Let’s be honest – Witch’s Rock just sounds like a cool place to surf.
And as the best time to visit Costa Rica is during the May to November rainy season, Halloween at Witch’s Rock could be the perfect way to end the summer surf season.
Costa Rica is becoming known as one of the premier surfing destinations. With gorgeous coastlines, spectacular waves, and a lush array of wildlife waiting for you on land, no surf enthusiast should dismiss Costa Rica.
Surfing in Costa Rica is growing in popularity, with surf spots popping up all over the place.
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, has established a solid reputation over the years.
In this guide, we help you decide if Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is as frightfully fun as the name suggests – or if it’s just plain frightful.
What Is Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is located in Tamarindo, along the Guanacaste coastline of northwest Costa Rica.
Tamarindo is one of the greatest places to surf in the world, with a long and stunning coast that receives consistent swells year round.
If Witch’s Rock Surf Camp has one obvious advantage, it’s a location at the heart of paradise.
Founded in 2001 by surfer Joe Walsh, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp has grown from a ramshackle business to one of the best known surfing camps in Costa Rica.
A surf camp package at Witch’s Rock includes: 7 nights at the hotel, 7 day surf school, free hotel breakfast, unlimited use of surfboards, and round trip transportation to Liberia Airport.
What To Expect At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
The first thing you’ll find about visiting Witch’s Rock is that it’s easy to get to. The nearest airport is Liberia (LIR), and the surf camp offers a shuttle service to pick you up.
Flights to Liberia can be expensive, so the cheaper option is to head to San Jose Airport (SJO). From here, you’ll have to organize your own transport to Tamarindo.
Having arrived, you’re immediately greeted at the desk by friendly staff. You can stay either at the beachfront hotel connected to the camp, or at the Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel.
Both options are well-located, with the waves just a walk away. The Pueblo Dorado is slightly more private, while the beachfront hotel is filled with community spirit.
The hotels are nice if basic. They feel like hotels for falling asleep in, rather than a place to waste away the hours. A good place to rest the aches of a day on the waves, even if it isn’t a luxury stay.
In the morning’s, enjoy a complimentary breakfast at Eat at Joe’s Restaurant. Serving hearty food all day long, it’s just what you need before or after a surf.
In the evening’s, explore the stunning town of Tamarindo. This small town is packed with vibrant spirit and a real sense of community.
The nightlife is diverse, the people are welcoming, and the waves are right around the corner.
Because of course, it’s all about the surf. Witch’s Rock is located a walk away from 12 amazing surf spots.
Pick your skill level, choose from the massive range of boards, and head out into some of the best swells in the world.
When you’ve reached the end of your trip, going home doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye.
Stop by the gift shop to pick up some Witch’s Rock merchandise, and take a bit of Costa Rica home with you — a longer lasting gift than the bruises and bumps you picked up on the waves.
The Surf Packages
Surfing is at the heart and soul of Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. Everything else tends to fade away when you look out at the sparkling breaks found on the coast of Tamarindo.
And if there’s one thing Witch’s Rock does well, then it’s surfing.
First, you can choose between three packages: beginner’s, intermediate, and advanced. There are packages for families and single travelers as well.
Beginner’s surfing is fantastic at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. With one knowledgeable instructor for every three guests, there’s an incredibly personal experience.
Instructor’s are competent and kind, with an obvious depth of experience. Witch’s Rock promises you’ll be up and surfing by the end of the week, even if you’ve never touched a board before.
One major advantage to learning at Witch’s Rock is the waves of Tamarindo. These swells are gentle without being undersized, and the soft sandy sea shore is perfect for taking a tumble on to.
Intermediate surfers have a slightly different experience. They’ll find themselves in a larger group. Although, with 6 or 7 per instructor, this is still a personalized experience.
The intermediate group takes bus and boat tours to find the perfect waves, and you’ll notice your skill level take a real step up at the end of the week.
Instructors know the waves well, and can adjust your technique so you respond to every swell.
If you’re advanced on a surfboard, then Witch’s Rock Surf Camp still has something to offer you. With fantastic local knowledge, the instructors are able to take you to some of Costa Rica’s most amazing hidden spots.
It’s an experience like no other, visiting breathtaking locations with the most impressive waves around.
Surfing isn’t just for guests at the hotel either. If you’ve found yourself accommodation elsewhere, or you’re only briefly passing through, then you can still learn to surf with Witch’s Rock instructors.
Either book a 3-day camp in advance, or drop in on the day.
Why Visit Witch’s Rock Surf Camp?
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is a must-visit destination for surfers thanks to an incredible combination of location and instruction.
With 12 breaks within minutes of the beachfront property, and plenty more just a short journey away, all levels of surfer can find something to enjoy with Witch’s Rock.
Knowledgeable instructors provide personalized advice to small groups, bolstered by years of local experience.
There’s nothing spooky about Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. Glorious weather year round and consistently impressive waves means Witch’s Rock Surf Camp is all treat, no trick.
