Surf Camp Costa Rica: Budget Surf Retreat in Playa Grande

Days at Playa Grande Surf Camp start with a board. There's a wide selection of surfboards on site for all levels, and you rent by the day or ask a team member to match you with the right one. Lessons run as part of the camp's surf packages — beginners get the estuary-side whitewash at Playa Grande, and more experienced surfers can head for the main break, which locals rate among the best waves in Costa Rica. The beach is a two-minute walk from the property.

Between sessions you're back at camp: a swim in the pool, something from Cafe Mar Azul, or a cook-up in the common kitchen. Three communal bathrooms are shared between guests, most rooms have AC, and the entire property has wifi. Daily maid service runs, so you're not doing chores on a surf trip. The camp also books tours and trips for guests — ask at reception.

This is a budget, sociable setup rather than a polished resort. The shared dorm is the only one in Playa Grande, which makes it the natural landing spot for solo surfers and people travelling on a smaller budget. Private cabinas and treehouse-style rooms are available if you want your own space. The vibe is small and laid-back — you'll know the other guests by name within a day.

One thing that sets the location apart: Playa Grande is inside Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas and is a permanent nesting site for endangered leatherback turtles. Females come ashore at night from October to May to lay eggs, and the Costa Rican government protects the habitat tightly. That protection is also why the beach has stayed quiet and the surf has stayed good.

Getting there is straightforward. Liberia airport is about an hour's drive and the camp can arrange transport both ways. Tamarindo — with its restaurants and party scene — is a 15-minute walk and a one-minute boat ride across the estuary. Evenings can be as quiet or as busy as you want them.

What's included

- Accommodation in shared dorm, private cabina or treehouse-style room - Access to the swimming pool - Use of the common kitchen area - Wifi across the entire property - Daily maid service - Access to surfboard rentals on site (paid per day) - Surf lesson packages and tours available to book on site - Onsite restaurant Cafe Mar Azul (meals paid separately) - Help arranging tours, trips and airport transportation - Shared use of three communal bathrooms

What's not included

- Flights to and from Costa Rica - Airport transfers (can be arranged through the camp, at cost) - Meals and drinks at Cafe Mar Azul - Surfboard rental fees (paid per day) - Surf lesson package fees - Optional tours and excursions - Travel insurance - Personal expenses