27 Jul The Best All Inclusive Surf Resorts in Costa Rica
If you’re dreaming about catching incredible waves but don’t love the hassle of trip planning, you’re going to love all inclusive surf camps in Costa Rica! Luckily for you, there are a few to choose from in Costa Rica.
If you’re in a rush, and just want to know my top pick, it’s got to be the incredible Surf Expedition. With two surf sessions per day, plus surf coaching, video analysis, yoga, and all meals included, they’ve thought of everything. That means you can just turn up and start surfing, without any stress!
Of course, in this blog post we’ll also cover some other options, including a fun budget option that won’t break the bank, and a super luxury high-end resort if you’re looking to splurge.
Let’s get started.
Table of contents:
- Surf Expedition- The best all around all-inclusive Costa Rica surf resort
- Surf Simply- The best luxury all-inclusive Costa Rica surf resort
- Dreamsea- The best budget-friendly Costa Rica surf camp
- Why book an all-inclusive surf resort
- How to prepare for your surf camp
- What to pack for your all-inclusive surf stay
1. Surf Expedition
Surf Expedition is the ultimate all inclusive Costa Rica surf resort. It has everything you need for an unforgettable surf getaway, from top-notch surf coaching and stunning beachfront accommodations to delicious meals and fun activities. This camp really does have it all.
Location
You’ll find Surf Expeditions in southwest Costa Rica on on a stunning 5 acre beachfront property. This surf camp is your own little slice of unspoilt paradise! Here, you’ll be chilling out surrounded by tropical vibes and the sound of crashing waves. Dreamy, right?
Waves
The smooth easy waves here are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. Surf Expedition is one of the best places to learn to surf because you’ll have direct access to the longest waves in the world. You’ll have plenty of time on the waves to perfect your pop-up, get comfortable on the wave, and work on turns and other more advanced surfing maneuvers. The waves here are excellent whether you’re here in the dry season, or during the Costa Rica rainy season.
The length of waves you’ll be surfing at Surf Expedition are entirely unrivaled by any other surf camp in Costa Rica, and the world for that matter!
Plus, the waves in the south of Costa Rica are warm and tropical all year long, as opposed to waves breaking further north in Costa Rica which can get a bit cooler January-March due to the Papagayo winds.
One of a few different accommodation options
The accommodation at Surf Expedition is seriously awesome. Choose between shared rooms or private bungalows, which all have private bathrooms and hammocks right by the sea. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and waking up to epic sunrises is pure bliss!
Surf Expedition is also great for planning group trips. Outdoor bachelorette parties? Check. Corporate retreat? We’ve got you! Reunion trip with a group of friends? Of course! If you’re planning a group surf trip, you can rent out the entire Surf Expedition camp privately or you and your group.
Food
The food at Surf Expedition is off the charts. Start your day with a killer buffet of fresh fruits, homemade bread, fruit juice, muesli, yogurt, and premium Costa Rican coffee. Lunches and dinners are just as amazing, with a variety of dishes from fresh salads and soups to vegetarian curries. Every dinner has a theme so your taste buds will be traveling through the chef’s recipes. They also cater to dietary requirements if you let them know in advance.
Boat Trip
One of the top activities on offer at Surf Expedition is taking a boat trip to explore the south Pacific coastline surrounding the surf camp, stopping along the way to go fishing, spot whales and dolphins if you’re lucky, getting to surf waves with nobody else around, and having a picnic lunch on the beach surrounded by cheeky monkeys. You wouldn’t get an experience like this without staying at a surf camp!
Videography
When it comes to progressing your surfing, there’s no better way to progress than practice- and videography. The team at Surf Expedition is well aware of this, and offers daily video reviews of your surfing sessions. It’s a fantastic way to track your progress, get tips from the coaches, and share your most impressive-looking moments with your friends back home.
Plus, what better way to remember your surf trip to Costa Rica than having videos of yourself surfing to look back on?
Surf Coaching
Progressing your surfing is what it’s all about, and you won’t find a much better place to do that than at Surf Expedition. Each all inclusive camp includes two surf sessions a day, 1:1 video review every evening, and five hours of surf theory. Additionally, they maintain a student to surf coach ratio of no larger than 3:1, and the camp is maxed out at 12 guests. This insures you get all the attention and help in the water you need.
Yoga
Surfing can be pretty intense on your body, so Surf Expedition offers daily yoga sessions in its oceanfront yoga studio. These restorative guided practices will help to keep you flexible, improve your surfing, and even prevent injuries. Plus, there’s nothing like doing yoga with a view of the ocean to help you relax and recharge.
Price
With prices starting at $2400 per week, Surf Expedition offers killer value for everything that’s included. With all your meals, accommodations, surf coaching, and activities covered, you can focus on having a blast without worrying about extra costs.
I’ve traveled all over the world and taken/ visited many different surf camps, and it’s very rare to find an all-inclusive surf camp that includes videography AND a boat trip at this price point. Especially in Costa Rica!
What level of surfer is Surf Expedition suitable for?
Surf Expedition is perfect for total beginners to intermediate surfers. The coaching is tailored to help you improve, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills. If you’re already pretty advanced, there’s a cheaper option, costing $1750 per week, that does not include surf coaching.
With a maximum cap of 12 guests per week, Surf Expedition offers an intimate surf camp experience that not only allows you to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere in Southern Costa Rica, but also advance your surfing to the fullest extent due to the personalized attention you’ll be receiving.
Ready to start the adventure? Book your trip with Surf Expedition today!
2. Surf Simply
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Curious about a high end Costa Rica surf resort? Surf Simply is the ultimate high-end surf camp where every detail is taken care of. We’re talking top-notch coaching, gourmet meals, included yoga classes and super comfy accommodations all in one place. This is the place to level up your surfing game and chill out in luxury – but be warned, it comes with the price tag to match!
Location
Set in the laid-back beach town of Nosara, Surf Simply is perfectly located for a surf retreat. Nosara is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and chilled-out vibe which makes it the ideal spot to unwind and catch some waves.
Waves
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Nosara is famous for its consistent and beginner-friendly waves, making Surf Simply great for surfers of all levels. Unless you’re visiting Nosara during the Costa Rica rainy season, the beach breaks are typically gentle enough for newbies to get the hang of surfing but also provide fun and challenging waves for more experienced surfers.
Accommodations
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Surf Simply has a range of comfortable, modern rooms and suites to choose from with all the amenities you need, including private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.
Food
The food at Surf Simply is a highlight. Your meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients by talented chefs, and they’re more than happy to cater to your dietary preferences. The menu is packed full of delicious, healthy meals that fuel you for a day of surfing, so you’ll never go hungry while you’re here. It’s worth noting that lunch and dinner are not included on Wednesdays, but that just means you’ll get to explore the local restaurants in Nosara.
Instruction
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Surf Simply offers top-notch surf coaching with a structured program that includes 15 hours of in-water and video coaching, daily surf theory lessons, and personalized feedback. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate surfer, the coaches tailor their instruction to help you achieve your surfing goals, focusing on technique and progression so that you’ll always get the most out of your sessions.
Surf Simply really goes above and beyond with surf instruction. In the past, they’ve brought in an expert to analyze surfers paddles per minute, and break down what their most efficient paddle cadence should be.
Videography
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One of the coolest features at Surf Simply is their videography service. Professional videographers capture your surfing throughout the week, providing video feedback to help you improve. You’ll also receive a movie of your surf trip and access to all your raw footage, so you can relive your epic waves and share them with friends and family.
Price
Surf Simply offers a premium surf camp experience, and with that, they charge a premium price – $8300 per week. The all inclusive package covers your airport transfers, accommodations, meals, surf coaching, and activities, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about a thing.
What level of surfer is Surf Simply suitable for?
Surf Simply is ideal for beginners to intermediate surfers. The camp’s comprehensive coaching program is designed to help you build a solid foundation if you’re new to surfing, or to refine your technique if you already have some experience. With personalized instruction and a supportive environment, you’ll definitely make significant progress.
3. Dreamsea Glamping
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Okay, hands up – Dreamsea isn’t technically an all inclusive surf camp, since lunch isn’t included, but pretty much everything else is, so that’s close enough, right? This is also my top pick for an all inclusive Costa Rica surf resort on a budget. With dorm room options, you can bring the cost of your trip down massively by staying here.
Location
You’ll find Dreamsea in Tamarindo, on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Tamarindo is one of the top surf towns in the country, so when it comes to location, this Costa Rica surf camp is hard to beat.
Waves
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When it comes to waves, Dreamsea has got you covered. With four different beaches just a short shuttle ride away, you’ll easily find the perfect waves for your level. Plus, the famous Playa Grande is just around the corner, offering some seriously awesome surfing.
Town
Dreamsea Glamping is smack dab in the middle of the lovely forests behind Tamarindo. Tamarindo itself is much more built up than Playa Guiones, and especially Pavones- but it’s much more convenient to get to from Liberia. The beaches are more developed here but still pretty, and there are a number of very good surf spots in the area.
Accommodations
The great thing about Dreamsea is the range of accommodation options on offer, meaning this is one of the top all inclusive surf resorts for budget travelers. Shared dorms are the cheapest option, but there are different options all the way up to a private villa.
Food
The food at Dreamsea is next-level delicious. The kitchen staff whip up meals that are not only tasty but also super healthy, packed with nutrients to keep you energized for all your adventures. It’s worth noting that Dreamsea only offers breakfast and dinner so it’s not technically all inclusive, but it’s still the best budget surf resort in Costa Rica. You can easily grab lunch from the supermarket, or get some street food for cheap here.
Instruction
Whether you’re learning to stand up for the first time or working on catching green waves, the instructors here are very experienced and ready to help. You won’t be receiving the same caliber of surf coaching as Surf Simply or the amount of personalized attention as Surf Expedition, but it’s a great camp for having fun and learning to surf.
Yoga
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The best way to stretch out after a challenging surf sesh is with some yoga, and Dreamsea offers instructor-led classes to help you find inner peace, soothe your aching muscles, and build strength in advance of your next surf.
Price
Dreamsea Glamping is the best option if you’re on a budget, with a range of accommodation options to fit different budgets. Rates start at $360/week for a dorm bed and go up to $925/week for the luxurious Dreamsea Villa.
What level of surfer is Dreamsea suitable for?
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Dreamsea is suitable for all levels of surfers, from total beginners to advanced surfers. The personalized coaching and variety of surf spots mean you’ll have an amazing time and make great progress no matter your skill level.
It’s important to note that there is a heavy party aspect at Dreamsea, and they often host camps with up to 45 people, so if you’re not looking for a party atmosphere I recommend a different surf camp.
Why book an all inclusive surf camp
Booking all inclusive surf camps is the way to go if you want a hassle-free, totally awesome surf trip. Everything’s taken care of for you – from your accommodations to your meals and surf lessons, so all you need to do is show up and start having fun!
Plus, by staying at an all inclusive surf camp you’ll get to hang out with other surfers, which is great for making new friends and sharing the stoke. These surf camps are the ideal setup for both beginners and experienced surfers looking to improve their skills without any of the stress of planning a trip.
How to prepare for your surf camp
The best way to get ready for your all inclusive Costa Rica surf resort is by making sure you’re fit and ready to hit the waves for your first surf lesson.
Start by eating healthy – lots of fruits, veggies, and protein to keep your energy up. Do some stretches daily to improve your flexibility, especially your back, shoulders, and legs. You can also watch these fun surfing videos, or look at these inspirational surfing quotes to get stoked and inspired for your upcoming surf camp.
A bit of mild surf fitness and strength training will also help, focusing on your core and upper body. Think push-ups, planks, and some light cardio. This way, you’ll be in great shape to paddle out and catch some waves without feeling wiped out!
What to pack for your all inclusive Costa Rica surf camp
Packing for your surf camp is easy when you know what to bring. Make sure to pack a few swimsuits or board shorts since you’ll be in the water a lot. Long sleeve rash guards are lifesavers for preventing board rash and protecting you from the sun, so definitely throw a couple of those in your bag as well.
Don’t forget important surf gear like a reef-safe, high SPF sunscreen and a surf hat – the sun in Costa Rica is no joke! A quick-dry beach towel is handy since you’ll be using it a lot to dry off post-surf, and a hat and sunglasses will protect your face and eyes from the strong sun while you’re on the beach.
Flip-flops are perfect for the beach and camp life, while a pair of running shoes and workout clothes will come in handy for any land-based exercises or hikes.
Pack your basic personal care items like shampoo, conditioner, and any other toiletries you can’t live without. Staying hydrated is key, so bring along a reusable water bottle. And of course, pack your sense of adventure!
All-inclusive surf camps include surfboard rentals, so you can skip this. That is unless you have a favorite surfboard you don’t want to leave behind, then feel free to bring it.
Top All Inclusive Surf Resorts in Costa Rica
And there you have it, the best all inclusive surf camps in Costa Rica, each perfectly tailored to different travel budgets. If I had to pick just one as the overall winner, it’d be Surf Expedition. It’s got the perfect mix of some of the longest beginner and intermediate friendly warm water waves, amazing food, comfy beachfront accommodations, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your boards, pack your bags, and book your spot at Surf Expedition for the best surf trip ever!