ABOUT COSTA RICA WINTER ESCAPE SURF EXPEDITION 2026

COSTA RICA WINTER ESCAPE

TIMINGS: 17-30 January 2026
LEVELS: BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE
HOW LONG: 2 WEEKS
WHERE: DOMINICAL, PUNTARENAS
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 10
PRICES: from 2299 EUR (only 499 EUR of a down payment is required now)*

Special Offer:

Pay in full within the month of July and receive a discount of €200 on your booking !

VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE

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COSTA RICA Winter Escape surf camp 2026 - 17-30 January (open to book)

Jan 17

Jan 17, 2026 – Jan 30, 2026

COSTA RICA Winter Escape surf camp 2026 - 17-30 January (open to book)

Jan 17, 2026 – Jan 30, 2026

Join one of the best surf camps in Costa Rica 17-30 January. We are waiting for beginner and intermediate surfers to join us for the Winter Escape in 2026. Surf lessons, everyday yoga, video analysis, surfing workshops, organic food and drinks, 24h board rental. Only 499 EUR of down payment to book a place !

Jan 17, 2026 – Jan 30, 2026

Surf Package for 2 weeks
Prices: from 2299 EUR (only 499 EUR of a down payment is required now)*

♡ 13 nights at our high-vibe surf hostel, just 50 meters from the beach

♡ 10 surf lessons with Dominical Waveriders (two separate groups: one for beginners, one for intermediate surfers)

♡ 10 breakfasts and dinners at El Sueño restaurant (on the 10 surfing days)

♡ 10 yoga sessions with a dedicated yoga master and sound healer (option to extend with Wim Hof breathing sessions and ice baths)

♡ 5 surf workshops featuring video analysis (using GoPro & Canon 400mm) with Margherita, founder of Girl on the Wave surf project

♡ 24-hour surfboard rental on-site (unlimited use)

♡ Round-trip airport shuttle service Pickup: Saturday, January 17 at 6:00 PM, Drop-off: Friday, January 30 at 11:00 AM, Plus van transport available on-site for excursions

♡ On-site support from the experienced Girl on the Wave team

Margherita Iganska - Girl on the Wave Founder (@girlonthewavee)
Jeanine Haddad - Surf Leading Coach & Parter (@dominicalwaverider)
Beata Cierzniewska - Yoga Master & Sound Therapist (@beahathayoga)
Martina Galvez - Photographer and Videomaker (@watchingoverthewaves)

* and the rest 3 months before the surf camp (for more information about a down payment scroll down)

** for all bookings and full payments within the month of June we offer you 200 EUR discount

Extra Activities (to book on place)

♡ Full-day Whale Watching & Boat Trip along the coast of Uvita National Park, including snorkeling at Caño Island

♡ Full-day excursion to Nauyaca Waterfalls, either by hiking or on horseback (advance booking required at least one month prior)

♡ Tandem parachuting over the jungle and along the coastline

♡ Photo shooting (photo coverage of all surf lessons and activities)

Arrival and Departure Day

A private shuttle will be scheduled from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela, San José, on Saturday, January 17 at 6:00 PM, the day of arrival.

Due to potential traffic delays, if you plan to arrive a day earlier, we recommend booking a hotel near the airport to ensure you’re present for the shuttle pickup the following day.

The return shuttle will depart from our surf hostel on the last day of your stay, Friday, January 30, at 11:00 AM and will take you back to the airport.

Please schedule your return flight for Friday, January 30, after 6:00 PM.

Keep in mind that due to time zone differences, you may arrive back in your home country one day later.

If you need any help to plan your private itinerary please contact Margherita: contact@girlonthewave.com

Car service included

Our surf hostel is located right next to the beach, but in Costa Rica, having a car is essential if you want to explore beyond the coastline. From everyday yoga practise in spectacular jungle shala, Nayuaca waterfalls to tandem skydiving, , whale watching in Uvita Park and snorkeling at Caño Island - there’s so much to experience both along the coast and in the hills.

That’s why we’ve included a van as part of the package. This 12-passenger vehicle will give you the flexibility to join all the extra activities you’ve been dreaming of during your Costa Rica adventure with no extra costs.

Beginners / Intermediates Groups

We will divide participants into two separate groups—Beginners and Intermediates—based on your current surfing skills. Each group will surf at different spots, selected daily according to the surf conditions.

Beginner waves are found in more sheltered areas. These are smaller, cleaner, and offer gentle, easy-going rides—perfect for practicing your first steps and staying within your comfort zone.

Intermediate waves are clean and long, but faster, steeper, and more challenging—ideal for pushing your skills and progressing to the next level.

This is an intensive surf course designed to help you grow. Get ready for focused training, commitment, and fun in the water! Plus, you’re free to surf outside of lesson times, thanks to 24-hour board rental included in your package

Video Analysis

The Girl on the Wave surfing program is built around video analysis. We believe that recording your surf sessions offers a unique opportunity to clearly see and understand the key areas you need to work on—such as proper stance, movement, and technique.

Once a mistake is seen, it can’t be unseen. This kind of observation helps your brain process information more efficiently and sends clearer signals to your body. Many participants say that watching themselves surf—and seeing their mistakes caught in action—is crucial and truly game-changing for their progress.

Our video analysis sessions accelerate the learning process and significantly boost your confidence in the water.

Yoga

A special yoga practice with a dedicated yoga master adds depth to the Girl on the Wave surfing experience. Yoga not only builds strength and flexibility, but also improves balance and relaxes the muscles—helping your body recover and prepare for the next surf session.

At our Costa Rica surf camps, we work with an exceptional yoga teacher who brings a rich daily practice that combines deep stretching, relaxation techniques, meditation, and sound therapy using bowls and gongs. This holistic approach enhances both your physical performance and mental focus in the water.

Surf Packages

With every package we guarantee you the same nice standard, helpful staff, clean organised inner space and friendly vibe.

Choose your pack.

BASIC FAN - Book a full surf package for 2299 EUR for a single bed in quadruple room with a private bathroom. No AC but FAN and terrace.

BASIC AC - Book a full surf package for 2399 EUR for a single bed in quadruple room with a private bathroom and AC.

DOUBLE FAN* - Book a full surf package for 2499 EUR for a single bed in private double en-suite room. No AC but FAN.

PRIVATE FAN - Book a full surf package for 2599 EUR for a private double en-suite room. No AC but FAN.

DOUBLE AC* - Book a full surf package for 2699 EUR for a single bed in private double en-suite room. No AC but FAN.

PRIVATE AC - Book a full surf package for 2799 EUR for a private double en-suite room with AC .

Girl on the Wave surf retreats are designed for women, but you’re welcome to bring a friend, partner, or brother, as long as they respect the community rules and enjoy the whole experience.

It’s also optional to bok a half-package for those of you who can join us only for 1 week. Please contact us by mail and let us come back to you with more details if this is your case : contact@girlonthewave.com

You can compare all prices and check the availability of packages and rooms in our online store

Special offer : Pay in full within the month of June and receive a discount of €200 on your booking !

How to book your spot?

You can reserve your place now at directly through our online store, using a secure card payment. Once we receive your down payment of €499 we’ll send you a contract along with full details about your selected package and the amount due for the second instalment - this will depend on the package you choose.

Special Offer:

Pay in full within the month of June and receive a discount of €200 on your booking !

Prefer a Bank Transfer?

If you’re more comfortable booking via traditional bank transfer, simply email the following details to

📩 contact@girlonthewave.com:

• First and last name
• Full address
• Date of birth
• Passport number (valid 6 months before the travel)

Please describe the type of package you’d like to book. We’ll then get back to you with payment details and next steps.

Please Note

The offer does not include:

• Health & travel insurance
• Flights (we do not take responsibility for flight cancellations or changes—please make sure your flights are insured)

Dominical Surfing Paradise

Dominical is a laid-back surf village located on the Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica, just a few hours south of San José. It’s home to an incredible 4 km beach break, mostly offering left-hand waves. The lineup is typically uncrowded, the vibe is local and authentic, and the cost of living is reasonable—making it an ideal destination for surfers of all levels.

One of the best things about surfing in Costa Rica is the tropical water—warm year-round and, despite popular myths, not sharky at all. Whether you’re catching waves at sunrise or sunset, the sessions here are not only safe but also absolutely magical.

Into the wild

Get ready to be surrounded by wildlife and tropical sounds—parrots, toucans, and other exotic birds chirping all around. Our surf hostel is tucked deep in the jungle, just off the main Pacific coastal road, offering a true nature-immersed experience.

You’ll often surf alongside pelicans, dolphins, sea turtles, swordfish, and manta rays. Spotting sloths high in the trees or iguanas lounging just outside your door is part of the daily routine. While there are crocodiles in the rivers, they don’t enter the ocean—especially during the dry season (December to May).

The good news? Costa Rica is virtually shark-free, and though jellyfish occasionally appear, they’re not a major concern. Spiders and snakes are far from our surf camp area, but mosquitoes are part of the jungle life—so don’t forget a strong repellent.

Evenings often end with bonfires on the beach, under the stars, making it all more than worth it.

Sustainable infrastructure

The natural wilderness of Dominical is extended by a sustainable architecture and usability of super cool friendly places as @fuegobrewco Bar & Restaurant with regular dj sets and live music nights, BIO @mamatoucansnaturalmarket and @caffemonocongo, weekly BIO & Flee Market next to @rumbar and @thekrazykinkajou @moromoforneria or @phatnoodlecostarica, local bars and street open market with diverse stands for beauty, handmade fashion and @la_parcela_rest open restaurant or @casakiaora house with the stunning patio for yoga @theshala

Surf Hostel

Just 50 meters from the beach, our surf hostel features a spacious, open Central American courtyard that naturally brings surfers together from all over the world.

The layout includes balconies perfect for drying your bikinis, boardshorts, and towels, with corridors leading to a variety of room types spread across two floors.

Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, but if you prefer a fan-only option, let us know in advance—we’ll do our best to accommodate your preference.

You’ll have access to a 24-hour shared kitchen, a spacious open-air living room with reliable Wi-Fi, and all the essentials for surf life: a board rack, outdoor shower, and a small swimming pool for a post-session cool-down.

Our friendly and helpful reception team is available anytime, and the restaurant where we’ll enjoy all our breakfasts and dinners is located right next door to the hostel.

Waves

Playa Dominical is without a doubt one of the top surf spots in the world. It offers consistent waves 95% of the year, rarely dropping below waist-high. The beach’s beautiful sandbars shape the waves with point break-like precision, making it a dream for surfers of all levels.

Dominical is internationally known for its powerful, quality waves, and for goofy-footers, there’s no shortage of clean lefts to ride! On bigger days, when the main break gets too heavy, you can head to Playa Dominicalito (Lito)—Dominical’s calmer little sister—just a short ride away. It’s more sheltered from the swell and ideal for a mellow session.

Ocean

The ocean water is tropical and warm, consistently above 20°C (68°F), and during the dry season (December to May), you’ll enjoy barely any wind—ideal conditions for surfing. January and February mark the peak of the high season, but don’t worry about crowds. The 4 km-long bay is spacious, filled with multiple breaks, and framed by breathtaking jungle views.

Just be prepared for the sun: a hat and a lycra rash guard are essential during midday sessions. For a cooler, more magical experience, hit the waves at sunrise (5:30 AM) or sunset (7:30 PM)—those moments are absolutely unforgettable.

With a variety of breaks suited to different skill levels, Playa Dominical is like a natural gym—perfect for surfing all day, every day.

Is it a natural wave pool? Absolutely.

Love point breaks? You’ll find several hidden gems just a few kilometers away, waiting to be explored.

Flights

The best direct flights from Europe are definitely the direct ones*

KLM: AMS-SJO
Air France: CDG-SJO
Iberia: MAD-SJO
Lufthansa: FRA-SJO

*You can also book a flight ticket through USA but remember about VISA/ESTA.

The best direct flights from USA:

American Airlines: Your city in USA-SJO
United Airlines: Your city in USA-SJO
Spirit: Your town in USA-SJO
Jet-Blue: Your town in USA-SJO