Cafecito Surf School & Guesthouse

Cafecito Surf is locally owned, owner-operated, and intentionally small. We’re not a large surf camp moving dozens of guests through the same program each week. Our goal is to create a personal experience where guests feel like they’re staying with friends, not checking into a business. Small group surf coaching, cozy accommodations, local knowledge, and a welcoming community are at the heart of everything we do. Many guests arrive knowing nobody and leave with new surf friends from around the world.

A bit of all three. You can: Stay with us as a guest Take surf lessons and coaching Join one of our surf camp weeks Book a private surf retreat with your own group Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, as a family, or organizing a retreat, we can tailor the experience to fit your goals.

Yes. Cafecito Surf grew from a local family home and remains deeply connected to Santa Teresa’s community and culture. When you stay with us, you’re supporting a small local business rather than an international surf camp chain or large hospitality group. It is owned by two partners, Lenin and Chelsea. Lenin's parents moved to Santa Teresa from Nicaragua around the year 2000, looking to create a better life and opportunity for their children. And that they did! Through hard work and strong hearts, they built their life from the ground up, literally, and the house you will stay in with Cafecito Surf is the same home Julio Sanchez built with his own hands, and the home that one of our owners grew up in. From 10 years old Lenin lived in the Cafecito Surfhouse (which has been renovated and updated little by little over the years). Today he runs the business with his partner Chelsea who is from Canada. The whole Sanchez Cruz family is still involved and helps our with the business, so by choosing to stay with Cafecito, you are choosing to support the local community and in what is now an extremely gentrified town dominated by foreign owned businesses.

Relaxed, social, and welcoming. Guests often describe Cafecito as feeling more like a shared home than a hostel. Whether you’re joining for a week of surfing or simply passing through Santa Teresa, we want you to feel part of the community.

Yes. A large percentage of our guests travel solo. The combination of shared accommodations, surf lessons, communal spaces, and small group activities makes it easy to meet people naturally.

Definitely. The house attracts people from all over the world who share a love for surfing, adventure, travel, and meaningful experiences.

Based on guest feedback, the reasons are remarkably consistent: The personal atmosphere Small group surf coaching Comfortable accommodations Genuine local hospitality Feeling part of a community The friendships formed during their stay Many guests arrive as visitors and leave feeling like part of the Cafecito family.