Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations for travelers 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.
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It’s an ideal place for beginners who want to learn to surf and advanced surfers looking to hit world-class waves. There is a Tamarindo surf camp for every level of surfer, with many offering great year-round surf packages.
These are our top picks for the best surf camps in Tamarindo.
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
Best for: All levels of surfers, solo travelers, and families
Price: 7-day all inclusive packages start at $1,435 during high season
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is one of the oldest surf camps in Tamarindo. They have been getting surfers 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—perfect for solo travelers.
La Oveja Negra
Best for: Beginners and intermediate surfers
Price: A basic 5-day surf camp costs $190 per person
La Oveja Negra Tamarindo Surf Camp is a legendary spot in Costa Rica for surf lessons. It’s a great pick for a beginner because they offer private and small classes. There are never more than 4 people in their surf lessons so you’ll get one-on-one know-how from their expert surf instructors.
La Oveja offers customizable packages to get the most of your surfing experience on any budget. You can opt for 3, 5, or 7-day camps or even book a single lesson. La Oveja’s hostel is also a great place to stay where guests can enjoy nightly activities, a lively bar, and a swimming pool. You can pair your surf lessons with yoga, scuba diving, and legendary Costa Rica adventure with their range of packages.
Selina Tamarindo
Best for: Digital nomads and solo travelers looking to make new friends
Price: 5 days of surf lessons is $125 with 5-night all-inclusive packages starting at $670
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 that’s equipped with a pool, restaurant, and movie room.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Updated 2021)
Blue Trailz Hostel & Surf Camp
Best for: Surfers on a budget
Price: Budget beginner camps start at $135 and yoga camps start at $204 for 3 days
Blue Trailz is the best Costa Rica surf camp for travelers on a budget. They offer a 3-day beginner package that includes surf lessons, board rentals, and accommodations for just $135! The local surf instructors find the right conditions so surfers of all experience levels can catch the best waves. Their friendly team can customize the perfect package just for you, including yoga-surf combos.
The hostel and surf camp is located steps away from Tamarindo Beach so you’ll have an ocean view as soon as you walk outside. Shared and private rooms have air conditioning, free wifi, and a common area for spending time with fellow travelers. This Tamarindo, Costa Rica surf camp also offers luxury surf vacations at hotels in Tamarindo town for those seeking a more lavish experience.
Iguana Surf
Best for: Beginners who want a more intimate learning experience
Price: A 5-night trip in shared accommodations starts at $549
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 waves. They’ve taught over 125,000 beginner surf lessons and offer a variety of packages for your perfect trip.
Packages at Iguana Tamarindo Surf Camp are designed to make the most of your Costa Rica 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.
Rapture, Playa Avellanas
Best for: Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo but still surf great waves
Price: 4 nights of surf camp in a private room starts at $525
Located just 25 minutes outside of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Rapture Surf Camp is ideally located in Playa Avellanas, near some of the best waves in Costa Rica. Playa Avellanas is a surfers paradise with several breaks to choose from for any level of surfer. The white sandy beach and turquoise North Pacific waters are yours to discover with far fewer tourists than Tamarindo.
Rapture offers “surf & stay” packages with shared or private accommodations, delicious meals, and surf lessons. Their hotel has an amazing intimate location in the jungle. Though it’s not in Tamarindo town, Rapture Avellanas is a fantastic camp to learn surfing in Costa Rica while enjoying a more relaxed laid back lifestyle.
Avellanas Surf School
Best for: Beginners who want to learn from a local seasoned pro
Price: Semi-private lessons only are $65.
Just like Rapture, 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 travelers 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.
Read Next: Best Surfing In Costa Rica: Where To Find The Best Waves & Surf Camp In Costa Rica
Hey, thanks for all this detail. Any comments on the seasonal factor on the decision to take surf lesson for a beginner (or any level, I guess)?
Thanks.
The biggest swells and most advanced waves in Tamarindo and the surrounding areas are usually during the rainy season in Sept/Oct, so if you are looking for smaller waves, avoid that time of the year.