Testimonials
“Paradise Found”
I am pretty sure my title covers it, but here is a little more detail (well, a lot more detail):
This was my first time traveling alone out of the country and my Spanish is not so fluent...I was a bit nervous. But the moment I arrived at the San Jose airport my nerves were eased. The arranged transfer was ready and waiting for me (even though my flight was delayed).
As soon as I arrived at the hotel, my "hostess" Gita (really my savior for the week) was waiting for me. It was from that moment on that any apprehension towards traveling "alone" disappeared.
I had scheduled a couple extra excursions and quickly after arriving Gita drove me into the town of Jaco to meet up with my ATV tour guide. The tour was so much fun...first time on an ATV also. My guide Beau (? not sure I spelled that right) was awesome. We took a ride up a mountain for some of the most amazing views of my trip. (can't remember the name of the company though!) After returning to the hotel, I had some time to relax, shower and get ready for dinner. Gita picked me up along with a couple other guests and she took us to a local restaurant for some delicious cosada!
Because I packed in some extra excursions my days were packed with activities. The great thing about working with the staff at Del Mar Surf Camp was that they could really work your schedule out to fit your needs. I wanted to be busy and do/see as much as I could while staying in Costa Rica. And without a doubt, I did.
Yoga, hiking and surf lessons were just a part of my adventure. Each activity left me thinking, wow, that was the best experience so far...everything just kept getting better!
I am newer to yoga and the instructors were all great and really helpful. I was able to experience three different instructors which was a lot of fun because it was interesting to see their different styles. I am always up for a challenge and with their help, I got myself into a handstand, headstand and bridge. And who could not love doing yoga when the view is of a sunset in Costa Rica!
Each day of hiking was also a little different...the length of time, the intensity, and the views. Once again, each day was more beautiful than the last. My favorite day would be when we went to a local farm and got to see some monkeys snacking in the trees (the guide from the farm was great and pointed out so many cool things and did his best to find me some monkeys! I definitely appreciated his knowledge of the local flora and fauna)! We also saw so many varieties of plants and flowers.
Surfing...AMAZING! The instructors were awesome...Dave and Josymar were so much fun and informative. I took a lesson once in New Jersey...nothing like this experience. First of all, the ratio of instructors to students was great (for me it was basically 1:1 or 1:2 depending on the day and how many people were signed up). Secondly, I felt like I actually learned what I was supposed to do...when I would fall off-which yes, I did a lot-I actually felt like I knew what I did wrong. Third of all, as much as I fell...I also got up! :-) The feeling of a riding a wave is so great. And I did it many times! The guys really helped out so much...especially when my arms were beat from paddling...thankfully they were there to give me a push!
My other excursions included zip-lining and horseback riding. I feel as though you have to go zip-lining if you go to Costa Rica...it is a must. Gita brought me to the company that they work with (Vista Los Suenos Canopy Tour). If you are fearful of being strapped into a harness and dangling several feet above the ground in trees, this is the place to go. The guys working there were great! I felt totally and completely safe, it's pretty amazing just to watch the guys work as they definitely have a very efficient and effective system going to run the tours. The sights were great and the ziplines were exhilirating.
Horseback riding was amazing (I know I sound a bit redundant). Discovery Horse Tours run by Andrea and Chris were fabulous! They treat their horses with the utmost respect; they believe in natural horsemanship. The tour was a couple hours long. As Andrea led the way, she informed us about some of the different sights we were seeing. She was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We made our way to a small waterfall, stripped down to our bathing suits, and slathered on some volcanic mud. After letting it dry, we washed ourselves off and snacked on some fruit and beverages. My skin felt amazing! I definitely recommend using this company for a horseback riding tour.
Included in my Del Mar package was also a facial, pedicure and massage with a local establishment. I am pretty sure my feet never felt so great! The facial and massage were also equally relaxing. After all the yoga, hiking, and surfing, the massage was well deserved! :-)
Also included in my package were three meals a day...breakfast and lunch were at the hotel and dinner was a different local restaurant each night (Gita accompanies guests to dinner). The meals at the hotel were great! There was a good variety and everything was so incredibly fresh. I miss my morning guanabana juice! Dinners were delicious! I enjoyed going to different local places because there was always something new.
The Hotel Club Del Mar (where I stayed) is also a beautiful establishment. The room was spacious and very clean. The staff at the hotel was great! Very helpful and courteous. The grounds were beautiful and well-kept.
I definitely can't end this review without saying a little more about Gita! She was my guide/hostess/friend for my stay. Gita is awesome and without her I would probably be lost in Costa Rica (granted that may not be so bad!). It's actually hard to tell people that I traveled alone because I really wasn't! Gita really knew her stuff when it came to Costa Rica. Having her there speaking fluent Spanish (and English) was a lifesaver and it was fun to learn words from her. I cannot thank her enough for making my trip so outstanding!
I definitely recommend Del Mar Surf Camp to anyone looking for an amazing holiday in Costa Rica. The six days/five nights I spent in Costa Rica definitely made it to the top of my best times of my life list. If you check out their website and think "could it really be this great?"...the answer is YES!!!!
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Apr 14, 2011
“Amazing Sunset and surf lesson!!”
What an experience!! Lauren and I took surf lessons with Angie and Oscar while staying at the Harmony!! As beginners they had us go out around 4 p.m. while it was low tide. Never having surfed before, it was nice to get a brief, but helpful lesson on shore from Oscar about tides, winds, and some basic safety tips!! Oscar and Angie were out in the water with us helping us and Lauren and I were both successful getting up on the board and even riding into shore on a few occasions!! Angie and Oscar's style really complemented each other. Both were encouraging and Oscar was fierce and determined for us to succeed. Angie was encouraging and constantly providing excellent instructions and tips for success!! By the end of our lesson, the sun was setting over the blue green pacific with colors and warmth like I've never experienced at sunset before. Living in So CAl, that is saying a lot - this was amazing. I even lost a pair of sunglasses in Angie's van on the ride back to her shop, and she was so sweet to look for them and drop them off at the Harmony the same day we called! If you've surfed before or it's your first time, I highly recommend the Del Mar Surf Camp!!
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Apr 8, 2011
“All I can think about is my next trip down there - with Del Mar Surf Camp of course!”
This is the second surf camp that I have gone to with Del Mar Surf Camp. I went to Jaco, Costa Rica 4 years ago and had an amazing time. This time I chose Nosara so that I would see a new place! I cannot imagine having a better trip - I hope to go back every year! Between the surfing, the amazing waves, the warm ocean, the sunshine, humpback whales, delicious fruit, yummy french toast, friendly people everywhere you go, music, comedy, sunsets on the beach, yoga...anything you would like to do! What made my trip the most incredible, though, was everyone at Del Mar Surf Camp - Angie, Tennis, Oscar, and Diego - thank you so much!
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Jan 17, 2011
This is our second time attending Del Mar Surf camp. Though advertised a
a Woman's Surf camp, we are a family of 4 - Boy aged 13, Girl aged 11,
and my husband and I , both in our early forties, and we love the
"camp".
We surf for more than 2 hrs each day, under supervised
instructors,and this year, we graduated, and were able to surf the waves
at Hermosa Beach. what a thrill!
The staff really make the
experience - Gida, and the Surf Instructors - JoseyMar, Dave, Derek, you
all become family by the end.
Doing Yoga by the beach, and watching the sunset is a truly spiritual experience!
We cant wait to go back next year!
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Apr 5, 2011
“GREAT FOR SOLO TRAVELERS”
March was my second time to the camp. I also went in Sept. 2010. Gita is a great guide and full of energy. There is alot to do at the camp, perfect for very active to wanting to do something new. I went both times by myself for a getaway from the U.S. There is a great balance of self time and time with the instructor and guides so you dont get too lonely. Everyone is SUPER friendly. Del Mar is constantly adding new things to the camp. I tried SUP and Brazilian martial arts for my first time while I was there. There were both great. My days were full of activities, never getting bored! I surfed everyday along with yoga, hiking, beach boot camp and boxing. I think there will be a running camp next year and a 10k race. I cant wait for it to return for my third time!
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Mar 31, 2011
“Una cosa hermosa!”
If you want the very best surf instruction Costa Rica has to offer, consult a professional. And, Club Del Mar just happens to offer instruction from the number one surfer in the country, Josymar. He and his team were cordial, encouraging and engaging, all the characteristics this 50 year old needed to actually read a wave, catch, pop-up and ride that puppy home. Their inside tips turned me from being green with envy to ecstatically smiling with glee, pumping me up to paddle back out to the break and catch the next set. Una cosa hermosa!
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Mar 25, 2011
“Ultimate pura vida!”
The staff really sets this place apart. They make you feel welcome from the second you get there are before long it's like you've been friends for a while. Everyone is great, the surf is awesome and the "casados" are plentiful. Great package all around.
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February 27, 2011
“If you want to feel alive, ever in your life, try Del Mar Surf Camp”
Upon returning to Toronto, Canada after 7 glorious days in Costa Rica, I find it hard not to daydream about the greener than green mountains, the fiery red, wild parrots and the beautiful, vast and warm ocean. That alone would have made it a trip of a lifetime - but the icing on the cake was definitely my experience with Del Mar Surf Camp.
I had surfed in Tofino, British Columbia a few times before my trip to Costa Rica. I fell in love with this activity immediately but wondered how much more I would love surfing if I didn't have to be in a head-to-toe wet suit in the freezing cold waters. The answer? Surfing in Jaco, Costa Rica is a GAZILLION times more awesome than Tofino (no offense, I still love you Tofino). The trade in of surf shorts and a rash guard plus a beautiful hot sun - it's too amazing for words.
The instructors at Del Mar were all so nice (Thanks Dave, Alonso, Josymar, Derek, Gita & co.) and super helpful. I got up 95% of the time, got to try a lighter and smaller board my second and third lesson and got some awesome, practical tips on scary ocean moments (i.e. panicking = bad). I loved that I always felt safe which gave me the confidence to ride the waves like a pro. Or at least a quasi-pro :)
Through Del Mar I also did zip lining with the most amazing views, TRX circuit training and a ridiculously hard bootcamp (but felt amazing after) with the amazing Allison and Jaime. I loved coming back to compliments on how healthy and fit I looked.
Whether it was paddling it out against the ocean or doing push-ups and burpies under the palm trees - I've never felt more alive than this experience with Del Mar Surf Camp and I'd do it again in a heart beat.
If this is not on your bucket list, add it immediately and than cross it off as soon as possible!
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February 21, 2011
I have so much respect for the wonderful people that I met through Maria
and Del Mar Surf Camp. This experience for me as a new international
non speaking Spanish traveler, was amazing and educational. I learned so
much about surfing, the waves, ocean that will forever bless my
surfing. The instructors are more than helpful and go out of there way
to make sure you learn and enjoy the surf, even for beginners. I do have
surf experience and I still gained so much from them. There are no
words to describe how blessed I feel to have had this opportunity to
learn and experience a wonderful trip. Maria has a great surf family in
Del Mar Surf Camp and I am so fortunate to be apart of them! I will be
back!
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February 13, 2011
“Life Changing Experience!”
What an incredible experience with Del Mar Surf Camp! I have always wanted to learn to surf and Costa Rica seemed like the perfect choice to knock it off my bucket list. I had originally looked at several other surf camp operations, and while Del Mar cost a little more, I quickly learned that you get what you pay for! From the moment I landed in San Jose to meet the awaiting shuttle van to the moment I left Costa Rica, the staff of Del Mar Surf Camp made it an incredible experience! The food was outstanding (fresh fish, fruit, smoothies), surf instructors were top notch (thanks Josymar, Dave, and Alonso!), and the staff took care of me every step of the way. A very special thanks to Gita, the daily camp guide and adventure hostess, for guiding us through our daily activities of surfing, hikes, yoga (incredible!), meals, and general daily fun! I hope you like to laugh and sing when she's driving you around town!
If my review isn't enough to convince you to take a look at Del Mar Surf Camp, maybe the fact that I'm heading back in 3 days will! Pura Vida!
Adam Laforme
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January 31, 2011
“PURA VIDA!”
I LOVED IT!
I just got back to Connecticut, where the snow is piled up now three feet high! And I had the best time.
I really needed a vacation, and always wanted to learn how to surf. A friend of a friend recommended Delmarsurfingchicas.com to me, and it was one of my all time favorite vacations, ever.
I did a three day stay, and it was well worth it. I was picked up at the airport and brought directly to Club del Mar. There was a "schedule" made exclusively for me. Surfing lessons every morning, followed by breakfast that was muy delicioso. Josimar, my surf instructor was amazing. That's him, on the video! Twinka of liquidphoto.com started taking pics of me surfing. The best part is that this is included in the package!
The first day, I got to do the Canopy, which included 12 zip lines! It was amazing, and you get to buy photos of yourself ziplining if you like! This was followed by lunch, a quick nap, and then yoga. I then had a facial. Day one ended on a great note with dinner, in the company of Gita, my lifeline during this trip.
When I first met Gita, our "guide", (or really, my new friend), she told me "no worries". Whatever I wanted to do, Maria and she would make sure I had fun during my stay. We immediately bonded over our love for fried bananas!
Day two included more surfing, yoga, food and rest. This also included an amazing walk on Hermosa Beach. It was beautiful.
Day three included more of the same, as well as a massage and pedicure! Surfing became more fun with the help of my new friends/instructors Pava (I hope I spelled it right) and Alonso! Alonso! My blonde cutie instructor who was so wise beyond his 17 years (with six years experience).
Yoga was in this outdoor studio, and it was amazing!
How do I begin to thank Maria, and everyone? Gita! Gita (y Patatas!) You made my vacation! Gita just happens to work there. She and the entire staff, including Nadine, the gals at the desk, and the guys at the restaurant just made my stay incredible! I agree with my roommate, the iced coffee was also fabulous.
Muchas gracias por todo.
Racquel
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January 29, 2011
“Best Surf Lessons I've had in Costa Rica (and I've had a lot)”
Let me preface this by saying that I have lived in Costa Rica for 10 years, and I enjoy getting out into the water and surfing, taking lessons now and then when I go to a new area just to paddle and ride with a knowledgeable surf guide. I am in NO WAY an expert compared to the "surfistas" in CR- rather, I'm still a novice who likes to get out, have fun, and learn something new wherever I go. I have taken lessons all around the country - Nicoya Peninsula, Caribbean, central pacific coast, etc. By this point, I know whether I'm getting a good lesson with real professionals or not.
By far the BEST surf lessons I've ever had were with Del Mar. The instructors are simply put, professional. These guys care about their sport, they want their clients to feel good about their progress, they are highly encouraging and anyone can see that they truly enjoy their work. They have a deep focus on safety, which I really admired and appreciated when I was out there in the water.
The small class sizes are key- never more than 2 people to 1 instructor. I was out there for 2 days with these guys and saw them working with children as well as adults, and everyone was safe and having fun. There is no doubt that when my preschooler gets big enough to attend surf camp, this is where he will come! There is also no doubt that when I come back to the Central Pacific coast, that I will give Del Mar Surf Camp a ring
Pura vida, muchachos !les agradezco mucho! Mi cumple de 40 fue inolvidable :)
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January 9, 2011
“Made our entire stay in Jaco amazing!!!”
There was a group of 13 of us that attended Del Mar Surf Camp and the overall consensus was an experience of a lifetime. Maria and her staff made our entire trip fabulous. They were kind, friendly and knowledgable. Upon leaving everyone wanted to plan our next trip back to Jaco. Thank you to everyone at Del Mar Surf Camp. I would gladly recommend them to anyone and I can honestly say it was the highlight of everyones trip.
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Dec 29, 2010
"Amazing trip..couldn't be better!”
Ripping it up in Costa Rica... don't think life gets much better, is how I described my feeling on Facebook...
The weather was terrible, there was a tropical storm and I think it rained constantly for 5 out of the 7 days I was there… but it didn't matter! The girls (and guys) looked after me so well… Gita my lovely hostess/organiser and friend kept me busy but without being too over the top… we did things if I wanted to, but there was no pressure if I wanted to rest.. in your own time was her saying.. there was a schedule, but no rush here, rush there, and feeling obliged to do it all, even though I did! And when things didn't work out because of the weather, they organised something else equally fun in it's place. I did Zumba instead of a paddle board tour… it was awesome, best fun workout ever, apart from surfing that is!! The rest of the crew were amazing too.. Maria, Josy, Angie, Rebecca, Hiro and the others.. a cool bunch of people with great spirit and energy for life. The surfing was amazing…loved it.. Josy pushed me with my confidence, and helped me overcome fears..but understood if I didn't feel brave enough on certain days… it was my 4th time to try surfing.. and first time with an instructor.. I was up on my first wave.. and that moment was worth every penny of the trip.
I booked at fairly short notice. After looking at a few surf camps online, Del Mar seemed the most appealing one.. best package, daily yoga and surf lessons, other activities and pampering.. massage, pedicure and facial, and three meals a day, they also provide transfers in with the deal. So for me with a limited time frame, this was important, it took the worry out of any extra organising, I didn't want to waste time searching, I just wanted to book it, relax and enjoy.
I can't wait to get back surfing there again, it was an amazing experience and a privilege to meet such a fantastic bunch of people. I am recommending this trip to everyone….
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Dec 5, 2010
"The most amazing, challenging, and fun week of my life!”
I had spent a ton of time in Costa Rica in the past few years but I wanted a different experience this time around. I found the Del Mar Surf Camp Website and loved what I saw. My best friend and I embarked on what we hoped to be a fun week of surf, yoga, and hiking and the trip definitely delivered. From the moment we arrived in Costa Rica, we were taken care from our great airport transfer, to a friendly hotel employee waiting for us at the hotel at a very late hour to show us our rooms. The hotel was beautiful, the food was amazing, and the staff super friendly. Our daily guide was sweet, personable, and very knowledgeable and always made sure this trip was better than we could possibly expect. Our daily hikes were unique: mountain hikes, beach hikes, and a hike to a hidden waterfall. Our daily yoga classes were challenging, but exhilarating. I now am addicted to practicing yoga thanks to five days of intense yoga. But, the best part was the surf lessons by far. We had the most friendly, fun, and patient surf instructors each day. I honestly didn't believe I would actually "surf" considering how clumsy I am, but the Del Mar instructors had me up and catching a wave on the first day. There were several instructors in the water with us and we always had individual attention. The instructors were so encouraging and always made sure we were having fun. The evenings out on the town for dinner were always a treat. Each restaurant offered a different dining experience. I havet yet to mention our massages, facials, and pedicures but after a week of hard work, they were a welcomed treat. All of our services were amazing and done by very knowledgeable professionals. I could go on forever about this trip, but I can tell you that you will not have a better time in Costa Rica than you will with Del Mar Surf Camp. I am already planning my return trip! Pura Vida Mae! :)
Dec 1, 2010
maestra816 (from TripAdvisor) - Bourbonnais, Illinois
"My Del Mar Sports Adventures"
Outdoor sports-surfing, stand up paddle board, mountain biking & horseback riding customized by a staff providing the highest level of personal service I have experienced worldwide.
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Nov 27, 2010 Cathy Eaton (from TripAdvisor) - Raleigh, North CarolinaBest Surf Camp for Women in Costa Rica!!!
I took up surfing in Mexico and immediately got hooked. Two months after my first women’s surf camp experience, I started researching different surf camps in the US, Bali, and Costa Rica. Del Mar Nosara had what I was looking for: a serene, tropical environment off the beaten path that offered kayaking, canopy rides, and stand up paddle boarding in addition to surf lessons. The variety of activities, room, and board was all included in the package price, which made planning so simple and convenient. From the initial booking to the time I actually departed to go back home, Angie (Del Mar’s Coordinator) took care of everything! The only thing I had to worry about was what swimsuit I would wear that day☺
This was my first time visiting Costa Rica and I just fell in love with everything about it. What made my trip really special were the Ticas and Ticos who make up Del Mar. My guide Juliette was a real gem. I loved her energy and her genuine personality. She showed me around Nosara and all the fantastic places to eat (dishes were healthy and a mix of Costa Rican fare & international). Oscar, my surf teacher, had so much passion & love for surfing. For a beginner like me, that made all the difference in the world. His teaching style makes you feel at ease and safe in the water. But I think it was his smile and sense of humor that motivated me to paddle out and try again, even after a wipeout! I was so pleased to see progress in my surf skills during the course of the week☺ In addition, Spencer and Felipe at Experience Nosara are amazing watermen and taught me to kayak and SUP for the first time.
Del Mar Nosara is perfect for solo and group travelers/surfers who want to get away from the crowds, and experience the beauty of Costa Rica and its people.
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Nov 24, 2010
"Del Mar Surf Camp: Pura Vida and Trip of a Lifetime!"
After spending a week with Del Mar, I can assure you that there is no better place to learn how to surf in the entire world!
The experience began with the beautiful and exotic country of Costa Rica. The incredible scenery, black sandy beaches, and overall inviting demeanor of it's people, all felt very welcoming.
As for the camp itself; never have I met such warm, helpful, and patient educators in my life! Their English, attitude, and technique was all first-rate. What began with a dry-run on dry-land, soon turned into me catching my first wave on my first try!
It wasn't long until their help - and infinite patience - paid off, and we made our way further down the coast for more legendary waves!
I owe everything I know about surfing to the incredible staff of Del Mar - and cannot wait for my imminent return. Pura Vida!
PS - one week was NOT enough!
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Nov 22, 2010
"Great people and well run surf camp and lessons"
First class and thumbs up to the Staff and owners of Del Mar surf camp. Very patient and professional instructors and in just a few lesson me and my wife were riding the waves on the longboards they provided. Falling off was just as fun and not falling off, and our instructors made the whole experience a great time.
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Nov 19, 2010
"The hardest part - was actually getting me to leave at the end"
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Nov 10, 2010
"Worth every minute"
Del Mar Surf Camp is a very well run business, which translates into a very fun, action-packed vacation! It was my first time surfing and I absolutely loved it -- if I lived in Costa Rica, I'd go every day! Not only do Maria Del Mar and her staff provide excellent instruction surfing, but also connections to some great restaurants, yoga and local tourist attractions like horseback riding and ziplining. When she says it's all inclusive, she means it. Her camp was the first time I'd been to Costa Rica and I'm already thinking about how and when I can get back. It's a beautiful country, and there is a great energy from the ticos and ticas who work with Maria. I did the Jaco/Hermonsa camp, but would seriously consider doing the Nosara camp, as well. Truly one of the best week-long vacations I've ever done.
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Nov 7, 2010
"Great people, great teachers, great experience"
I spend last summer in surf classes with Del Mar Surf Camp. They are well experienced, patient and funny. For sure one of the best schools in CR.
One hour and 20 minutes away from SJ I surely recommend them as an option for locals, who want to learn and exercise the whole summer. Take advantage of that.
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Nov 5, 2010
"simply amazing."
I attended surf camp in Nosara last May 2010, and will be returning in December 2010. Angie and the staff are such fantastic people. We had a great balance of surf, yoga, activities, amazing food - it was simply perfect. I have absolutley no hesitation in recommending this vacation to anyone. The people are amazing. You're going to stand up on your surfboard the first day. You will eat amazing, fresh, healthy food. And you will leave rejuvenated, happy, and with fantastic memories.
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July 27, 2010
I can't wait to go back!
I signed up for Del Mar Surf Camp's seven day package with a little bit of anxiety--I was a first time solo traveller with absolutely no surfing experience. I had been thinking about doing something like it for over three years, and a job change finally made me pull the trigger and go for it. I'm so glad I did!
Del Mar is owned by a local Costa Rican woman, Maria Del Mar, who has handed over the day to day operations to a very capable and energetic Gita. For a solo traveller, Gita was a dream. She took care of all of the details, choosing amazing restaurants, carting us around to yoga classes, and scheduling spa appointments. She was so obviously knowledgeable and excited about sharing all that Jaco and Hermosa had to offer. Having her in charge made it the easiest and most enjoyable vacation I've ever been on.
The day to day schedule varied based on the best time to surf. Yoga, hiking, additional tours (I did the canopy tour, but they also offer horseback riding and stand up paddle tours as well), shopping, and pampering were fit in around high tide. Josymar got me up on my board the second wave I tried, and pushed me to improve all week. He was really encouraging, and kept me smiling, laughing, and surfing despite a very sore and tired body by the end of the week.
The accommodations were lovely. The owner of the hotel was around all week (lives there year round) and you can see the pride he takes in the staff, food, rooms, and grounds. I felt very safe all week.
I looked at several other options for surf camps in both Mexico and Costa Rica--I'm more than convinced that I got the best deal and experience with Del Mar. I'll definitely be going back!
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July 27, 2010
Del Mar Surf Camp was the perfect week spent in Costa Rica
be ready to sweat. it's an active week of surfing, hiking and yoga. canopy tour was fun and the horseback ride option was worth the additional $. as a beginner surfer, the cutie surf instructors were patient and helped me ride my first couple waves. yoga classes were public, surrounded by nature. if you're lucky, a private yoga session is offered overlooking the beach in playa hermosa. Make sure you have Gita as your guide! she made sure to take the group to the best local joints for dinner. Everyone who's a part of the camp was super friendly. Dont forget to wear lots of sunscreen- the sun is brutal. This is coming from a former Floridian. And if you're tired and sore by the end of the week, a facial massage and pedicure await you. This camp was definitely worth my money. and it inspired me to be more active outdoors :)
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June 30, 2010
"Fantastic Surf Camp for Women"
I absolutely agree with the other review on here.
My experience at the del Mar Surf Camp was absolutely brilliant. Maria and Gita were fantastic hosts with expert knowledge of Jaco and surrounding areas and truely committed to giving you the best experience of Costa Rica possible. The surf instructors were also brilliant - very encouraging and pushed you that bit harder but made it fun too. The package also included yoga at some amazing locations, hiking, horseriding, canopy, massage - all of these extras were great fun and of the highest standard.
The Del Mar hotel was great too. Fantastic food, nice pool and bar and I always felt safe.
Truly amazing - I can't wait to go back.
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June 10, 2010
"A phenomenal girls surf camp, run by great locals....summer camp for adults!!!"
I just finished the 5 day surf camp with 2 other friends and 4 new friends I met on camp. (all of us 25-40 yrs and athletic) The whole experience, from booking with Maria Del Mar to arriving at camp (transfer from the airport arranged by the camp) to Gita who was our guide for the week, to Ismael, Alonso and Henry who put us through our paces in the water - couldn't have been better. The yoga facilities and instructors were very cool - set in the jungle, or on a platform cliff side overlooking the ocean - awesome. I would suggest you practice some yoga ahead of time and paddling if you can b/c by day 3 you are sore! But it goes away, trust me. Don't skip the canopy tour or the horse back riding - both worth it. The meals were very good, lots of local food to try - rice and bean and fish - and you need to eat to keep up to 4 hours or more of exercise each day with surfing, yoga and hiking. The whole group of us had a great time, Hotel Club Del Mar was lovely and we felt completely safe the whole time. We were toted to yoga etc in the surf camp range rover, surfing is right in front of the hotel. The only money you need is for alcohol (if you can stay awake for it), custom bikinis, and tipping the amazing staff (you'll want to - they go so far above and beyond). BIG TIP: I'm pretty pale and we went near the end of the rainy season - partly cloudy but perfect really. But if you are there with more sun - you'll need zinc oxide for the back of your legs/butt - reapplying 60+ still didn't do it. I ended up wearing long sleeved rash guards and my knee length yoga pants the last 2 days of surfing b/c of my sunburn. Still wouldn't change a thing!!!!
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Nov 17, 2009
When Maria says “no worries,” trust her. From the moment we arrived in Costa Rica, we had no worries. We also had an amazing experience. Not only did the chicas share their daily lives with us, they taught us to surf! Whether guiding us on an early morning hike, joining us in our daily yoga practice, showing us the best spots to eat, or paddling and tossing about in the surf with us, the chicas were thorough, patient and enthusiastic about sharing their love of surfing and of Costa Rica with us.
Thanks del mar for giving me the best vacation I ever had!! Thank you Lacy for being so good, Mercel is the best, Oscar gave me the best fotos I ever seen I consider them my friends now, and I hope I see them all next year when I go back!! Thank you del mar camp I have my best birth day ever with you guys.
After researching surf camps for a week long trip with a friend, we ended up at Maria Del Mar’s camp in Playa Hermosa. I really didn’t know what to expect and am not the kind of person who embraces structure and the surfing chicas turned out to be the perfect combination. Maria and her girls took great care of us. Every day we went surfing, had the option to do yoga, hike in the mountains or just veg out by the pool.
At least once a day, we went out to eat which was always a memorable experience. I love the food in Costa Rica and Maria knows the best places to go, every meal was better then the last. The local yoga classes were taught in an outdoor classroom with nature and it was the perfect complement to surfing. I had a wonderful time and recommend this to anyone that was looking for a different kind of vacation. “The camp” can easily be tailored to each person and Maria will work out a specific plan for you. Exactly how much did I enjoy this trip? I returned to Maria with my whole family at Christmas and recently took off two months and went back to Hermosa to surf every day!
"I had never been to Costa Rica, or to a foreign country alone, but something about Camp Del Mar's web site looked like it would be the right place for me. I arrived at the San Jose airport, and was promptly greeted by someone Maria had sent. I immediately felt at ease. When I arrived at Camp, it was like having instant girlfriends to hang out with. Traveling around with local chicas, surfing, eating out, and shopping, provided a comfortable and secure experience. Maria and her staff know the environment, the ocean, and the dangers. They take you to surf locations that are appropriate for your surfing level. Maria seems to know everyone, and greets everyone with a friendly "pura vida." Camp Del Mar is fun, unique and unforgettable."
To all the Ticas:
" Del Mar Chicas Surf Camp changed my life. I came home not only a better surfer but a more spiritual person - aware of the beauty of the world around me and more in touch with my inner awareness. I now do yoga daily from 5:00 to 5:30 am and have not missed a day of the practice since leaving Costa Rica in January of 2005 - no matter how tired I may feel the practice has strengthened my very core and gives me a place to reach inside for tranquility. At 51 my surfing is more strong and fluid and I am out there charging with my 10 yr old patients as well as my 15 and 20 yr old sons! You have to experience a week with the Chicas to understand how this trip will change your life. I am a full-time Pediatrician and single mother running a very busy practice. Del Mar Chicas Surf Camp was so much more than just that. Living with the chicas, surfing/hiking/yoga/meals - created a cultural and physical as well as spiritual change in me. I plan to return - either alone or with my girlfriends - for years to come.
I just wanted to write and say thank you a million times over for the wonderful experience that I had at Del Mar Surf Camp! The accommodations were beautiful, the surf instructors were fabulous, the cooks were amazing, Kuki and Kim were so helpful and informative, and you were just spectacular! I can't wait to get back down there again.
Thank you for a wonderful two weeks! I had such a good time and really enjoyed both weeks. Everyone at the camp is amazing! You have such a wonderful group of people working at the camp who made the whole experience a unique and happy time. The girls were great driving us around and doing yoga and hikes. The food was delicious! The guys were great at the surf instruction. Ismael was really patient and informative with teaching me about the waves and surfing and I really appreciated that and I feel like I really learned something that I am going to use for life. He is a fantastic teacher. I am so happy to have learned this sport and can't wait to get back in the water.
I am a 38 year old solo traveler. Maria was wonderful to accommodate me a day earlier than usual for her 3 day camp. Everything from the transportation company that picks you up at the airport to the resort, the camp "hosts", surf instructors, food, schedule, excursions, yoga, etc. were terrific. The days are structured without being "stressfully" busy. Surfing is scheduled around high tide and then they fill in the rest with yoga (different types of class and location each day), meals, hiking, excursions, and spa treatments.
The meals are done at the resort as well as restaurants in Jaco and Hermosa Beach. It was nice for a variety not to be at the same place/restaurant all the time. Where you surf is all soft sandy bottom with no coral or rocks, which was most important to me. The resort is beautiful with all the staff extremely polite and helpful. There is a very nice pool. Ismael was the surf instructor - he is AWESOME!! He's very calm and patient (and a cutie pie!). The spa treatments were a nice added bonus. The facial was fabulous.
I am a very active, athletic person. I have traveled extensively for work and pleasure and I would have to say this was one of the best overall trips I've taken. I also think it's a very good value cost wise considering everything that is included.
Del Mar Surf Camp far exceeded any expectations I had in every aspect imaginable. I'm usually a little wary of "all-inclusive" packages because a lot of time they skimp on the quality of food, the quality of the excursions, massages, etc., but WOW! I was SUPER impressed! I do a lot of traveling all over the world and I have got to tell you, the location, the surf lessons, the instructors, the yoga studios / locations / classes / instructors, hotel, restaurants we went to, GITA, the hiking / canopy, facial and massage were all TOP NOTCH!!!
Coming to your camp was such a wonderful experience for me, and since then it feels as though whatever I have set my mind to acheive, I have been able to do just that. After my experiences with you, Maggie, Ismael and all the wonderful staff and fellow campers I was able to really and truly believe in myself. Your dedication to a healthy lifestyle proved to me that anything is possible, so long as you allow yourself to thrive and not be afraid to pursue your real passions in life. I will be studying Kinesiology in school, and learning more about the body and nutrition. I will be back and until that time I will carry the spirit of Costa Rica with me. :)
Peace and Love,
