Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Playa Tamarindo, 152 In Front Of Economy Rent a Car Tamarindo, Tamarindo Costa Rica
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About
4.5
#2 of 22 hostels in TamarindoLocation
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Costa Rica’s most popular Surf Camp since 2001! It could be because of our location on one of the world’s most renowned and diverse surf spots, because of our professional ISA certified bilingual instructors, or because we simply know how to live the pura vida Costa Rica lifestyle. Nestled right on one of Guanacaste’s most pristine beaches at the corner of the Tamarindo Estuary, the wind and tidal conditions create separate and distinct wave breaks on one single stretch of shoreline. That is why we have access to waves for all surfing levels right in our front yard! Aside from Tamarindo beach, we are just a short boat or car ride away from a wide array of other types of surf breaks. Whether you are a family with three children of different ages that have never surfed before, or you are World Title holder looking for some fun and fast barrels, we’ve got you covered. WE HANDLE EVERYTHING! Our all inclusive surf packages include airport transportation, accommodations, surfing, surfboards, optional classroom seminars, daily breakfast, and so much more.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Entertainment staff
Free airport transportation
Massage
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Evening entertainment
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
24-hour security
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
Sun terrace
Laundry service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Private bathrooms
Walk-in shower
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Playa Tamarindo, 152 In Front Of Economy Rent a Car Tamarindo, Tamarindo Costa Rica
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 93 out of 100
93
33 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
This was my first trip to Tamarindo and Witches Rock came as a recommendation from a friend, if you love to surf or just hang out it was great. Breakfast every morning was included, hot coffee in the bar area was FREE..... but if you need a latte the coffee hut opens at 5:30am. Instructors, boards and lessons are 30 yards from the hotel. Across the street they have bikes for rent...$5 for 12 hours, roads are busy but cruising the beach early am is so peaceful. Volcano Brewery on site has great food, service and lots of selections. I will be back. Pure Vida from CO
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from etd227, Public Relations Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded Mar 4, 2020
Thank you for coming down and for taking the time to write this review! So glad you enjoyed your time here at Witch's Rock Surf Camp and hope to see you back down here soon! Pura vida!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have been to a couple of surf camps in Central America before, but Witch's Rock stands out as the best. The beachfront location is perfect, my ocean view room has everything for much-needed rest and recharge, a fridge in the room is a wonderful bonus, the restaurant serves amazing dishes, delicious breakfasts, loved everything I order there, the whole red snapper was so fresh and tasted so good, out of this world! My favorite dish! My surf instructor is Fish, a very good and caring teacher, my surfing skills improve greatly after just one week! All of the other instructors are very helpful too, everyone is more than kind and professional. The staff is what makes this place a home for my week! You will get so much more than what you pay for and there are things that money cannot buy that you will find during your stay at Witch's Rock. I love that the moment I arrived to Witch's Rock from the airport, the staff did not waste a second to shape me into a better surfer. My departure flight was in the afternoon and we had surf lesson that morning, we surf until the very end! The surf shop is almost right on the beach, from 6 am to 6 pm. the surf staff gives us their complete support! No wonder that there are so many families of surfers keep coming back to Witch's Rock, I will be one of them! Highly recommended, you will be in for an unforgettable week! If you have never surf before, you will be a surfer after that week! There is so much to do and see when you need a break from surfing, there is biking (Fish Bike Tour), horseback riding, river tour, zipline, volcano tour, lots of fun in Costa Rica!
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Date of stay: November 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Overall, we really enjoyed everything about our trip. WRSC is clean, safe, and above all beautiful. I do have a few suggestions on how it could be even better,
1). This is most important. Get some comfortable lounge chairs for the WRSC area. All that is offered are wooden stools or wooden benches. Comfy lounge chairs would be a godsend.
2). Next, fix that awfu blaringl siren that goes off every night at least once at either or both 10PM and/or 6 AM. It sounds like a car alarm under our beds. We complained to the front desk and they dismissed it as the security guards or something. It is obnoxious! Remember we come their to relax!
3). Please remind the surf instructors that they should NEVER take a wave from a paying customer. We are paying them to help us catch waves. When they take the best waves because they have priority, it is frustrating. This was true of all instructors, not just the ones assigned to our group.
1). This is most important. Get some comfortable lounge chairs for the WRSC area. All that is offered are wooden stools or wooden benches. Comfy lounge chairs would be a godsend.
2). Next, fix that awfu blaringl siren that goes off every night at least once at either or both 10PM and/or 6 AM. It sounds like a car alarm under our beds. We complained to the front desk and they dismissed it as the security guards or something. It is obnoxious! Remember we come their to relax!
3). Please remind the surf instructors that they should NEVER take a wave from a paying customer. We are paying them to help us catch waves. When they take the best waves because they have priority, it is frustrating. This was true of all instructors, not just the ones assigned to our group.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Witch's Rock is definitely a great place if you want to surf and get better. They really make sure you have a good experience. It's perfect for a family surf vacation. The hotel is on the quieter end of Tamarindo, so you can be out of the crowds but still walk down to all the action if you want it. The food was good and a hearty breakfast is included to fuel you up for a morning of surfing. The staff is very friendly.
They have their own microbrewery on-site and the El Vaquero bar was right on the beach. We would enjoy happy hour and catch the sunset there every night.
The rooms are pretty basic, but since we were really only in the room to sleep, it was not a big deal for us. The only issue was that our room faced the street, which can be noisy at night. The AC also had a hard time cooling off the room.
Note that the public beach is right next to the hotel, so the beach was really crowded on the holiday with people setting up tents and partying into the night. Also, if you want chairs/umbrellas you have to rent them for $20/day from a vendor on the beach.
This is not a place to sit and lounge by the pool, it's just a plunge pool with nowhere to sit anyway, but a great place if you want to surf and enjoy the beach. We would go back.
They have their own microbrewery on-site and the El Vaquero bar was right on the beach. We would enjoy happy hour and catch the sunset there every night.
The rooms are pretty basic, but since we were really only in the room to sleep, it was not a big deal for us. The only issue was that our room faced the street, which can be noisy at night. The AC also had a hard time cooling off the room.
Note that the public beach is right next to the hotel, so the beach was really crowded on the holiday with people setting up tents and partying into the night. Also, if you want chairs/umbrellas you have to rent them for $20/day from a vendor on the beach.
This is not a place to sit and lounge by the pool, it's just a plunge pool with nowhere to sit anyway, but a great place if you want to surf and enjoy the beach. We would go back.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Witch's Rock Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded Jun 20, 2022
Hola V7427WVlarryf, thank you so much for taking the time and write this honest review. We try to be completely open when explaining the type of accommodations we offer, but we will use your critique as a tool to work in the areas where we might improve to a rating of 5 stars. Again thanks for visiting our business and we hope you come back again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
now and they always come though with quality staff. It's come to the point where I don't have to hound Surfline for the best break the boat captains already know. From management down to the servers they are the best in the business. My most recent trip two weeks ago was astonishing they somehow survived covid. All the staff wore masks and they sanitize the rooms and keep the grounds insanely clean. Thanks to all Pura Vida
Tell them El Guapo sent you
Tell them El Guapo sent you
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Tell them El Guapo sent you
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Witch's Rock Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded Jun 20, 2022
Hey William, we're so stoked to hear that you enjoyed everything! From the beginning of your planning all the way to the end of your surf trip! Looking forward to have you back at the camp anytime soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I took my 12-year old daughter for her Birthday to learn to surf and we both loved it! The experience far exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the others in the program, it was a bonus to make some new friends. The instructors and staff were professional and fun to be with. The ease of checking out boards and having lockers to leave our belongings and a shower after being in the ocean made our trips to the beach simple. It was a perfect winter break for us. I thought the 7-day package was a great value and there were so many little fine touches that added even more value. I look forward to going again and doing the same program as soon as possible. Will probably make this an annual getaway for us. I will cherish the memories. Highly recommend this experience.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Witch's Rock Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded May 20, 2024
Hello Natty, sorry for the late reply, These types of reviews gives us goosebumps. It exactly the type of experience that we wish to share with our guests and keep that camp vibe that helps to build that camaraderie, which is super important to us and our ethos. So stoked that you enjoyed yourselves that much. We hope to see you soon and please take care of yourselves. From all the staff here at WRSC !!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our second time visiting Witches Rock with our adult children and their spouses. It’s the perfect vacation for people that want to surf and enjoy Costa Rica in a safe place and have everything you need right there! Beginners enjoy surfing right in front of the hotel and intermediate and advanced surfers are taken by boat or van to the bigger waves! The staff is phenomenal, and the instructors are alll awesome! Its more than a place to rent a board.. it’s best when you stay for a week.. they provide video analysis and extra classes. It’s small enough to get to know the other vacationers but big enough to not feel like it’s small! There is a restaurant (breakfast included), a bar and a coffee shop but you can walk anywhere in town to eat or go out. Start a tab and enjoy the vibe or rent a chair on the beach and watch the incredible sunsets! I love the cool freshwater pool after surfing! Our family loves pickleball and tennis and there is a facility to play just a short walk away (for a fee). Before leaving, we took advantage of the 20% discount for another visit next year! Highly recommend!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Witch's Rock Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded Dec 20, 2022
Hello Francess, So grateful for the 5 star review, super stoked that you enjoyed our facilities and our surf programs. We feel very blessed to have great staff, and excellent location where we can share our passion for surfing and our love of Costa Rica, we try to make our guests experience as hassle free and enjoyable as possible. When receiving feed back like this makes it feel like we are achieving the goals we set out for ourselves... So thank you for your words and we hope to see you back soon. Pura Vida from all of us here at WRSC
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I don’t even know where to begin! Just came back from the absolute BEST honeymoon ever at Witch’s Rock. I grew up in California, and never learned to surf. My husband had a little bit of surfing under his belt, but stuck with me in the beginner group. By the end of the week I was actually surfing — I couldn’t believe it. Shout out to Sebas, best coach we could have had. He didn’t treat us like babies, but he was thoughtful and so helpful. Once I got over some fears of the ocean, I had so much fun.
Everyone from our airport driver, to the shop staff, to the restaurant folks and housekeeping were A++. Breakfast every morning after surfing was perfect. Massages better than anything I’ve had at a fancy spa. We stayed in the Beachfront Studio and spent hours on our little patio staring at the ocean. We ended up eating and drinking on site way more than we expected because the food was so good. I never have high expectations for nachos, but dang—I can’t stop thinking about them.
A couple tips — we came during rainy season, and the studio has a tin roof. I loved the white noise of rain on the roof, but not everyone might be into that. Bring a couple surfing outfits because the humidity makes it tough for things to dry thoroughly. Take advantage of the surfboards when you aren’t in lessons and try a couple kinds. Don’t miss the seminars and strength classes — they really do make a huge difference in your form. The Farmacia about 20m away is great — there’s a doc on site (we ended up needing to go twice). Happy Hour 4-7, 5 dollar Pina Coladas are fresh and perfect for legendary sunsets.
THANK YOU Witch’s Rock staff — you gave us the gift of the perfect way to start our marriage :-) We will be back every year.
A couple tips — we came during rainy season, and the studio has a tin roof. I loved the white noise of rain on the roof, but not everyone might be into that. Bring a couple surfing outfits because the humidity makes it tough for things to dry thoroughly. Take advantage of the surfboards when you aren’t in lessons and try a couple kinds. Don’t miss the seminars and strength classes — they really do make a huge difference in your form. The Farmacia about 20m away is great — there’s a doc on site (we ended up needing to go twice). Happy Hour 4-7, 5 dollar Pina Coladas are fresh and perfect for legendary sunsets.
THANK YOU Witch’s Rock staff — you gave us the gift of the perfect way to start our marriage :-) We will be back every year.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Beachfront studio is perfect for a couple, steps from restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Witch's Rock Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Hello Sarah, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us and rating us with 5 stars. Happy to hear that your Honeymoon was all you hoped it to be, with great instruction from Sebas to the surf program itself stoked that you got over your fears and enjoyed this wonderful sport called surfing. We'll make sure to have a fresh plate of Nachos ready upon your return. Take care and congratulations on your marriage and look forward to seeing you on your anniversary. Pura Vida from all the staff at WRSC.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed for 4 days with WRSC at their second hotel, Pueblo Dorado, and surfed with an intermediate group for 3 days. The Pueblo Dorado was a 2 minute walk from WRSC and it was clean and quiet. I surfed with Jonathan and 3 other surfers and we either took a boat or van to different surf breaks. Jonathan's English and coaching were great and I really got a lot out of the surf video analysis where he broke down some of the mistakes I was making. The front desk staff were helpful and friendly before, during, and even after my stay. I made friends with lots of the other guests and would 10 out of 10 recommend WRSC for families, friends, or the solo traveler!
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Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from etd227, Public Relations Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Responded Jan 8, 2020
Thank you so much for coming down and surfing with us!!! It was a blast having you down here and we hope to see you back soon. Great instruction is hard to find and Jonathan is an amazing team member to have at Witch's Rock Surf Camp. Pura vida Elizabeth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
You can stand in line at a bank to do this yes however getting colones from a ATM is much more efficient.
Surfing here 8 years. Never a problem
Hola ! Witch's Rock prices include a daily 2 hour in water lesson, full board rental, surf seminar in the evening, accommodation and breakfast. If you do the intermediate level you will be going on excursions all around the coast. If you are talking about non surfing activities like the estuary tour, zip lining, ATV... this can be book through our front desk depending on your surf schedule which works around tides. It is a tropical country and there is mosquitoes, right now it's not really the season but it's still recommended to use repellent. Talk to you soon!
We didn't have anyone outside of Witch's Rock surf with us. Maybe because it was so busy. I'd contact them directly.
"We were concerned about night noise from the restaurant & pub downstairs, but they were quiet by 9pm. Road & nearby premises were noisier!"Read full review
"would suggest to come earlier because june is the rainy season so if you don’t want to come when it’s stormy and you want clear water."Read full review
"Bring your own beach towel- these are not provided by the hotel. Consider brining own body wash and conditioner/ mask for long hair"Read full review
"No matter your level of experience at surfing the week at WRSC will be special. It was amazing to see the progress of everyone at weeks end."Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
witch`s rock surf camp hotel tamarindo, witchs rock surf camp tamarindo, witchs rock surf camp hotel
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacasteTamarindo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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Claim Your ListingWitch's Rock Surf Camp - UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Witch's Rock Surf Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Nearby attractions include Tamarindo Beach (0.3 km), Azul Profundo Boutique (0.4 km), and Con Mucho Gusto (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Conveniently located restaurants include El Pelicano Restaurante, Santa Rita Cafe, and Flying Bull.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Witch's Rock Surf Camp have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Witch's Rock Surf Camp offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Witch's Rock Surf Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Witch's Rock Surf Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Witch's Rock Surf Camp located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Tamarindo.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Witch's Rock Surf Camp?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does Witch's Rock Surf Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.