Things To Do On The Nicoya Peninsula With Kids
Montezuma Waterfall: One of the most memorable of those excursions was a hike to the Montezuma Waterfall. Hilary told us that the old school route was to bypass the first pool and continue hiking to the top where we would be rewarded by a rope swing and majestic views from the top of the waterfall, and she was spot on. The hike is technically challenging, especially for small children, but so worth it.
Cemetery Island: On our day off, Karen loaded us all into the truck for a trek out to Cemetery Island. You can only access the island during low tide, so the trip has to be timed perfectly. Once on the island, there are shallow tide pools to explore and, true to its name, a cemetery marking the final resting place of Nicoya locals. On the way home, we pulled up under a huge tree so the kids could fill their t-shirts with marañón, the cashew fruit, which we later dried and ate with dinner.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: One afternoon while the advanced surfers in our group ventured into more challenging waters, Karen took the rest of us to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, 1,270 acres of preserved forest at the very tip of the Peninsula. Karen impressed the kids with facts about sloths, monkeys and history of the area as we watched iguanas scamper around and took in the incredible views.
Tips To Travel In Costa Rica With Kids
A Costa Rica family vacation well, family travel anywhere can be tough. Theres a lot of planning and strategizing to do. The planning phase is never complete without some crossed fingers, negotiating, and compromise.
This likely has you feeling a little stressed. Lets be honest: It would probably be easier to get a herd of African elephants to dance than it is to pull off successful travel with kids. Thats where we come in! With a bit of preparation and a dose of good cheer, our tips on Costa Rica for families will see you through.
Best Surf Camps In Costa Rica
At Barefoot Surf Travel, we believe the best surf trip for beginners and intermediates is a combination of a high-quality surf coaching program, mixed with an authentic travel experience. Since our Surf Trip Calendar has specific dates based on the best seasons for waves and weather, some peoples schedules lack flexibility and are unable to attend. Oftentimes these people contact us to know if we could recommend another surf travel company or surf camp when they cant match their vacations with any of our trips.
Here are some of our recommendations for a surf camp experience in Costa Rica.
1. Surf Simply
Teach a man to fish, rather than give him a fish.
This is the simple approach to Surf Simplys surf program. The expert coaches share an obvious goal: for you to take the skills you gain to progress your surfing beyond the program. Theory lessons, video analysis and surf photos aid in this process, giving you the highest quality curriculum.
Type: All-inclusiveProgram Length: 1 or 2 weeksProgram Size: 12 peopleMeals Included: Yes, but Wednesdays lunch & dinner is on you!Girls Only: No
Whats Included: Accommodation, Airport Transfers, Surf Coaching, Stretch Classes, Meals, One Massage, Surf Videos & Photos of your progress, Bicycles, all Surf Equipment, & One Off-day Activity of your choice: Ziplining, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Horseback riding, and more!Whats Not included: Airfare & Wednesdays lunch & dinner.
More on TripAdvisor!
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Costa Rica Surf Guide For Families
Whilst the Reef breaks of Fiji, the Maldives and Indonesia attract the serious surfers, Costa Rica holds the crown as the most family and beginner friendly surf destination. Costa Rica boasts deliciously warm seas, reliable Pacific Ocean swells and a good mix of beginner, fammily and intermediate friendly surf spots. When you are not surfing there is plenty to explore inland from pristine rainforest to volcanic hot springs, world class rafting and incredibly diverse wildlife.
A Remote And Tropical Girls Getawayeasier Than You Think
A number of world-class yoga studios and wellness retreats have opened across Costa Rica. The yogic principles are simple to learn when surrounded by the natural beauty found in Costa Rica.
Ladies of the family gather in Costa Rica to enjoy healthy, fresh food, and days relaxing at the spa. Costa Rica is the perfect destination for a healthy, invigorating and pampering girls getaway.
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Take Costa Rica Surf Lessons
An introduction to surfing at Lapa Rios Ecolodge
New to surfing? Lessons are always a great way to start out, and whether youre 7 or 70, being able to ride the perfect right point break is something to write home about! With water temperatures around 80 F, or mid-20 C, youll enjoy a day spent in the ocean as much as at the beach.
Longest Waves In Costa Rica
Costa Rica has over 50 famous surf breaks along its gorgeous beaches, some of which are legendary. The waves are huge and offer hollow and fast rides. Some breaks, like in Pavones on the Southern Pacific Coast, offer the longest rides of the world. Getting there by itself is an adventure, it is all worth it in the end! Some of these beaches are hard to reach due to poor roads conditions. Some are reachable by plane, but many domestic flights will not accept surfboards, so plan to rent a car or travel by bus.
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Perfect Family Surfing Destinations
Trust us. Weve travelled the globe to find the ultimate destinations for families to enjoy the chic beach lifestyle and a stress-free surfing experience. From the white-sand beaches of Barbados, to wildlife and wave-rich Costa Rica, weve made it our mission to find the best places to surf, stay and play with your family. And at home in Cornwall we run a Surf Mums Club, family coaching sessions and live the family surfing lifestyle. As surfing mums we know its not easy to balance me-time, family time, beach life and surfing. So, from the boutique surf resorts of Portugal, to the wild beaches of Nicaragua, tropical Sri Lanka and the rugged coastline of Cornwall, weve selected the perfect places to enjoy quality family time beside the waves.
Family Surf Trip To Costa Rica With Non Surfers
Might take a family surf trip to Costa Rica next February. We have one very experienced surfer, 2 young novices and 3 non surfers. The non-surfers need some other diversions of course . We are looking for a place right on the beach in the surf zone and meals included. I have been to Tamarindo and have no intentions of returning there. Any ideas? Maybe Mal Pias? Playa Noosara?
Playa Guiones in Nosara. Look at:
We spent 7 days there with 3 surfers and 3 non-surfers and everyone had a good time.
We rented a house from Harbor Reef Hotel. Nice house close to the hotel and an easy walk to the beach and town. Great beach to surf and walk and many good restaurants in the area. We had a car but walked everywhere.
We’re heading to Nosara in April, it’s great for all levels of surfers and looks like there’s plenty to do – all the different beaches, horseback riding, turtles, ziplining, fishing, atv’s…..and Samara is not even 1/2 hr away which has snorkeling, diving and other fun stuff!
You might check out Horizontes Tours in Costa Rica. They are very helpful and knowledgeable and great with young people. CR is a terrific place for a family vacation. I occasionally blog about our own CR adventures at
Google the site ‘Surfing Nosara’. They have many, many options for rentals, condo’s and houses.
Casa Romantica and Guilded Iguana. All just a couple minutes walk to the beach.
Costa Rica
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More Than Just Surfing
When in Costa Rica, you have to want to experience more than just waves during your trip. Make your surfing vacation about some other things as well! Especially when in the area of Guanacaste, you have some thrilling options for day trips that introduce you to some of Costa Ricas natural wonders. Close by you will find national parks like that of volcano Rincon de la Vieja. Known to have some unique biodiversity, Rincon de la Vieja is a great place to take horseback riding tours or even try shite-water rafting. You can hike to a waterfall or try your hand at canyoning. To cap it all off, you can end the day in one of the relaxing thermal hot springs or mud baths. You can travel from hotel to hotel or choose to stay in a retreat where everything from meals to tours in included.
Be Prepared For Costa Rican Weather
This sounds obvious, but pack weather-appropriate clothes. Being too cold or too hot can cause crankiness. And on that topic, dont underestimate Costa Ricas ability for cold or hot.
If youll be traveling to higher elevations, like the Monteverde Cloud Forest, bring layers and cozy pajamas. If youre hitting the beaches, pack plenty of ocean-friendly sunblock.
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Best Surf Spots For Experienced Surfers
Costa Rica’s most famous surf spots for experienced surfers are enticingly located in easy distance of beginner friendly surf beaches and resorts with plenty to do for other non surfing members of the family. Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock are located on the Guanacaste Coast and can be reached by boat from Tamarindo ot the Papagayo Peninsula. For families with a mix of surfing levels we recommend Hotel Capitano Suisso in Tamarindo whilst for families with non surfers and a taste for luxury should head for the Four Seasons or Andaz Resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula from where the serious surfers can take morning boat trips out to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. Pavones and Matapalo are legendary spots down on the Southern Pacific Coast and whilst the area is less ideal for beginner / intermediate surfers, non surfers will be spoilt rotten exploring the stunning Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula which unarguably contain Costa Rica’s finest wildlife viewing and eco lodges. We recommend the stunning Lapa Rios which is located literally right by Pan Dulce and Matapalo.
Costa Rica Family Surf Vacations
Costa Rica is a great country to visit for a family vacation with its tropical jungles, volcanoes, and of course, gorgeous beaches. The friendly local population and the safe environment make it a perfect destination for family vacations and traveling with children is easier in Costa Rica than many other countries in Latin America. Costa Rica has something for everyone and when it comes to planning a surf vacation for the whole family, the same is true.
Surf Spots
There are lots of great surf spots throughout Costa Rica but Tamarindo and the surrounding area is the best for a family vacation, with the ideal location, wide variety of surf spots, and lots of accommodations to choose from. The Tamarindo area has surf spots for all levels of surfers so whether Mom and Dad are pros the youngsters need to take a lesson or two, everyone can still have fun in Tamarindo. The main beach in Tamarindo has a couple of good breaks for beginners and more experienced surfers and the nearby beaches of Playa Langosta, Playa Avellanas, Playa Grande, and Playa Negra offer up more surf spots with a wide variety of waves to keep everyone entertained.
Surf Seasons
Climate Considerations
Surf Schools and Camps for Families
Additional Tips for Families
Contact us today & we will assist you in booking your family surf vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica!
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Luxury Family Surfing Holidays
Family Surf Co. creates family surfing holidays and breaks for families and parents who love the active beach lifestyle.
As surfing mums who have travelled the globe with our children and surfboards, we make it easy for other families to find the perfect destinations to ride the waves together, while enjoying luxury accommodation, peace of mind and excellent facilities beside the beach.
From surf holidays for the whole family, to mums-only surf breaks, we cater for all levels of families who want to enjoy the beach lifestyle and learn to ride to the waves. Using our first-hand experience of destinations and accommodation, we create itineraries that will connect you to the ocean lifestyle and boost your well-being.
Sea you on the beach
- Weve road-tested each location to ensure its perfect for family surf holidays.
- Were experienced surfers, travel agents and family travellers.
- Were qualified surf coaches, lifeguards and live the family surfing lifestyle.
- Weve handpicked the finest family accommodation beside the waves.
- We book everything from travel and accommodation to surfing and childcare.
- We pack you off with in-depth family travel guides to your destination.
- As part of the TTA our holidays are 100% financially protected.
- Were a global surfing community with lots of advice about family surf travel.
May All Who Come As Guests Leave As Family
We have been to Corky Carrolls Costa Rica for years. Every time we ask the kids where they would prefer to go on a family vacation, its always Corky Carrolls! We are a family that likes adventure and not the touristy cookie cutter vacation. We love to Surf, zip line, hike and do yoga all of that is available for us there. Most of all, we love the friendliness of the staff . The surf instructors have always been amazing and so helpful even to our younger more cautious child. The food is unrivaled, and again, fantastic even to our most cautious child. Bottom line, we keep coming back to enjoy the amazing surf, owner family, staff and smiles. That is what we take away the most every time we go the smiles!
Euler Family
When I stepped out of the van years ago, in front of Corky Carrolls, I didnt know I was about to have the first of many amazing vacations. Nor did I know I was going to meet new friends for life, or bond more closely with my existing pack of surf buddies. I didnt know Id push beyond what I thought I could do in my surfing . But all of that turned out to be true, and years later my friends and I still return, annually if we can. I LOVE everything about this place the teachers , the food, the staff, the owners, the town, the training methodology, Bernie time, the other guests, you name it. Its an amazing place to learn or hone your surfing skills, no matter what your age, level, etc. and a genuinely chill & fun place to hang for a week .
Kim Paone
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Buy What You Can Locally
Its preferable to leave most non-essentials at home. For example, there are dozens of cookies, crackers and other snacks to discover in any supermarket.
Diaperseven swim diapers and pull-ups, can be found almost everywhere. Baby wipes, antibacterial gel, sippy cups, and coloring books are readily available throughout Costa Rica.
Family Wb Surf Camp Playa Grande Costa Rica
Overview
Join us for our Family Costa Rica Surf Camp travel adventure! This program is designed for the whole family, from beginner to advanced. By surfing in a small group setting, your ability and confidence level will go through the roof while having the most incredible family vacation of your life.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate and enjoys year-round water temps around 80 degrees. It has two separate coasts, the Pacific and the Caribbean, and receives swells from many different directions depending on the time of the year. There are over 50 well-known, named surf breaks and just as many lesser known ones. We will be surfing the Pacific Coast and exploring several beach breaks in the beautiful Tamarindo area.
Costa Rica is a beautiful, diverse country with a lot to see and do. In addition to daily surf sessions, we provide our clients with other activities including a zip line tour through a rainforest canopy where you will see monkeys and iguanas, and the opportunity to explore amazing pristine beaches. Our staff will also teach you about wave dynamics, wave prediction, and surfing etiquette.
There is so much more to surfing than riding a wave, and we want you to have the full experience! Come and enjoy your surfing vacation while we take care of all the details! Participants ages 7+ and up are welcome, and each high quality session is limited. Make your plans now for an adventure youll never forget!
Itinerary
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Accomodations
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Types Of Risks In Costa Rica
Costa Rica has very friendly people but that doesnt mean there arent areas that are deceptively more unsafe. The smaller surfing towns are often the safest, filled with locals or business owners who love to enjoy and entertain tourists. Major cities like San Jose offer the most risks, which are higher cases of theft and drug dealing.
You should remain vigilant whilst on your travels in Costa Rica, even when situated at your surf camp or resort. Make sure to use mosquito repellent every day and try to plan your trip as much in advance as possible.
Always wear High UV protection SPF, even during cloudier days as the sun is strong in Costa Rica.
Below are some recommended tips to reduce risk whilst traveling in Costa Rica:
- Dont leave anything under your towel when youre out surfing
- Travel in groups in the nighttime
- Leave valuables locked in a safe when not in your accommodation
- Dont trek or hike alone in Costa Rica
- The water is safe to drink apart from in Limon and Puntarenas
- Be careful when buying cheap spirit-based drinks in bars
- Dont camp on the beaches
- Female solo travelers should be more vigilant