You’re staring at two surf camps that look similar on the surface. Same destination. Similar photos. Both promise “all-inclusive.” Then you notice one price is a few hundred dollars higher and you wonder what you’re actually paying for – and what you’ll be stuck organizing (or paying extra for) once you land.
That question is exactly why surfers ask: what is included in a surf camp package? The honest answer is that it depends on the camp’s model. Some packages are basically lodging plus a lesson. Others are a full surf vacation system that handles coaching, boards, transport, and the daily decisions that make or break your water time.
This guide breaks down what’s typically included, what often isn’t, and what to confirm before you book – with a reality check for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers.
What is included in a surf camp package, usually?
Most surf camp packages bundle a few core elements: a place to stay, some kind of surf instruction or guiding, and at least partial access to surfboards. Beyond that, “included” can mean very different things.
At the basic end, you’ll see packages that include lodging and one daily lesson, but everything else runs a la carte: transportation to breaks, extra coaching, higher-quality boards, even breakfast. At the premium end, packages are designed to remove friction – the camp handles airport pickup, daily surf logistics, coaching, equipment, and a schedule that’s built around swell, wind, and tides.
A good way to think about it: you’re not just buying nights in a room. You’re buying how much of your trip is spent surfing versus planning.
Accommodations: what “included lodging” really means
Lodging is almost always part of a multi-night surf camp package, but details matter. “Included accommodations” might mean a shared room in a hostel setup, or it might mean a private room at a beachfront resort with amenities that make recovery between sessions easier.
Before booking, check whether your package price assumes double occupancy (common for couples and friends) or a shared arrangement (common for solo travelers trying to keep costs down). Also confirm what “on-site” means. Some camps advertise a central location, but your room could be a short drive away. If your goal is dawn patrol and quick naps between sessions, proximity to the beach changes the whole feel of the trip.
Surf instruction vs guided surf: they’re not the same
This is where packages vary the most – and where value shows up fast.
Surf lessons are structured coaching sessions, usually with beach instruction plus water time, and typically geared toward beginners through intermediates. A strong program includes clear goals, safety protocols, and progression milestones like popping up consistently, trimming down the line, and eventually catching green waves.
Guided surf (sometimes called “surf tours”) is more about wave-hunting with local expertise. You’re paying for efficient decision-making: which spot is best for your level, how to time the tide, where the wind is clean, and what’s working that day. For intermediates and advanced surfers, guiding can be the difference between two average sessions and the best week you’ve had all year.
Some camps blend both: coaching for skill development plus guided sessions for getting you into the right conditions. If you’re trying to progress quickly, ask whether instruction is a fixed lesson at the same break each day, or whether the plan adapts based on conditions.
Equipment: boards, quivers, and what “rentals included” means
Many surf camps say “boards included,” but you’ll want to clarify the quality and scope.
Some packages include a single soft-top for the week. Others include unlimited surfboard rentals from an in-house quiver, which is a big deal if you’re progressing or chasing different conditions. Beginners benefit from stable boards that build confidence. Intermediates often need to size down gradually as they improve. Advanced surfers might want to swap boards based on wave size and shape.
Also ask about fins, leashes, and rashguards. Those small items add up if they’re not included – and if something breaks mid-week, you want a quick replacement so your surf time doesn’t disappear.
Transportation: the hidden line item that can make or break “all-inclusive”
Transportation is one of the most common surprises for travelers. A surf camp package may or may not include airport transfers, and it may or may not include daily transport to breaks.
If you’re flying into Costa Rica, confirm the exact airport (Liberia vs San Jose), whether your transfer is private or shared, and whether it runs at set times. If the package includes daily surf trips, ask how they’re handled – van, boat, or a mix – and how often they run.
This matters because great waves are rarely “just down the street” every single day. Having logistics handled by the camp keeps you surfing when conditions shift.
Meals: what “breakfast included” should tell you
Food inclusions range from “no meals” to full board. A lot of surf camps land in the middle with daily breakfast included, which is practical because mornings are when you want to move fast.
If only breakfast is included, that’s not necessarily a downside – especially in a town with plenty of lunch and dinner options. But you should know what you’re signing up for. If you’re training hard with two sessions a day, you’ll be eating more than usual, and you’ll want easy access to solid meals.
Also check whether coffee, water refills, and post-surf snacks are part of the setup or something you’ll handle on your own.
Coaching upgrades: video analysis, surf seminars, and real progression tools
This is where a surf camp can feel like a true program instead of “a few lessons.” Video analysis is one of the fastest ways to improve because it turns vague advice into something you can see and repeat.
In a well-run package, video isn’t just a clip thrown on a phone. It’s structured review: you surf, you get filmed, then you break down stance, timing, wave selection, and maneuvers with a coach who knows what to prioritize for your level.
Seminars can also be surprisingly useful, especially for beginners and early intermediates. Topics like ocean awareness, etiquette, reading sets, paddling efficiency, and how to position at a beach break can save you days of trial-and-error.
If you’re comparing camps, ask: is coaching standardized or personalized? Are groups separated by skill level? And do they adjust instruction based on swell and tide, or run the same lesson regardless?
Level-based inclusions: what beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers should expect
A surf camp package should feel different depending on where you are in your surfing.
For beginners, the best packages include safety-first instruction, whitewater to green-wave progression, and lots of water time with close supervision. You want coaches who will correct fundamentals early – pop-up mechanics, stance, where to look, when to paddle – so you don’t bake in bad habits. You also want the right boards included, usually bigger and more stable.
For intermediates, the sweet spot is a mix of coaching and condition selection. This is where video analysis pays off and where guided trips to different breaks can help you learn new wave types without guessing. The best “included” features are the ones that help you surf more waves per session: smarter positioning, better timing, and clearer decision-making.
For advanced surfers, the value is access and efficiency. If you’re traveling for waves, you want knowledgeable guides, flexible transport, and a system that helps you score the best window each day. Coaching may be optional, but many advanced surfers still benefit from video when they’re working on turns, power generation, or barrels.
What’s often not included (and can change the total cost)
Even strong packages usually have a few exclusions. This isn’t a red flag – it’s just part of booking smart.
Common add-ons include airfare, travel insurance, lunches and dinners, premium alcohol, spa services, and gratuities. Some camps charge extra for board upgrades, boat trips, or additional coaching sessions. Others include those elements upfront.
You’ll also want to confirm whether taxes and resort fees are included in the package price. If you’re comparing two offers, make sure you’re comparing the true out-the-door total.
The “stress-free” test: questions to ask before you book
If you want a package that actually feels all-inclusive, get clarity on a few practical details.
Ask how airport pickup works and what happens if your flight is delayed. Ask how groups are organized by level and how many surfers per coach. Ask whether you’ll surf the same break daily or rotate based on conditions. Ask what board access looks like – one board or a full quiver – and whether you can switch as you progress.
And ask what a typical day looks like. The best camps can explain the rhythm confidently because they run a proven system.
What a premium surf package looks like in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the easiest places in the world to turn a surf trip into a true surf vacation, especially when your base has consistent waves nearby and access to world-class breaks within reach.
A premium package here often includes multi-night beachfront accommodations, daily lessons or guided surf sessions, video coaching and surf seminars, daily breakfast, unlimited board rentals, and airport transfers from Liberia International Airport. When it’s run well, it means you spend your mental energy on surfing – not planning routes, watching wind graphs alone, or negotiating last-minute rides.
That’s the model at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, where the program is built to serve beginners through advanced surfers with structured coaching, a large board quiver, and guided access to Tamarindo plus marquee regional waves.
A surf camp package should feel like someone experienced is quietly handling the hard parts while you stack sessions, improve faster, and still have the bandwidth to enjoy Costa Rica.
If you’re choosing between options, don’t just ask what’s included. Ask what’s handled for you – and how much more you’ll surf because of it.
