The 9 Best Surf Camps in Costa Rica [Updated 2024]

Surf camps in Costa Rica are fricking fun, offering access to all-level breaks on some of Central America’s most relaible coastline…

Surf camps in Costa Rica are a proper bucket-list experience.

It’s sorta’ what everyone dreams of – think wake up calls courtesy of the howler monkeys, dawnie sessions as the ocean mists are burned off the Pacific, breakos of fresh papaya plucked from the jungle, and sunsets you’ll never, ever forget.

Backing all that up is the simple fact that Costa Rica now boasts a formidable variety of consistent breaks to suit all levels, from the barrels of the Caribbean beaches to the endless peaks of Santa Teresa and Quepos.

You can come here as an intermediate improver, a total pro, or someone who’s never even seen a surfboard and have just the same fun.

This guide showcases what we think are the very best surf camps in the country for 2024. We’ve gone through all the major surf towns, from tried-and-tested Tamarindo to the reefs of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean, with more off-beaten locations and upcoming destinations in the mix to boot.

Let’s begin…

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• Iguana Surf Tamarindo – Best all-round surf camp in Costa Rica right now
• Zeneidas Garden – Best in Santa Teresa
• The Gilded Iguana – A luxury surf hotel in Nosara
• Pura Vida Surfers Surf Camp – Best for yoga and surf in a single pacakge
• La Botella de Leche – Best for sociable, solo travelers
• La Posada Hostel – Best budget surf camp in Costa Rica
• School of the World Surf Camp – Best surf camp near San Jose
• Habitat Surf Glamp – Best value in Santa Teresa
• Surf Inn Hermosa – Best for fitness nuts

• Location: Tamarindo
• Best all-round surf camp in Costa Rica at the moment

Iguana Surf Tamarindo is one of the longest-running surf shops and rental outlets in the town, which itself is the longest-running surf mecca in the whole of Costa Rica, with breaks that barrel but also mellow beach cruisers for the learners.

The lodge is situated on the northern fringes of the town, within easy walking distance of the bumping reggae bars but also a hop, skip, and a jump from the waves.

We’d say that Iguana offer some of the best all-round surf packages for beginner, multi-level and family groups in the whole country. A 7-day jaunt here includes four lessons, all of which are taken by ISA-qualified instructors (not always the case in these parts!). You also get access to the in-house rental gear to surf, surf, and surf some more whenever you’re not taking a lesson.

What really helps Iguana rise to the top is that past guest constantly note how they go above and beyond and exceed expectations. One thing stands out: They make surfing accessible and fun. Each lesson is small-group and personalised, with instruction in and out of the water, plus video analysis to back it up. If you’re coming to learn but also relax, this one has struck the perfect balance!

There are private suite rentals and shared dorms to choose from, with packages starting at a VERY (at least for Costa Rica) wallet-friendly $900 or so.          

• Location: Santa Teresa
• Best for: Staying literally steps away from the beach

“BEST SURF CAMP in Santa Teresa” – So reads one of the leading reviews for Zeneidas Garden.

Most of the time, we take statements like that with a pinch of salt. How can anyone know? Like, really know?

Thing is, when it comes to Zeneidas Garden it might just be true. For the budget-conscious social traveler, we think there’s hardly a better option up and down the long beach stretches of Santa Teresa and the greater Nicoya.

What’s they’ve crafted is actually much, much more than just a surf camp. It’s an artistic, relaxation, meditation getaway package that includes optional classes in ceramics and journaling. Every evening, the whole lodge gathers to share sunsets together on the beach, followed by bonfires under the twinkling stars. (Sorry if we sound like we’re gushing a little!).

Across six days, there are three surf lessons, which never have a greater that 3-to-1 teacher-student ratio and are with fully certified instructors. Plus, because the camp is literally two steps off the main surf beach of Santa Teresa, you can do as much free surf practice as you like in your off time.

Zeneidas Garden started life as a hostel but things have changed. They’ve since branched out to offer more luxurious private rooms and beach houses that mean the crowd here is now a nice mix of traveling couples and lone backpackers.

The yoga offering is especially good here too – the package includes daily classes that cover Hatha, Vinyasa, Tatra, and Yin.

You’ll love it!

• Location: Nosara
• Best for a touch of luxury

The situ is a bit different at the Gilded Iguana. We rank this as the overall top surf stay in the whole country right now, and an average 9.something on Booking.com shows that we ain’t alone in thinking it’s the bee’s knees so to speak.

The place is like a mini surfer village plonked into the coastal jungles of Nosara. It oozes a tropical-chicness, from the simple concrete walking paths that lace together the thatched-roof bungalows to the timber decks that offer chillout spaces between the palms and the pools.

Talking of pools…the main swimming spot here is simple lovely. It’s one of the top places to kick back with a book between surf sessions we’ve ever come across, complete with little splash areas where you can soak the feet and floating sunbathing terraces.

You’re just a four-minute walk from the wave-rich beach breaks of Playa Guiones. That means surfing every morning, every night, all day if you want to.

There’s an onsite surf club that’s been going since 1987. Since this is an accommodation-only booking, you get your room and then either organize to join a surf course in advance or when you arrive. Just know you’re in good company, with people who probably know the local Nosara breaks better than anyone around.

Check prices and availability at The Gilded Iguana

• Location: Santa Teresa
• Best for beginners

The Pura Vida Surfers Surf Camp promise a yoga-surf combo package that’s full of “soul”. We’d usually baulk at such fluffy stuff, but we kinda’ get what they mean. This is no mass-produced, big-brand surf camp. It’s locally owned, never OTT, and happily ditches any of the naff branding for something a whole load more wholesome. It’s Costa Rica through and through.

They’re pretty proud of their all-new pad, which is less than 150 meters from the main beach in Santa Teresa. It’s got lovely doubles and twins done out with natural woods and proper Tico design twists, all nestled in a dash of coastal jungles where the howler monkeys are the wake-up call. There’s also an on-site swimming pool for good measure.

There are two things that make the offering from Pura Vida unique. First, the broad spectrum nature of the surf lessons. You don’t just learn the basics here, but everything from surf etiquette (we wish more people taught that, eh!) to down-the-line skills. Secondly, the price. Okay, so it’s still a touch over $2k per person, but that’s decent for this corner of Central America and it’s for a complete 10-day package.

• Location: Tamarindo
• Best for: Socialble, solo travelers

There was a time when Tamarindo was the undisputed kingpin of surf camps in Costa Rica. That’s since changed as the regular beach breaks of Santa Teresa come into the fore. However, we’d be amiss not to mention arguably the original backpacker-surfer hub of old Tam: La Botella de Leche.

This one’s been running surf camps for nigh on 15 years in total. They’ve helped countless newbies learn the art of pop ups and green wave surfing on the breaks of Playa Tamarindo, Avellanas, Langosta, and others.

And they’re still going today, with affordable 8-day packages that combine six days of surf lessons with in-house instructor Marcos Ferrari and free use of surfboards from check-in to check-out.

Granted, this isn’t the luxury retreat that you’ll see on the fronts of travel brochures. It’s a true budget stay and the prices match that – you’re looking at $600 or so for a complete week, which is a BARGAIN for Costa Rica! That said, the camp does have great proximity to the legendary Tamarindo nightlife and its own swimming pool. Oh yea, and packages include an excursion out to see the local crocodiles!

• Location: Santa Teresa
• Best budget surf camp

There’s a new breed of uber-cool surf camps taking over down in Santa Teresa, but we still like the OG of La Posada Hostel. It remains a bit more down to earth than many of the stays in the region, not to mention a whole load easier on the wallet than those fancy eco resorts and whatnot. Options include private doubles and shared dorms.

All guests get healthy breakfast plates of tropical fruits and cereal, Costa Rican coffee and juice, along with evenings of chilling and socializing at the on-site bar (complete with pool table and ping pong for good measure).

Don’t underestimate the vibes of this surf camp. It’s known for its happening scene and loyal group of local followers. It’s a fantastic place to go if you’re keen to make new surf buddies or are traveling alone (they call it the “La Posada family”!)

Anyway, to the surfing: La Posada’s 7-day surf package involves five separate surf classes spread throughout the week, along with access to all surf equipment for private practice whenever you like, morning until night.

Overall, we’d say the tuition here is aimed more towards improvers than expert surfers, but then so too are the sand-bottomed playas of Santa Teresa most months of the year.

• Location: Playa Jaco
• Best for surfing near to San Jose

A sign outside the School of the World in Playa Jaco reads “Surfing. Spanish. Yoga. Photography.” But don’t make the mistake of thinking that means this camp falls into the trap of being a jack of all trades master of none.

The surf tuition is very highly rated indeed, so much so that it reigns among the best surf camps currently operating in Jaco and the non-peninsula coastline of Puntarenas (AKA – the parts of the country that are within pretty easy reach of San Jose).

You’ll have to prepare for a pretty packed schedule on the 7-day package at School of the World Surf Camp. They do two sessions in the water EVERY SINGLE DAY, each of which lasts the full two hours and has qualified surf leaders with you at all times. That’s backed up by expert video analysis and technical training out of the water. It’s very much the intensive surf course that beginners eager to improve fast should look for.

We really like the vibe of the actual guesthouse where you’ll be staying. It’s neatly tucked up in the hills just behind the hubbub of Jaco Beach (which anyone will tell you isn’t the prettiest town in Costa Rica). It has dedicated yoga rooms, plant-filled courtyards, and a convenient communal space with fast internet when you need to get some work done.

Habitat Surf Glamp / HostelWorld

• Location: Santa Teresa
• Best value surf camp in Santa Teresa

Habitat Surf Glamp is a gem in Santa Teresa.

They break the usual mould by trading in fancy, modern villa accommodation for glamping and hostel-style rooms, helping them keep prices super low and concentrate on crafting fun, social trips.

That’s kinda’ the bottom line here: Have fun without breaking the bank.

You’ll stay in dorm rooms that have unique tent structures inside them. It’s sort of indoor-outdoor camping with a dorm twist, only with extra privacy.

To get to Playa Santa Teresa, it’s a simple walk across the street and then through the palms, so you can surf literally every single hour and only be 5-10 minutes away from your bed if you wanna.

As we’ve mentioned, the real pull here is the vibe. Folks who come are usually more backpackery, outgoing, and ready to hang. Get to the communal kitchen and join in with the activities – the BBQ evenings, sunset beers, that sorta stuff.

• Location: Playa Hermosa
• Best for: Fitness nuts

If you’re not the sort to while away downtime lazing in a hammock and munching on Costa Rican chocolate (we are), then the Surf Inn Hermosa might just have the package you’ve been seeking.

It’s basically a mashup of surfing and CrossFit. Classes in both take place daily across a program that last six days in all, meaning you can rest assured that your glutes and biceps will be pulsating by the end of it all.

We can’t really comment on the CrossFit element (lugging tyres about and squatting for no good reason isn’t really our thing). However, as far as the surf element goes, you’ll be based near beginner-friendly Playa Hermosa and partner up with seasoned local instructors who can help you with everything from surf checks to out-of-water pop-up practice.

The lodge is tucked between some coconut trees a few meters back from the beachfront. It’s blessed with stunning sunsets and its own swimming pool. Nice extras are the daily breakfast (included in price) and transfer from SJO airport in San Jose (included too)