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Costa Rica Women's Surf + Yoga Camp

Some nights / From £0000 Book now

Experience a seven-night women-only surf trip in a jungle paradise. With tropical retreat accommodation right by the beach, you can stay in a surfers delight of beauty and sunshine with epic waves everyday.

Costa Rica surf camp ladies on beach

Why choose to go surfing in Costa Rica?

Unlike other surf camps, Women + Waves surf trips are tailored to suit your needs and abilities. With an amazing 1 instructor to a maximum of 3 guests coaching ratio, you’ll receive personalised guidance and plenty of one-on-one attention to help you progress with confidence. Your surf instructors will choose the best surf spots and waves for you, and with their first-hand experience of the beginner and progressor breaks around Costa Rica, they can guide you to take the next step on your surfing journey.

Womens Surf Group Costa Rica

What to expect

With Women + Waves everything is organised for you; from airport transfers, to amazing activities and a stunning beachside apartment, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the sunny vibes and good times. These trips are fully insured and have received over 350 5-star reviews from customers so you can be sure of being in safe hands.

Who’s this course for?

This girls-only surf trip is perfect for all levels of surfers. You’ll receive as much support as you need to overcome any barriers. Everyone is welcome, 90% of participants arrive solo and over 40% are over forty; so there’s nothing to stop you becoming the surfer you always dreamed of.

What level am I?

Cultural Secrets

You’ll stay in the secluded Nicoya Peninsula, cherished for its tranquillity and superb surfing, encounter stunning landscapes, diverse waves, and savour delicious food amidst mesmerising sunsets- all with the safety and security of a local team.

When to go

During the dry season, Santa Teresa boasts one of the country's driest climates. Unlike other tropical locations you’ll experience constant sunshine and the waves here are uncrowded so there’s no pressure and good vibes only.

Quick facts

Water Temp

28°C

Climate

29 - 32°C

Wave Types

Beach and Points

Language

Spanish

What people say

"Costa Rica Feb 2025 was the most magical trip. Everything was amazing from the waves, coaching, food, wildlife, accommodation, yoga, breathwork etc. The group of girls were amazing, all ages and abilities having a blast together. I got such second hand froth from them all! Chelsea the head coach is the most supportive, kind human ever <3 She gave incredibly helpful advice to help progress my surfing. I was able to swap between short and Longboard, which was great to make the most of the conditions on each day. We had some rad local female coaches too, who were our biggest cheerleaders in the water!"

"I’ve taken 2 trips to Costa Rica with Women + Waves and both experiences were amazing. I traveled alone and knew no one, and left with incredible friends. On my first trip I hadn’t surfed since I was 18 (30 years ago), so I was basically a beginner. By my second trip I had advanced to paddle out to the line up and confidently catch bigger waves. The women are lovely, the planning is incredibly organized, I felt safe and had a blast."

"Special thanks to Chelsea and team for making this Costa Rica trip so amazing! I had the best week of surfing in my life and my skills progressed immensely during the time spent with coaches and staff. Pura Vida!"

"One of the best times of my life! I left my kids at home and took myself on an adventure both inside and outside of myself ! The waters of Costa Rica pushed me, taught me and gave me so much. Women + Waves is not just an organization- it’s a caring body of humans and teachers who want you to have your full experience realized! Thank you Rob. You are special advocate for ladies of the sea! And thank you Chelsea, you are a teacher like none other. Your wisdom is a gift. I will definitely be on more trips and hope to keep in touch with each of my new sisters of the sea! "

"So awesome loved, loved this place! The coaching was the best with Chelsea and Nacho. All of the women who participated were welcoming supportive and just unbelievable! "

"The W+W Costa Rica surf camp was absolutely brilliant. I hadn’t even touched a surfboard before, and within five days I was catching my own waves! It was dreams can come true stuff, and all thanks to the amazing group of supportive women and our one in a million coach, Chelsea. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough - all very well planned out, tailored advice and guidance, gorgeous location, great people. It’s an experience I’ll treasure forever. And it’s really given me the surfing bug. Can’t wait to get back out on the waves."

"Recently did the W+W Costa Rica Feb '24 trip and it was an absolute blast! All of the surfing and training that was provided really helped inspire more confidence into my surfing :) Our overall trip leader Courtenay was an absolute baddie and just a wonderful; super knowledgeable human being. I think if you are a complete beginner this could be an awesome camp for you to attend!"

"I went in super nervous about my ability, and insecure about the things I needed to work on and learn, but as soon as I arrived and got settled in I knew I was with the right people! I will definitely be booking again for another trip — I walked away with at least a years worth of surf education I can apply to my daily sessions at home."

"Women + Waves provided exactly what I was looking for. I loved that not only did we understand mechanics in the water but we were taught and so much more to instil confidence I can take anywhere! I’m so appreciative of the women I met from around the world and instructors and I can't wait for my next paddle-out opportunity!"

"I had a fabulous week in Costa Rica! Courtenay was a perfect host, introducing us to her life in Santa Teresa and taking us to the most gorgeous spots. Her sessions have left me feeling more confident in my understanding of what's going on in the water. A great balance of group and free time, so perfect for solo travellers who still want to be social/anyone who is on their first solo trip."

Itinerary

Please note, sometimes we need to be flexible as some activities will be weather and condition dependent – but don’t worry, we’ll always do our very best to ensure you get the very best out of the trip! All our surf days and suggested activities are completely optional – you can enjoy as much or as little as you desire. This is not a boot camp!

Costa Rica beach

Day 1 - Arrival In Costa Rica

Land at Cobano Airport and meet your private driver for the journey to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica’s iconic surf town.  Check into your boutique bungalow and meet Chelsea, your Women and Waves trip leader, over welcome smoothies and a goal-setting session.  End the day with a sunset swim and an optional group dinner at a favourite local spot.

Highlights

  • Private transfer and boutique surf accommodation
  • Welcome smoothies and goal-setting with Chelsea
  • Sunset swim and optional group dinner
Costa Rica parrots

Day 2 - First Waves In Santa Teresa

Your surf adventure begins at dawn with a filmed surf lesson led by Nacho and our Costa Rican coaching team.  Warm up, paddle out, and ride your first tropical waves.  After surfing, enjoy a fresh breakfast at your accommodation (included daily throughout your stay), followed by video analysis and a pool workshop.  End the day with an evening swim and optional group dinner in town.

Highlights

  • Morning filmed surf coaching with Nacho and team
  • Breakfast after surf at your accommodation (included throughout your stay)
  • Pool workshop: paddle techniques, turtle rolls and duck dives
  • Evening swim and optional group dinner
Girls going surfing

Day 3 - Progress And Confidence

Keep momentum with your second filmed surf lesson and video analysis. In the afternoon, join a confidence workshop designed for women surfers.  Unwind with restorative yoga before sunset drinks and an optional group dinner.

Highlights

  • Surf coaching and video analysis
  • Women’s confidence workshop
  • Restorative yoga for surfers
  • Optional group dinner

 

Female surfer with jungle background

Day 4 - Boards And Breakthroughs

Start with another surf session before diving into a surfboard design workshop, where you’ll learn how tails, fins and dimensions affect performance.  The afternoon is yours to shop, swim or relax into pura vida, with the option to join a group dinner in town.

Highlights

  • Surf coaching and video analysis
  • Surfboard design workshop
  • Free afternoon in Santa Teresa
  • Optional group dinner

 

Costa Rica beach sunset

Day 5 - Jungle Adventure Or Relaxation

Begin with gentle yoga, then head out on an included jungle trek to hidden waterfalls and freshwater pools, a Costa Rica bucket-list experience.  Prefer a slower pace?  Stay in Santa Teresa for beach walks, poolside lounging or some retail therapy.  Evening wraps up with an optional group dinner.

Highlights

  • Morning yoga session
  • Jungle waterfall trek (included in retreat)
  • Option to relax in Santa Teresa
  • Optional group dinner
Women doing yoga in costa rica

Day 6 - Refine And Recharge

With our 3:1 surfer-to-coach ratio, enjoy personalised surf coaching, plus theory and video review to refine your technique. Spend the afternoon your way, before celebrating with an optional group dinner.

Highlights

  • Fourth surf lesson (small group coaching)
  • Surf theory and video analysis
  • Free time in the afternoon
  • Optional group dinner
surfer in costa rica

Day 7 - Final Surf and Sunset Send-Off

Bring it all together with one last filmed surf lesson and a goal-setting reflection with Chelsea. End the retreat with a magical farewell sunset optional group dinner at a beach bar.

Highlights

  • Final filmed surf and expert feedback
  • Goal-setting with Chelsea
  • Optional farewell sunset dinner
Women at Waterfall in Costa Rica

Day 8 - Departure Day

Optional sunrise swim, breakfast and private transfer back to Cobano Airport.  Leave with new surf skills, confidence, lifelong friends and pura vida spirit.

Highlights

  • Optional sunrise swim
  • Breakfast included
  • Private transfer to airport at 11AM

What’s included

Airport pick-ups and drop-offs are included in your package.

  • Group pick-up – 13:30 from Cobano Airport (40 mins to Santa Teresa)
  • Outside this time – local taxi approx. $40 USD (details provided by email)
  • Other airports – guests must arrange their own transfer to Santa Teresa
  • Final day – trip ends 10:00 with transfer back to Cobano Airport

Recommended: late afternoon flight on departure from San José (SJO) for smooth connection.

Your trip includes 7 nights in a handpicked tropical retreat on the Nicoya Peninsula, just a short stroll from the Pacific Ocean. Expect a friendly, intimate setting with a mix of guesthouses and wooden bungalows nestled among the palms, the perfect place to relax between surf sessions.

Room Options

  • Standard: Quad room (shared with 3 others)
  • Twin: Share with one other guest
  • Triple: Share with two others
  • Private: Limited availability, request in advance

Accomodation Facilities

  • Swimming pool, yoga deck, spa & wellness area
  • Hammocks, chill-out areas & pool table
  • Surfboard storage & rinse showers
  • Onsite bar & restaurant
  • Filtered water refills provided

Jungle Setting

  • Garden views from the bungalows
  • Families of monkeys in the trees above
  • Howler monkeys as your morning chorus

Private Studio Upgrade

Upgrade to your own private studio apartment, just 150 yards from the beach and a short walk to the main camp.  Each studio includes:

  • Air conditioning & high-speed internet
  • Daily breakfast at the group accommodation
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Comfortable bed
  • A peaceful, self-contained base close to surf shops, cafés, gyms & restaurants

Santa Teresa is packed with fresh, colourful, and flavour-filled dishes, the perfect fuel for your surf sessions. Daily breakfast is included in your stay, while all other meals are at your own cost, giving you the freedom to explore the amazing cafés and restaurants nearby.

What’s Included

  • Daily breakfast at your accommodation
  • Complimentary filtered water throughout your stay

What’s Nearby

  • A huge choice of cafés, beach bars, and restaurants
  • Local favourites like Gallo Pinto (rice & beans), fried plantains, tropical fruit, and Costa Rican pancakes
  • International options, from smoothie bowls to wood-fired pizzas

Extra Options

  • Supermarkets and local markets for snacks and supplies
  • Self-catering facilities available at your accommodation if you’d like to cook

Enjoy 5 days of professional surf coaching in warm Costa Rican waters, with an incredible 3:1 guest-to-instructor ratio for maximum personalised attention. Our local instructors and trip leader will guide you in and out of the water, helping you build confidence, refine technique, and reach your surf goals.

What’s Included

  • 5 days of professional surf coaching (water + land-based)
  • Small group ratio (1 instructor : 3 guests)
  • Daily photo and video analysis with footage to take home
  • Pre-trip video call to discuss your objectives
  • Surfboard and leash (soft and hard boards available)
  • Women + Waves surf log book to track goals and progress

How We Coach

  • Groups split by ability to ensure the right level of challenge
  • Supportive coaching that builds confidence at every step
  • Beginners benefit from a fun, hassle-free introduction to surfing in warm water
  • Intermediate surfers get targeted feedback to push their skills further

Extra Options

  • Bring your own surfboard if you prefer
  • Not sure of your level? Take our Women + Waves surf level quiz before you go!

One of the most powerful tools for surf progression is seeing yourself in action. That’s why we provide daily video analysis, giving you move-by-move breakdowns of your sessions and tailored feedback to help you progress faster.

What’s Included

  • Daily video analysis with detailed coaching feedback
  • Footage captured from both the beach and in the water
  • GoPro-trained instructors filming your sessions
  • A complete photo & video package uploaded to an online gallery to take home

Why It Matters

  • Identify key areas to improve with professional insights
  • Track your progression day by day
  • Relive your surf adventure long after the trip
  • Share unforgettable moments with friends, family, and social media

This isn’t just coaching, it’s a game-changer for your surf journey!

This trip includes two tailored yoga sessions designed specifically for surfers. Each class blends mindful movement, strength-building postures, and breathing techniques to complement your time in the water.

What to Expect

  • Yoga designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and surf endurance
  • Breathing practices to calm the mind and body
  • Optional meditation elements to boost focus and relaxation
  • Sessions that reduce stress and support your surfing progression

By integrating movement, breath, and mindfulness, these sessions empower you to overcome both physical and mental challenges, leaving you more balanced, relaxed, and surf-ready.

As part of your retreat, you’ll step away from the waves and into the wild heart of Costa Rica. This included adventure takes you along tropical forest trails alive with the sounds of nature, leading to the breathtaking waterfalls of Montezuma. Cool off in sparkling plunge pools and soak up the magic of the jungle, the perfect complement to your surf-filled days.

What to Expect

  • Included guided jungle hike
  • Lush tropical forest trails
  • Stunning Montezuma waterfalls
  • Natural plunge pools for swimming and cooling off
  • A chance to experience Costa Rica’s wild beauty beyond the beach

When you’re not surfing, there’s a whole world of adventure waiting in Santa Teresa. These optional activities are at your own cost and leisure, giving you the freedom to shape your trip exactly how you’d like.

What You Can Do

  • Glide across glowing waters on a bioluminescent SUP tour with Monkey Adventures, where each stroke of your paddle lights up the ocean with sparkling plankton.  An unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • Snorkel in turquoise tidal pools and spot colourful marine life
  • Stroll along Santa Teresa’s postcard-perfect beaches (featured in Forbes Top 10)
  • Swing in a hammock beneath the palms and switch off completely
  • Watch monkeys leap through the jungle canopy and listen to the howler chorus
  • Explore vibrant cafés, beach bars, and the buzzing Santa Teresa nightlife
  • Indulge in spa treatments, or a soothing jungle massage
  • Toast the day with sunset drinks as the sky turns gold and pink
  • Embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle, Costa Rica’s famous way of living with joy, gratitude, and simplicity

Please Note – These experiences are not included in your retreat package and some may incur additional charges.

Travel

Fly into San José (SJO) and take a separate, short 22-minute domestic flight to Cobano (COB). Our team will be waiting at Cobano with a Women + Waves sign and will transfer you straight to Santa Teresa.

If you arrive in San José the night before, we recommend staying at an airport hotel and catching a morning flight to Cobano. Good nearby options include:

  • Hampton Inn & Suites San José Airport (directly opposite the terminal, reliable and comfortable)
  • Courtyard by Marriott San José Airport Alajuela (5 minutes from SJO with free shuttle)
  • Holiday Inn Express San José Airport (short transfer, convenient for overnight stays)

Domestic airlines: Green Airways or Sansa (around $200 – $300 USD return).

  • Arrival: Pick-up from Cobano Airport is at 13:30 on the first day (included in your package).
  • If you arrive outside this time: We’ll arrange a taxi for you (40 minutes / approx. $40 USD).
  • Departure: On your final day, we’ll drop you back at Cobano by 10:00am. We recommend booking a late afternoon international flight from San José.

  • Baggage: 18kg allowance on domestic flights, pack light (bikinis, shorts, no wetsuit needed).
  • Surfboards: Boards under 7ft can fly; bigger boards can be rented (included).
  • Support: You’ll join a trip WhatsApp group for live updates and assistance.
  • Flight advice: Check out our How to Book a Surf Trip blog for step-by-step tips.
  • UK guests: Our trusted partner Lee at DialAFlight (+44 20 7295 1556) can help book flights and connections.

For the most up to date information regarding visa requirements of destinations please visit Sherpa and enter the details of your trip

Take a closer look

Dates and prices

Date Fully Booked
9th - 16th February 2026
From £2,600
Date
16th - 23rd February 2026
From £2,600
Date
5th - 12th February 2027
From £2,739
Date
13th - 20th February 2027
From £2,739

FAQs

We offer 4 easy ways to pay!

1. Pay In Full – Pay the full amount in one, that’s it your done! (Available online)

2. 50/50 – Pay a 50% deposit and the remaining 50% 12 weeks before the trip starts. (Available online)

3. Payment Plan – Pay an initial deposit and the rest in instalments! (Contact us using our online chat, WhatsApp or email us for this option)

4. Marketing Badge Shop now. Pay over time with Klarna (Contact us using our online chat, WhatsApp or email us for this option)

We can’t guarantee your place until we receive payment (in full or a deposit). Once you have made a payment, you’ll then be sent a trip confirmation email.

Klarna’s Pay in 3 / Pay in 30 days are unregulated credit agreements. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.

Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for 24 hours without payment.

Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.

Please follow the instructions on the ‘Travel’ tab above. Then for further help please read our helpful blog post about booking flights.

If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner with you please get in touch.

Partners are welcome to join our evening meals, excursions etc.

You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process. You’ll signify which level of surfer you are. You may be in different groups suited to your ability. However, there will be plenty of time to see each other back at camp and during our social times.

We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. Costa Rica is incredibly consistent with a fantastic variety of beaches available to us. In the very unlikely event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities and day trips to help you get the most out of your holiday.

We may adjust the format of the trip. For example, choosing to run more surf sessions on the days that the waves are at their best.

Please visit our T&Cs for more information.

With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates that the surf conditions are most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-trip email. We choose Costa Rica at this time of year due to the fun waves and gorgeous weather. Expect waves that are waist to chest height. The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities, the skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions that are on offer. That’s where our local guides are worth their weight in gold. We pride ourselves in having you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each trip.

Before booking please take a look at our surfing level in the boxes above. If during the trip you would benefit from changing groups your instructor will organise for you to move, no problem! Please be aware, we pride ourselves on coaching everybody as an individual, so you will always receive individual feedback throughout each session.

Our Women + Waves trip leaders will be accompanied by local Costa Rican members of our coaching team. While our coaching team is predominantly made up of female instructors we also use male guides and instructors from time to time.

We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.

Remember to check the baggage size and weight allowance with your airline. Read their guidance for carrying surfboards. Baggage handlers can be unforgiving so you need a tough travel bag and pack it well.

Firstly, pack your board(s) in a protective, padded board bag, and write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD ONLY on it with the largest, most permanent marker you can find. Make sure you wrap your towel and clothes around your board inside the bag for added protection.

Place your shampoo and other wet toiletries in a separate sealed bag in case of leakage. We also recommend locking your bag zips with a padlock.

Please check with your citizenship requirements in advance.

Please check international travel requirements for your nationality. When you leave Costa Rica you must pay a departure tax of $28 USD (correct at the time of writing).

If you’re travelling through America, you need to complete a Visa Waiver form. There’s a $14 USD application fee.

Please contact your travel agent or airline if you have any further questions. It’s a good idea to carry copies of your important documents and guide books. Pack them separately. We also suggest scanning copies and emailing them to yourself for extra reassurance.

If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the weekend (they don’t have to participate). If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the weekend before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on +44 (0) 1637 226017

On the day you travel please keep your mobile phone handy so that we can stay in touch in case of delays and flight changes. Please inform us if you’re early or delayed for any reason. You will be added to our Whatsapp group so that we can share updates and stay in touch.

If you need help booking your flight then just drop us a line.

If you can’t find our representative at the airport, stay there and wait, they won’t be far away having tracked your arrival time. However, if you’re having difficulties finding them, please call +44 (0) 1637 226017 or follow the instructions in your pre-flight email. One of us will locate you.

Please inform our coaching staff of any medical complaints or conditions prior to your trip.

We’ll ask for travel insurance details when you book, so please organise this as soon as possible. Travel insurance needs to cover you for medical issues, cancellations and baggage. We’ll also ask you to fill out an enrolment form with these details before the holiday. Please read our helpful blog post about travel insurance.

Visit the Travel Health Pro website for medical advice for Costa Rica.

Please contact your doctor if you’re unsure about vaccinations. We advise you to take mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten, though we’ve never been aware of any malaria or dengue fever cases in the areas that we visit.

The Costa Rican colon and US dollar are both accepted in Costa Rica. It’s useful to be aware of both exchange rates, as you will undoubtedly use both at some point on the trip. We take a small amount of dollars and the rest in colones.

We suggest that you bring all the currency you plan to spend, as you may not have the chance to visit an ATM. Please organise your currency needs before you arrive. Don’t worry, you’ll have access to a safe in your room for valuables and cash.

If you need to visit the bank while in Santa Teresa (if you run out of cash for example), you can withdraw money using your credit or debit card via the ATM. You may find the machines empty at the weekend plus there are often large queues. We recommend planning your spending wisely to avoid any unnecessary trips to the bank or ATM – it’s valuable time spent away from the surf!

You can also use your card and passport to take money out over the counter at the bank. Many bars and restaurants take credit cards too. We recommend you bring at least two cards in case one gets blocked by the bank, lost or damaged.

We are a UK based company that deliver trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.

If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the trip details, you can contact us on our online chat.

If your circumstances change and you can’t join the trip, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.

Cancellation terms:

We hold part or full costs, depending on when you cancel:

If you cancel 12 weeks or more before the trip we retain 50% of the total cost
If you cancel with less than 12 weeks before the trip then its 100% of the total cost
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.

Have you met our trip leader, Chelsea? 🌞⁠ ⁠
No one surfs like Steph. The queen of style, grace
Ever feel anxious before paddling out or after a w
Monday Reminder: Your soul knows. Listen.⁠ ⁠ T
Knowing when to transition from a softtop to a har