Catch Your First Wave In Paradise
Learning to surf in Costa Rica is a dream for many travelers. With warm water, sandy-bottom beaches, and friendly surf towns, this country is one of the easiest and safest places to start your surfing journey.
A stay at the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners will give you everything you need, from expert instructors to supportive communities that help you progress quickly.
This guide to the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners will show you where to stay, what to expect, and how to make the most of your surf trip.
For more tips and guides, explore our surf pages for Costa Rica, Tamarindo, Jaco, and Puerto Viejo to help you plan the perfect surf trip with the best spots, seasons, and travel advice.
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In This Guide
Why Choose Costa Rica To Start Surfing?
Costa Rica has become one of the top destinations in the world for new surfers, thanks to its reliable waves, tropical weather, and welcoming surf culture.
Booking the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners means you’ll enjoy daily surf lessons on safe, sandy beaches while staying in comfortable accommodations with meals and equipment included.
Camps are found in towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa, each offering beginner-friendly waves and relaxed atmospheres.
Alongside surfing, you’ll experience fresh local food, yoga sessions, and plenty of downtime to enjoy the pura vida lifestyle. The combination of consistent surf, professional coaching, and easy travel makes Costa Rica the ideal place to learn and progress.
4-Day, 5-Day or 6-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Santa Teresa With Surf Camp Zeneidas
Surf Camp Zeneidas is the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners looking for a short escape with a 4-day stay, 5-day stay or 6-day stay program right on the beachfront of Santa Teresa.
This retreat makes learning to surf easy with small class sizes, skilled coaching, and daily yoga to keep you loose and focused.
The days balance between paddling into warm Pacific waves, stretching on the yoga deck, and enjoying wholesome meals prepared with local ingredients. The ocean is just a few steps away, so the surf camp rhythm naturally blends with pura vida life.
The accommodation at Surf Camp Zeneidas ranges from cozy shared rooms to private houses and deluxe studios with kitchens, giving you plenty of choice depending on comfort and budget.
Breakfast and dinner are included, served with a mix of Costa Rican and international flavors, with vegetarian and gluten-free plates always available.
Between surf lessons, you can explore Santa Teresa’s long sandy beach, relax in hammocks under the trees, or join the nightly bonfire with other guests.
This is more than a place to stay. It’s a community where surfers grow together under the guidance of expert instructors who keep the focus on progress and fun.
Video analysis, ice-bath recovery, and evening meditation sessions help you improve faster while staying fresh for the next day’s waves.
The camp’s location also makes it easy to check out Santa Teresa’s cafes, surf shops, and laid-back nightlife, or take a day trip to nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
If you want the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners, Surf Camp Zeneidas is where to start. Secure your spot now and join a 4-day stay, 5-day stay or 6-day stay program for an unforgettable experience learning to surf in Santa Teresa.
4-Day, 5-Day or 6-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Tamarindo With La Botella de Leche
Another great pick in Tamarindo is La Botella de Leche, a friendly surf camp where you can sign up for a 4-day stay, 6-day stay, or 8-day stay package designed to suit both total beginners and those ready to sharpen their skills.
This is one of the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners because the vibe is relaxed, the instruction is clear, and the waves in Tamarindo are perfect for learning at your own pace.
Beyond the lessons, you’ll find yoga sessions, fun group activities, and even unique tours like crocodile spotting.
Guests stay at La Botella de Leche Hostel, a lively spot that mixes comfort with community. The rooms can be private or shared, and facilities include a pool, a yoga space, a gym, and plenty of areas to hang out with other travelers.
Being just a short walk from Tamarindo Beach, you’ll never be far from the surf scene or the town’s buzzing energy.
Each morning starts with a healthy breakfast, setting you up for surf lessons led by local instructors who focus on steady progress. Afternoons are open for practice, exploring Tamarindo’s cafes and shops, or relaxing by the pool.
Photos of your surf sessions are also included, so you can look back on your rides and track your improvements.
With unlimited board rental, small lesson groups, and a location that keeps you close to both waves and nightlife, La Botella de Leche stands out as the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners who want to balance training and fun.
Book your 4-day stay, 6-day stay, or 8-day stay at La Botella de Leche to enjoy the perfect mix of learning, adventure, and pura vida living.
8-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Nosara With Surfari Surf School
Keeping the flow of surf adventures alive, Surfari Surf School invites you to dive into an 8-day program that blends surfing, yoga, and pura vida living in Nosara.
This retreat is often highlighted as one of the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners, thanks to its balance of expert lessons, relaxing yoga sessions, and thoughtful extras like meals, transfers, and equipment included.
Each day focuses on growth in the water while also leaving time to unwind in the laid-back beauty of Playa Guiones.
Accommodation choices suit every style, from eco-friendly boutique hotels to budget hostels, many offering pools, gardens, and easy access to the beach.
Mornings start with breakfast, while hosted dinners during the week bring everyone together over local flavors. The mix of social connection and quiet spaces makes it easy to enjoy the atmosphere your way.
Surf lessons are the heart of the experience. Small groups ensure close coaching from ISA-certified instructors, and sessions are held in the mornings when waves are at their best.
Guests also get video analysis and surf photos, perfect for seeing progress and keeping memories. Afternoons are open for yoga, exploring nature trails, or simply relaxing poolside.
The camp also encourages eco-friendly practices and deeper connections with the community, creating an experience that feels more than just a surf trip.
Yoga and meditation help restore balance after time in the water, while optional adventures like horseback riding or massages add variety.
Book your 8-day Surfari Surf School Experience today and see why it is called one of the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners.
7-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Santa Teresa With Pura Vida Surfers
At Pura Vida Surfers, the 7-day surf and yoga retreat is all about balance, fun, and learning in the heart of Santa Teresa.
Many travelers see this program as the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners because it brings together professional surf coaching, daily yoga, and time to relax by the beach.
Just a short walk from Playa Santa Teresa, it offers the perfect mix of ocean energy and calm spaces for recovery, making it ideal for new surfers as well as those with more experience.
The stay is designed to feel both comfortable and social, with modern air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and the choice of private or shared spaces.
Being close to the town means you can enjoy local cafes, beach bars, and shops whenever you like. The schedule includes five surf lessons and six yoga sessions, giving you structure without taking away the freedom to explore.
With surfboards, mats, and all equipment provided, you can focus on enjoying every moment.
Each day flows naturally, starting with fresh fruit or breakfast before heading into the water.
After surf, afternoons can be spent on guided beach walks, relaxing in the pool, or trying optional adventures like horseback riding, zip-lining, or exploring national parks.
The group setting feels welcoming, with small numbers that make it easy to get personal coaching and meet fellow travelers.
Join the 7-day surf and yoga retreat at Pura Vida Surfers and discover why it is often called the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners.
5-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Manuel Antonio With Holis Spa and Wellness Center
Holis Spa and Wellness Center brings you a 5-day retreat that blends surfing, yoga, and wellness in one balanced escape.
Many travelers consider this one of the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners because it mixes structured lessons with plenty of relaxation.
Over the five days, you will join surf classes at Manuel Antonio and Dominicalito beaches, enjoy daily yoga in a studio with ocean views, and unwind with nourishing meals and optional spa treatments that leave you feeling recharged.
The schedule is designed to support both your body and your mind. Yoga sessions focus on flexibility and strength, helping you stay loose for your time in the water.
Surf lessons are taught by friendly bilingual instructors who work with small groups, offering personal tips whether you are catching your first wave or building consistency.
Guests stay in boutique eco-hotels located near the wellness center. Each property offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms, pools, and peaceful garden spaces, creating the perfect environment to relax after active mornings.
With everything close by, it is easy to stay connected to both the ocean and the jungle.
Food is another highlight, with breakfast served daily and one meal each day at Emilio’s Café or La Lambretta. Both are known for fresh ingredients, ocean views, and friendly service, adding a local touch to the retreat.
Sign up for the 5-day surf yoga camp Costa Rica at Holis Spa and Wellness Center and see why it is often called the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners.
7-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Nosara With Shambala Retreats
Shambala Retreats offers a 7-day surf and yoga escape that blends the ocean with mindful living. Tucked close to Playa Ostional, this retreat combines surf lessons, yoga flows, and nourishing meals in a jungle setting made for slowing down.
It is open to everyone, from those catching their very first wave to surfers refining their skills. If you are searching for the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners, this is a perfect fit.
You will stay in Shambala’s Mandala and Harmonia casitas or at the nearby Turtle Lodge, each surrounded by lush greenery and only minutes from the sand.
Rooms can be private or shared, with terraces for unwinding after a surf session, comfortable beds, and Wi-Fi.
Meals are vegetarian and freshly prepared three times a day, and special diets are easily catered for, giving everyone the energy they need for long days of surfing and yoga.
Life here moves at a gentle rhythm. Mornings might start with yoga in the ocean-view shala before surf coaching with ISA-certified instructors. Afternoons could bring meditation, breathwork, or even a taste of spiritual Kung Fu.
There are guided trips to Playa Guiones, San Juanillo, and Playa Pelada for variety, plus bonfires and dinners that make it easy to connect with fellow travelers.
With quality boards and rides arranged to the best breaks, you spend more time in the water and less time worrying about logistics.
Shambala Retreats is more than a surf holiday, it is a chance to reset and grow. As one of the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners options, it balances learning with relaxation.
Book your place now and experience the 7-day surf and yoga retreat in Nosara, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners where waves, yoga, and community come together.
8-Day Beginner Surf Camp In Playa Avellanas With Dream Surf House
Rounding off the list, Dream Surf House has an 8-day escape where jungle living meets the ocean lifestyle.
This camp is often seen as the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners because it blends expert surf lessons with yoga, surf theory, and plenty of time in the water.
Each day includes shuttles to Playa Avellanas, a beach known for steady waves that are perfect for practicing and progressing. Small class sizes keep the coaching personal, so every surfer gets focused support.
Accommodation at Dream Surf House is part of the adventure. Guests can stay in eco-style glamping tents or shared jungle lodges, both surrounded by lush palms and tropical gardens.
The vibe is social yet laid-back, with a pool, yoga deck, lounge areas, and communal spaces where healthy meals are shared. Nights often turn into group dinners, live music sessions, or simply stargazing, adding to the camp’s strong sense of community.
Mornings begin with a fresh breakfast before surf lessons, while afternoons leave space for exploring Tamarindo, joining yoga classes, or just relaxing by the pool.
Everything from boards to yoga mats is provided, so you can focus fully on surfing and connecting with others.
With expert guidance and a setting that feels both adventurous and welcoming, Dream Surf Hous offers a complete surf and lifestyle experience.
Book your 8-day stay at Dream Surf House now and see why it is considered the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners. This week-long retreat gives you the chance to combine surfing, wellness, and jungle living in one unforgettable trip.
Planning Tips & Travel Resources
Beginner surf camps in Costa Rica usually include lodging, meals, lessons, and gear in one package. You can compare options easily on BookSurfCamps by Tripaneer, where you’ll find both group retreats and private camps designed for all budgets.
The dry season from December to April is best for beginners thanks to smaller waves and sunny days. The green season from May to August is also great, offering fewer crowds, lush scenery, and still plenty of surf for learners.
Pack swimsuits, reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, sandals, and lightweight clothes. Camps provide boards and wetsuits, but items like a quick-dry towel, reusable water bottle, and insect repellent will make your stay easier.
It’s always best to check if your Costa Rica surf camp includes airport transfers, as many do. If not, reliable options like HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups make getting from San José or Liberia airports to your retreat simple and stress free.
It’s important to have insurance that covers surfing. VisitorsCoverage offers policies designed for surf trips, covering lessons, equipment, and medical needs so you can relax and focus on learning to surf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners focuses on soft rolling waves, small group lessons, and step-by-step coaching. Unlike advanced surf schools, it creates a safe and fun environment where new surfers build confidence quickly.
With supportive instructors and sandy beach breaks, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners is ideal for learning stress-free.
To find the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners, check reviews, location, and class size. Small groups and sandy-bottom beaches make learning easier. Many camps include meals, accommodation, and equipment.
A good program blends instruction with relaxation, so you improve while enjoying paradise. Choosing the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners ensures progress and memorable experiences.
Yes, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners is perfect for solo travelers. Many guests come alone, which creates a welcoming, social vibe.
Shared housing, group meals, and activities help you connect with like-minded people. By joining the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners, you’ll gain new skills, friends, and confidence both in and out of the water.
The best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners often welcomes kids and families. Gentle waves and shallow water make learning safe. Instructors adapt lessons for children, keeping them fun and stress-free.
With family-friendly accommodation and meals included, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners is an excellent choice for parents who want an active, surf-filled holiday with their children.
Most visitors stay one to two weeks at the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners. A shorter visit introduces you to surfing, while longer stays allow steady improvement. Flexible packages make it easy to match your schedule.
The best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners gives you enough time to learn basics, build skills, and enjoy consistent progress.
No, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners provides boards, rash guards, and other essentials. Camps want to make learning simple, so you can focus on surfing, not gear. Beginners often prefer soft-top boards supplied by the camp.
While bringing your own is optional, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners makes equipment stress-free and convenient.
Yes, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners helps with fitness, strength, and balance. Many also include yoga to improve flexibility and recovery. Healthy meals support energy for surfing, and the tropical setting makes it enjoyable.
By joining the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners, you’ll leave with better surf skills, improved health, and lasting positive habits.
The best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners runs all year, but December to April has sunny weather and gentle waves. The rainy season from May to October also brings fun surf with fewer crowds.
Booking early helps secure a spot. No matter the season, the best Costa Rica surf camp for beginners offers great waves and a welcoming atmosphere.