8 Sustainable Surf Resorts in Costa Rica for an Eco-Conscious Stay
Planning an eco-conscious surf trip to Central America? Discover 8 sustainable surf resorts in Costa Rica to keep your environmental footprint to a minimum.
For us and many others, Costa Rica is a natural paradise and the kind of place we’d love to live if the opportunity arose. With miles of largely uninhabited coastline and world-class waves, this Central American gem has become one of our favourite surf destinations.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to take your first surfing steps or an advanced surfer wanting to shred epic breaks, Costa Rica caters to every skill level.
Considering its stunning natural environment and reputation as an eco-tourism destination, it should come as no surprise that Costa Rica delivers when it comes to sustainable surf resorts.
If you’re wondering where to stay for sustainable surfing in Costa Rica, we have you covered. These operations minimise environmental impact by reducing waste, recycling and using renewable energy sources, as well as regularly organising beach cleanups.
In this article, we’ll highlight 8 of the best sustainable surf camps in Costa Rica for an eco-conscious trip. By staying at sustainable surf resorts in Nosara and
eco surf camps in Santa Teresa, you can score incredible waves while helping to preserve the wildlife-rich rainforests and hidden beaches of this Central American gem.
Heading off on a surf trip and want to keep your environmental footprint to a minimum? Check out our sustainable packing list for surfers.
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Olas Verdes Hotel, Nosara
• Boutique atmosphere
• Swimming pool
• Walking distance to beach
Located on the coast of Guanacaste, Olas Verdes is a sustainable surf resort in Nosara that exudes a really serene vibe. It’s surrounded by tropical forests, epic surf breaks and a community dedicated to protecting the planet.
This award-winning boutique hotel seamlessly blends into its natural setting. Among its sustainable initiatives, it has solar panels installed atop its thatched-roof casitas and native species flourishing in its gardens.
Beyond the grounds, Nosara beckons – a laid-back town that fiercely protects its environment. Once threatened by deforestation, the community banded together to reforest the coastline and establish protected areas, such as the Ostional-Nosara National Wildlife Refuge.
Today, howler monkeys swing through the trees as surfers ride waves at the world-class beach break of Playa Guiones.
When staying at Olas Verdes Hotel, you can rest assured you’re supporting local families and helping protect this slice of paradise.
Looking for easy ways to be an eco-conscious surfer? Check out our detailed article here.
Ventura Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa
• Work desks for digital nomads
• Organic bath and body products
• Walking distance to beach
Ventura Santa Teresa is the ideal spot for surfers looking for a lively community atmosphere. Just a short walk from the beach, this eco-friendly hotel in Santa Teresa allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the coast while still being close to all the action.
The rooms at Ventura are modern and tidy, featuring work desks for digital nomads and kitchenettes (in the suites) for those who prefer to cook for themselves. Each room is designed as a peaceful retreat after days spent riding the waves of Santa Teresa.
The Aroma restaurant offers up healthy and delicious meals in a laid-back setting – the gallo pinto is a local favourite.
Aside from its stunning location, Ventura Santa Teresa is dedicated to preserving the ecological wonders of the Nicoya Peninsula through various sustainability projects.
Certified as an ocean-friendly business by the Nicoya Waterkeeper organisation, this eco surf hotel in Santa Teresa has installed a cutting-edge Bionest wastewater treatment system. It also has future plans for a solar energy setup off the grid.
Additionally, the hotel collaborates with Raw Botanicals to offer guests 100% organic bath and body products.
Heading to Santa Teresa? Discover more inspiring eco-resorts for surfers in Santa Teresa.
Dreamsea Costa Rica, Tamarindo
• Affordable accommodation
• Onsite yoga
• Community vibe
Nestled within Tamarindo’s forest, Dreamsea is an affordable Costa Rica surf camp that offers a taste of the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. It’s a place to connect with nature through surfing, yoga and adventure while learning about sustainability within the community.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or looking to catch your first waves, Dreamsea Costa Rica is ideal. It provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to live in harmony with nature and enjoy endless surf under the Costa Rican sun.
At this sustainable surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica, you can start your days with yoga classes led by knowledgeable instructors. It’s a great way to bliss out while listening to the sounds of native birds and howler monkeys.
During your stay, you’ll meet inspiring people from diverse backgrounds, all united by Dreamsea’s philosophy: “It’s about the people.”
The kitchen at this eco surf camp in Tamarindo goes above and beyond to ensure you get the nutrients you need to keep your energy up for long days out in the water.
Heading to Tamarindo? Discover more inspiring eco-resorts for surfers in Tamarindo.
Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa
• Beachfront setting
• Onsite wellness facilities
• Luxury accommodations
Nantipa is a highly-rated boutique hotel located right on the beach, making it ideal for surfers wanting a high-end stay.
The name “Nantipa” means “Blue” in Chorotegan, reflecting the ocean views and revitalising atmosphere that fills the entire property.
Alongside the beautiful bungalows, suites and villas at this eco-conscious hotel in Santa Teresa, there is an open-air restaurant that features cuisine inspired by Costa Rica. Most of the meals are prepared using ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
At the Numu wellness center, you can indulge in holistic treatments and experiences designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength. It’s a great way to revitalise after a day of surfing.
From its inception, Nantipa has been developed with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and the conservation of local resources. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability includes ongoing projects aimed at reducing waste and supporting the community of the Nicoya Peninsula.
This is definitely one of the best sustainable beachfront surf resorts in Costa Rica!
Travelling further afield? Check out these inspiring eco-surf camps and resorts around the globe.
Bodhi Surf + Yoga, Bahia Ballena-Uvita
• Yoga classes
• Farm-to-table meals
• Community vibe
Four friends with a shared vision came together in 2010 to create something extraordinary in Bahia Ballena-Uvita. Their goal was to build a responsible tourism company focused on facilitating world-class surfing and yoga instruction. All while preserving the untouched beauty around them.
Recognising the power they held to drive positive change, they built their business as a force for good – locally and globally. The result is one of the best surf and yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
Today, Bodhi Surf + Yoga is redefining the typical beach vacation as one of Costa Rica’s top eco-friendly surf camps. As a proud B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, they walk the walk when it comes to responsible tourism and giving back to the local community.
Guests rave about the eco-lodge accommodation and the farm-to-table meals, as well as the welcoming community vibe.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, every session at this ethical Costa Rican surf camp includes theory, demos, practice and feedback so you can progress your skills.
Want to dive during your Costa Rica surf trip? Discover some of the best places for scuba diving in Costa Rica.
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel, Tamarindo
• Adults-only Costa Rica hotel
• Swimming pool
• Gourmet cuisine using local produce
Nestled in tropical gardens away from the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo’s main street is this adults-only hotel. It offers a peaceful retreat for surfers seeking an eco surf hotel in Tamarindo.
Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel boasts 46 bright and spacious rooms, along with a welcoming pool and a secluded garden offering ocean views.
Begin each day with a generous breakfast buffet that will fuel you up for a day in the water. In the evenings, treat yourself to a three-course gourmet dinner at the sophisticated Plumeria Restaurant.
This eco-conscious hotel in Tamarindo is dedicated to sustainable practices that reduce its ecological footprint. Initiatives include solar panels to power the hotel, the collection of recyclable materials and a wastewater treatment facility.
Jardin del Eden also takes pride in collaborating with local artisans, sourcing organic eggs and maintaining vegetable gardens to provide fresh produce for its restaurant.
Rancho Delicioso, Nicoya Peninsula
• Permaculture principles
• Yoga classes
• Forested natural setting
Rancho Delicioso is a thriving eco-surf camp in Costa Rica that offers the perfect fusion of surfing, sustainability and serenity.
With world-class waves just minutes away and acres of farmland bursting with life, this retreat offers an unforgettable experience. The vision of this sustainable Costa Rica surf retreat is to attract like-minded, eco-conscious artists and yogis.
Each day starts with yoga illuminated by the rising sun. Then grab your board and head out to discover the endless breaks that surfers flock to the Nicoya Peninsula for.
When you’re not enjoying the aquamarine waters, immerse yourself in the farming lifestyle, learn hands-on permaculture techniques and discover the world of natural building.
Come nightfall, you can experience the nightlife of Montezuma in Pura Vida style.
Pura Selva Eco Tree House, Tamarindo
• Permaculture principles
• Yoga classes
• Forested natural setting
This eco-friendly Tamarindo treehouse hotel perfectly combines modern amenities with the wild charm of Costa Rica. In our opinion, it’s ideal for surfers looking for an ethical (and unique) stay.
The distinctive lodgings at Pura Selva are perched high above the ground. As a result, they provide spectacular views of the undulating hills and tree canopy that extends into the distance.
Built with sustainable materials, the treehouses are crafted to minimise their ecological footprint. We particularly love the outdoor showers where you can bathe while being serenaded by the sounds of the forest.
The resort’s dedication to sustainability is a big part of its attraction. Efforts like conserving water, reducing waste and utilising renewable energy all play a part in its eco-friendly philosophy.
Just remember that there is no air conditioning available, and due to the jungle environment, you might encounter some insects! Nevertheless, this remains one of the best eco-conscious hotels in Tamarindo for surfers who love being immersed in nature.
Staying at a sustainable surf camp in Costa Rica
Considering Costa Rica’s reputation as a leading eco-tourism destination, it should come as little surprise that the country is also home to a wide choice of eco-conscious surf camps.
These properties go to great lengths to minimise their environmental impact, carefully managing their waste, embracing renewable energy sources and regularly organising beach cleanups.
By choosing to stay at Costa Rica surf resorts with sustainability initiatives, you can not only score incredible waves and have the surfing experience of a lifetime. But also take pride in knowing you are directly contributing to the protection and preservation of the country’s natural ecosystems.
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We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe.
After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainable surf camps, eco-dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore.
