Surf and Yoga Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

The camp runs on a simple schedule. You wake up, check the surf, eat breakfast, and head out with your group to one of four beaches within shuttle distance of camp. Instructors split people by level, so beginners stay on the inside break while more experienced surfers paddle further out. Boards and transport are handled for you — you just show up ready to paddle. Afternoon yoga on the jungle deck is aimed at surfers: hip openers, shoulder work, balance drills, breathing. Evening sessions are quieter and slower.

What separates this place from other surf camps in the area is the depth of the day. You get surf lessons, gear, transport and meals in one package, plus the option to add a volunteer placement — a few hours a day helping with beach cleanups or teaching local kids to surf. Not many camps in Tamarindo run that alongside the surf programme.

Instructors are local and bilingual, teaching in English and Spanish. They know the four breaks around Tamarindo well and pick the beach based on the day's swell, wind and tide rather than sticking to one spot. Groups stay small so you get individual pointers in the water, not just a group briefing on the sand.

Accommodation is split between glamping tents with real beds and private bathrooms, and shared dorms for solo travellers or groups who want to keep costs down. Private cabins are available for more space. Everything has fans and mosquito nets. Communal areas include a lounge and a pool, and food comes out of the camp kitchen three times a day.

Location-wise, Tamarindo does a lot of the work. The water is warm year-round, so you can surf in boardshorts or a swimsuit most of the year, and the town itself has shops, cafes and nightlife within walking distance. The camp is tucked into nature rather than on the main strip, so you get quiet at night without being cut off.

The camp makes a point of running on solar power, recycling and composting daily, and teaching guests about ocean health as part of the programme. It's not a gimmick — the beach cleanups are a real part of the volunteer option, and the yoga classes fold in some mindfulness around the environment.

What's included

- Accommodation in glamping tents, shared dorms or private cabins - Daily surf lessons with certified instructors - Surfboard and gear hire - Shuttle transport to four nearby beaches - Yoga classes twice daily on the jungle deck - Three meals a day at camp - Pool and lounge access - Optional volunteer programme (beach cleanups, teaching local kids to surf) - English and Spanish-speaking instructors - Camp orientation on arrival

What's not included

- International flights - Domestic flights to Tamarindo (TNO) - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra cost) - Travel insurance - Alcoholic drinks - Meals and drinks in Tamarindo town - Personal expenses and souvenirs - Optional extra surf sessions outside the schedule - Spa treatments or massages