Shaka Costa Rica — Hotel in Cóbano

This was probably the best surf camp I stayed at, I love the boutique + family feel with everyone eating at one long table etc. You meet a great selection of likeminded people attracted to this kind of placed. I initially found it to be on the expansive side (even for CR standards), hence expectations were high but these were more than exceeded. Basically, all the stuff was not just super friendly, they also actually did care about your day and if you said you were interested in xyz, they come back to you shortly after having called different venues and proposed you sth. to fit your schedule. Icing on the cake was: daily room service (no this is not standard), free laundry service!, mosquito repellents and sun screen provided for free at the reception, top ups’ for food + you could store your brunch in the fridge and eat it in the afternoon if you feel like. Talking of the food, was the right blend between healthy and tasty, right what you need for a surf camp – and absolutely delicious! But coming back to the core why we came here: Surf + Yoga: This is one of the few surf-camps that caters towards intermediate + advanced students ration was anywhere between 1:1-1:3. My teacher was Dani, probably the most skilled teacher I ever had who would constantly teach you throughout the session about reading the ocean, you positioning etc and he was high up the packing order, which would give you a nice bubble around you and him in the line up. In terms of crowds, especially at sunset it’s rather full, but the beach is wide, I still managed to get a few waves around the peak during sunset on my own, just don’t expect Playa Hermosa to be your empty dream wave ;) But the break is plenty of fun and can handle some size. Yoga classes were also amazing loved the Klangschalen? They used to generate sounds! Some tips: Bring you own mosquito net and move the AC fan high, so it does not blow directly on to your body and you will have a fantastic stay!

In terms of CR comparison, I initially looked at Zopilote, but they would not have private rooms, and I did not want to stay with my girlfriend and two strangers in one appartment. I did stay the second week at Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo, for about the same price and this was a big disappointment. Absolutely un-personal Hotel like experience, no room service + much more run-down facilities and rather unfriendly stuff, found one good teacher there as well eventually, but retrospectively I’d have preferred another...

If you're looking to learn to surf in the most beautiful, natural and uncrowded beach with amazing waves, relax in a hotel surrounded by Costa Rican jungle, eat delicious and healthy food every day, and meet cool & kind people, this is the place for you.||My stay at Shaka was amazing from start to finish. Firstly, the location is perfect - 5 minutes walk from the beach which is one of the best beaches I've seen in Costa Rica. The town itself is very small and quiet compared to nearby Santa Teresa but has everything you need and is perfect if you're looking to properly relax.||The Shaka property itself is great, the rooms are large but really comfortable and there's a lot of effort put into the finishing touches like providing sarongs for the beach. There's a new pool and the main communal area is also really spacious.||However what made the week really special is the people. Valentina the manager is so welcoming and put in a lot of effort to make sure that I and the other guests had a great stay. Social hosts Anja & Fredi are so lovely and friendly and made everyone feel very comfortable and at home. Harry & Esme in the kitchen make delicious, healthy meals each day, a mix of typical Costa Rican food like gallo pinto and also international dishes like poke. I'm vegetarian and the veggie options were great all week. Carlos, Sandra & Maria do an incredible job at keeping the rooms and property clean and looking beautiful.||Yoga teachers Luna & Kate are such talented teachers, they tailored each class to guests and we practiced really unique styles of yoga which complemented the surf perfectly as well. The yoga shala itself is surrounded by jungle and is a really beautiful space.||Finally surf coach Alvaro is amazing - easily the best surf coach I've ever had, I learnt so much from him about reading the ocean, correct surf stance and riding waves. He has really good attention to detail and a lot of knowledge, perfect for a beginner like me but I think surfers at any level could learn a lot from him.||The other guests were also really cool, a great mix of people and because you eat meals together and surf together it's really sociable - perfect for solo travellers but would also be great for couples or groups.||Overall I can't recommend Shaka enough - it's a really special place and I hope I can go back...

If you're looking to learn to surf in the most beautiful, natural and uncrowded beach with amazing waves, relax in a hotel surrounded by Costa Rican jungle, eat delicious and healthy food every day, and meet cool & kind people, this is the place for you.

My stay at Shaka was amazing from start to finish. Firstly, the location is perfect - 5 minutes walk from the beach which is one of the best beaches I've seen in Costa Rica. The town itself is very small and quiet compared to nearby Santa Teresa but has everything you need and is perfect if you're looking to properly relax.

The Shaka property itself is great, the rooms are large but really comfortable and there's a lot of effort put into the finishing touches like providing sarongs for the beach. There's a new pool and the main communal area is also really spacious.

However what made the week really special is the people. Valentina the manager is so welcoming and put in a lot of effort to make sure that I and the other guests had a great stay. Social hosts Anja & Fredi are so lovely and friendly and made everyone feel very comfortable and at home. Harry & Esme in the kitchen make delicious, healthy meals each day, a mix of typical Costa Rican food like gallo pinto and also international dishes like poke. I'm vegetarian and the veggie options were great all week. Carlos, Sandra & Maria do an incredible job at keeping the rooms and property clean and looking beautiful.

Yoga teachers Luna & Kate are such talented teachers, they tailored each class to guests and we practiced really unique styles of yoga which complemented the surf perfectly as well. The yoga shala itself is surrounded by jungle and is a really beautiful space.

Finally surf coach Alvaro is amazing - easily the best surf coach I've ever had, I learnt so much from him about reading the ocean, correct surf stance and riding waves. He has really good attention to detail and a lot of knowledge, perfect for a beginner like me but I think surfers at any level could learn a lot from him.

The other guests were also really cool, a great mix of people and because you eat meals together and surf together it's really sociable - perfect for solo travellers but would also be great for couples or groups.

Overall I can't recommend Shaka enough - it's a really special place and I hope I can go back...