Top Surf Camps for Spring Break
January 6, 2024
The go-to resource for planning your surf camps. Find all you need to know about the top destinations and take your surfing to new heights.
Discover Surf Camps now
Although often associated with massive parties and gatherings, spring break can also be a wonderful opportunity to immerse into nature, chill at the beach, and score some waves.
Looking for a different kind of spring break? Across the United States, Latin America, and Europe, there are plenty of surf camps that you can join for an unforgettable experience.
From affordable to pampering, short to weeklong, check out these six surf camps in the most popular surfing destinations for spring or Easter break:
7 Days North Shore Surf Camp in Oahu, Hawaii
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$2,495
Surfing on Oahu’s legendary North Shore, the ultimate surfers’ testing ground, is most definitely a bucket list item.
The North Shore’s gnarly waves are the birthplace of big wave surfing, but you should not let that scare you. The surfing conditions differ and there are spots for all levels, even for those who have never set foot on a surfboard before.
Join this intensive surf camp in North Shore and learn to surf or take your skills to the next level. Located in Haleiwa, less than a mile from Sunset Beach, the camp is close to some of the world’s most renowned waves, the likes of Sunset Beach, Pipeline / Backdoor, Waimea Bay, Gas Chambers, just to name a few.
You’ll wave up early for dawn patrol (sunrise surf session) followed by a delicious breakfast. Afterward, there is a second surf or SUP lesson.
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in the package price.
Surfing conditions in Oahu in March/April:
In March and April, you can find waves almost anywhere in Oahu.
The best time to surf on Oahu’s North Shore is between October and April, when powerful swells sweep the coast and big waves roll in. That being said, in March and April the waves start to decrease in size. On most days, they are easier to tackle. Advanced surfers may still find some huge waves, intermediate surfers will learn new tricks, and beginners will have fun in the sheltered spots or the whitewater closer to shore.
The water is warm in Oahu during this time of year, hovering around 73-79°F (23-26°C).
» Plan the perfect surf trip with the help of our guide to surfing in Hawaii.
6 Days Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
- Skill level: Beginners and intermediate surfers
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$550
On the Pacific Coast, in the Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is one of the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica.
If you’re looking for a spring break with a difference, join this surf camp located only five minutes from Playa Tamarindo, which has mellow waves for beginners. For intermediate surfers, there are quality surf spots nearby, such as Avellanas, Langosta, Playa Grande, and Playa Negra.
There will be four days with surfing lessons, consisting of two hours each. Outside of the lessons, you’ll benefit from unlimited use of the camp’s surfboards for self-practice. The camp will take pictures of you while you surf and, at the end of your stay, you’ll get a USB stick with your pics. The package also includes one free snorkeling trip and one free yoga class.
Surfing conditions in Costa Rica in March/April:
The best time to surf in Tamarindo is from March through October, when the most consistent swells sweep the coast.
March and April are transition months – northerly swells and southerly swells will cross up, offering good size and clean waves. These months are still the dry season in Guanacaste, and offshore winds are on the daily menu. Although there is occasional rainfall during this time, the weather is generally nice and with plenty of sunshine.
You can expect warm water temperature, hovering around 80-82 °F (27-28°C).
» Find out more about the country’s best waves and surfing seasons from our comprehensive guide to surfing in Costa Rica.
6 Days Line Up Fun Surf Camp in Fuerteventura, Spain
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$250
While the rest of Europe is still recovering from winter, it already feels like summer in the Canary Islands.
Join this budget surf camp in the Canary Islands and get premium personalized surf lessons for all levels. There’ll be four days of surfing lessons up to four hours each, with the newest and best surfing equipment on the market for an enhanced surfing experience. The lessons include tuition both on the beach and in the water, as well as warm-up exercises.
You’ll be divided into groups of similar abilities, with one instructor per maximum six guests. The instructors will provide personalized feedback in and out of the water in order to maximize your surfing potential.
Surfing conditions in the Canary Islands in March/April:
The Canary Islands are a year-round surfing destination. However, the most reliable conditions can be found between September and April.
March and April are great months for all levels of surfers, particularly intermediates. The most famous surf spots in the Canary Islands are firing, and advanced surfers will get what they bargained for. Intermediates will find plenty of technical waves to practices new maneuvers, while beginners will still find sheltered spots with mellow and user-friendly waves.
The water temperature ranges between 64 and 68°F (18-20°C). You’ll need a 3/2mm wetsuit or a long-sleeve shorty.
8 Days Surf Camp in Playa Venao, Panama
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$2,562
With white-sandy beaches, great waves, candy-colored houses, and bohemian vibes, Playa Venao is one of Panama’s most popular surf spots and of the best places on the planet to learn to surf or improve.
No matter where you are in your journey, the experienced instructors on this surf camp will either guide you to the best waves in the area, help you improve your surfing, or assist you as you catch your very first waves. You’ll also get complimentary surf photos and video.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy daily surf lessons adapted to your skill level. The staff provides lessons for all levels and provides all the necessary surfing equipment. You’ll also get free use of the surfing equipment outside the lessons.
The accommodation is snuggled on the beach, steps away from the Pacific Ocean. The package includes daily breakfast, water, coffee, tea, and fresh juice. You can also benefit from the camp’s free bike rental to explore your surroundings.
Surfing conditions in Playa Venao in March/April:
Playa Venao is renowned for its outstanding consistency, and there are waves all year round. That said, March and April mark the beginning of the prime surfing season in Panama.
March and April are also the warmest months of the dry season. Southwesterly swells roll in and offshore winds blow pretty much all day long, creating epic conditions.
Water temperatures range between 72 and 79°F (22-26°C) during this time of year.
4 Days Thrilling Surf Camp in Lagos, Portugal
- Skill level: All levels
- Availability: All year round
- Price: From US$287
The Algarve has the sunniest weather and the warmest water in Portugal, making it a preferred destination for spring or Easter break.
Join this affordable surf camp in Lagos and get the best surfing experience possible, whether you travel solo, as a couple, with your family, or in a group. The package can be customized depending on the number of days you’d like to stay and the surfing lessons you require.
There will be two surfing sessions per day, one in the morning after breakfast and one in the afternoon after lunch. The instructors cater to all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced. They’ll find the best waves of the day for your skills.
On certain dates of the year, you can enjoy free yoga weeks or free surfari weeks. During the weeks of March 23 to 27 and April 13 to 17, 2020, you can do yoga for free. In the weeks of March 14 – 21 and April 18 - 25, 2020, you can join the camp’s surfaris for free. Daily breakfast and homemade lunches are included in the package.
Note: You must be at 16 years old or more to join this surf camp.
Surfing conditions in the Algarve in March/April:
March and April are great months to travel to the Agarve. The weather is lovely and the surf is incredibly consistent, with waves for all levels. The more advanced waves are firing, while beginners will find sheltered coves with friendly rollers. In summer, it can get very hot, overcrowded, and there can be long flat spells.
The water is colder in March and April, around 59-60°F (15-18°C), and you’ll need a 3/2mm wetsuit.
» Find out all you need to know about surfing in Potugal and plan an unforgettable surf trip.
*Prices are subject to change depending on the date of arrival.
Surf more with less, any time of the year, by opting to go on a budget surf camp that doesn’t compromise on quality.