Uvita Surf Camp

Uvita Surf Camp is a small, Costa Rican-owned surf school with 3 private cabins beside Playa Chamán in Uvita, on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. It suits beginners and improvers who want relaxed lessons, wildlife on the doorstep and their own kitchenette.

What it's like

Back when we first wrote about it, this camp went by Uvita 360 Surf Camp. Today the same website, uvitasurfcamp.com, presents it as Uvita Surf Camp, a Costa Rican-owned surf school and camp in Uvita on the southern Pacific coast. It's small and personal, run by hosts Gabriel, from Costa Rica, and Verena, from Austria. Their pitch is simple: Costa Rican culture with Austrian hospitality, and a place that feels like home.

The camp sits back from Uvita's main street, beside Playa Chamán and just a short walk from the entrance to Marino Ballena National Park. That park is known for its "whale's tail," a sandbar that looks like a fluke from above. Photos on the site show sloths, toucans and aracaris around the garden, and sea turtle releases on the beach.

The rooms

There are 3 cabins, named Whale, Turtle and Macaw. Each has a queen bed plus a single, a private bathroom with a hot shower, air conditioning, blackout curtains and its own kitchenette with a fridge, gas cooktop, coffee maker and dishes. Two of them have a hanging chair. You've also got Wi-Fi, an outdoor shower, free parking and luggage drop-off. Check-in is at 2 pm and check-out at 11 am.

The programs

The camp offers 3 surf packages, and you can also book just a stay:

• 3 days, 2 nights: 2 surf lessons and the Uvita waterfall tour
• 5 days, 4 nights: 4 surf lessons and the Uvita waterfall tour
• 7 days, 6 nights: 6 surf lessons plus both the Uvita and Nauyaca waterfall tours

All packages include unlimited board rental, daily national park entry and free bikes. Each lesson runs 2 to 3 hours with a local instructor and covers ocean awareness and board control as well as standing up. The goal is to get you surfing on your own. Rash guard, board, sunscreen, park fees, snacks and drinks are part of every lesson. Meals and transport to Uvita aren't included, though transfers and extra lessons can be added. Tours and shuttles are offered through Osa Secret Tours.

This is a surf camp, not a yoga retreat, so don't expect a daily class schedule.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's a nice fit for first-timers and improvers who like a small, friendly setup and want to mix surfing with wildlife and waterfalls. Couples and small families will appreciate having a kitchenette. It's less suited to people who want every meal cooked for them, or to advanced surfers chasing big, heavy waves.

Whale lovers should note the timing: the camp's guide says northern humpbacks pass through from December to April and southern humpbacks from July to November.

Getting there

The camp's address is the road to Playa Chamán in Uvita, Puntarenas. The website doesn't give airport or driving directions, so ask the hosts when you book. They can arrange transfers for an extra charge.