Pacífica Surf Studios

WARNING, scammers. Don’t rent surfboards here! When I picked mine up, I was already suspicious: the girl in the shop attached the fins in a rush and the screws stuck out. The guy at reception also had a really strange, arrogant vibe. I ignored my instincts and trusted them, but less than an hour in the water later, one of the fins had fallen off and was gone. They’d taken a 200 usd deposit and made me sign a contract, so I went home to check the reviews before returning the board. Lots of other people described the same experience, and it looks like a routine they’ve set up. They give people crappy boards and equipment on purpose, then charge the deposit when you bring back gear they say you “broke”. The contract says fins and leash must be returned in the same condition. It also took ONE MONTH to get my deposit back, which caused a lot of stress and anger during my trip. We asked several other surf shops, and they said taking a cash deposit wasn’t normal. Charging 200 usd per board for cheap, old equipment is pathetic. There are MANY other good surf shops with genuinely nice people if you go to the main road. Please AVOID THIS PLACE.

We’ve stayed at Pacifica Surf Studios twice, once for a month and once for two weeks, and I’d happily go back for a third visit. The location is close to the beach for surfing or swimming, as well as restaurants and a grocery store. The rooms are simple but cozy, with what you need. The bed is big and the mattress is good. The air conditioning and internet both work great. The kitchen is outdated but fully functional and has enough cooking utensils. A kind cleaning lady tidies the apartment every other day. The grounds are beautiful and well kept, with a pool that’s warm and clean. You can rent surfboards on site, as well as ATVs, and arrange tours. There’s also a cool skateboard park where you can rent a skateboard. It felt safe, with cameras and 24-hour security. Staff were polite, friendly, and helpful, and they can arrange affordable shuttles to and from the airport. I highly recommend Pacifica Surf Studios.

The rooms are large but very basic, and each one has a patio. The location is perfect, with everything you need within walking distance. There’s a pool, and the skate park is right next door. Their board rental seemed like one of the cheapest options and it’s in a great spot. Gio and Esteban made the stay especially good. They know what’s happening around town and were helpful with whatever we needed. Get to know them and you’ll feel right at home.

Don’t rent a surfboard here. They put a $400 hold on our credit card, and after two weeks it still hasn’t been removed. We called, but they said to contact our bank and that it wasn’t their problem. We should have checked the reviews before renting.