Looking for the Best Tamarindo Surf Camp? You Found It!
So, you’ve heard a lot about Costa Rica (and read even more, likely) and now you want to take a trip. Sure, it’s a small country but you still need to pick a place to stay and you want that place to have it all, right? A mix of adventure and relaxation, cultural experiences and creature comforts for the family. You can have it all with a trip to Tamarindo!
Tamarindo is a beach town located on the North Pacific coast of the province of Guanacaste. It’s only an hour and a half drive from the international airport in Liberia. It has a great mix of fun things for the family, such as a skate park and mini-golf, and night life for the adults. There are a variety of fun things to do in the area from river tours to zip-lining. But one thing Tamarindo is truly known for is being the place to go if you want to try surfing.
The best Costa Rica surf camps, especially for newbies, are located in Tamarindo. If you want to learn to surf, this is the place to be. Tamarindo beach is long (1.5 miles, 2.5 km) so there is plenty of space for everyone to spread out and safely learn to get up on their board. The beach also offers a variety of wave sizes, suitable for learners and those shredders with more experience.
Now that you’re convinced of where to go, you need to decide which Tamarindo surf camp is best for you. There are a lot of choices but at the end of the day you want to put your safety in the right hands. Hands with experience. That’s why you can’t go wrong with Iguana Surf. We have been around since 1989 and have taught over 125,000 lessons.
There’s a reason Iguana Surf has earned the #1 spot on Trip Advisor for surfing, and sits amongst the best Costa Rica surf camps. Our patient, English-speaking guides take things nice and easy, teaching you how to ride your board before even setting foot in the water. From there, they’ll show you how to paddle, pop-up, and ride in a forgiving beach break. More experienced surfers will benefit from surfing alongside one of our expert instructors, learning to read the breaking surf and improve their form.
The Iguana Surf Camp is located in the heart of Tamarindo, right next to the beach. It’s got everything you need – accommodations with free wifi and air conditioning, shopping, surf lessons, board rentals, and tour booking for the best experiences in and around Tamarindo. Our surf camp packages include two, three, or four-night stays, including airport pick-up, breakfast, surf lessons, a surf photo package, rash guard and unlimited board rentals with a choice of 150 boards. Bring your friends and you can save some cash!
Surfing isn’t the only thing happening at Iguana Surf. There is plenty to keep the adrenaline junky satisfied! How does gliding along the tree tops over hills and rivers on our 11-cable zip line grab ya? You can even take a trip up the mountain on an ATV, for those who really want to kick it up a notch. And if you didn’t get your all-terrain vehicle fill, you can always book a separate ATV tour, which lets you explore the beaches, forest, and mountains of the area.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! More thrills await you on our white water rafting tour. Take in 15 miles of the Tenorio River, which passes through sections of levels 3-4 rapids and sections of calmer water. At the halfway point, your guides will help you out of the boat and provide lunch on the shore. This trip is a perfect mix of thrills and immersion in nature as you enjoy the surroundings of the Tenorio Volcano.
What’s another adventure likely on your Costa Rica bucket list? Scuba diving. Our half-day diving trip takes you to Las Catalinas Islands, where volcanic rock formations that reach from the seabed to the surface house a large variety of marine life. From manta rays to white tip reef sharks, divers will be impressed with the abundance of underwater sights. Non-certified divers will start their day by having an introduction in the pool to learn the basics before going in the ocean.
For the adventure enthusiasts who want more, we offer a full-day combo package that includes zip-lining, rock climbing, rappelling, and white water rafting. Not to mention a dip in volcanic hot springs and a mineral-rich mud bath! You and your family and friends will literally be immersed in the nature of Costa Rica. This fun-filled day all takes place at the Rincon de la Vieja national park and volcano.
There is still plenty to do for those looking to slow things down a bit. Picture yourself gliding slowly along the waterway, taking in all the wildlife at the surface of the water. On our estuary or river tours, you are likely to encounter monkeys, hundreds of species of birds, iguanas, and even the American crocodile. The 1,500 acre Tamarindo Estuary is teeming with wildlife. You’ll take it all in while learning about the unique ecosystem of the mangrove forest.
The Palo Verde National Park river tour takes you down the Tempisque River, where you will see white face monkeys and, if you’re lucky, a pair of scarlet macaws! This tour provides an additional cultural component, wherein visitors are provided a traditional meal and get the opportunity to visit the famous artisan village of Guaitil. You will learn about the Chorotega Indians and watch them create pottery with techniques passed down from their Pre-Columbian ancestors.
Maybe you want to spend some time on the water without the use of a surf board. We have options! From exhilarating sport fishing to a relaxing catamaran sunset cruise. Glide along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast with a tropical drink in hand. You’ll be served at the open bar by the friendly crew while taking in the sights and watching for dolphins and jumping rays. Then drop anchor for a deserted white sand beach where you can go snorkeling or play in the waves. Then get treated to a buffet lunch before heading back out to sea for sunset.
If you’re looking to reel in the big one, our 28-foot panga is available for half-day or full-day fishing, on-shore or off-shore. Fish in comfort with a shaded area on board and a bathroom below deck. The boat is equipped with the most advanced fishing gear and fish finder technology. You may reel in a fresh yellow fin tuna for dinner or get the chance to fight a feisty marlin.
If that’s not slowing it down enough for you, Iguana Surf can even point you towards a relaxing yoga class or a transformative walk through the cactus labyrinth at La Senda. Basically, whatever you have in mind for your perfect Costa Rica vacation, we’ve got you covered.
From the convenience of our centrally located hotel, close to all the shops, restaurants and beach, to our tours that pick you up right at the hotel and take you to experience other locations, Iguana Surf is here to give you the full treatment and make your vacation as fun and stress-free as possible. Contact us for more info!
Written by Jennifer LaCharite
