Pura Vida Surfers (Santa Teresa, Costa Rica)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

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LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

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Santa Teresa is at the bottom west side of the Nicoya peninsula of Costa Rica.  There are numerous beach and point breaks along the western coastline and when the conditions are right there is surfing on the east side which is only a 30 minute drive away.   The coastline of Santa teresa is entirely white sandy beaches and perfectly breaking waves.   

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CAMP CHARACTER

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Our camp is for anyone that wants to learn to surf!  Here we not only want to teach you the basics of surfing, or help you impove the skills you have, we want to share with everyone our passion for the sport and the lifestyle.  There is something for everyone at our camp.   With a capacity for only 20 people we maintain a laidback atmosphere where you can relax after a challenging day in the water.   Our surf instructors are trained for lessons with kids as young as four years old so this camp is perfect for the whole family.   For those interested in more nightlife we are walking distance from popular restuarants and the local discotheque.   

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CAMP OPERATOR

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Pura Vida Surfers was founded by Victor St. Clair, a local Tico, in 2013 when he settled in Santa Teresa after years of competing professionally in surf competitions around the world.   Joined by his partner Elena Horner who moved to Costa Rica, after years of challenging work in the oil industry of Alaska, in search of a slower paced life and a dream of learning to surf.   Together they invested in a property nearby the beach to expand the surf camp and bring their dream to reality.   Doing all of the designing and much of the construction themselves building the surf camp was certainly a labor of love, and the results couldn't be better.   With murals painted by their guests and furniture crafted themselves the camp is charming and unique just like the story that created it.  

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

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ACCOMMODATION TYPES

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Our surf camp has six private rooms, two of which our separate bungalows and 4 are in our main house.   Each are spacious with comfortable beds, ac, and private bathrooms.  There is a separate house with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom and full kitchen, this is a great option for groups or family’s that want space of there own.  for our budget travelers we have a spacious dorm with 6 large beds and privacy screens.

In our comunal area we have a screen to project our surf videos for video analysis in the evenings and to display some of our favorite waves during the day for inspiration.  We have space for dry land surf training as well as a pool to practice your turtle rolls and duck diving along with other surf fundamentals.  

When we’re not catching waves, or training to do so, we offer Spanish lessons, salsa classes and our friendly staff can help you organize fun excursions in the area.  

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CATERING

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Our surf camp is designed for flexibility so you get the best experience possible.  You can tailor your surf camp package to fit your needs.   We offer a simple breakfast with coffee and tea on site and if you would like lunch and dinner included you can specify how many for your stay when you book with us and we will set up a price for you.   For lunch and dinner you will be given ticket vouchers that are good at almost any restaurant in town.   There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and healthy options to choose from. 

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

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SURF COURSE DETAILS

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Surf lessons vary in group size with there always being an instructor for every 3 students.  Exact times for lessons depend on the tide but there will always be a morning and an afternoon session.  For those who have never surfed we will spend their first day or two in the white water getting comfortable on the board and after that head to green waves.  Every lesson is filmed so you can review your surfing in the evening, we've found this is the fastest way for people to improve.  We train on the beach for about 30 minutes before getting in the water and then have 2 hours in the water.   

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SURF MATERIALS

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Boards are provided during lesson and after for use.  Novice surfers will use 9-10 ft. foam boards and we have a range of sizes of fiberglass boards for more advanced surfers.  Rash guards are gifted to our students on their arrival.  Fruits, water and coconuts are given out after every lesson.   It's recommended students bring their own sunscreen, preferably a water proof zinc for their faces.  

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OTHER ACTIVITIES<

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Our camp includes daily yoga classes for you to relax and stretch your body after the work out of surfing.  Yoga types offered and vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga, power, and yin.  Classes are available throughout the day.  Spanish lessons and salsa classes are available at the camp also.  We organize trips to the nearby waterfall in monetezuma or Cobo Blanco wildlife refuge depending on interest of our students.  We can also arrange stand up paddle board tours in Mal Pais.  
Our friendly and knowledgable staff is here to help you make the most of your vacation and are happy to help you arrange anything in the area that interests you.  ATV tours, horseback rides, fishing tours, ziplining, whale watching, these are just a few examples of what Santa Teresa has to offer.  

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

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 SURF CONDITIONS

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There are multiple breaks in this area which is why it is such a perfect place for a surf camp.   Our surf instructors will evaluate the swell and skills of our surfers and decide where to go, sometimes breaking into groups and going to different spots.   With the furthest surf spot still being within a 30 minute drive, this gives us a lot of options close by.   Not only will you get to experience excellent waves you will be able to see a lot of the local area, going to different beaches throughout your stay with us.  

Seasonal conditions

Costa Rica has warm water and weather temperatures ear round.  With dry season December-April there won’t be any rain during this time.   May-August will have light rains in the night and some chance days of rain.   Sept-November will be a bit more rainy but still warm weather and nice days.   Mostly the rain is in the night time.  

Crowd factor and local people

Because there are so many breaks to choose from the waves stay mostly uncrowded.   Surfers are kind and encouraging in the water with everyone focus on having fun and sharing waves. 

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 SURROUNDINGS / REGION

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Characterization of surroundings/region

Did you know that 25% of Costa Rica is protected?  With 28 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges and 32 protected zones it is truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventures.   With the main city of San José 4 hours away you won’t find any large malls or cinemas nearby but we still have all the convinces you will need with a contactly picturesque back drop of beach, jungle and wildlife.   You will commonly see howler monkeys on your way to the super market or beach and we are thankful that the nature of the area has been preserved so we can live harmoniously in this beautiful place.

Activities and facilities

We are happy to arrange fishing excursion, horseback riding tours, Atv tours, stand up paddle tours, a vist to the near by Cobo Blanco wildlife refuge, boat excursions to the nearby tortuga island and more!   As well as offering salsa classes and Spanish lessons right here at our camp.  

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 JOURNEY

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Ways to get to the camp

 

-Arrival by airplane 

The domestic airline options are 

http://natureair.com/

https://flysansa.com/

https://costaricagreenair.com/en/

 

You will book a flight to the Tambor Airport (TMU) and then take a shuttle to Santa Teresa (the shuttle takes about 45 minutes). The land transportation fee is included in the airfare, given that you choose Santa Teresa and Mal País as your final.  It is easiest to fly from San José.  There is an international airport in Liberia, but the domestic flights from there to Tambor are not all year round. 

Arrival by bus The direct bus from San José leaves from the terminal 7-10.  This bus takes about six hours and leaves San José at 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. The cost is about 15 USD which includes the cost of your ferry ticket of about 800 CRC.
 -Arrival by shuttle Bus
you can arrange a shuttle bus via https://tropicaltourshuttles.com/.   The price is around $50 usd and they can pick you up from the airport or your hotel and bring you directly to Pura Vida Surfers in Santa Teresa.  You will be sharing the ride with about 10 other people that will be dropped off at different locations, it’s about a 5 hour trip but allow yourself extra time when scheduling flights.  

Important details

When traveling to costa rica you are granted a 90 day travel visa for free.  

PACKAGES & PRICES

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7 day surf and yoga  - from 732 USD per Person

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7 Days Surf and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica

4 surf lessons, 6 yoga, with or without food

 

Low Season Sep 1- Oct 31	No Food	Food
dorm	$716	$1,027
Private single room, shared bathroom	$827	$1,138
Private single room, private bathroom	$1,027	$1,338
Private double room with shared bathroom	$1,415	$2,038
Private double room with private bathroom	1615	2240
Mid Season Feb 1- August 31 (Excluding Santa Semana)	No Food	Food
dorm	$747	994
Private single room, shared bathroom	$1,068	1420
Private single room, private bathroom	$1,266	1684
Private double room with shared bathroom	$1,694	2254
Private double room with private bathroom	1854	2466
High Season Nov 1 - Jan 31 (Excluding Holiday week)	No Food	Food
dorm	$787	1099
Private single room, shared bathroom	$1,226	1537
Private single room, private bathroom	$1,386	1697
Private double room with shared bathroom	$1,814	2437
Private double room with private bathroom	1973.	2596
Holidays Dec 21-Jan 15 and April 1- 6	No Food	Food
dorm	$923	$1,234
Private single room, shared bathroom	$1,721	$2,032
Private single room, private bathroom	$2,064	$2,375
Private double room with shared bathroom	$2,309	$2,931
Private double room with private bathroom	2652	3274

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10 day surf and yoga  - from 982 USD per  / Person

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This package includes:

6 surf, 8 yoga, with or without food.

Low Season Sep 1- Oct 31	No Food	Food
dorm	$982	$1,456
Private single room, shared bathroom	$1,149	$1,624
Private single room, private bathroom	$1,448	$1,923
Private double room with shared bathroom	$1,939	$2,889
Private double room with private bathroom	2238	3185
Mid Season Feb 1- August 31 (Excluding Santa Semana)	No Food	Food
dorm	$1,029	1504
Private single room, shared bathroom	$1,508	1983
Private single room, private bathroom	$1,807	2282
Private double room with shared bathroom	$2,358	3308
Private double room with private bathroom	2595	3547
High Season Nov 1 - Jan 31 (Excluding Holiday week)	No Food	Food
dorm	$1,089	1564
Private single room, shared bathroom	$1,748	2222
Private single room, private bathroom	$1,987	2462
Private double room with shared bathroom	$2,538	3487
Private double room with private bathroom	2777	3727
Holidays Dec 21-Jan 15 and April 1- 6	No Food	Food
dorm	$1,293	$1,768
Private single room, shared bathroom	$2,490	$2,965
Private single room, private bathroom	$3,004	$3,479
Private double room with shared bathroom	$3,280	$4,229
Private double room with private bathroom	3794	4744