We get asked quite a bit about budget-friendly options in various places, so thought we’d provide a list here. These surf camps are not low-quality. We chose five surf camps that we believe to hold the best value while not breaking the bank. We’ll highlight each camp, why we think it’s a good option, and what’s on offer!

La Botella de Leche

La Botella de Leche is an awesome offering. They offer both dorm-style accommodations and private rooms. It’s on our list of the best family surf camps in Costa Rica as you can rent private rooms with up to four beds. The area, Tamarindo, generally has much pricier options. La Botella de Leche stands out in this Costa Rican surf town with its high-value pricing. You will get a lot for your money here at Botella de Leche in one of our favorite surf towns in Costa Rica.

The surf camp is comfortable and cozy. They have a pool, yoga deck, gym, and kitchen. All rooms have air conditioning as well. The break is just a few minutes from the grounds, and they provide two-hour surf lessons every day. They also can take more advanced surfers to farther breaks like Avellanas, Playa Langosta, Playa Grande, and Playa Negra. Breakfast is included, as is surf photography, yoga lessons, and a tour of the crocodiles!

The waves in Tamarindo are great for beginners and intermediates. You won’t find pumping barrels like in other parts of the country, but you will find incredible consistency and some of Costa Rica’s best longboard waves. This is especially true during the North American summer months. You’ll get regular chest-high waves, offshore winds, and tons of whitewash on the inside for beginners. Winter can be quite cool and windy, and you’ll perhaps even need a wetsuit! La Botella de Leche offers 4 day surf camps starting at just $250, 6 day surf camps starting at $500, and 8 day surf camps from $730.

Cabo Surf Retreat

Mexico is our home, so we had to include a budget surf camp here. Located in Los Cabos, Cabo Surf Retreat work with Aloha Surf Hostel right in San Jose del Cabo. Although many people go to Cabo to party or golf, it’s actually home to some solid surfing. The shape of the peninsula helps it take waves from nearly any angle, and there are plenty of things to do outside of surfing. It’s definitely not the cheapest place in Mexico in general, but the surf retreat offers super competitive pricing.

At the surf camp you’ll have breakfast and drinks included, and they organize tours to local attractions like the organic markets (seasonal), a guided walk through the art district, and more. Surf lessons are included, as are the surf equipment you’ll need. It is a hostel, so the options are for shared dorms only as far as we know. It’s pretty fun to stay with new people and meet fellow travelers!

The surf instructor, Crazy Joe, is wildly popular in the area and among students. He’s super passionate, flexible with personal preferences and abilities, and his mom Matilda will make you some amazing breakfast burritos. Their three day camps start at $380 for one person or $1,100 for four people, and their five day camps start at $350 for one person or $700 for two people.

Urcia Surf School

In my opinion, every surfer should visit Huanchaco, Peru at some point in their lives. It’s a World Surfing Reserve site as it’s home to the earliest known “surfers.” On their caballitos de totora, the locals have been riding waves here for over 3,000 years! There are local temples to visit (Huacas del Sol y Luna) that are over two thousand years old, and you’ll find plenty of delicious Peruvian food here.

Urcia Surf School is run by professional surfer Juaninho Urcia, and has been here for over twenty years. It’s still run by Juninho and his family, who are locals to the area. One of the best surf camps in Peru, their surf camps include 90-minute surf sessions, video analysis, caballito de totora tours, and all of the surf equipment you could need. They do small classes (3 students to one instructor), teach you about reading forecasts and waves, and offer other activities like sandboarding (do it!).

It’s definitely best for beginners-intermediates as the waves aren’t huge, but they are consistent and fun. If logging is your thing, it’s one of the best longboard spots in South America as well. It is also on our list of the best beginner waves in South America! It’s surfable year-round, but the best waves are from May to October (their winter). From November through April, waves will be smaller and less consistent.

One thing that is nice about Urcia (among many) is that they offer a ton of different surf camp options. They have six day camps starting at just $190, three day private camps starting at $200, and full monthlong language and surf camps for only $760. Meals aren’t included, so you have to keep that in mind. Still, the food in the area is pretty economic, and it’s a great option for those on a budget!

Brothers of the Wave

Over in Montañita, Ecuador you’ll find an amazing right hand point break. The town itself is a fun town that can get active at night. During the day, you’ll find a laid-back vibe full of backpackers and travelers. There are fire-dancers, tons of live bands and DJs, and pop-up bars. As a relatively affordable destination, it’s popular among young people and those traveling on a budget.

The wave here (La Punta) is an incredibly consistent point break. It’s a classic slow-peeling right that is fantastic for beginner-intermediates and intermediates.During North American summer the waves can go slightly overhead. There’s also almost always solid beginner waves on the inside, regardless of season. The main beach has some nice waves as well. As a beach break they’re a bit quicker and with more peaks, but it’s a great spot for intermediates or better.

Brothers of the Wave is a surf school offers private coaching, legit boards, and certified surf instructors in the area. They have a pool, hot tub, bikes (free), and yoga classes and massages on offer for an additional cost. The surf house is just a few minute drive (or 15 minute walk) to the town center. You’ll be slightly out of the action and in a peaceful environment, but still super close to all the action if you wish to walk around! They offer 3 day camps for only $220 and 6 day camps for just $400.

Los Arrieros

Finally, we have Los Arrieros Surf School. Located in Santa Catalina, Panama, Los Arrieros is the place to go for more advanced surfers looking for a budget-friendly surf camp. It’s probably the best advanced wave in Panama, and a contender for Central America as a whole. The rights at the point are often hollow, and offer a super long ride for such a beautiful wave. It has multiple reefs making for a perfect paddle-out channel, and isn’t very crowded generally. Wet season is the time to go (April to October) for more powerful waves from the southern swells. Offshore winds can be found nearly every morning, with winds often turning onshore in the afternoon.

The town itself is pretty small and laid-back. The tourists to the area come for the surfing and diving/snorkeling. There’s not a lot going on; you’ll find some little tienditas, a few cafes and restaurants, and tour agencies. In addition to the famous La Punta wave, nearby beaches like Playa El Estero offer soft waves with sandy bottoms that are more suited for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Los Arrieros is one of our favorite surf camps in Panama, and an incredible value for the price. They include daily surf lessons, snorkeling tours (included), and breakfast. They also can organize yoga lessons, massages, and tons of other activities for nature-lovers. Located on a small cliff overlooking the waves, the actual surf camp sites between two beaches offering waves for any skill level. It’s quiet, relaxing, and you can see and hear the waves from your bed!. They have private rooms and dorm rooms. Five day camps start at just $300!