Looking for the ultimate surfing holiday? Join us in three epic destinations – El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. With a tropical climate and perfect waves on tap, plus expert coaching with like-minded women, this is the trip of a lifetime.
We’re taking you on the ultimate surf trip through Central America, from the long points of El Salvador, to the punchy beach breaks of Costa Rica and empty peaks of Nicaragua. You’ll be staying right by the surf, and our guides will make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to score the best waves of your life.
Our tropical trio kicks off in El Salvador, home to a palm-fringed coastline. The relatively short, south-facing stretch has countless pumping surf breaks backed by dense jungle and soaring volcanoes. This is also one of the least-visited Pacific coastlines in all of Central America, so you’ll get to surf empty waves.
Next up is Costa Rica. Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a little slice of paradise that sums up “Pura Vida” – pure life. Think sugar-soft sand, dramatic sunsets, crystal-clear waters and bathwater-warm sea temperatures. Oh, and perfectly-groomed waves, from mellow beach breaks and punchy performance waves. When your arms need a break, kick back amidst the great food, jungle-backed coastline and kaleidoscopic sunsets.
Our third destination is Southern Nicaragua. This quiet coastline is one of Central America’s best-kept secrets, having only appeared on the surf radar in recent years. Expect fun rolling beach breaks and mellow reef breaks, with low crowds in the off season. Add to that the consistent offshore winds, and you have the recipe for surfing pretty perfect, uncrowded waves from dawn ‘til dusk.
During the trip, you’ll meet like-minded women at different stages of their surf journey. From complete beginners who want to catch their first wave, to seasoned ‘Green Wave Riders’ who want to break out of their comfort zone or surf perfect waves overseas. Share the surf stoke with other women in a fun and friendly
Wake up to the sound of waves and the smell of fresh sea air – you’ll be sleeping just a short stroll from the beach in all three countries.
Tucked away in a small village where surfing takes priority, our accommodation in El Salvador has a shabby chic vibe. The clean, comfortable rooms feature handcrafted hardwood furnishings and there’s an outdoor pool and lush sun deck with gorgeous ocean views. View more information about our El Salvador accommodation.
In Costa Rica, we stay at surf-friendly accommodation comprising a guest house and bungalows, hidden amidst palm trees. Facilities include a pool, restaurant, yoga area and garden spa. On the first night of our trip, we stay in our fave hotel in Alajuela, the old colonial part of Costa Rica’s capital, near San Jose. View more information about our Costa Rica accommodation.
Our surf camp in Nicaragua is just metres from the Pacific Ocean. We’ll be staying in air-conditioned surf villas, apartments, rooms and ranchos. Onsite facilities include a communal eating area, pool, beachfront bar and yoga terrace overlooking the beach. View more information about our Nicaragua accommodation.
Please see our Prices tab for a list of accommodation prices.
Whatever your level of surfing, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re a complete beginner, learning to surf in a warm climate will make the start of your surf journey fun, hassle-free and an unforgettable experience.
If you’ve become a bit stuck with your progress, Costa Rica and Nicaragua are both ideal destinations to work on your technique. The lack of crowds means you can build your confidence without feeling self-conscious or worrying about getting in other people’s way.
We split everyone into groups according to ability, so you won’t feel left behind or be too advanced for your group. Our expert, friendly coaches are on hand to guide you every step of the way. They’ll be in the water with you to give you handy coaching tips.
Each group – whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or a seasoned pro – will benefit from photo and video analysis. It’s the best way to improve and gives you a move-by-move breakdown of your surfing. Plus, you get to take the footage and photos home with you – it’s both a great memento and a valuable coaching tool.
The surf up and down this coast is perfect for all abilities. From mellow waves to points and faster waves, there’s something for everyone.
WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE
We want to maximise your time in the water. In all three countries, we’ll sometimes take the option to get up early, watch the sunrise and surf at dawn. Other times we may grab a coffee and some breakfast before hitting the water for around two hours. We’ll take a break before jumping back in the water for our second session.
Then it’s time for brunch, sleep and a chill before meeting for a photo and video analysis session.
You’ll have the rest of the day to relax, explore or jump on an optional excursion. Then it’s back to the beach for another surf and to watch an incredible sunset with a few drinks.
Back at our accommodation, we’ll have dinner before going to bed early – ready to do it all over again the next day!
PHOTO AND VIDEO ANALYSIS
Seeing yourself surf is a fantastic way to improve…fast.
Our professional photography team will create an awesome package of images and video footage for you to keep. It’s not only an invaluable coaching tool to help improve your surfing, it’s also a great memento of your trip.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
EL SALVADOR
COSTA RICA
NICARAGUA
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON ALL THREE TRIPS
EL SALVADOR
Room | Bed | Price per person | Duration | Fan | Air Conditioning | En-suite bathroom | Shared Bathroom | Private Terrace/ Shared balcony |
Standard Room 1 (3 sharing) | Single | £1,399 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Standard Room 2 (2 sharing) | Single | £1,449 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Standard Room 3 (2 sharing) | Single | £1,299 | 7 nights | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Standard Room 6 (single occupancy) | Double | £1,449 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Standard Room 9 (single occupancy) | Single | £1,349 | 7 nights | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Standard room 11 (single occupancy) | Single | £1,449 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | |||
Premier room 4 (2 sharing) | Single* | £1,599 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Premier room 4 (2 sharing) | Double | £1,699 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Premier Room 5, 7 & 8 (2 sharing) | Single* | £1,549 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Premier Room 5, 7 & 8 (2 sharing) | Double | £1,649 | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Room (Private double) | Surfing couple | Couple where one is a non surfer | Duration | Fan | Air Conditioning | En-suite bathroom | Private Terrace/ Shared Balcony |
Premier room 5, 7 or 8 | £1549pp | £1549 (surfer) + £1399 (non surfer) | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Premier room 4 | £1599pp | £1599 (surfer) + £1449 (non surfer) | 10 nights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*Slightly smaller than standard European width.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?
COSTA RICA
Room | Bed | Total trip price per person | Duration** | Fan | Air Conditioning | En-suite bathroom | Private Terrace/ balcony |
Private Bungalow (Single Occupancy) | Double | £2,449 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Private Bungalow (2 sharing) | Single | £1,599 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Private Bungalow (2 sharing) | Double | £1,699 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Private Bungalow (3 sharing) | Single* | £1,399 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Private Bungalow (3 sharing) | Double | £1,499 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Suite (single occupancy) | Double | £2,249 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ocean View Room | Single* | £1,499 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ocean View Room | Double | £1,599 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Large Ocean View Room (4 sharing) | Single | £1,449 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Large Ocean View Room (4 sharing) | Double | £1,549 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Treetop Lower Apartment (2 sharing) | Single | £2,149 | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
COUPLE AND NON SURFING COUPLE OPTIONS
Room (Private Double) | Total trip price for a Surfing couple | Couple where one is a non surfer | Duration** | Fan | Air Conditioning | En-suite bathroom | Private Terrace/ Balcony |
Private Bungalow | £1649pp | £1649 (surfer) + £1499 (non surfer) | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Suite | £1599pp | £1599 (surfer) + £1449 (non surfer) | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Treetop Apt | £2149pp | £2149 (surfer) + £1949 (non surfer) | 8 nights** | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
* Single beds are part of a bunk bed
**During the trip you will be staying in two different accommodations. Night 1 and 10 will be in Alajuela and night 2 to 9 will be in Santa Teresa. The details above are for the 8 nights in Santa Teresa.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?
EQUIPMENT HIRE:
You can hire kit at an additional cost. Just let us know what you need and your sizes when you book. We have a good range of foam surfboards/hardboards/progressor boards available. Contact us for more details.
NICARAGUA
Surfer | Non surfing partner | |||
Accommodation | 7 nights | 10 nights | 7 nights | 10 nights |
Twin room (shared - in either villa or apartment) | £1,249 pp | £1,399 pp | ||
Surfing couple (double room) | £1,249 pp | £1,399 pp | ||
Surfer + non surfing partner (double room) | £1,249 pp | £1,399 pp | £1,179 pp | £1,319 pp |
Private room - single occupancy | £1,599 pp | £1,749 pp |
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BUDGET FOR?
EQUIPMENT HIRE
You can hire surfboards at an additional cost. Just let us know what you need and the preferred size when you book. We have a good range of foam surfboards/hardboards/progressor boards available. Contact us for more details.
Surfboard Hire – $105 USD for 7 days or $150 USD for 10 days
EL SALVADOR, COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA TRIP SCHEDULE 28 or 31 NIGHTS
SUITABLE FOR ALL SURFING LEVELS (See New Surfer, Progressor Surfer and Green Wave Rider descriptions in the boxes below)
HOW DO I BOOK?
We have developed an event status to reflect travel advice with reference to Covid-19.
EVENT STATUS: AMBER
This indicates that currently the trip is planned to go ahead, and we are taking booking deposit payments of £150. When we are confident, we will change this from Amber to Green status. At which time we will let you know that you should book your flight or travel to the location plus any accommodation that you may need. It will be when the status is moved from Amber to Green that we will take full payment for the trip or we can structure a payment plan for you at that point.
Further information about Green status in our Covid Terms and Conditions
You’re ready to begin your surfing journey and want to learn the right way from the start. We’ll supply you with all the correct kit, knowledge and skills that you need to know. You’ll progress quickly in a fun, no-pressure environment with other like-minded girls.
We’ll get you up and surfing in no time!
You’ve surfed before and are keen to take your skills and stoke up a level. You’ve successfully caught white water waves, stood up and cruised to the shore. Perhaps you’ve had a taste of surfing out the back?
You want to surf regularly ‘out back’ and learn to catch unbroken waves. We can take you there!
Paddling out, catching unbroken waves and successfully enjoying the buzz of taking the drop in fun conditions has captured you in its addiction. Now you’re looking to refine your skills, improve your style and work on the huge array of moves that will see you love surfing even more.
AREA
EL SALVADOR
El Salvador is a fascinating country with natural and cultural wonders, from dramatic volcanoes to Mayan ruins. Most importantly for us, it also has a surf-rich coastline.
Our accommodation is located in a quiet region, around 45 minutes from San Salvador. Expect a warm welcome from the locals.
When you’re not surfing, relax in a hammock, hike up a volcano or splash in a waterfall. For a dose of culture, visit a nearby village, tour a local tea plantation or visit an ancient Mayan archaeological site.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica’s surf scene is epic – but there’s plenty more on offer, including hiking, zip wiring through the rainforest and horse riding.
Just a few miles from our accommodation, the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is Costa Rica’s first protected area. It is home to hundreds of different bird species, plus monkeys, anteaters, jaguars, iguanas and parrots.
Back at the beach, relax between surf sessions by snorkelling or swinging in a hammock. As well as being an active holiday, there’s plenty of downtime. Want to get zen? Stretch your surfing muscles with a beach yoga session.
NICARAGUA
With its dense jungle, craggy mountains, sparkling lakes and scattering of islands, Nicaragua is like the land that time forgot. Our accommodation is in a quiet region, around 2.5 hours from the city of Managua.
As well as being a prime surf spot, there are plenty of other activities to do in the area, including jungle trekking, wildlife spotting and offshore fishing.
You could also book a volcano tour, visit a turtle hatchery or check out local markets and colonial cities nearby. Other optional activities include horse riding, snorkelling, and beach yoga.
WAVES
EL SALVADOR
It may be the smallest country in Central America with a surfable coastline of just 300km – but what El Salvador lacks in length, it certainly makes up for in quality.
For regular footers, El Salvador is a dream as it’s known for countless right hand point breaks – all shaped by the volcanic landscape. These long rights are perfect for refining manoeuvres.
Less than 80 metres from the sundeck of our accommodation, there’s a fun beach break, a right hand point break and a mellow left-hand reef. And if that’s not enough, jump in a vehicle and head just 20 minutes up or down the coast. You’ll find another half a dozen fantastic rights and lefts with waves for everyone.
COSTA RICA
Each day we’ll get up early and track down the best surf spots. With low crowds at dawn, high swell consistency, offshore winds and a variety of surf spots, we’ll have loads of surf options around Santa Teresa and south to Playa Carmen.
Our friendly team of surf instructors make it their mission to find the best waves for all abilities. If you’ve never surfed before, you’ll love the mellow beach breaks. For more seasoned pros, there’s a huge variety of waves to advance your surfing. But there’s no pressure and we’ll go at your pace.
NICARAGUA
Nicaragua is one of our favourite trips – and for good reason. During the low season, there’s still plenty of swell, generating clean, fun waves.
There are uncrowded waves for everyone along this two-mile, multi-peak beach. If you’ve never surfed before, you’ll love Beginners Bay with its super mellow breaks. If you’re more advanced, push yourself at Popoyo. This epic reef break is just around the headland and has consistent lefts and rights.
Our base is right by the beach. Watch the sun rise, check the conditions and enjoy a dawn surf – all within moments of getting out of bed.
CLIMATE
EL SALVADOR
The equatorial tropical climate is predictably constant year-round. We travel midway through the dry season, which extends from November to April. The average high temperature is 29°C and the average early morning low is 19°C.
The dominant winds are offshore from the north east, meaning offshores in the morning and, more often than not, again in the evening.
Sitting just north of the equator means the sea temperature in El Salvador is a bath-like 28°C to 30°C.
COSTA RICA
We visit Costa Rica during the dry season. Santa Teresa has one of the driest climates in the country.
Unlike some tropical destinations, local microsystems don’t affect the weather. It’s very predictable, with constant sun, high temperatures and a guarantee of no rain.
Average air and sea temperatures hover around 28°C. You’ll need bikinis, boardshorts, rash vests and sun cream – whether you’re on land or in the sea.
NICARAGUA
Sunshine and heat are pretty much guaranteed during Nicaragua’s dry season, when we visit. Expect clear skies and incredible sunsets every day.
Nicaragua is generally hotter and drier than Costa Rica, but thanks to the “Papagayos” offshore breeze, the temperature is always comfortable.
The dry season also means fewer mosquitos, and clearer water for surfing and snorkelling. There’s less foliage in the canopies, so it’s also easier to spot wildlife like monkeys and birds.
The sea temperature is routinely 27-29°C. So if you’re a cold water surfer looking to experience surfing in a bikini for the first time, this trip is an absolute must!
If you have your own kit, great! You’re more than welcome to bring it with you.
There’s a good range of kit available to hire. Not sure what you need? No problem. Just contact us and we’ll let you know. If you need to hire anything, we’ll make sure it’s ready for you when you arrive.
See our equipment hire costs under the ‘Prices’ tab for details.
SURFBOARD
If you’ve never surfed before, we suggest learning to surf on a foam board or “foamie”. They’re super floaty and make it much easier to catch waves. You’ll progress quicker than being on a hardboard or riding a board that’s too small for you.
BOARDSHORTS / SURF LEGGINGS AND RASH VESTS
On any tropical surf trip, you should invest in a couple of pairs of high quality, lightweight, board shorts, bikini bottoms/one piece that stays in place or surf leggings. You’ll also need a lycra rash vest for sun protection. A lycra swimsuit with long arms and short legs is another option.
LEASH
This is essential for attaching your surfboard to your ankle and will save you a swim! Bring a spare leash with you. When you hire a board from us, you’ll get a leash too.
BOARD BAG
A decent board bag will protect your kit. They range from £50 to over £100. The more you pay, the better the storage and protection you get. Use bubble wrap and pipe lagging to help protect your board as much as possible during flights.
BOARD SOCK (OPTIONAL)
This will protect your board from the sun and double up as a board towel. It’s a lighter option for carrying your board between surfs, especially if you’ve invested in a heavy duty travel surfboard bag. Put your board in a sock between surf sessions to stop the wax from melting.
SURFBOARD WAX
Pack a few blocks of tropical wax in your board bag. You’ll need a hard wax to prevent it melting in tropical water temperatures.
ACTIVE WEAR / YOGA KIT + TOWEL (OPTIONAL)
Bring a pair of trainers for hiking. Remember to bring yoga clothes and a towel. You don’t need to bring a mat.
SUN PROTECTION
There’s nothing worse than ruining your holiday through sunstroke and sunburn. It’s painful but completely avoidable if you cover up sensibly. Wear waterproof sunscreen and re-apply regularly. Zinc-based sticks are a good option and won’t run into your eyes. Wear a hat while surfing if your head burns and wear a lycra rash vest over your bikini or swimsuit.
SUNGLASSES
Protect your eyes from the sun – the better the lenses, the more effective the sunglasses will be at blocking out the sun’s harmful UV rays.
FIRST AID KIT
As well as basics like painkillers, plasters, antiseptic cream, wipes, Vaseline and mosquito repellent, you may want to pack Imodium if you experience travel sickness or have a sensitive tummy.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Don’t forget your passport, boarding pass and travel insurance documents. Bring any medical cards / information that you usually carry with you. Take photos of your documents and email them to yourself as back ups.
EXTRAS TO MAKE YOUR TRIP MORE COMFORTABLE
These include:
CLOTHING
Bring comfortable clothing, particularly for changing into between surf sessions. We recommend bringing:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Please bring a reusable water bottle. As surfers, we’re all for limiting our use of plastics.
EL SALVADOR
It’s awesome! In addition to the country’s staple diet, a typical restaurant serves burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads and a variety of rice dishes. Simple, clean and full of flavour and energy.
In El Salvador, sampling a “pupusa” is a must. These thick, saucer-sized corn tortillas are filled with beans, cheese, veggies, meat or seafood, and served with a marinated cabbage salad. Don’t forget a local Pilsener beer to go with it!
To take the hassle out of catering for yourself, our resort offers excellent food onsite. It’s good value for money with faultless service. It’s trustworthy, healthy food with no concerns about stomach upsets, which can be a pitfall of eating outside of the camp. Our hosts put a huge focus on great meals.
For breakfast you can choose between local dishes and surf camp favourites, such as banana pancakes, superfood chia bowls and bliss balls. Lunch is typically Central American with a delicious variety of meat, seafood or veggie burritos, tacos, quesadillas and salads.
Dinners are a real highlight. Our host cooks up a three-course feast of European influence. We’ll eat together around a beautiful long wooden table (another of the host’s creations) with top-notch service to match the fine cuisine.
COSTA RICA
Prepare your tastebuds for some truly delicious food. Many surf-loving chefs from around the world visit this peninsula and never go home. Lucky for us, they set up kitchens in paradise resulting in some fantastic food.
The restaurant at our accommodation offers a great selection of dishes. We can send you a varied menu before the trip begins.
There’s also a nearby supermarket if you want extra snacks. If you’re on a budget or prefer to cook for yourself, you can use the self-catering facilities on-site.
NICARAGUA
Our surf camp has its very own beachfront restaurant offering tasty food all day, including a hearty breakfast, scrumptious lunch options and a fantastic evening meal with choices such as lobsters, steak and homemade pizza. They also offer soft drinks and snacks as well as unlimited drinking water for those eating in the restaurant.
You’ll need to budget around $35/$40 per day for food should you choose to eat at the surf camp. Prices do vary at alternative restaurants close by but we advise a similar daily budget.
One evening we will organise to eat out together at a stunning cliff edge restaurant with superb sunset views. You should budget around $20 USD for this.
The price of alcoholic drinks is generally between $2 to $4 USD, so please budget for these according to your thirst.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
You need to arrange your own flight to Juan Santamaria International Airport in Costa Rica, and a flight back to the UK from Augusto Cesar Sandino international airport in Managua, Nicaragua. Flying into one country and then out of another isn’t necessarily more expensive than flying in and out of the same country.
FLIGHTS WITH CONNECTIONS
If your flight includes a stop, please allow enough time to make your connection and factor in short delays. If you’re flying from Europe, your stop will often be in New York, Miami or Atlanta.
It’s best to book a ticket that transports your luggage directly to the airport in San Jose if possible.
RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
We suggest you book a flight, which arrives no earlier than 10am and no later than 9.00pm. If you can only arrive outside of these times, please contact us.
Please arrange your departure flight to leave Managua, Nicaragua between 7am and 9am.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
We offer airport pick ups in Costa Rica included in your package price at 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm. If you arrive outside these times, we’ll email you taxi details to travel the short distance to the hotel.
On the last day of the trip we organise your transport back to the airport.
BAGGAGE FEES
Make sure you check the airline’s baggage charges when you book, especially if you bring your own surfboard.
We also hire equipment. Just let us know in advance – see the ‘Prices’ tab for more info.
WELCOME MEETING
Once we’ve all arrived at our accommodation and checked into our rooms, we’ll rest and meet up the next day. At our welcome breakfast (on us) in our hotel’s zen garden, we’ll chat about the holiday ahead. It’s time to get stoked for a week of waves!
TRAVELLING FROM EL SALVADOR TO COSTA RICA
Please chat to us and we will advise you which flight to book from El Salvador to Costa Rica, as the Women + Waves team will be travelling with you.
TRAVELLING FROM COSTA RICA TO NICARAGUA
When we finish our Costa Rica leg we travel by Tica Bus to Nicaragua. This is a really cool way of experiencing the interior or Costa Rica and Nicaragua. A central American border crossing is an experience that every traveller worth his or her salt should experience. We organise this travel and are with you every step of the way.
You can either:
We’ll agree on the instalment dates with you at the time of booking. Generally, we take instalments on the 1st of each month.
We can’t reserve your place until we receive payment (in full or an instalment). You’ll then be sent a trip confirmation and enrolment form.
Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for 24 hours without payment.
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.
Please follow the instructions on the ‘Travel’ tab above. Then for further help please read our helpful blog post about booking flights.
You need to fly in to San Salvador, El Salvador on the first day or the trip and out of Managua, Nicaragua on the last day of the trip. We will tell you which flight to book to travel with the Women + Waves team from El Salvador to Costa Rica.
If you can’t make the full trip, please get in touch for a tailored quote.
Yes, we can arrange for you to extend your stay. Give us a call on +44 (0) 7544094518 and we can discuss in further detail.
If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner with you please see our accommodation costs on the ‘Prices’ tab above.
Partners are welcome to join our evening meals, excursions etc.
Please see our accommodation costs table under ‘Prices’ and see the single occupancy room pricing and booking information.
Please see the information on our ‘Prices’ tab above for guidelines about costs during the trip.
You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process. You’ll signify which level of surfer you are. You may be in different groups suited to your ability. However, there will be plenty of time to see each other back at camp and during our social times.
We choose the time of year and location for our events based on local knowledge and historical swell data. Central America is consistent with a fantastic variety of beaches available to us. In the very unlikely event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities and day trips to help you get the most out of your holiday. Please take a look at our ‘Other things to do’ in the ‘Area, Waves + Climate’ tab.
We may adjust the format of the trip. For example, choosing to run more surf sessions on the days that the waves are at their best.
Please visit our T&Cs for more information
With decades of experience and knowledge within our team, we pick the best dates that the surf conditions are most consistent and will be most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-trip email. We choose Central America at this time of year due to the fun waves and gorgeous weather. The beautiful long sandy beaches offer peaks for all abilities; the skill is to know which is best on the tide and wind conditions that are on offer. That’s where our local guides are worth their weight in gold. We pride ourselves in having you in the right place for the best waves for your ability each trip.
Before booking please take a look at our surfing level in the boxes above. If during the trip you would benefit from changing groups your instructor will organise for you to move, no problem! Please be aware, we pride ourselves on coaching everybody as an individual, so you will always receive individual feedback throughout each session.
Our Women + Waves trip leaders will be accompanied by local Costa Rican members of our coaching team. While our coaching team is predominantly made up of female instructors we also use male guides and instructors from time to time.
We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.
Remember to check the baggage size and weight allowance with your airline. Read their guidance for carrying surfboards. Baggage handlers can be unforgiving so you need a tough travel bag and pack it well.
Firstly, pack your board(s) in a protective, padded board bag, and write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD ONLY on it with the largest, most permanent marker you can find. Make sure you wrap your towel and clothes around your board inside the bag for added protection.
Place your shampoo and other wet toiletries in a separate sealed bag in case of leakage. We also recommend locking your bag zips with a padlock.
Please check with your citizenship requirements in advance.
Please check international travel requirements for your nationality. There is a $12USD entry fee on arrival to El Salvador. When you leave Costa Rica you must pay a departure tax of $28 USD (correct at the time of writing).
If you’re travelling through America, you need to complete a Visa Waiver form. There’s a $14 USD application fee.
Please contact your travel agent or airline if you have any further questions. It’s a good idea to carry copies of your important documents and guide books. Pack them separately. We also suggest scanning copies and emailing them to yourself for extra reassurance.
If you are under 18 we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the weekend (they don’t have to participate). If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the weekend before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on +44 (0) 1637 226017
On the day you travel please keep your mobile phone handy so that we can stay in touch in case of delays and flight changes. Please inform us if you’re early or delayed for any reason.
If you need help to book your flight then just drop us a line.
If you can’t find our representative at the airport, stay there and wait, they won’t be far away having tracked your arrival time. However, if you’re having difficulties finding them, please call +44 (0) 1637 226017 or follow the instructions in your pre-flight email. One of us will locate you.
Please inform our coaching staff of any medical complaints or conditions prior to your trip.
We’ll ask for travel insurance details when you book, so please organise this as soon as possible. Travel insurance needs to cover you for medical issues, cancellations and baggage. We’ll also ask you to fill out an enrolment form with these details before the holiday. Please read our helpful blog post about travel insurance.
Visit the Travel Health Pro website for medical advice for El Salvador, Costa Rica and Nicaragua
Please contact your doctor if you’re unsure about vaccinations. We advise you to take mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten, though we’ve never been aware of any malaria or dengue fever cases in the areas that we visit.
Since 2001, El Salvador incorporated the United States Dollar as its national currency. You can pick up US dollars from travel agencies, banks or post offices before you arrive, or from exchange facilities in airports as well as ATMs.
It’s less hassle and cheaper to change your money before the trip. The banks and ATMs in El Salvador charge a lot for changing and withdrawing money, plus the nearest ATM from the camp is a $10 USD taxi ride away, so please come prepared!
The Costa Rican colon and US dollar are both accepted in Costa Rica. It’s useful to be aware of both exchange rates, as you will undoubtedly use both at some point on the trip. We take a small amount of dollars and the rest in colones.
We suggest that you bring all the currency you plan to spend, as you may not have the chance to visit. Please arrange your currency before you arrive. Don’t worry; you’ll have access to a safe in your room.
If you need to visit the bank while in Santa Teresa (if you run out of cash for example), you can withdraw money using your credit or debit card via the ATM. You may find the machines empty at the weekend plus there are often large queues. We recommend planning your spending wisely to avoid any unnecessary trips to the bank or ATM – it’s valuable time spent away from the surf!
You can also use your card and passport to take money out over the counter at the bank. Many bars and restaurants take credit cards too. We recommend you bring at least two cards in case one gets blocked by the bank, lost or damaged.
The currency in Nicaragua is cordoba but it’s easier to bring US dollars, which you can buy, from the post office, banks or travel agencies. There are also exchange facilities and ATM’s at the airport.
There are no ATMs in or around our accommodation so you need to bring all your cash with you. The majority of our customers bring dollars and a credit or bankcard.
El Salvador has an unwarranted reputation for crime. The statistics concentrate on particularly impoverished areas of the capital city.
The rest of the country’s considered safe to travel, particularly the coastal region where we stay. We’ve visited since 2014 and never experienced any crime.
You can find out the latest safety and security advice for El Salvador from Gov.uk.
Despite its reputation since the uprising in 2018, calm has now returned to Nicaragua.
Our accommodation is in a quiet region approximately 2.5 hours from the city of Managua. The uprising didn’t affect the coastal region that we visit.
We are a UK based company that deliver trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.
If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the trip details, you can contact us through WhatsApp, Facetime, Zoom or Skype.
Just let us know by email and we can arrange this with you.
If you can’t join the trip, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation charges are payable as follows:
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.
Find out more under our terms and conditions.