The 5 Best Surf Camps in Costa Rica (2026)

Enjoying the pristine beaches, rainforests and epic surf is one of the reasons Costa Rica is so popular. Since the late 1980s people have flocked to Costa Rica each year to enjoy its amazing beaches, biodiversity, volcanoes, and national parks and to soak up the feeling of ‘Pura Vida’ (the pure life).

Costa Rica’s natural beauty means there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy including hiking, rafting, scuba diving, yoga and surfing. Whether you’re looking to learn to surf or improve your technique there’s plenty of fantastic surf camps in Costa Rica that cater for both beginners and experienced surfers.

With both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines and miles after miles of unspoilt white sandy beaches to explore Costa Rica, the “rich coast”, certainly lives up to its name! So its not surprising that Costa Rica is by far the best country in Central America to surf. It’s also the safest and most stable country in the region.

Where to find Surf Camps in Costa Rica

There are a number of surfing hot spots in Costa Rica like Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Santa Cruz and Jacó. Thanks to its two different coasts and tropical climate and warm water, you can surf in Costa Rica all year round without needing a wetsuit.

The best time to surf on the Pacific coast is between April and November, however this is also the rainy season. The best time to surf on the Caribbean coast is between December and April in the dry season.

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Reasons to join a Surf Camp

The pros may look easy but surfing can be really tricky so if you really want to be safe in the sea, learn how to surf, or improve your current surfing ability then I’d really recommend joining one of the many surf camps in Costa Rica.

The first time I tried to surf was in Kuta, Bali and I sucked because I didn’t know what I was doing and hurt myself. In 2018 I did a weeks surf and yoga retreat in Taghazout, Morocco which got me standing up on the board and confident and safe in the sea in no time.

I’m still far from being a pro but trust me – having a surf instructor and spending time immersed in the surf lifestyle at a surf camp really helps if you’re serious about learning to surf.

Yoga and Surf Retreats in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is also a yoga hot spot and many surf camps also include yoga – its really the perfect combination so you get the best of both worlds in one retreat holiday package. There is a wide range of surf camps in Costa Rica to choose from and it can be confusing figuring out which is the best for you.

I find www.booksurfcamps.com really useful, it’s like the Booking.com for surf camps where you can read reviews from people who’ve already been there themselves. After all, like hotels, not all surf camps are created equal and you want your surf holiday to be safe, relaxing and memorable for all the right reasons!

To help you decide here is my pick of the best surf camps in Costa Rica.

5 Best Surf Camps in Costa Rica

Damo Surf Camp, Jaco, Puntarenas
Del Alma Retreat, Marbella, Guanacaste
Surf Camp Zeneidas, Santa Teresa
Rapture Surf Camp, Playa Avellanas
School of the World, Jaco, Puntarenas

Damo Surf Retreat

Location: Jaco, Puntarenas
Duration: 7 days
Price: from USD $799

Damo Surf Retreat is a newly built, eco-friendly surf camp right on the beach in Jaco, one of Costa Rica’s top surfing hotspots.

This 7-day surf camp offers daily surf lessons, yoga and breathwork classes, and some super fun excursions like guided hikes. The surf sessions are tailored for beginners and intermediates. Each participant gets photos and a video analysis of them in action; a unique and effective way to improve their technique.

The hostel combines the traditional social vibe of surf camps with boutique hotel-level amenities. You’ll get incredible ocean views, an outdoor pool, and plenty of communal areas to chill out and connect with other students. Other perks include free use of surf equipment outside of lessons and one meal per day (of your choice).

Booking info

Read More: Best Surf Camps in Bali

Del Alma Retreat

Location: Marbella, Guanacaste
Duration: 7 days
Price: from USD $2,786

If big, social surf camps aren’t your vibe or you want a more tailored surfing experience, Del Alma’s surf and yoga retreat is for you. Capped at just 3 students per coach, this almost-private surf camp ensures you get the most personalized, attentive guidance.

This retreat is best suited for beginners. With daily surf and yoga sessions, you’ll balance the energizing yet physically demanding challenge of surfing with the calming, restorative benefits of yoga. This combination creates a more well-rounded experience than traditional surf camps offer.

The Del Alma retreat takes place by Marbella beach in Guanacaste. You can choose from among the many private, newly built villas, some of which have a private pool! In addition, all your meals will be carefully prepared for you by on-site chefs, so you can truly kick back and unwind.

Booking info

Read More: Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

Surf Camp Zeneidas

Location: Santa Teresa
Duration: 6 days
Price: from USD $2,580

The premier beach town of Santa Teresa is one of the best spots on the island for a surf and yoga retreat. Its peaceful, bohemian vibes make it a yoga haven, while its consistent surf breaks attract surfing enthusiasts all year-round.

Surf Camp Zeneidas offers an awesome all-inclusive 6-day surf and yoga retreat here with multi-style yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Tantra, or Yin) and 4 surf lessons with experienced instructors. The package also includes two ice bath sessions to support muscle recovery and a detailed video analysis to improve your surf technique.

During the retreat, you’ll stay in a beautiful private studio at the retreat center, just 50 feet from the beach! Each studio has air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a kitchen. However, you probably won’t use the kitchen as Zeneidas collaborates with the best local restaurants to provide breakfast and dinner each day.

Booking info

Read More: Best Surf Camps in Nicaragua

Rapture Surf Camp

Location: Playa Avellanas
Duration: 8 days
Price: from USD $546

Playa Avellanas is not just an epic surf spot but a picture-perfect beach town with iconic white sands and warm turquoise waters. A short 10-minute walk from the beach, you’ll find Rapture Surf Camp, which has been running surf camps in 5 countries for over 20 years.

Rapture’s 8-day surf and yoga holiday promises the highest quality surf breaks and instruction, with world-class waves and friendly, experienced teachers. The surf camp is suitable for all levels, with participants divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups, so you can be sure you’re getting the guidance you need.

The 8-day yoga and surf retreat includes 3 surf sessions, a surf theory class, and daily yoga sessions. Yet one of the best parts of this retreat is the location and retreat center itself.

Rapture Surf Camp has a selection of luxury accommodations, spread out amidst lush green gardens and surrounded by dense jungle, creating an epic nature immersion. You can opt for a private room or stay in the dorm, which is excellent value for money.

Booking info

Read More: Best Surf camps in Portugal

School Of The World

Location: Jaco, Puntarenas
Duration: 7 days
Price: from USD $714

If you’re serious about getting confident on the water or improving your surf skills, School of the World is the right surf camp for you. They run 7-day retreats (Sunday to Saturday) suitable for all levels, including beginners who are serious about learning the sport.

During the week, you’ll have two 2-hour surf sessions a day (if your body can handle it) under the guidance of highly qualified instructors. Halfway through the camp, you’ll get a video analysis session, where you’ll learn what to work on in the remaining days.

The camp is just a 10-minute walk from Playa Jaco and offers many awesome amenities, including a small outdoor pool, a yoga studio, and a communal kitchen. Note that food is not included in the package; instead, you can cook at the camp or explore the many tasty restaurants in Jaco.

Booking info

As you can see there’s no shortage of amazing surf camps in Costa Rica so whether you want learn how to catch your first wave or improve your technique to tackle the epic breaks you’ll find a Costa Rica surf camp that’s perfect for you. Enjoy the Pura Vida!

Have you been on a great surf camp in Costa Rica?
I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below 🙂