Tamarindo is the perfect place to learn how to surf! The waves are very consistent, its a big beach break with very few rocks to worry about, the wave itself is not very heavy. Once your surfing skills start excelerating you can always walk to playa grande to test you ablity on some bigger waves. The surf instructors are very knowledgeable and enthusiatic about teaching you how to have fun and be safe in the water! I spent two summers in costa rica and did the surf intitute for two weeks. Now I am a surfer for life! Costa Rica is an awesome place and so is the program!

I didn't really know what to expect when I arrived here. I was surprised, but not at all disappointed. The rooms are shared here, like a hostel, but nicer. The rooms are located on the edge of the campus (the grounds are mixed use, housing a Spanish school as well as the surf camp) and right above the surf desk and all the boards. The whole place is perched in the trees and kind of has a Swiss Family Robinson vibe going (with monkeys and everything)

Each room has two bedrooms/bunkrooms that sleep 2-3 people and then there is a large shared living room, kitchen, bathroom and patio. The cool thing is that each of the rooms is really a large (1300sf?) custom condo, so they are each unique.

free wi-fi, lockers, security guard, satellite tv and proximity to the surf school, and the waves was a huge plus. Not to mention, being located on a school campus really introduced us to a ton of cool people, most of whom we ended up surfing with, going out with at night and forming lasting relationships with after our CR trip.

I can't remember if the staff cleaned every day or every other day but our place was always super clean. Also if you are staying long term, the full kitchen, bbq and grocery store down the street really help you save your colones.

Definitely a fun place for someone that likes activities. During our 4 week stay, we ended up surfing, taking Spanish courses, traveling to Nicaragua, Arenal volcano and whitewater rafting the Pacuare River in the middle of the rainforest.

Like their description says, I would agree its not for loungers who just want to hang by the pool and sip drinks. However if you are a long term traveler, looking to meet great people and make the most out of your time in Costa Rica, i wholeheartedly recommend.