With more than 910-miles of sandy shorelines, warm water temperatures and a whole string of brilliant surf schools and surf resorts to match, Nicaragua is fast becoming one of the Pacific Coast’s best-loved surfing spots.
A double-room at DreamSea Surf Camp (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Nicaragua’s tides are changing fast. Once overlooked in favour of central America’s other wildlife-rich destinations, the surf scene in Nicaragua is now the stuff of legends. While there’s no shortage of swell here, you don’t need to be an advanced surfer to make the most of it either, thanks to an excellent range of reputable surf schools dotted across the region. But which to choose for your next surf vacation? We’ve cherry-picked five of the best surfing camps in Nicaragua based on price, programme, location and additional amenities, such as yoga and spas.
2-day Refreshing Yoga and Surf Camp Resort in San Juan del Sur, Playa Madera
DreamSea Surf Camp offers a variety of surf camps, but most of them last for over a week. This two-day course is ideal for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers who are looking to dip into the local surf scene for a weekend. The package includes daily surfing lessons and surf theory, transfer to all surf spots, surfboard and equipment rental and a yoga lesson. The price also includes breakfast and dinner, and one-night accommodation in a dorm, suite or twin room at the eco-lodge. Participants benefit from small class sizes (maximum of four people) on the Pacific coastal hills of San Juan del Sur. From €117 for two days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
6 Days Advanced Surf Camp Puerto Sandino Leon
Great waves in Puerto Sardino Leon at (BookSurfCamps.com)
This six-day surf trip is an excellent option for intermediate and advanced surfers. Located in a sleepy fishing village in northern Nicaragua, guests can enjoy perfect waves, points, breaks and epic offshore winds all year round. The package includes daily surf sessions, boat transportation to the best surf spots, and roundtrip accommodation from Managua and Leon. Guests can also choose from five nights’ accommodation in a range of rooms, some with ocean views, and three delicious meals every day. From €717 for six days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
14 Day Surf Camp for Advanced Surfers in Popoyo, Rivas
Intermediate surfers will be hard-pressed to find a better value than this package offering from Wild Waves. Ideally suited to those looking to get stuck into the surf, this fortnight-long package includes accommodation, breakfast and four boat trips with a surf guide. The rest of the time, guests can go solo on big swells at the beach a five-minute stroll away or relax at the retreat. The location is second-to-none too, boasting the country’s most consistent waves and breaks. Guests can purchase lunch for an additional €5 per day. From €1,339 for 13 days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
8 Day Yoga and Surf Camp in Aposentilo, Chinandega
Las Dunas offers the ideal all-round trip for all levels (Photo: BookSurfCamps.com)
Las Dunas is a lovely, laid-back hotel-restaurant surf school on Nicaragua’s wild, western coast. While big swells are almost certainly guaranteed, beginners can enjoy the surf scene here just as much as advanced surfers. The price includes unlimited surf lessons, surf gear rental and paddle board hire too. Guests can enjoy seven nights’ accommodation in a private cabana or four-person dorm, with daily meals. When you’ve tired of the surf, there’s the resort’s beach bar and dozens of activities, from horseback riding to volcano hikes. All packages include a one-hour massage in the soul-soothing spa too. From €1137 for eight days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com
8 Day Surfing Yogies Utopia Retreat with Beachfront Daily Surf, Rivas
Costa Dulce is set in a tropical dry forest that transforms into a lush jungle during the rainy season, so you’re guaranteed to have an adventure whatever time of year you’re visiting. This eight-day retreat includes two daily surf and yoga classes, workshops and one-to-one guidance on a secluded beach, making it ideal for beginners. As well as exercise, guests can enjoy access to farm-to-table cuisine, an ocean-view spa and guided jungle hikes. The price includes all tuition, sunset meditation and a one-hour massage. For a truly immersive experience, guests can enjoy a Temazcal Meso-American Sweelodge Ceremony too. From €1,295 for eight days.
Book at BookSurfCamps.com