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Alessandra W
San Diego, California

The best surf camp for adults and kids alike in Guanacasta

Reviewed Jul 2, 2022via mobile
You'll leave feeling like you just grew your family by two dozen.

This is the second time in 10 months that I go to Witch's Rock.

The first time I went with a group of girl friends.

Our organizer had been surfing for over a decade and was looking for the best surf school at an affordable price for a 10-day vacation without her family. She looked at places all around the world and settled on Witch's Rock, Tamarindo.

I who had never surfed fell in love with the place, the people, the sport.

Within an hour of getting back home, I announced to my husband and children that we were going to return as a family.

The second time around was just as wonderful although it was quite a different experience from an all girls trip.

The instruction is top-notch, the accommodations are nothing fancy, but given that you're spending most of your time outside it doesn't really matter.

The quality of care and service at all levels from the surf instructors, to the receptionist, to the restaurant staff, and even the house or groundskeepers is amazing.

We're already planning our third trip.
Date of stay: July 2022
Trip type: Travelled with family
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Reviewed June 29, 2022 via mobile

Had the best time on a lesson with these guys. We had to abandon our first lesson as there was something in the water but they let me come back the next day to finish it off. Gino and Mao were really good instructors and very friendly. I hadn’t surfed before and managed to stand up nearly every time. Would recommend to any beginners looking for a lesson. Pura Vida and Thank You.

Date of stay: June 2022
Trip type: Travelled solo
Thank Mitchellbren
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 Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp, responded to this reviewResponded August 23, 2022

Hey Mitchell,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEW,
Super happy that you enjoyed yourself surfing with us and hope to see you in the water soon.
Thanks again and Pura Vida

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed June 22, 2022

I heard about this place for awhile and had high expectations. First off, I walked into the shop looking to see about signing up for a surf lesson. I waited a long time before someone approached me. Keep in mind the staff was busy chatting among themselves and on their phone. When I finally asked for help, they all seem to be annoyed and were very short with me. The next day when I met with my instructor, he looked like he just got out of bed. He didn't have any patience with me and his other student. I felt like he was just going through motions. But the kicker was when he insulted me for being left footed which in the Spanish language can be quite rude and crude. It wasn't until after the lesson that I was made aware of what he said. I would not recommend this place to anyone and would tell them to go find another place in Tamarindo for lessons. I might add that at the restaurant, it took almost 2 hours to make 2 egg omelet burritos. I will never go back here.

Date of stay: July 2021
    • Service
Thank SirLoin671
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 Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp, responded to this reviewResponded June 28, 2022

Hola SirLoin, we're extremely sorry to read that our service didn't meet your expectations. We take pride not only in our customer service but also in offering the best surf lessons in town and we understand that this was not the case. We're not always as perfect as we claim to be and there were huge mistakes made. 

Rest assured we hear you loud and clear and that all involved have been spoken to in an effort to make sure this type situation does not happen again. If you would like to further discuss this situation please feel free to contact us at 1-888-318-7873, we want you to offer a free surf lesson paired with one of the best coaches we have and show you our real experience. 

Again, we humbly apologize for the whole situation, looking forward to hearing from you again with hopes to redeem this situation. 

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Reviewed June 11, 2022 via mobile

Was more than taken care of throughout entire holiday. And surfed killer head high waves by boat all week in Playa Grande. Definitely will be booking another week of surfing with Witches Rock Surf Camp.

Date of stay: June 2022
Trip type: Travelled solo
Thank T9366YDjohnm
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 Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp, responded to this reviewResponded June 20, 2022

Hola John, Thank you so much for taking the time to write us. We're lucky to have awesome guests like you and we're looking forward to have you back soon! Pura Vida!

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Reviewed June 11, 2022

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.

Date of stay: May 2022
    • Value
    • Rooms
    • Service
Thank William S
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 Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp, responded to this reviewResponded June 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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Reviewed June 2, 2022 via mobile

I have nothing but good things to say about my week at which is Rock. I traveled solo and did the intermediate class and met many other people there who were traveling solo or in groups. It was super fun to take a boat ride to the surf everyday even if it was a short boat ride. It definitely improved my surfing, especially the video analysis and instruction from Manrique. All of the staff were super friendly and fun, the surf guides the boat captains the staff at Joe's and at the front desk and the cleaning staff were all excellent. A special shout out to Allison and PruPru for going above and beyond in their friendliness and hospitality! I hope to come back next year!

Date of stay: June 2022
Trip type: Travelled solo
Thank jessicawE800MA
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 Surf Camp, General Manager at Witch's Rock Surf Camp, responded to this reviewResponded June 20, 2022

Hola Jessica! We're so glad to read that as a solo traveler we meet your expectations. We're working hard to make this surf camp for everyone, coming with a family, a group of friends or in a solo adventure. Our friendly staff is looking forward to have you back at the camp! Pura Vida

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