Costa Rica, with its stunning coastline and world-class Surf breaks, has become a haven for surf enthusiasts from around the globe. A wide range of surf camps have emerged to cater to the growing demand, each offering unique experiences tailored to different interests and skill levels. Whether you are a beginner hoping to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer looking to enhance your skills, there’s a perfect Costa Rica surf camp for you.

Boutique Surf Camps

Boutique surf camps cater to those who prefer a more intimate and personalized experience. These camps typically have limited occupancy, providing a relaxed atmosphere and allowing for one-on-one coaching sessions. Boutique surf camps often offer additional amenities such as yoga classes, gourmet meals, and spa services.

Best Boutique Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Iguana Surf Camp offers private and group surf lessons on the mellow waves of Tamarindo Beach. This surf shop, boutique hotel, and tour agency has been teaching surf lessons on the shores of the Costa Rican Pacific Northwest since 1989. The camp provides luxury accommodations at Iguana Surf Hotel, both private and dorm style. Not only do they provide daily lessons, breakfast, unlimited board rentals, video analysis, and a surf trip, their add-ons include things like yoga, meditation, Spanish lessons, adventure tours, and romantic packages for couples. The seven-night surf camp starts at USD 849.

Discover 5, 6, and 7-night surf camp packages in Costa Rica.

Women’s Surf Camps

Women’s surf camps have gained popularity as a safe and empowering space for female surfers of all levels. These camps offer a supportive environment where women can enhance their skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships with fellow female surfers. With experienced female instructors, these camps focus on tailored coaching and fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Best Women’s Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Surf with Amigas is a surf and yoga retreat with locations throughout the world including three in Costa Rica. They aim to teach and inspire women to surf and connect in beautiful, tropical locations. They currently run a 7-day jungle retreat, a longboard retreat in Golfito, and an all-levels retreat in the northern part of the country. Prices start at $2,400.

Advanced Surf Camps

For experienced surfers looking to take their skills to the next level, advanced surf camps provide the perfect opportunity. These camps often focus on specialized coaching, including techniques for riding larger waves, advanced maneuvers, and video analysis. With access to some of Costa Rica’s best breaks, advanced surf camps cater to those seeking an adrenaline-filled challenge.

Best Advanced Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Surf Simply, located in Nosara, uses a highly individualized approach to help surfers hone their skills, with a teaching ratio of nine coaches to 12 students. The surf experts here focus on physics, theory, and video analysis to push their students to the next level. This all-inclusive week-long retreat starts at $8,300 for individuals.

Family-Friendly Surf Camps

Costa Rica’s family-friendly surf camps offer a memorable vacation experience for both parents and kids. These camps combine surf lessons with a range of activities that are fun for all ages, ensuring that everyone in the family has a great time. Family-friendly surf camps often provide professional supervision for children, giving parents peace of mind while they hit the waves or take a swing in a hammock.

Best Family-Friendly Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Peaks ‘n Swells is located in Montezuma and makes it easy for families that want to learn how to surf together. Families here get to stay in their own private family villas while sharing a pool. This surf camp is limited to three families at a time, ensuring individualized service. Lessons here have a one coach to one child ratio so it is very safe and personalized for every skill level. They also organize activities for the kids like beach games, tide pool exploration, waterfall hikes, and even a walk to town for ice cream. One week here starts at $3,350.

Luxury Surf Camps

For surfers seeking the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity, luxury surf camps in Costa Rica provide a pampering experience. These camps offer high-end accommodations, gourmet dining, private surf lessons, and access to secluded breaks. With luxurious amenities such as infinity pools, spas, and personalized concierge services, luxury surf camps cater to discerning surfers who want to indulge in the finer things while riding the waves.

Best Luxury Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Kalon Surf Resort in Dominical piles on the amenities to ensure a luxurious stay while learning how to surf. The secluded mountaintop resort offers ocean views, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a high-end farm-to-table cuisine. You can fine-tune your surfing skills during the day and relax at the spa every evening. How refined! A seven-night stay here starts at $3,990. 

Glamping Surf Camps

For those seeking a unique and adventurous surf camp experience, glamping surf camps offer a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Nestled in picturesque locations near the coastline, these camps provide luxury tents or eco-friendly cabins, allowing surfers to immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped camp.

Best Glamping Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

DreamSea Surf Camp is located in the forest near Tamarindo and provides a unique experience to immerse yourself in nature. The self-sustained surf camp provides opportunities for surfing, yoga, adventure, and community. One week in a standard glamping tent starts at $499.

Pet-Friendly Surf Camps

Surfers who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind can opt for pet-friendly surf camps in Costa Rica. These camps welcome well-behaved pets and provide amenities and activities that cater to both surfers and their four-legged friends. From dog-friendly accommodations to pet-friendly beaches, pet-friendly surf camps ensure that you can enjoy your surf trip without leaving your fur baby behind.

Best Pet-Friendly Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Located in Nosara, Selina Surf Camp can be found by traveling through some tough terrain – 4×4 is definitely required! This aesthetic nature and surf retreat offers surf lessons from beginner to advanced, yoga classes, a shared kitchen, a co-working space, and best of all it’s pet friendly. Their six-day surf camp starts at $690.

Sustainable Surf Camps

For eco-conscious surfers, sustainable surf camps in Costa Rica focus on minimizing their environmental impact. These camps prioritize sustainable practices such as recycling, waste reduction, and using renewable energy sources. They often organize beach cleanups and educational programs to raise awareness about environmental conservation. By choosing a sustainable surf camp, surfers can contribute to the preservation of Costa Rica’s beautiful coastline and marine ecosystems.

Best Sustainable Surf Camp in Costa Rica:

Looking to protect their most valuable resource – the ocean – most surf camps in Costa Rica tend to practice environmental stewardship, but Safari Surf School in Guiones takes it to a whole new level. From recycled surfboards to offsetting carbon emissions through reforestation projects, this surf camp takes sustainability beyond the sea. With 17 large rooms, this week-long surf camp starts at $1,750.

With as many different types of surf camps as there are microclimates, Costa Rica’s diverse surf camp styles mean there’s something for every surfer. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to learn the basics or an experienced surfer looking to refine your skills, the surf camps in Costa Rica provide a range of options to suit your preferences. 

From beginner camps to teach you the basics to women’s camps promoting empowerment, advanced camps pushing boundaries, and family-friendly camps for memorable vacations, there’s a perfect surf camp waiting for you in Costa Rica. There’s even a surf camp in Costa Rica for the pet owners and nature lovers out there! So, grab your board, catch the next wave, and embark on an unforgettable surfing adventure that matches your unique style.

Written by Jennifer LaCharite

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