Imagine yourself surfing a pristine 7 km long beach break surrounded by some of the lushest rainforest hills on earth. We’ve created one of the best surf coaching camps in Costa Rica.
- Consistent, quality surf for beginners & intermediates
- Plenty of safe, sand bottom waves breaking over 7 km of majestic beach
- Fascinating jungle with sloths, monkeys, colorful birds & more
- Gorgeous, private bungalow set in a tropical garden for you to rest easy
- Enjoy vacations in a well-known surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica
- Central location: walk 6 minutes to waves, amazing restaurants & cafes
A typical day
Wake up in your gorgeous bungalow and watch a family of howler monkeys pass overhead as you head for a swim in the beautiful salt water pool. Grab a surfboard and walk 5 minutes through the thick jungle to Guiones beach for your personalized surf class after a fresh, organic breakfast. Back home, a professional surf coach analyzes your surfing videos, helping you quickly improve your technique while you sip on a fresh smoothie. After your afternoon restorative yoga session, you feel relaxed and grateful, and you finish the day by grabbing a bicycle and riding through beautiful Nosara at sunset, amazed by its incredible biodiversity.
Guiones beach in Nosara, Costa Rica
The paradisiac surf town of Nosara is the perfect location to provide one of the best surf coaching camps. Guiones Beach is a magical 7km long white-sand beach that provides perfect, forgiving waves for beginner and intermediate surf lessons. It has many breaks so surfers of all levels have the space to find waves and learn to surf safely.
Other nearby beaches you may discover, depending on your level and surf conditions:
- Ostional beach
- Pelada beach
- Garza beach
Personalized surf program for your level
Level 1: beginner surf coaching
Never tried surfing before? Or have you tried a few times, taking a few lessons here and there? If you still need to master basic techniques, this surf coaching level is for you.
Level 2: intermediate surf coaching
Have you been surfing for many weeks, months or years? Can you paddle through the white water and catch unbroken waves by yourself? This coaching will take your surfing to the next level.
Is this surf trip for me?
Your surfing level
- You have never tried surfing & want to learn the right way, in a safe environment
- You surfed a few times & you want to master the basic techniques
- You’re an intermediate surfer wishing to progress & bring your surfing to the next level
- You’re looking for consistent, quality waves in a tropical climate
- You want to learn under professional coaches to efficiently improve your surf level
- You want to coach yourself to improve in the future
Lifestyle
Guiones is the definition of a tropical, surfing paradise village. The remote, small town has a very relaxed vibe based around surfing and yoga.
- You travel by yourself, with friends, or as a couple
- You want to surf white-sand beaches with quality waves and warm water
- You love delicious, healthy food and cafes
- Average traveller age: 25 – 55
Surf Coaching Camp
Our unique surfing program will quickly develop your surfing skills, so you can enjoy the thrill of riding on a wave as soon as possible. Combine our 10+ years of professional surf training with a 7km long beach break that offers clean, fun, forgiving waves, and you get the perfect recipe for your progression and amusement in the water.
- Unique surfing program designed for beginners & intermediates
- 5 personalized surf lessons, 2:1 student/coach ratio maximum
- 5 surf workshops – theory & technique
- Professional surf videos sent to your e-mail
- Surf clinics: technique analysis meetings with your videos
- Professional coaches
Lifestyle & Yoga
Need a break from your busy life? Enjoy vacations in a well-known surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica. You will come back home from this journey inspired and with a clear mindset.
- Airport shuttles (to & from Liberia – LIR)
- Welcome group dinner
- Organic breakfast each morning
- 2 Yoga classes
- Stand up paddle through mangrove tunnels on the Nosara River
Surf information
Surf overview
The area offers perfect waves for both beginners and intermediates. Nosara is one of the most consistent surf beaches on earth, offering waves year-round. Spots North and South of Guiones offer something different for more advanced surfers, with point breaks and heavier beach breaks.
Surf conditions
The “small wave season”, with waves usually from knee to chest high, goes from November to March. The months of April until October offer waves that vary from chest high to overhead. With the abundance of spots along the coast, it’s possible to find great waves for your level almost every day of the year. Water is tropical, no need for wetsuits.
Things to do in Nosara – Activities
SUP on Rio Nosara
Peacefully glide down the mangroves tunnels all the way to Nosara beach. Leisurely ride through hidden trails while discovering the amazing wildlife. (included)
Zipline
Try out the longest canopy tour in the world! See if you have the courage to fly down several hundred feet-high above the thick rainforest hills.
Yoga
Join yoga classes and improve your flexibility in both your body and mind. Guiones has many yoga centers within walking distance. (2 yoga sessions included)
Horseback riding
Discover the different beaches on a horse, riding through the breathtaking jungle and along the coastline.
About
What’s included
Surf camp package Costa Rica (Nosara)
Surf
- 5 Professional surf lessons
- Surf equipment for the full length of trip
- 5 surf meetings – theory & technique
- Tips on surf technique & local spots
- 6 coaches for 12 students, maximum
- Experienced, professional coaches
- Surf pictures sent to your email
- Technique analysis of your surfing videos
Accommodation
- Exclusive, chic bungalows with private terrace
- Quality beds and bedsheets with A/C
- Great social areas with saltwater pool & hammocks
- 5-minute walk to the beach, restaurants & cafés
- Access to fine, farm-to-table cuisine
- Wifi access
Lifestyle & Yoga
- Organic breakfast daily & welcome dinner
- 2 yoga classes
- Access to free bicycles
- Stand Up Paddle Board across Rio Nosara
- Airport shuttles (to & from Liberia – LIR)
Nosara accommodation
Wake up to a fresh, organic breakfast and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee from your private terrace. Dive for a swim in the beautiful salt water pool. Observe monkeys and birds in the tropical garden that surrounds your exclusive bungalow. These are the experiences you will remember from your stay at your chic, spacious Costa Rican home.
Expect deep sleep comfort, with quality beds, Kate 300-thread-count sheets, blackout blinds and air conditioning. Breakfast is included every morning. You will have access to fine, farm to table cuisine directly at home. The location of our surf camp is ideal: in a peaceful garden, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, restaurants and cafés. You can also grab free bicycles to explore Nosara.
Gallery
About The Host
Why?
Why do we do what we do?
We share our love for surfing because it changed our lives.
From our experience, surfing becomes more fun the more you progress. We know there is a path to accelerate the process of learning to surf. We want to share it with you because we believe nothing is more satisfying, fun and rewarding than the feeling of learning to surf better on some of the best waves on earth.
Who we are
We are a family of passionate surf coaches dedicated to helping you learn to surf faster than you could ever imagine.
Our intention has never been to “start a surf school”. Our goal was to create the ultimate surf coaching retreats for beginner and intermediate surfers. We do this by bringing you to some of the most consistent and fun waves in the world while sharing our knowledge in the clearest, most efficient way possible.
What makes our Surf Trips so Unique?
It’s about the people.
Our #1 focus is to have the most passionate and professional surf coaching team at each destination. Our team members consider it a personal mission to provide the absolute best surf coaching retreats for beginners and intermediates.
The surf classes don’t end after 2 hours. You will develop a connection with surf coaches who genuinely care about your progression and share their knowledge throughout the trip.
The surf coaching program
Our team of 6 professional instructors welcomes a maximum of 12 students per week in order to provide high quality, personalized coaching that will help you progress for years to come.
- A personalized surf training program
- Progress faster with photo & video analysis of your surfing
- 1 on 1 technical analysis
- Personal surfer profile with recommended articles & videos
Click here to learn more about our surf coaching program
Only the best surf spots at the optimal time of the year
A key element to enjoy surfing and to progress is to maximize your chances of surfing waves suitable for your skill level. We take you to the best and safest surf spots for your level and only operate at the optimal time of the year in some of the most consistent surfing locations on earth.
Authentic experience
The relationship we have built with local communities and with the local surf coaches is one of the most unique perks of our trips. Our travelers feel the genuine friendship with the local surf coaches and the pride they have in collaborating with us. Our vision has always been to collaborate with the local communities in order to have a mutual, positive impact.
Stress-free vacations
Live a stress-free vacation while experiencing the very best that the destination has to offer.
Because our model differs from the typical surf camp, we’re able to continuously adapt our itinerary to ensure a genuine and up to date adventure. From the moment you step out of the plane, we take care of all the logistics so that you relax and enjoy your free time in whatever way you choose.
The atmosphere
There is a special energy on our trips. Is it because of the exclusive beach houses or the private beach bungalows? Is it because we only run during specific times of the year, when the weather and the waves are ideal for learning? Is it because we gather the most inspiring and friendly team of local surfers for our surf lessons?
It’s a mix of it all. Since our mission is to take people on the surf trip of a lifetime, every single decision we make aims to create an unforgettable experience.
Breathtaking accommodations at the best locations
We love to treat our guests to what we believe are the most amazing villas and bungalows available at each destination.
Everywhere we go, our surfers enjoy chic, stylish accommodations, always just a short walk from the waves, restaurants and cafes.
Location
Things to keep in mind
Package info
- It is possible to stay for 2 consecutive weeks. There might be “free” days between the two surf trips.
- It’s free to swap your surfboard as you progress. We have a wide variety of boards.
- Prices are in US dollars and are per person.
- All taxes are included.
Travel info
- Travel insurance are not included and are mandatory.
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry.
- Plane tickets are not included.
- Airport transfers (to & from Liberia – LIR) are included when travelers land and fly out on the planned travel dates of each trip.
FAQ
Am I too old or too young for this trip?
A lot of our first-time guests are concerned about this!
To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old, with the most significant concentration being in their 30's and 40's. This is, on average, each trip is a bit different.
We are firm believers that age is just a number! If you are under 25 or over 55, you are certainly welcome in our retreats. What is important to our organization is to be transparent in the type of experience we deliver. Our guests come to focus on their surfing progression and to have a great time. Some of them enjoy a beer or a cocktail at sunset and might go out once or twice during the retreat, but if you are looking for a place to party all week, this is not the right experience for you.
I have never surfed in my life. Is this trip for me?
About 30% of our travellers have never touched a surfboard. We are here to help beginners learn how to surf and help intermediate surfers progress faster.
Unless you don't know how to swim or if you wouldn't be comfortable swimming at least 40 meters without a floating device, you can join our coaching retreats in Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Bali.
How are the waves/temperature during month X?
We only open during what we believe are the best months for both waves and temperature in each of our destinations. These decisions are made according to statistical averages of swells and the type of spots in each destination.
Predicting surfing conditions is a bit like predicting the weather, we can only have a good idea of what the waves will be like a few days before a retreat. Therefore we can not guarantee you that waves will be a certain size or shape on any specific week, months in advance. This being said, your chances of getting quality surf are very high as each surf season is specifically chosen according to average surfing conditions. Since we opened in 2012, we have not had one "flat day"!
We avoid opening during the rainiest months and choose the best surf spots around, according to your level. For example, if the waves are big, we will take you to a bay or a sheltered break, where the waves are smaller and conditions are safer.
Should I bring my own surfboards?
If you are joining one of the "main retreats" (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or Bali), your surfing equipment is included. If you are a novice surfer, you don't have to bring surfboards.
If you are an intermediate surfer:
For Bali and Costa Rica: there are plenty of quality surfboards on-site, and they are included in your package. Whether you want a longboard, funboard, fish or a hybrid surfboard, there is plenty of choices. Small, performance shortboards are harder to find, but usually, those are for advanced surfers. If you have "the magic surfboard" or if you are very precise in what you are looking for (example looking for 34.5 litres board with medium rocker), you might consider bringing your own boards.
Nicaragua: Surfboards are also included here. This is the most remote location of our "main retreats." We do have a good selection of surfboards, but the selection is not as large as in Bali or Costa Rica for performance, fibre-glass fishes and hybrid boards. You might consider bringing your own boards if performance, fibre-glass fishes or hybrids are what you want to surf and you want a precise shape and volume. If a NSP type of funboard or fish is something that you would like to surf, we do have those types of boards available.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you are an intermediate surfer and want to check if we have the board you are looking for before booking your trip.
How much cash money should I bring / What else do I need to pay for?
This depends on the destination you will travel to, and on personal preferences & souvenirs.
In our "main retreats" (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali), you could bring, for example, $200 - $300 USD with you and your bank cards if you need to withdraw in the ATMs on destination. For the intermediate retreats, these are remote locations with no ATMs. You will need to refer to your travel guide for more information (provided when you book your spot).
Almost everything will be covered: accommodation, surf lessons, surf equipment, airport shuttles, your surfing footage, transportation, some activities, breakfast each morning and more. Here are some things you might need cash money for:
Apart from welcome meals, lunches and dinners are not included in our "Main Retreats (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali)" because we believe it is part of the travel experience to try different meals and restaurants. Meal prices will vary significantly according to your preferences. In both Central America and Asia, you can still eat great local food for 5 - 8 USD per meal, and you can also spend 15+ USD on food in international restaurants.
Also, bring cash money if you bring back souvenirs for friends and family. Sometimes, freelance photographers could take in-water surf shots of you if you are lucky, you might want to purchase those!
Tips are not mandatory and are to the discretion of each traveller. If you want to tip, you can either give tips directly to your surf coach, cleaning or cooking staff.
Is it possible to stay 2 weeks in a row?
Yes, it is possible in most cases, but not two weeks straight. We usually have 2 to 4 days separating weekly groups. You would then need to travel for 16 to 18 days and plan 2 to 4 free days between your two surf weeks.
Does my surf level fit this surf coaching retreat?
For the "main retreats" in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Bali, both beginner and intermediate surfers are welcome (levels 1.1 to 2.2). Only intermediate level surfers can join (level 2.1 and 2.2) You must be able to:
-catch unbroken waves by yourself
-angle your take off to go either left or right
-draw your line on a “green wave” with a minimum of control
-feel comfortable in shoulder-to-head-high waves
For more information on "what is your surfing level", click here.
Do I need to arrive one day early not to miss the surf on the 1st day?
For the main retreats (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali): If your retreat dates on our website are, for example, from January 4th – 11th, this includes both the arrival day (4th) and the departure day (11th). There is no surfing or activities planned for those days.
This means that during the day on the 4th, nothing is planned other than your transportation to our villa or hotel. There is often a welcome group dinner, usually between 6:30pm - 8:00pm on the night of the first day. If you fly in later at night, you might miss it. On the last day of the retreat (January 11th in this example), only breakfast is organized plus transportation back to the airport.
Can I sign up for just 1, 2 or 3 days or book individual lessons?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Our team of surf coaches are dedicated to providing the full surfing progression experience, they are not available for extra lessons. Since we have 6 coaches for 12 students maximum, if you come for just 2 or 3 days, for example, this will still take one of the 12 spots available.
How does the airport transportation work?
To benefit from the free shuttles included in our packages, you must arrive and leave on the same dates planned in our camps. For example, if you have booked a surf trip from January 4th to 11th, you must land on the 4th and leave on the 11th to catch our free shuttles. Outside of these dates, transportation from the airport is not included.
You can land at any time on our retreat dates, and we will send an airport shuttle for you.
Do I need a visa to enter the country?
The answers below apply to North Americans, most of Europe and Australia. Please verify online to be 100% certain about your personal situation. More details will be available in the travel guide you will receive after booking your trip.
Nicaragua: No. Just a $10-15 USD fee to pay at the Managua airport (bring small bills with you).
Indonesia (Bali & Mentawais): Yes. You can get your visa directly at the airport in Denpasar (Bali trip) or Padang (Mentawai trip). It cost around $35 USD. If you plan to travel for more than 30 days, we recommend you to apply for a visa online. Depending on where you are from, you might be able to apply for a 60-day visa.
Costa Rica: No.
Is there a minimum age to go on a surf trip?
You must be 18 years old to book a trip by yourself.
We accept 15, 16 and 17-year-olds when travelling and surfing with a parent.
What's the ideal currency?
The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere in all of our destinations. For Indonesia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, we recommend you bring between 300 and 400$ and a debit/credit card to be able to withdraw local currency in an ATM if needed.
How do the shared rooms work?
If you are travelling by yourself, you have the choice of sleeping on a single bed in a room/bungalow with other Surf guests or pay an extra fee to have a room/bungalow to yourself.
Different accommodation types:
Costa Rica (2021): Bungalows for a maximum of 3 guests
Nicaragua: Rooms for 2 or 3 guests
We do our best to separate men and women in the shared rooms. This is possible in the majority of our retreats, but not in all of them. If you want to make sure you are in a women-only or men-only shared room, please specify it when you contact us.
Is it safe to travel to these countries?
In each of our destinations, you will be led by experienced surf guides, who have an in-depth knowledge of the area and the surf spots. We also choose very secure places to accommodate our travellers.
This being said, we leave our travellers the freedom of exploring and experimenting with each destination as they wish, as we believe in the beauty of travelling. We give the necessary security advice for each trip. If these are respected, the risks of any trouble are very low (robbery, accidents, etc.).
What type of travel insurance should I get?
We recommend our clients to get quality travel insurance with a well-known company: Blue-Cross, Manulife, Escapade, RBC, TravelGuard, etc. Make sure the insurance company covers surfing as an activity. Click here to buy travel insurance directly online with our partners G1G Insurance.
What’s the best website for plane tickets?
In the majority of cases, our travellers find better prices for plane tickets online than they would through a travel agency. Since we can’t offer better prices than the ones on the Internet, we highly suggest the following websites to buy your plane tickets: Kayak.com, Skyscanner.com, or Flighthub.com.
What airport should I land to? Can I land at a different airport?
Nicaragua: Managua (MGA)*
Costa Rica: Liberia (LIR)**
* The Liberia airport in Costa Rica (LIR) is actually geographically closer to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, than Managua is. If you choose to land in Liberia to go to our Nicaragua retreat in San Juan del Sur, you will need to cross the land border which is 1 hour North of the Liberia airport. This process can be a bit complicated and take some time if there are line-ups. It will cost around $10-$20 USD of taxes and entrance fees. When adding the time at the customs, landing in Managua is quicker and more simple, but sometimes our guests find much better flights for Liberia, which could make this worth it.
**San Jose is about a 5-6hour drive from Guiones (Nosara), therefore it is twice as far from the resort than the Liberia airport. However, some guest, for example ones coming from Europe, might still prefer landing in San Jose (SJO), depending on flights available.
I am planning to travel alone on this trip. Will there be any other lone travellers on my trip?
About half of our travellers are “lone travellers”, so you will most probably not be the only lone traveller in your group. Whether you are travelling with other groups of friends, couples or lone travellers, you can expect to meet new friends with who you will have a great time!