Witch’s Rock Surf Camp Reviews
Discover the ultimate Costa Rica Surf Camp experience through authentic guest reviews.
alex galvan
22:11 24 Sep 23
Had a great time. plan on going back with my son. Would definitely recommend.
Russell Voigt
23:32 23 Sep 23
If only this place had some lounge areas with beach chairs and hammocks, it would be 5* in my book…the rooms aren’t the comfiest and can be small, but the overall value for the surf package is #1 from what I’ve seen.Intermediate sessions could be longer…wasn’t usually ready to leave but spent by the end of the week anyway.Videographers and instructors are really good!Classes are more beginnerish.Very walkable but expensive to eat out…no mini fridges to bring back groceries.Very solo traveler friendly…met lots of other solo friends :)
Mark Stofer
14:57 23 Sep 23
My first surf camp experience with my boys was absolutely incredible! The only thing I regret is not making this commitment earlier in life. WRSC catered to surfers of all skill levels, and the welcoming atmosphere of the surfing community made every paddle out an epic experience.We had an amazing time and created memories that will stay with us forever. This is just the beginning, and I believe that our family, along with many of the friends and families we met during our stay, will continue to enjoy experiences like this for generations to come.I can’t say enough about how awesome WRSC is—the staff and the Tamarindo community are every bit as great as people say they are!
Jakob Dwyer
02:07 18 Sep 23
We arrived as a family of six and left with many new family members. Each staff member treated our family like we were a part of theirs. Amazing people like Carlos, Lavina, Sara, Estaban, David, and Valy make us want to return year after year. Surfing was awesome, fishing was great. Accommodations exceed our expectations. See ya next year :)
Jenny Wen
17:23 10 Sep 23
We will be returning!My husband and I booked this camp as part of our honeymoon and we had a blast. The ratio between instructor and student was amazing (2:1). We had Manrique as our surf instructor in the Beginners program and he was phenomenal. We both improved significantly and intend on returning in the future. The video analysis and daily programs made this surf camp an amazing experience for both of us. We were catching 7ft waves and turning by the end of our camp. The school trip and the final awards at the end was one of the highlights; where we both one Biggest Wave awards. 3 out of the 4 students by Manrique won the 6 total awards – this speaks volumes to his coaching! The service at Witch’s Rock was incredibly welcoming; from the reservations to the front desk to the surf instructors.Some areas of improvement could be:1. We stayed in the Beachfront Studio and the bathroom was so tiny we couldn’t properly sit down on the toilet (I’m 5’5″ and couldn’t sit straight).2. WiFi is super spotty.
Jason Rouch Jr.
16:01 09 Sep 23
Great place to learn how to surf! The instructors are patient, explain the process in a way that everyone can learn, and every person regardless of experience level was riding a wave their first day.Staff is kind, accommodating, and friendly.I’ll be back! Pura Vida!
Hyung Won Jin
13:51 02 Sep 23
I highly recommend this camp. All the staff member and instructors are very kind and professional. I enjoyed my stay here. They even helped me prepare a desk inside a room for my workfromhome setting. Loved the front desk people and very seamless and fast replies from headquarters via email all the time. Been to surf spot across California and East Coast but the consistency in Tamarindo is the best for a beginner to be intermediate like me. Also very professional in reining me when I wanted to go to intermediate but the instructor firmly held his principles that I belong in beginner. It helps my ego in check which is appreciated. I think I will visit again but it is noteworthy that the prices in town and the area are expensive with one bottled water sells at US$6. But I realized you can drink tap water here. From Korea myself and very inclusive and fun environment.
Patrick Wilver
15:32 26 Aug 23
Great surf instruction, awesome week long surf camp. I went in to this with basically no experience and finished feeling confident enough to go out on my own and ride 6’-ish waves. Definitely hard work and finished every day tired but feeling satisfied and accomplished. Will be back!
Neva Morrison
04:36 10 Aug 23
We visited for two weeks and did have an amazing time. None of us had ever surfed and we all got up and got the beginning basics down fairy well.We stayed in Joe’s apartment and that was spacious and perfect for a longer stay (kitchen and washing machine and dryer).The areas where it went from 5 to three stars – whereas my two older boys had a great surfing coach my youngest son did not. My youngest son’s coach seemed bored and more interested in talking to his friends leaving my son to fend for himself quite a bit (this led my son to not really enjoying surfing because he didn’t feel all that safe). Also the coaches come to the end of the week celebrations to cheer in their surfers and my youngest son’s coach didn’t come to week 1 or week 2 celebrations. His coach was the only coach not to show. My older boys coaches came and my coach came. That was really disappointing for my son (and for me).The other drop in stars was the food. Okay, the nachos are amazing. So are the smoothies. But the other food including the free breakfast was very mediocre. After 4 days (mind you we were there for 14 days) we stopped eating the free breakfast and just went out and paid for breakfast.I will say the resort is located within very easy walking distance of shopping and many restaurants (which made going out and paying for breakfast convenient). But it was a bummer to have budgeted for the breakfast that was included in the package and to not want to use it because the food wasn’t very good.The surfing is amazing. And it is a perfect location for beginners. I would recommend going *not* during the rainy season. It is less expensive but the water is choppy and rough and much more difficult to learn in if you’re a true beginner (an advanced beginner or intermediate would be fine).
Joe Shuga
17:16 03 Aug 23
My son and I participated in the Witch’s Rock beginner’s surf camp in July 2023 and could not have been happier with the experience. Our instructor (Andrey) was amazing, and was able to help both of us to improve tremendously over the week. The service all-around was also amazing, the seminars and out-of-the water training sessions were extremely helpful, the video analysis was illuminating, and the entire staff around the facility- at the surf shop, the restaurants, and at the board cage, were extremely helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. 10/10 will do it again as soon as we can!
Cameron Ballinger
15:25 29 Jul 23
Beyond all expectations! One of a kind experience. Cannot be matched. The staff and the guests feel like family. Every detail appreciated. Thank you witches rock!
Bart Banks
02:24 10 Jul 23
If we could give Witch’s Rock more than 5 stars we would! Best vacation we have ever taken as a family. These guys take care of everything! We flew into Liberia and they were waiting on us, within 10 minutes of driving we stopped for watermelon, mango and coconut water. The trip just went up from there. The surf instructors are absolute pros and can take your surfing to the next level. Oscar L, Esteban, and Manrique are proud of their craft and can elevate your surfing journey. These guys are excellent teachers and surfers.The food at Eat at Joe’s is great, the nachos are next level. Eat breakfast there everyday. The beer at the brewery is very good. Costa Rican coffee is amazing and there is plenty all day! Our son got a little stomach bug (not from the resort or Costa Rica, he brought it with him from the states) and they made him food that was not on the menu and special tea to settle his stomach. The kindness of the staff is almost unending in this regard.Witch’s Rock has everything you need, the lack of TV’s in the rooms provides a great opportunity to reconnect with your family. Take the opportunity to explore the town and learn about Costa Rican culture. Watching Endless Summer with Robert August is a very cool experience, don’t skip out on that.I can honestly say we have never left a vacation where we hugged the people who were teaching and helping us but we did here!TIPS::- Go to the extra classes, the staff works hard to prepare the classes and a lot of people skip them. The classes are a great opportunity to really learn the mechanics of surfing.- Learn some Spanish, everyone speaks english but learning a little spanish goes a long way, the staff are more than happy to help you learn some as well, just ask.- Tipping – we tipped in US dollars at the resort and in town. We tipped the same amount we would in the states.- The chairs out on the beach are not free it’s $20 per day. We went out when the guy got there and paid, he is very nice and will watch your chairs so no one sits in them. Just remember that is how he makes his living, don’t argue over the price. $20 is well worth it.- People sell stuff on the beach, if you don’t want to buy just say, no thanks, don’t be mean about it, thats how they make a living. We did buy drinks and beer from them with no issues and they are super quick.- Be a good American, Pura Vida is not just a slogan it’s actually their way of life. Everyone we met there was extremely nice and caring but remember we are guests in their country.
J.R Rowley
18:17 11 Jun 23
My second trip to witches rock surf camp. The lodging os not 5 star but you couldn’t be closer to the water and the scene. Its perfect! The food is good, the scene in Tamarindo is great and easy for foreigners. Our day at the volcano was awesome (booked through the camp)My surf instructor Mateo spoke english well and really helped my game. He was also good with my wife who is a beginner. I had plenty of one on one instruction, video analysis, discussions, lectures and conditioning classes. They have a huge selection of boards that saves you money and hassle getting your board down. I am returning next year if not sooner.
Tatsiana Singh
19:39 07 Jun 23
Highly recommend this surf camp to families, couples or singles who like smaller privately owned places. The Camp is right on the ocean in Tamarindo. Rooms are basic but have everything you need. The pool is great to take a dip in after a daily surf lesson. Breakfast is included and has everything one may wish for on the menu. Fruits and smoothies are great and are safe to have.Surfing is taken seriously here and this or that surfing is always in your daily schedule: informational sessions, daily surf lessons (1.5-2 hours with times adjusted to the tide), video reviews with individual coaches or the showing of the infamous The Endless Summer documentary about surfing around the world tour of the local legend Robert August with the star character always present during the showings to comment, to chat and to offer autographs.Surf coaches are amazing! The surfers in our family (age 8 to 51) showed great improvement in just 4 days of our second visit here!The place is a short walking distance to the heart of Tamarindo where you can find many restaurants and shops (check out El Mercatido) It’s perfectly safe to walk around town and on and by the side of the road.Also, don’t hesitate to call the place. They will always pick up the phone or call you back and will pay attention and remember the details of the phone conversation. It’s refreshingly that easy here! Refunds, re-scheduling or credits are all accounted for and kept track of.In general, we love Witch’s Rock! The staff, the management and the location as well as “it’s all about surfing” attitude and a feel of a small private place right on the beach surpass all the luxuries and comforts of the big resorts in that area!Special thanks to Lavaina and Daniela!
Adrian James
03:39 29 May 23
Positive & patient instructors, who know how to make it fun for all ages & levels. The surf camp includes one ~90-min session every day for 6 days, plus you can grab a board any time to go out on your own. Very convenient location – lodging, pool, & restaurant are right on the beach.
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.
Javin
23:38 18 Feb 23
Everything was turnkey with this surf camp and the location – right on the beach – is awesome. I went for a full week Saturday – Saturday and that’s probably a good idea if you can. We got to know the staff and everyone was incredible in both the front desk / surf shop and restaurant. We felt like we had best friends there the moment we arrived.I did the intermediate program, and consider myself at the lower end of intermediate. All the guys in my group were absolute shredders and our coach was pro level. We travelled by boat and van each morning to the break with the best conditions, the highlight being a river mouth spot that only breaks for an hour a day at a specific tide. The coaches used their local knowledge to put us in the best spots to catch the waves and get the longest rides.I didn’t expect that someone would be filming us every minute we were surfing – this was amazing! At my home break you’d pay dearly for someone to film you from the beach and do a video analysis. It looks like they have an entire video / editing team.The awards were a nice way to cap off the week. We made many friends and felt we got more than our money’s worth.
DJ Watt
21:03 15 Feb 23
Next level experience. I am a 56 y.o. woman and was up on a (foam) board day 1, made it to a fiberglass board by mid-week. Traveled with my non-surfing husband but there were many solo surfers in my group. Even if you go with other people take the time to meet the other surfers, incredible interesting people from all over, it really is part of the experience. Rustic vibe but charming. Drank the tap water, no problem. Drank the margaritas, no comment. Reasonably priced compared to other options. Now my husband wants to go back to learn to surf – pack the rash guard and let’s go!
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.
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