Overview
All Surf Camps in Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Reiseiinfos
Surfcamp Costa Rica Infos
Best travel time
The surf camps are located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, where the climate is tropical to subtropical. In principle, Costa Rica can be visited all year round, as water and air temperatures are always high. A good time to surf in Costa Rica is from April to August, when the waves are usually bigger than in winter.
However, these months are also the rainy season in Costa Rica, which is responsible for a lot of water from above and muddy roads. The most popular travel time for Costa Rica is from December to March (dry season), when it gets cold here, as the Pacific surf spots offer constant waves at this time, you will find nice weather and good roads.
Air & water temperature
The average air temperature on the Pacific coast can reach 40 degrees and the Pacific can warm up to around 23 to 30 degrees.
Due to this constant warm water temperature, you do not need to wear a wetsuit to surf in Costa Rica, but it is recommended to wear a lycra shirts, rashguards or a shorty to protect yourself from sunburn or abrasions. You should also not forget to wear surf booties when surfing in Costa Rica as there are numerous reef breaks with corals, sea urchins, reef edges, etc.
Arrival
Costa Rica is served by different airlines - so get on the plane and go surfing in Costa Rica. You and your surfboard can travel to Costa Rica with the airline LUFTHANSA without much effort, but your boardbag must not be longer than 2 m and not heavier than 32 kg, then the cost is 100 euros. With the airline IBERIA you can take your surfboard, with a maximum length of 2.5 m and a maximum weight of 23 kg, for 150 euros per route. Air Berlin will take your surfboard with a maximum weight of 23 kg for 100 euros per route, if your surfboard baggage is heavier than 23 kg, then you have to pay 200 euros per route. If that is too expensive for you, you can also borrow the surfboard from us.
Travel documents
As a German, Austrian or Swiss citizen you only need your passport. If you are not staying longer than 90 days, you do not need a visa, but you do need to present your return ticket. If you are coming from Nicaragua or Panama, please make sure that your passport has the Costa Rican entry stamp and the Panamanian or Nicaraguan exit stamp. This also applies to the return journey. When leaving the country, you should bring US$29 and US$6 for the airport tax and security fee so as not to be surprised at the counter. However, both fees can also be paid in Colones, Costa Rican currency. If your flight goes via the USA, please note the entry requirements for the USA. In Costa Rica you can only withdraw up to an amount of approx. 200,000 colones / day (approx. 300 €) with the EC card at the Banco Nacional and Banco General. It is advisable to carry US dollars or a credit card with you to be on the safe side. It can happen that the credit card does not work when paying or withdrawing, so it is good to always have some cash, local currency (colón), with you - because only cash is real.
Medical Notes
If you come directly from Germany, Austria or Switzerland then you do not need proof that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever. When entering from a yellow fever area, however, you must present proof of a valid vaccination. It is recommended that you also get vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria, possibly also against pertussis, mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), influenza and pneumococci. What about malaria in Costa Rica? In the region around our surf camps and in the Northern Province there is a minimal risk of contagion all year round. The cities and many parts of the country are not affected by mosquitoes, which can transmit malaria. However, it is always good to carry a backup medication with chloroquine to be on the safe side if you deviate from malaria-free areas. In addition, it is advisable to wear long clothing, to protect the skin-free areas with Autan and to sleep under an impregnated mosquito net. You can protect yourself not only against malaria, but also against dengue fever and leishmaniasis, which are also transmitted by mosquitoes. So that you don't get diarrhea, it is important to ensure that you always drink water from a safe source, i.e. never tap water, not even for brushing your teeth or washing the dishes. You should also keep flies away from your food.
Legal
In Costa Rica, dealing in and possessing drugs is a punishable offense, so keep your hands off! Unfortunately, you are not allowed to take home any shells, plants or animals from Costa Rica, but there are plenty of unforgettable moments and stories.
So that you can fully enjoy your Costa Rica surf trip with Puresurfcamps, here are the most important do's and don'ts:
Do's
- The inhabitants of Costa Rica are very warm, friendly and helpful, but you should still acquire the necessary Spanish know-how, such as the expression "Pura Vida". Pura Vida is the typical Costa Rican idiom that you should definitely remember, because it has an amazing number of uses in everyday life. It serves both as a greeting and as a farewell, as an expression of thanks or to describe your own state of mind.
- When you arrive in Costa Rica, we recommend that you try a fresh coconut - it not only tastes great, but also has a high calcium and potassium content and prevents diarrhea. Surfers also use coconut water as a natural isodink.
- In the morning, a Gallo Pinto is a great choice to start the day. You will love this traditional breakfast, consisting of rice and beans with various side dishes such as fried eggs or chicken.
- For your day trips, it is advisable to use public transport; you get a better impression of the country and above all the buses are very comfortable and cheap compared to the Interbus Shuttle. With a rental car you are mobile and can spontaneously plan your trip. The major main roads tend to be quite well developed, while smaller roads and paths can have a lot of potholes. A 4x4 car is definitely recommended.
- Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, as these products are often expensive in Costa Rica. To be on the safe side, you can make a copy of your passport at home and take this copy with you when you enter the country - just in case.
Dont's
- Bathing naked is not allowed in Costa Rica, so you should refrain from doing so - respect the locals.
- Who doesn't appreciate a little recognition in service? Tipping is also appreciated in Costa Rica, so the tip should be around 10% of the total price.
- It's better if you leave your belongings safely at home in the accommodation, unfortunately, pickpockets and muggings are not uncommon in city centers. Better to be safe than sorry.
- If you are traveling with a rental car, plan your journeys so that you are at your destination before dark. Since the streets are hardly lit at night and potholes are not uncommon, you can quickly find yourself in an unpleasant situation. Plus, the view is a lot more spectacular during the day!
Surfing
Costa Rica Coasts
Costa Rica is also called the Switzerland of Central America, not only because of the mountainous landscape, but also because of the relatively high level of prosperity and the neutrality to which the government is committed. Every year, Costa Rica attracts 1.5 million visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, good security and stunning natural beauty.
As the name "rich coast" already suggests, hardly any other country in our worldwide surf camps offers such a wide range of picture book flora and fauna: From howler monkeys to toucan, everything frolics in Costa Rica's forests and can be observed anytime and anywhere! The waves are insane, the beauty is stunning and the laid-back lifestyle is enticing. A peaceful oasis in the middle of one of the wildest regions on earth!
Surf lessons
Learn to surf in Costa Rica
Surfing on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica is characterized by the many perfect point and beach breaks, which offer the best conditions for all levels. Costa Rica's geography ensures offshore winds during the dry season, from December to April, which create particularly beautiful waves.
In the rainy season, April to August, it is advisable to go surfing in the morning and afternoon. Surfing conditions are the least constant in September and October. The Nicoya Peninsula is known and loved for its many surf spots.
Surfing in Santa Teresa / Mal País, for example, is ideal for every surfing level! Whether beginner or advanced, every surfer gets their own perfect wave on these fantastic beach breaks. Costa Rica is definitely one of the top destinations for a surf vacation in Central America.
Costa Rica
Surf Camp Costa Rica
Crystal clear water with perfect waves for surfing, colorful wildlife, mystical jungle landscapes, ancient cultures, mighty volcanoes - all this awaits you on your Costa Rica trip at the Surf Camp Costa Rica.
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Our surf camp Costa Rica is only 100 m from the beach, in the middle of a tropical garden and overlooking the sea. In the surf camp Costa Rica you can spend your surf trip in comfortable wooden bungalows, double or triple rooms.
These accommodations with a view of the sea or the jungle ensure that you don't just sleep somewhere, but that your accommodation becomes part of your journey and your adventure, because the modern wooden bungalows and rooms offer something very special with their ambience.
In order to start your first surf session perfectly, our surf camp Costa Rica offers you delicious mueslis with regional fruits, vegetables, cheese, sausage and toast and delicious coffee or tea. In the evening, our chefs will spoil you with international dishes made from local ingredients. Our chefs at Surfcamp Costa Rica also prepare gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. So no one has to starve after a strenuous surf session. The surf spots near our surf camp Costa Rica are constantly supplied with perfect waves for surfing by constant swell. As already announced, there is a surf spot right in front of our surf camp Costa Rica, which you can easily reach on foot. In addition to spot guiding, which is already included in the price, you can choose the Premium Package, which is characterized by a more intensive surf course. It is also a good idea to take part in surf guiding, where you visit world-famous beach and reef breaks. Our highly trained surf guides are familiar with the area, drive you to the surf spots and draw your attention to special features or possible dangers of the surf spots. In addition to surfing, you can also participate in yoga. Yoga is particularly recommended for surfers as it trains strength, balance, coordination and endurance. In the in-house mini ramp you can try out your next surf tricks and maneuvers. If you are in our surf camp Costa Rica, then our tip is to take the opportunity and explore the jungle, which enchants with its wealth of flora and fauna. Here you can find all information about the surf camp Costa Rica.
Costa Rica
Surf Lodge Costa Rica
The Surf Lodge Costa Rica is located directly on Playa Avellanas. On one side of the camp is the best beach break in the region and on the other side you will find the Costa Rican jungle.
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Our Costa Rica surf lodge has just been renovated and consists of a large main building and various bungalows. In the main house there are a few common rooms, such as the large living room, where you can chill together.
Our dining area is outside on the covered terrace, here you will also find a bar and various seating areas. Pure jungle feeling awaits you in our garden, next to an infinity pool with a view over the area, you can stroll along different paths to the individual bungalows that are spread out in the garden. One of our room categories is hidden in each bungalow.
If you book with us, you will receive breakfast and dinner every day, so you can relax and concentrate on your leisure activities. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and free WiFi is available throughout the camp. If you need a surf spot or party shuttle to the more remote areas, then we camp have dedicated drivers for you so you can explore the country worry-free.