Witch’s Rock Surf Camp Reviews
Ryan Hinds
18:49 12 Mar 23
This was my first time in Costa Rica and the staff at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp made it memorable. Mao was an awesome surf guide and took us to many different places. Unfortunately, Witch’s Rock was not breaking when we went, but that would be impossible to know as there are no surf cams there. The free breakfast was great and the restaurant had decent food for dinner. Being able to watch Endless Summer I/II with Robert August narrating was a big highlight! Go talk to him because he is hilarious. They will also help you book other activities like scuba diving and work that around your surf schedule. People on my trip in the Beginner and Intermediate classes had good things to say about the instruction.Recommendation: The one thing that they could improve upon is maybe doing a group between Intermediate and Advanced. I felt like I could have used more coaching on positioning on the waves and board selection, or working on my riding/turning skills on shorter boards, but the Intermediate class felt too basic.
Justine Schmider
16:44 24 Feb 23
We had an amazing experience. We planned this trip several years ago and because of covid, we had to delay our travels. It was worth the wait. We stayed in one of the penthouse rooms, which was the perfect size for our family and had an amazing balcony overlooking the ocean. The staff was so friendly and helpful. My husband was originally the only surfer in our group, but my 7 year old daughter and I also ended up signing up for several sessions. We loved it! The surf instructors were amazing — Andrey and Oscar. We were even able to find an amazing childcare option through the hotel which allowed my husband and I to surf together several mornings. I really enjoyed the small feel of the hotel. We got to know several other families and couples staying and surfing and it was nice to see friendly faces around. We rented a car, but this was not necessary as everything was within walking distance. I miss Tamarindo already and can’t wait for our next visit to Witch’s Rock.
Jill Murphy
19:30 13 Feb 23
This is the perfect place to go to learn to surf or refresh your surfing in warm water on a safe beach and with fantastic instructors. The equipment is excellent, they have everything you need in one place, breakfast included (but you can have it anytime during the day which is great, sometimes you don’t feel like eating before surfing). There are videos to review what you need to work on, some of the best Margaritas in town (if not the best), and I really can’t say enough good things about my instructor Andrey – just is a natural teacher, with great knowledge of the local waves and of how to teach to the level of the individual. Will come back!
A Google User
19:30 13 Feb 23
This is the perfect place to go to learn to surf or refresh your surfing in warm water on a safe beach and with fantastic instructors. The equipment is excellent, they have everything you need in one place, breakfast included (but you can have it anytime during the day which is great, sometimes you don’t feel like eating before surfing). There are videos to review what you need to work on, some of the best Margaritas in town (if not the best), and I really can’t say enough good things about my instructor Andrey – just is a natural teacher, with great knowledge of the local waves and of how to teach to the level of the individual. Will come back!
frances sandon
17:19 17 Dec 22
Witches Rock is the perfect place to surf, enjoy the town, make new friends and experience the local flavor of Costa Rica! Only about an hour from the airport and they offer free shuttle service! The surf instructors are great, all the staff ensures a great experience to make sure you have everything you need. They offer excursions, will make restaurant reservations, secure taxis, or help you find whatever you need. The property is safe and offers a community feel! Highly recommend a Saturday to Saturday visit! Here you can learn to surf right out front or they will take you to the best waves by boat or van! Rent a chair and buy a fresh coconut on the beach or take a dip in the wonderful, cool, shaded pool! This is our second trip and already took advantage of the 20 % discount if you book next years stay before the end of the year! Works well for extended families, friends that want to meet up and surf, couples or singles! It’s hard to find a place that can be fun for everyone. Our family enjoys tennis and pickleball as well and there is a place to play (for a fee) within walking distance! Bonus!
julie ing Stern
01:08 11 Dec 22
Wow!! What a fantastic week at surf camp! I was/am a rank beginner, and thanks to our excellent coach Mateo, I learned how to pop up and actually ride some waves! By the end of the week, I even got a couple totally in my own! I am hooked! I went with my 20-something year old son and he loved it too (the other “campers” were all very nice and of all different ages)!The camp is very well thought out, with daily surf sessions, video reviews, classes on land for balance and strength, etc., and the entire staff is so helpful and friendly! We had so much fun! I can’t recommend it highly enough, and we are actually thinking about when we can return!Pura Vida!🏄🏻♀️🏄🏻♂️
Daniel McCarthy
21:40 28 Nov 22
My experience was phenomenal! Thank you to Witch’s Rock for an all encompassing surf, and travel experience. They take care of all your essentials, making it easy for you to just focus on surfing. I am by no means a great surfer, but my instructor was patient and took the time to get us the best possible waves. I will caution you however that the program is rigorous, so make sure you are in good mental and physical shape before hopping on a board. For my second time out of the country, and first visit to Central America, the staff at Witch’s Rock did a great job at making us feel welcome, and by the end of the week I felt right at home. Everyone in our program became friends by the end of the week, and Tamarindo has a great nightlife and social scene. I would definitely return here, and recommend this to my friends, so if you’re interested in learning how to surf, head to Witch’s Rock!!
Rebecca Wang
16:55 12 Sep 22
I didn’t stay at the camp, but I did rent boards from them at Witch’s Rock board shop across the street.Brandon helped us out and was really friendly and helpful. Their board selection is superb and their insurance on board rentals is a must do (since it can get crowded at spots).One of the days, the owners were there working on construction and helped me with my questions and selecting a fun board to use at a more challenging wave location.I highly recommend this place to rent boards from, if you visit Costa Rica!
Justin McCarthy
00:20 06 Sep 22
Coming here was the second time out of the US, and I was a little apprehensive. But, they can take you to and from the airport which makes things super simple. Tamarindo is a beautiful town, and I felt safe the whole time. There are a lot of things to see and do. We had a great surf instructor. The staff is very knowledgeable and the surf school is very in depth, with video analysis, technique, and balance training. The rooms were simple and clean, and the staff was friendly. We had some rain on our trip, so they threw in a complimentary tour of our choice. I think they are very customer-centered, which is a good thing. Choosing Witch’s Rock was a shot in the dark, but it ended up being a great place. I’d recommend this place to my friends and anyone who wants an interesting vacation idea.
Tony Tucci
12:35 31 Jul 22
Absolutely incredible experience & would recommend this as the #1 camp to anyoneWitch’s Rock does it all:- From pickup at the airport to amazing staff / clean rooms / well thought out accommodations to a perfect surfing experienceS/o to Sebas for being a phenomenal instructorPlease use this surf camp regardless of if you’re mid-20’s looking for a great time or a family looking for a nice vaca. The beach front hotel / surf camp has it all
William Stone
20:00 11 Jun 22
Wow – awesome trip!! Witches Rock Surf Camp is an absolutely fantastic surf camp. Starting with the booking, I sent an email and had a phone call back from somebody on staff within 10 minutes. Filled me in with everything I needed to know and I had my trip booked within a day. Staff is super friendly, very knowledgeable and professional. They clearly explained all the options and made it a very easy decision. As for the facility and surf camp itself, it is second to none. Location in Tamarindo, Costa Rica ~ the rooms are on the beach with waves right out front catering to multiple skill levels. They have categories for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers. As you progress to intermediate and advanced they actually take you via boat to some of the more technical surf spots around the Tamarindo Coast. The instructors are absolutely awesome – aside from being super nice, patient and professional, Cristofer knows surfing, water conditions and wave selection as well as anyone. And the best part – he can teach it!! Highly recommend Cristofer and Witches Rock for your next surf trip / vacation. Kudos to Joe Walsh and Witches Rock ~ I will be back.
Jessica Williams
16:14 02 Jun 22
I have nothing but good things to say about my week at which’s Rock surf camp. I traveled solo and did the intermediate class and met many other fun people traveling solo or in groups. It was super fun to swim out to the boat and take the boat to the surf spots in the intermediate class. The video analysis and surf instruction from Manrique definitely improved my surfing. All of the staff were super friendly at the eat at Joe’s restaurant, the front desk, the boat captains and the cleaning staff. A special shout out and thanks to Allison and PruPru for going above and beyond with their friendliness and hospitality. I’ll definitely come back. The main hotel is a little loud in the front by the street but nice to be right there.
Katie Bell
14:40 10 May 22
Witches Rock Surf Camp offers an incredible surfing experience for the entire family. My fiance and joined the intermediate group and had a blast. We paddled out to a nearby boat and traveled a few minutes from Tamarindo Beach to another beach that had slightly larger waves and very few surfers. Berto, our instructor was incredible. He made me feel confident and strong as I took on bigger waves. He layered his instruction, so I only had to focus on one detail at a time. By the end it was all coming together and I had the most fun surfing ever!Witches Rock is doing an incredible job sharing the sport of surfing with novice and experienced surfers alike. They’re set up on the beach is fun and family friendly including restaurants, a brewery, and live music. We also met Robert August from Endless Summer, that was cool. Highly recommend considering Witches Rock!
Bill Brewer
00:53 09 May 22
WRSC is the best. They take care of everything in a package. It is a great place to learn to surf. The instruction is great. The waves are easy for beginners. They haul the more experienced surfers to Playa Grande for bigger waves. I have already been twice and plan to go yearly until I am too old to surf. I highly recommend it.
Stewart Engesser
22:37 24 Mar 22
We felt right at home from the moment we arrived. A perfect spot, with great waves just past the doorstep, great food, friendly people and instructors who were patient, super helpful and great to hang with. We loved it!!
Michelle Martinez
00:29 21 Mar 22
My husband and I did the beginners’ program at Witch’s Rock and LOVE LOVE LOVED IT! He’d been surfing once before, I never had, and we were both catching waves starting the first day. Our instructor, David, was awesome and so fun. I’m so impressed with the organization of the camp. They time the daily lessons to be held during the best waves, and there’s always some additional thing — a short lesson on safety, etiquette, or strength/balance, or video analysis — each day to help you improve your skills and have the best time possible.We went March 12-19 and the weather was PERFECT. Granted, if you are like us (pale and coming fresh out of a pacific northwest winter) you will want to be very careful about protecting your skin with lots of SPF and long sleeves / leggings, especially during those midday surf lessons out on the water.HIGHLY highly recommend!
Tara Burt
17:08 19 Mar 22
WRSC always over delivers. The staff is the nicest and most accommodating around. They take care of everything and are the friendliest. We will keep returning. Love this place.
Amy Flannery
23:13 26 Jan 22
Words can not express my gratitude for all of the Witch’s Rock staff who helped me recover from my injury. The staff treated me like family and I will always remember the camp’s kindness and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. I will be back soon to visit my family in Costa Rica. If you are on fence about Witch’s Rock, everything was top notch and they will take care of you if something happens. You can’t go wrong with Witch’s Rock.
