The 6 Best Surf Camps in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the best surfing in Central America, and there’s no shortage of quality surf camps spread out across this small nation. Take a look at some of our picks for the best surf camps in Costa Rica.
Why Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is home to some of the best surfing in all of Latin America, and they of course have some great options for surf camps. The various surf towns in Costa Rica all offer great vibes and different waves. They have big waves that absolutely pump, but there are also many beginner-friendly waves. One of the benefits of Costa Rica is that you can go any time of the year. The water may be a bit colder in the winter months, but not necessarily wetsuit-level cold. In addition to solid surf, Costa Rica is also home to some amazing wildlife and nature and sits as the safest country in Central America. The people, culture, food, waves, and general vibe will make it one of your new favorite places.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Tamarindo, located up north in Guanacaste, is the place to be to learn to surf. This area attracts tourists from all over the world for its nature, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Tamarindo makes our list of one of the best places to do a surf camp in Costa Rica for several reasons. First, there are beginner-friendly waves all year long. Summer months produce some chest high waves, but there’s always small waves and whitewash on the inside. Second, it’s a fun place to be. The touristy town is accessible to foreigners, with plenty of food, art, bars, and things to do in your off time.
Surf Camps in Tamarindo
Iguana Surf Camp - If you’re in Tamarindo and looking for surf options, Iguana will surely pop on your radar. They have a legit surf shop and our favorite surf school in the area. They offer 6 day and 7 day surf camps. If you just want classes, Iguana also offers a surf school for kids and adults.
Mai Ke Kai - This is a traditional surf camp in Tamarindo, complete with dorms, breakfast, security, and common areas. They offer plenty of options for surf lessons including camps that last 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days.
Jacó, Puntarenas
Jacó is the easiest location to get to on our list, and this definitely influences our opinion. Just an hour or so from the San Jose airport, Playa Jacó is full of surf schools, rentals, and surf camps. The town is a bit more popping than the others on this list, with a pretty active nightlife scene for a Costa Rican beach town. It doesn’t have the clean resorty feel of Tamarindo or Santa Teresa, but it makes up for it in a true surfer vibe near the beach. Being so close to San Jose, the beginner waves here are an awesome opportunity to try your hand (or feet) at surfing with one of the many surf camps in the area.
Surf Camps in Jacó
Damo Surf Camp - Damo is a surf camp just south of Jacó. Led by Damian, an Argentinian surfer from Patagonia, you’ll learn a ton about both surfing in the water and taking care of your body through exercise and mobility. There are always beginner-friendly waves here, and you’re sure to meet some like-minded people staying with Damo. They offer 3 day, 5 day, and 7 day surf camps.
Diego Naranjo Surf Academy - Founded and developed by Diego Naranjo, a professional surfer, this is a solid surf school. They train a lot of children and young adults, have an awesome little team, and offer wonderful surf camps for beginners in Jacó.
Santa Teresa, Puntarenas
One of the most popular destinations for tourists in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa is simply beautiful. There are tons of small boutique shops and cafes, and you won’t struggle to find a surfer in town. It is definitely more touristy than Jacó, but not obnoxiously so in our opinion. There are quite a few different waves and breaks in the area, which is perfect for beginners. It’s a relatively mellow vibe, with plenty of surf and yoga retreats in the area. As you start your surf camp in the whitewash, there are plenty of small waves nearby to progress into green water surfing.
Surf Camps in Santa Teresa
Zeneidas Garden - Like many surf camps in Santa Teresa and Costa Rica in general, Zeneidas Garden has a bit of a hippie vibe. People have been known to extend their stays here multiple times, pulled in by the awesome surf and coaches, lovely community, and positive atmosphere the staff and guests create together. They have shared and private rooms right on the beach, and offer surf camps for beginners and intermediates. They have quite a few surf camp offerings including a 5 Day Surf and Yoga Camp, 7 Day Surf and Yoga Camp, 5 Day Couples Surf Camp, and more.
Akih Pods Hostel - Located just about 3 minutes from the beach, Akih Pods Hostel is exactly what it sounds like: a surf hostel made of individual pods. They offer regular surf lessons, yoga classes, and a great relaxed vibe that crates a wonderful community. A stay at Akih is sure to result in the making of some lifelong friends. Akih has 10 Day Surf Camps, 8 Day Camps, and 6 Day Camps.
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