Surf & Wellness Escape on Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast

The camp is run by Julian, who founded Surfing Uvita before starting Nomadic Surf Camp. He grew up in an indigenous village in the mountains of Costa Rica and has since traveled to 26 countries, but came back to settle in Uvita and share the coast he loves. He and his team — including a teacher named Sam — are known for being patient and good at explaining things, which shows in the reviews from past guests. One guest wrote that he went from zero experience to catching waves in two weeks.

Each day follows a similar rhythm. There's a sunrise surf session when the water is calm, free time in the middle of the day to explore town or rest in a hammock, and another surf lesson in the late afternoon. The schedule is built around the tides and the best conditions, so the timing can shift based on when the waves are actualy good. On three of the days, the midday break turns into a guided excursion instead of free time.

The excursions are one of the highlights. On Day 3, you'll walk to Uvita Waterfall and swim in the natural pools. Day 5 takes you to Dominicalito for a river tour and an afternoon surf session at a different bay. And on Day 7, you'll go to Playa Arco, a secluded beach that's usually quiet and undeveloped. These trips give you a taste of the surrounding jungle and coast beyond the main surf break.

The location itself is part of the draw. The camp is right next to Marino Ballena National Park, which is famous for its whale tail formation and for being a place where humpback whales come to breed. There are also about twenty restaurants within a 15-minute walk, serving everything from local casados to Thai and sushi. Grocery stores are nearby too, since meals aren't included and you'll be using the shared kitchen to cook your own food.

The atmosphere is what really sets this place apart. With a maximum of 24 guests, it never feels crowded or impersonal. You'll be sharing meals, stories, and sunsets with the same small group all week. It's a mix of solo travelers, couples, and small groups of friends, mostly younger — the average age range is about 16 to 30. By the end of the week, you'll probably have a few new friends from different parts of the world.

What's included

- Accommodation in shared dorm or private room - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - 12 surf lessons with experienced instructors - 3 guided excursions (waterfall, river tour, hidden beach) - Pre and post-retreat support from our team - Free parking - Wi-Fi connection - Snacks provided

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Meals - Yoga sessions - Additional treatments - Extra activities not in the itinerary - Airport transfers (available as an upgrade)