Dreamsea’s specialties! A majority of life at Dreamsea (and in Tamarindo, too) revolves around yoga and surfing. We wake up to downward facing dogs and warrior one poses before spending the rest of the day playing in the swell at Tamarindo or catching green waves at neighboring beaches.

You might be thinking to yourself, “But I’ve never surfed/yoga’d before!” or “I don’t even know what that lingo means!”. Or maybe you’ve dabbled a little but you don’t think you’ll be good enough?

Fear not. Dreamsea Costa Rica welcomes all levels of experience – from the seasoned yogi’s and surfers to the toe-dippers and fresh-faced fledglings. You’ll always have the support and encouragement of the camp’s friendly and qualified surf & yoga teachers. Even if you can’t touch your toes, you’ll never feel out of place on the yoga platform and can take it as slow as you need. The surf instructors also hold weekly Surf Tutorials in the evening, where they share all things surf related: talking about beach safety and surfing etiquette, to describing wave types and technique, and deciphering some of that lingo you may have been secretly confused but scared to ask about.

Still not convinced? When else will you get the chance to do yoga under the howler monkeys hanging in the trees above, or surfing at one of the best places in Central & South America?

We’re a little off the grid at Dreamsea, located in a nearby jungle of Guanacaste. Everything about the camp is very simplistic and minimal. The furniture is homemade, the decor is rustic and rural, and the toilets are open-air. You share your space with other campmates and some other residents too: howler monkeys, a few camp pets, and the occasional passing bull or cow.

Needless to say this might sound a little different to what you’re used to but don’t let that put you off. While Dreamsea may not have some of your usual home comforts it’s gives you a chance to let go of the materialistic and focus on what actually matters. With emphasis drawn away from money, time, possessions and other constrictions that rule the majority of our every day lives, value is returned to experiences and moments. Living this simplistic life at Dreamsea Costa Rica makes you realize how little we actually need in order to be happy.

If one of your other concerns is sharing your lavatorial space with 8-legged creatures & their friends (as mine was!), it really isn’t as bad as you think. Come prepared: arm yourself with a mosquito net, bug spray, a head lamp to take on the night-time trails to the toilet, and shoes to wear around camp, and you’ll be fine. We actually live in harmony with nature’s residents, and as long as we respect their home they are quite happy to leave us be.

Travelling, for me, is all about the people you meet along the way. This is is one of the reasons I decided to volunteer at Dreamsea Costa Rica, and after a month in camp, it didn’t disappoint.

There is a real global atmosphere within the camp and you’ll never be short of a friend. It may feel a little overwhelming initially, coming into friendship groups already formed and remembering a number of new names, but give it a few days. Ask someone how their day was. Sit down at a different table for dinner. See if anyone wants to come into town with you in the morning. Everyone is friendly and happy to talk – just be yourself, smile and say hello.

And if you’re someone who prefers your own space? That’s fine too! Some days you may even feel a bit of R&R is needed and you have the flexibility and freedom to have some alone time too, whether it’s taking a time-out in a cafe, going off for a solo surf, or having some me-time hanging on a platform in the Mango Tree at camp.

Make sure you get involved when you’re at Dreamsea, as there’s always something going on and it is the best way to experience this place properly. Come along to a group gym session in the morning (cheesy work-out music provided); sweat it out in the surf relay down at Playa Tamarindo; try your hand in a game of ping pong or take part in the monthly Dreamsea talent show. After dinner activities range from guided meditation and flip cup tournaments to music bingo and sing-alongs around a bonfire.

You may have come across some people in your life that give off the ‘too cool for school’ stigma, the kind of people who cringe at organized fun or turn their noses up at things like talent shows, but not here! We don’t take life too seriously at Dreamsea Costa Rica and everyone is always up for a laugh. Even if it’s a little out of your comfort zone, just give it a go – it’s a great way to immerse yourself and meet people.

Tamarindo is prime spot for surfing, sunning, and chilling out but it is also your everyday-kind of beach town. It can be easy to become a bit of a home-comfort hopper, bouncing between a day on the beach with a book and the nearest burger joint or Happy Hour. So while you’re here, make the most of this gem of a place and try something new. Get lunch from the ‘car lady’ for only 2,000 colones and indulge in gorgeous Costa Rican cuisine (all served out of the back of a Toyota). Learn some Spanish and get chatting to the locals: they are so friendly and more than happy to share tips for life in Tamarindo. Or, you can hop on a bus to the nearest town or neighboring beach and get a taste of a different local scene. Which leads nicely on to…

Every week the Dreamsea team organizes a different trip for campers: Cliff jumping at Playa Conchal, hiking and camping overnight at Playa Minas, swimming in the waterfalls of Llanos de Cortez, or a surfing trip to Playa Avellanas, Marbella and beyond. If you’re a backpacker on a budget, you might be a little wary of the prices and wondering if it’ll be worth it. Short answer – yes, it is.

Tamarindo is only a small glimpse into what Costa Rica has to offer, and there is so much more to see and do. When you go with Dreamsea your whole transport, trip and lunch are sorted. You’re with people who know the area well and know the best spots to take you – when we went to Playa Minas we even got to see turtles nesting! The excursions are excellent value for the prices and a good deal when you compare it to other tours from Tamarindo. Plus you’re guaranteed to go with a great group of people!

So come to Dreamsea Costa Rica with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and an open heart. Wake up with the howler monkeys and watch the sun set at Playa Tamarindo in the evening. Throw yourself into all there is to offer to get the most out of this amazing place and I promise you’ll leave with lifelong friends, a belly full of laughs and memories you’ll have forever.

OK, so you may not ask yourself this question, but you should. The tropical climate of Tamarindo is too hot for a wetsuit, but you may want to consider bringing a rash guard. Rash guards, or rashies, are compression shirts that protect your skin from sunburns and irritations caused from skin-to-skin chaffing and board-to-skin abrasions. You also want to make sure you lather up on the SPF. Afterall, the surfer look isn’t complete without a thick application of zinc to the nose. If buying a rashie isn’t in your budget, Mags says a tight-fitting, long-sleeve shirt, or something you can tie back to make tight, will work fine.

The thing about oceans is that they are rarely consistent. Learning which waves are best for riding is something that takes a lot of time to get the hang of. Even then, you’re going to mess it up sometimes. Ideally, you want to catch a wave at its peak, the highest point of the wave that breaks first. O’Boyle suggests taking some time to watch the waves from the shore before paddling out to see where you might want to position yourself in the water. Both instructors also recommend paying attention to the waves when you’re out swimming. Take notice of how the waves feel and try to body surf them.

“You have to just go out there. Get to know the waves, go on a date,” said Mags. “You’ll get the feel for it.”

You’ll also get the green light from your instructors during your lesson. They’ll let you know which waves are worth going for, how long you should paddle and when you should pop up and enjoy the ride.

Everyone experiences a nosedive or two (or several) when surfing – and they’re actually a really important part of learning. Wipe outs are normal and help you understand what does and doesn’t work for you. But, if you want to avoid dipping the tip of your board in the water, check your weight distribution and keep your eyes on the prize. Your weight should always be concentrated toward the back of your board, even when paddling. This prevents you from putting too much pressure on the front and scooping your board into the wave. Another reason you might be falling down is because you’re looking down. Wherever your eyes go, your body follows, so keep your head up and stare in the direction you want to go. If you do find yourself in a wipe out, though, be sure to use your arms to protect your head from any rogue boards.

Mags says that almost every student starts with doubts that they’ll get up on their first day, and every single time they do. Every instructor’s goal is to see their student ride their first wave. They spend plenty of time with you on land and in the water to make sure you fully understand the pop up. They’ll also give you the extra push you need, sometimes literally when the force your board into the break to make sure you catch that wave. Having a goal of standing up is incredibly obtainable.

“I didn’t really have any expectations when I started,” said Dreamsea guest Pierre-Olivier Paquette from Quebec, Canada. “I told myself that if I was able to get myself on a board after two weeks, I’d be happy. I managed to do that in a couple hours. I was really happy and felt like I was really progressing fast.”

Choosing the right board can be a long and thoughtful process for a surfer. There are many variations in length, width, weight, thickness, material, etc. When you’re a beginner though, the decision is easy. You’ll likely start off on an eight-foot soft-top board. Long boards are easier for paddling and maintaining balance, and can work for almost any type of wave you’ll be surfing. The soft top is also safer when it comes to wipe outs because well, it’s softer. If you get through your lessons and think you want to try out a different board style, your instructors will be happy to talk specs with you and make a few suggestions on what you might want to try.

If you’re pumped about getting on the board, you’re already a good surfer. Ask any pro and they’ll tell you that the best surfers are the ones having the most fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re skimming through barrels or nosediving into your first green wave, it’s all about the amount of energy and excitement you bring onto the water. We love to see other people having a good time out there.

“You can have the most skilled surfer out on the water, but what we consider to the best surfer is the person who’s the most stoked to be out there,” said Mags.

The beautiful part about the Tamarindo coastline, is that there’s never really a bad time to get in the water. Some seasons are more ideal than others, but there’s almost always a wave worth catching. That said, the waves tend to be smaller from December – June, making it more ideal for newbies. The weather is also dryer and can be more ideal for hanging at the beach in those months. On the other hand, while July – November can be a bit wetter, because of that climate they offer the best waves of the year. There are 4-5 beaches within a 30 minute radius of Tamarindo that offer different levels of surfing for both the beginner and the advanced surfer, so in the end, there really is no bad time of the year to surf here. So, if you’re stuck to a specific set of dates, don’t let the slightly larger waves deter you. The Dreamsea Surf Camp of Costa Rica family will be here ready to teach you and cheer you on throughout your surf journey.

Mark your calendars, pack your bags and book your stay at Dreamsea Costa Rica today!

This is probably the biggest reason people decide to leave friends and partners behind during their travels. We work hard throughout the year and aren’t looking to cut corners when it comes to our much-earned holidays. When you’re by yourself, you have the freedom to check off as many things on your bucket list as you want – and you won’t get sucked into anything you don’t want to do. This also means you have the option to change plans on a whim if your wanderlust gets the best of you. Warning: this happens often!

This is usually the part that surprises people the most. Even though you’re technically not traveling with anyone, you very rarely find yourself alone. There are tons of people who are doing the exact same thing as you and are always looking for a new friend to join them on their adventures. Staying in places like Dreamsea Costa Rica, where community is the main focus, ensures you meet at least a few souls who match your vibe. Chances are though, you’ll meet a lot of them.

I’m not going to lie. Some parts of traveling alone are hard. I can’t tell you how many times I got lost walking through a new town, thought I was getting on the wrong bus or felt slightly less than comfortable being alone. However, those are also the moments I remember the most. After every difficult situation, I felt stronger. Without having another person to lean on, I knew what I was capable of. The confidence you build from overcoming these obstacles seep into other aspects of your life, too. Before you know it, you’ll be taking more chances and living the life you’ve always wanted.

Every experience is different, and each person has their own list of reasons why they prefer to go it alone. The only way you’ll discover what yours are is by making the leap and just doing it. Take a deep breath, face your fears and reserve your spot at Dreamsea Costa Rica. Your new travel family is waiting for you!

Vacations are meant to assist you in getting away from responsibilities, not create more of them. For those of us who are too overwhelmed to think about scouring booking sites or figuring out which excursions we should do, just book a getaway that does all the planning for you. From breakfast to varied social events, Dreamsea Costa Rica provides an itinerary to make sure you get the full Pura Vida experience that Costa Rica is known for. Each day offers a new activity you can join in on, like waterfall hikes, soccer, salsa lessons and trips to other nearby beaches like Playa Avellanas, which has its own resident pig. It’s the ultimate break, all you need to do is reserve your spot and book a flight.

If you live in a place that experiences winter, you probably know that seasonal depression is very real. Months of grey skies, early sunsets and extra time spent indoors can leaving you feeling a bit blah. Vitamin D, fittingly referred to as the sunshine vitamin, is not only important for emotional regularity, but can lead to fatigue, weak bones, cardiovascular diseases and a compromised immune system (hello, flu). The best way to avoid these symptoms is to get a healthy dose of sunshine, which you’ll obviously get plenty of while riding the waves into the beach and stretching out for a sundown yoga session.

We all like to scroll through cute and funny pet pics, but if eight out of ten of your last IG posts are featuring your furry friend, it might be time to get out of the house. Tamarindo is the perfect backdrop to catch some envy-worthy photos – the eco-friendly glamping tents in the middle of the jungle, the community mango tree platform in the center of camp, sunsets over the ocean, waves for all levels of surfing, and a camp full of cool new friends from around the world. The best part? You don’t even need to bring your camera. With photographers on staff, all of your moments are captured in high quality, professional photos that will help freeze those fun, adventuring-seeking experiences in time forever.

We are all familiar with the excuses: I don’t have enough money, I can’t get the time off work, I just can’t commit to that right now. Traveling with friends is cool, but sometimes it can be a pain to get them on board. That’s probably why so many people who end up at Dreamsea Costa Rica arrive on their own. Traveling solo can feel intimidating and maybe even sound a bit lonely, but with a full camp nearly all year long, you’ll very rarely spend any time by yourself; unless you want to, of course. In that case, just hike out to the monkey tree, take the top tier of the mango treehouse, or snuggle into one of the many hammocks located throughout camp. Most people who’ve made their way through Dreamsea Costa Rica say that the best part of their experience is making so many new life-long friends from around the world. Many even go on to travel together in future trips.

It helps if you build some strength in your arms and core before hopping on a board, but it isn’t necessary. Surfing is an exercise routine that feels way too fun to be a workout. You’re constantly working your arms and shoulders to paddle out and strengthening your core and back to lift your body off the board. Don’t be surprised if you notice some increased definition after just a few full days in the water. You’ll also get plenty of opportunities to loosen up those muscles during the twice-daily yoga or the occasional free lessons in surf massage. If you do want to get some practice in before heading out to Dreamsea, you can search “surf workouts” on YouTube and find plenty of free exercises to get your body in surf shape. The daily Surf and Yoga paired with the locally sourced and healthy food options both in camp and around town, will certainly have you feeling a boost of health, physique, and happiness in no time.

Not to sound like your parents, but you will never know if you like something unless you try it. Many people have walked into Dreamsea Costa Rica never having put a foot on a surf board or yoga mat and ultimately end up leaving with new life-long hobbies. Plus, mastering new skills gives us an obvious kick of endorphins and other feel-good hormones. Who can say no to that? You’ll be camping alongside your surf and yoga instructors too, so you’ll learn plenty of new tips over meals, mango tree conversations, beers and during the nightly surf and yoga tips. Who knows, you might find your new calling in life.

If you haven’t already made up your mind to book your Surf & Yoga getaway, check out our Instagram and start visualizing what life could be like at Dreamsea Costa Rica. On the other hand, if you’re already hooked, reserve your spot today!