surf School can cater to your needs. The location has gentle waves and a laid-back atmosphere which makes it an ideal place to learn the sport.
Bodhi Surf School’s instructors are highly qualified and experienced in their field, and they will give you excellent and individualized surfing instruction.
6. Surf Diva Surf School
Surf Diva Surf School in Nosara is exclusively for females and provides personalized and professional surf instruction.
The school is a great option for women surfers as it has experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are focused on safety. In addition to that, it also offers yoga sessions, nature hikes, and local outings which without an iota of doubt give everyone including tourists an experience that they are going to remember for a long time.
Beyond just surfing, Playa Uvita has even more to offer. They provide yoga sessions, nature hikes, and local excursions, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors and tourists. It is surely an opportunity to make lasting memories during your time there.
Apart from the exciting surfing opportunities, the school also provides customized yoga classes. These classes focus on enhancing your strength, flexibility, and balance while you soak in breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Coast.
If you’re seeking relaxation after a thrilling day in the ocean, Nosara has an array of top-notch spa treatments that are among the finest in the country.
7. Surf Simply
Surf Simply is another one definitely worth checking out.. They offer a state-of-the-art surf camp with elegant accommodations by San Francisco architects who also designed Seoul Incheon, Apple stores, and Facebook HQ. You can enjoy amazing waves right out front while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Prices start at just $7,218 per person for a seven-night stay.
Surf Simply takes a highly individualized approach to coaching, with a strong emphasis on physics and theory.
You can check out Surf Simply if you are up for an epic surf vacation. They are all about providing you with individual treatment, breaking down everything to know about surfing in a cool and simple way.
It is the perfect school to learn how to ride those waves while getting personalized attention.
And guess what? The school has also got 10 chill rooms right by a nature preserve, setting the scene for an unforgettable surf experience.
Additionally, the resort’s teaching ratio is 9 coaches to 12 students, guaranteeing that each student will receive the individualized attention they need to succeed. No matter if you’re just starting out or you’re already a surfing expert, Surf Simply guarantees you an unforgettable time riding the waves.
8. Surf With Amigas
Looking to up your surfing game while surrounded by like-minded women? Look no further than Surf With Amigas, one of the best surfing camps in Costa Rica. Situated in beautiful Pavones, this camp offers world-class instruction from some of the best surfers in the business. And because it’s a women-only camp, you can feel confident and comfortable learning and practicing in a supportive environment. Prices start at $2,250 for a seven-night package in single occupancy – definitely worth it for an unforgettable experience!
9. Peaks ’n Swells
Looking for an unforgettable camping experience for your family while surfing in Costa Rica? Look no further than Peaks ‘n Swells in Montezuma, Puntarenas!
With private homes available for rent, you’ll have everything you need to relax and enjoy your time with your loved ones. Best of all, pricing starts at just $3,350 for a single occupancy seven-day package – a truly unbeatable deal!
Peaks ‘n Swells is an intimate camp that is limited to three families at a time, each in one of three comfortable chalet-style villas that share a pool on the beach.
The villas are super cozy and come with everything you’d want for a family getaway – think kitchens and even laundry facilities.
The staff at Peaks ‘n Swells is attentive and helpful, and they can arrange for all your meals to be prepared for you if you prefer not to cook.
You won’t run out of things to do here – there are a lot of activities to keep everyone entertained. Whether it’s checking out the reef nearby, taking swimming and sailing lessons, going on boat trips, playing tennis, and a whole lot more. And of course, the beautiful white sand beaches are perfect for relaxing or building sandcastles with the kids.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family adventure in Costa Rica, look no further than Peaks ‘n Swells! Book your stay today.
10. School of the World
School of the World (SOW) is one of the best surf schools in Costa Rica. Since 1997, SOW has been teaching students of all levels how to surf in some of the most beautiful locations in Costa Rica.
Located in the heart of Jaco, SOW includes 12 guest rooms that are Reserve Now perfect for families or groups of friends. The spacious and comfortable accommodations are located just steps away from world-class waves and vibrant downtown Jaco.
SOW has loads of cool activities you can explore and trips too, so you can really make the most of your time in Costa Rica. It’s not just about the waves – you can also learn Spanish and soak up the sun at School of the World. The two Spanish classrooms are top-notch and the swimming pool is great for cooling off after a long day in the sun.
But School of the World is much more than just a language plus surf school – it’s also home to a photo and video editing studio, several great restaurants, shops, bars, and of course, the famous beach. There are several stuff to check out, and it’s no surprise that School of the World attracts travelers from everywhere. It’s a hotspot for a reason!
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an intense surf boot camp or just some casual lessons on the beach, there’s sure to be something perfect for you in Costa Rica!
