Best Surf Camps In Tamarindo, Costa Rica | 2024 Guide

Looking for the best Tamarindo Surf Camp?

Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations for travellers and adventure seekers from across the globe. Its picturesque Guanacaste location on the North Pacific has golden beaches and access to some of the best surfing in the country. 

It’s an ideal place for first-timers who want to learn to surf, beginner surfers trying to get the hang of it, and advanced surfers looking to hit world-class waves. If you’re going on a surf trip to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, the good news is there’s a Tamarindo surf camp for every level of surfer. Many of the surf schools even offer great year-round surf packages!

These are our top picks for the best surf camps in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Witch’s Rock Surf Camp

Best for: All levels of surfers, solo travellers, and families
Price: 7-day all-inclusive packages start at USD $2,391 per person during high season (includes accommodations, Surf Program Enrollment, Surfboard Rentals, Liberia Airport Transportation, Daily Breakfast, and tax.)

Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is one of the oldest surf camps in Tamarindo. They have been getting students of all ages and experience levels in the water for 20 years. The Tamarindo surf camp is part of a beachfront hotel complete with 2 restaurants, 3 bars, and a microbrewery onsite. You can practically roll out of bed and hop on your surfboard at Witch’s Rock because it’s right on the beach.

Witch’s Rock Surf Camp Tamarindo has all-inclusive packages for every level of surfer. Beginner surf camps stick to Tamarindo Beach, but intermediate and advanced programs travel to nearby surf breaks. Staying at Witch’s Rock is an amazing way to try surfing while meeting new people.

Selina Tamarindo

Best for: Digital nomads and solo travellers looking to make new friends
Price: Group Surf Lessons (maximum of 3 people) start at USD $50 per person

This bustling hostel is known to host one of the best Tamarindo surf camps around. Selina Tamarindo is a hip hostel that always has something going on. The Selina chain has locations all over Central America where surfing is the name of the game. Their locations embody what surfing is all about; good vibes, great company, and connecting with nature.

This popular Costa Rica surf camp offers unbeatable surfing at Playa Langosta and Playa Grande for beginners to seasoned pros. There are private and small group lessons available where expert instructors help you find the best surf spots for your style. You can also learn to surf while staying at the hostel, which is equipped with a pool, restaurant, and movie room.

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Iguana Surf Tamarindo

Best for: First-time surfers travelling solo
Price: Group Surf Lessons (maximum of 4 people) start at USD $50 per person

Different from the party atmosphere of other Tamarindo surf camps, Iguana Surf is a boutique surf school on Tamarindo Beach. They’ve been around since 1989 and are on a mission to instill respect and awareness for Costa Rica’s great waves. They’ve taught over 125,000 beginner surf lessons and offer a variety of packages for your perfect trip.

Packages at Iguana Surf Camp Costa Rica are designed to make the most of your experience with tons of add-ons. Take Spanish lessons, go horseback riding, or go on an ATV tour! Every package also includes photos, a video analysis of your surfing, and transportation from the airport. If you’re lusting over Iguana’s surf camp already, check out their live webcam showing nearby surf breaks and wave conditions.

Avellanas Surf School 

Best for: Beginners who want to learn from a local seasoned pro
Price: Private Lessons start at USD $80, Group Surf Lessons (maximum of 3 people) start at USD $60 per person

Avellanas Surf School is located on one of Costa Rica’s best surfing beaches, Playa Avellanas. Avellanas’ friendly surf instructors will teach you everything you need to know about ideal conditions and catching the best waves. 

They have been teaching travellers to surf for over 20 years and offer group and private lessons. They know the water very well and are determined to teach beginners the skills they need to surf anywhere. Plus, if you’re looking for the ideal Tamarindo surf vacation, you can book a special package with Avellanas Surf. Your trip will include a surf lesson at Avellanas Surf School, so you’ll be hitting the Costa Rica waves in no time.

Dreamsea Surf Camp

Best for: First-timers who want to try other activities, too
Price: Starts at USD $360/person for 8 days, 7 nights (including shared open-air dormitory bed, daily breakfast, nightly dinner, 5 surfing lessons, and daily yoga lessons)

If you’re looking for a surf camp that lets you do more than just surf, check out Dreamsea Costa Rica. It’s an eco-friendly, self-sustained surf camp located along the stunning coast of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. They have unique packages that include surfing lessons, yoga and more. Guests often turn into friends as they’ve created their own vibrant community of surf and nature lovers.

With Tamarindo’s easy surfing conditions, you’ll unlock your surfing skills in no time. There are 4 separate beaches that are a quick shuttle away from camp, and professional surf instructors are there to guide you at every wave. They also have quality equipment for rent, so there’s no need to head to a surf shop to grab your essentials.

Dreamsea Surf Camp also has tons of rooms that cater to all sorts of budgets and preferences. The most affordable is a bed in the shared dorm where you can meet fellow travellers, but there are also private glamping tents, suites, and even a full villa. For more luxurious accommodations, they have packages that include a private master tent, a cabana, and an eco-tipi.

Tamarindo Surf Academy

Best for: Beginner, intermediate, or experienced surfers who want a personalized lesson
Price: Starts at USD $80 for Individual Lessons

Learn from the certified experts at Tamarindo Surf Academy, founded by pro surfer Federico Pilurzu. All their instructors are certified by the International Surf Association, which is why they’re able to teach students in a very personalized and accommodating way.

This is a great choice if you feel more comfortable with a surfing instructor who can adjust to your specific needs and abilities. They’re trained to handle all kinds of students, from kids to groups of friends to experts. You’re guaranteed to catch the green waves in a fun and safe way.

The Tamarindo Surf Academy is also the official surf school of the Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, the only 5-star hotel in Tamarindo Beach. You can book private rooms at their hotel or book a surf and stay package, or they can make arrangements for you at other resorts in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Pacific Surf School

Best for: Surfers willing to splurge for the full experience
Price: Starts at USD $100 for The Stoked Private Lessons, USD $65 for The Stoked Group Lessons 

With roots in San Diego, California, Pacific Surf School now offers premier Tamarindo surf lessons in Costa Rica. They offer private, semi-private, and group surf lessons taught by highly-trained surf coaches. All of them are professionally certified surf instructors, as well as CPR and Lifeguard Certified, so you know you’re in good hands.

Their passionate instructors are determined to give you the most out of each lesson. Beginners are guaranteed to learn how to stand on the board on their first surf session, or the next lesson is free! Advanced surfers will also enjoy the school’s professional training packages and detailed video analysis that will help improve their technique. One thing’s for sure: if you take daily surf lessons at Pacific Surf School, your surf style will improve with every session.

Have You Ever Tried a Costa Rica Surf Camp? Tell Us How It Went!

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