Shaka Costa Rica

What it's like

Shaka Costa Rica describes itself as a surf camp for grown-ups, and that sums it up well. It's small, holding about 12 guests at most, and it sits in the quiet, mostly residential beach community of Playa Hermosa, just north of Santa Teresa. You can hear the waves from the property, though you can't see the beach; it's a 3 to 4 minute walk to the sand.

The heart of the place is an open-air, palm-roofed rancho with hammocks, where guests gather between sessions. Days revolve around surf lessons, daily yoga and shared meals. About half of guests come alone, and dinners are eaten together, so it's easy to meet people without it ever feeling like a party hostel.

The lessons

Playa Hermosa is widely known as one of the better learn-to-surf beaches on the peninsula, with a long, open beach break. Shaka teaches complete beginners as well as intermediate and advanced surfers. Groups have no more than 3 students, and levels are never mixed, so you're not waiting around for others or getting dragged out of your depth.

Non-swimmers can learn in the whitewater, but you'll need to be able to swim 50 m before heading out to bigger, unbroken waves. Surf classes don't run on Sundays. Daily yoga rounds out the program. If you're brand new, this guide to learning to surf is worth a read first, and there's more on the break itself in this Playa Hermosa surf spot guide.

Rooms and meals

Every room is private, with its own bathroom, a queen bed, air conditioning, wifi, hot water and a safe big enough for a laptop. Two of the villas can take a third person on a single bed if you request it at booking. Groups can book all 4 villas.

Most meals are covered: an early snack before surfing, brunch around 10:30 and dinner Sunday through Friday. Lunch and Saturday dinner are on your own, which is a good excuse to try Santa Teresa's restaurants.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's great for adults who want structured lessons with real progression and a friendly, low-key crowd, and it's especially good for solo travelers. Couples where one person doesn't surf can come too; pregnant guests can join as non-surfers.

It's less suited to anyone who wants a big resort, a pool scene or nightlife on the doorstep. There's no cell reception at the property, which some will love and others won't (wifi is available). The minimum stay is 3 days, packages run 5 or 7 days, and the camp closes in September and October.

Getting there

Shaka is on the Hermosa Beach Road in Playa Hermosa, north of Santa Teresa. Airport transfers aren't included but the team can help arrange them. Domestic flights from San José land at the Cóbano airstrip, a short drive away, and private shuttles run door to door from San José. See our travel guide.