Outward Bound Costa Rica courses utilize several top surf spots, varying as much in vibe and character as in wave breaks and micro climate. Some of the more renowned surf spots are found in the Guanacaste Province, located in the northwest part of the country. OBCR is the only Outward Bound school that boasts a surf program and takes pride in its surf-intensive courses such as, the Witch’s Rock Surf Expedition, located in the lush Guanacaste Province.

The surf-intensive curriculum unravels at Witch’s Rock, part of the larger Playa Naranjo, which provides world class waves to surfers of all levels.  Beyond totally gnarly waves (dude), Witch’s Rock has a unique off the beaten path culture, complete with rugged terrain for hiking and camping. This world-renowned surf location is best reached by foot, as the only other way onto this beach is by boat. Those who travel by boat are not allowed to camp overnight.

Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste

A testament to its beauty and overall diversity in landforms and wildlife, Witch’s Rock is located within Costa Rica’s oldest and largest national park, Santa Rosa National Park.  This park hosts ten different ecological habitats including mangrove swamps and tropical forests, and is home to over 115 species of mammals. Beyond the plant and animal diversity, there is also bountiful history associated with this location dating back to the 1800s. In more recent times, this famous park also served as a CIA and police force training camp.

Surfers must hike through Santa Rosa National Park in order to access the surf at Witch’s Rock.

Surf Conditions in the Guanacaste Region

According to Costa Rica Journeys, “Waves [at Witch’s Rock, Guanacaste] range from 50-150 meters high and sometimes reach 300 meters–a good day for any surfer.”  For timely reports on waves and conditions at Witch’s Rock and its neighboring beach Ollie’s Point, click here. Other surfing beaches in the Guanacaste region include Playa Tamarindo, known for its epic sunsets, and Playa Portero, known for its small town and rugged affect. Playa Avellanas, where OBCR’s Girl Scouts Catching Waves course is made possible, is known as Tamarindo’s most pristine beach, shaded by gnarled trees on a backdrop of mangrove forests and wild pastures.

OBCR goes beyond the Guanacaste Province and into Panama for our Surf and Service Summer course, where surf sites include Playa Tulín, Playa Punta Mala and Playa Hermosa.