Beachfront Surf Coaching Camp on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula

A typical day at Peaks 'n Swells is built around the surf. The team picks the best break for the day's conditions, so you might surf one spot in the morning and a different one in the afternoon. You're paired with a coach who puts together a progressive week of instruction for you, whether you're trying to stand up for the first time or working on your bottomside turn. Back at camp there are technique and theory sessions on paddling, duck diving and how waves behave.

What separates this camp from a standard surf school is the location and the setup. The villas are beachfront, not a drive from the beach, and the camp sits at the foot of the jungle within walking distance of Montezuma. That means waterfall hikes, horseback riding, the Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve, snorkelling trips and a sea turtle sanctuary are all on the doorstep, and you can walk into town for dinner or a look around the boutiques.

Coaching is led by a team of professional surf instructors. Coach Genaro is named on the site as one of the most patient and passionate coaches at camp, and Coach Mary Anne works with a surf dog called Happy. The camp also runs girl-power shred sessions, and the team includes yoga instructors and massage therapists who work on sore muscles after long days in the water.

Food is a big part of the week. The camp chef cooks fresh, organic meals tailored to guests' preferences, and the site describes healthy food as central to the surf experience. Meals are served back at camp between sessions.

The camp runs family weeks with high-level coaching for all ages and special attention to safety and fun for kids, Surfer Girl weeks with yoga, massage and daily surf sessions, custom weeks for groups of friends, and a classic camp. Whichever format you book, the week is all-inclusive once you land, and you go home with new surf skills plus a collection of photos and video from your trip.

What's included

- Beachfront accommodation in the camp's villas - Elite surf coaching with a dedicated coach for the week - Daily surf sessions at breaks around the Nicoya Peninsula - Technique and theory lessons (paddling, duck diving, wave behaviour) - Surf-tailored yoga sessions - Massage - Organic meals prepared by the camp chef - Photos and video from your trip - Everything organised from airport arrival onwards

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional excursions such as horseback riding, boat trips and snorkelling - Anything not listed as included