Join us for a week of surfing in tropical Nicaragua. Expect fun, uncrowded waves surrounded by unspoilt beaches and lush green mountains. Constant offshore winds are an added bonus – and mean the waves here consistently have that perfect shape that we love!
Touch down in Nicaragua – “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes” – for an epic week of surfing in a tropical oasis. Immerse yourself in abundant green mountains, unspoilt beaches and bathwater-warm water – and see for yourself why this quiet coastline is one of Central America’s best-kept secrets.
The area is blessed with consistent offshore winds, meaning that the waves are pretty perfect. Southern Nicaragua only appeared on the surf radar in recent years, so the perfectly-groomed waves are still uncrowded.
We visit during low swell season, when you can expect small, fun waves. It’s the perfect training ground for everyone from complete beginners to seasoned pros. So whether you’re looking to nail your pop-up, or master cutbacks, turns and duck dives, there’s something for you here.
We surf from dawn to dusk, then watch epic sunsets and do it all again the following day. There are surf spots for all abilities – including beach and reef breaks – near our accommodation.
Join us on this trip of a lifetime and see your surfing skyrocket!
We’ve travelled for decades and tested different types of surf accommodation worldwide and can safely say that our camp in Nicaragua is one of the best we’ve stayed in.
As well as air-conditioned surf villas, apartments, rooms and ranchos, there’s a communal eating area, free WiFi, a private pool, beachfront bar and gated security. Plus, if you want some Zen time, there’s a yoga terrace overlooking the beach.
The Pacific Ocean is just metres from our front gate, so we’re perfectly placed to wax up, paddle out and experience some unforgettable waves.
Please see the ‘Prices’ tab for accommodation costs.
TWIN ROOMS (Shared in either a villa or apartment)
SURF VILLA
Two large private bedrooms, which have a queen and a single bed and a stylish bathroom.
Looking to get away in style? We have two luxurious, tropical-modern beachfront villas. The beautiful two-story structures each sit on their own large 600 square meter lot. They offer a unique mix of privacy paired with easy access to all amenities of the resort.
The first floor consists of a fully equipped kitchen/living room area with a large fridge, stove, oven, microwave and all necessary kitchen equipment. Here you can find your indoor dining area with a dining table, TV and a couch to relax.
For your convenience, there is a third bathroom on the first floor. A huge glass sliding door leads you outside to your private, exceptionally large ocean view terrace with built-in concrete sofa and an additional dining table. Grab a cool drink, enjoy the tropical breeze and catch the wonderful views of sun, surf and local wildlife.
Includes:
APARTMENT
Large, private en suite apartments sleep two with a queen and a single bed and a stylish bathroom.
These rooms have A/C throughout, two completely private porches (one in the front and one in the back), satellite TV with international programs, coffee maker, a safe to keep your belongings, fridge and loads of room to breathe and store your gear. The bathrooms are really spacious and stylish with rain showers with hot, pressurized water.
PRIVATE AND COUPLES ROOMS (Surfing couple / surfer + non surfing partner / private room for single occupancy)
We have some availability for single occupancy or double sharing rooms for surfing couples or couples that contain a non-surfing partner.
Options include a double bed with a private bathroom (single occupancy available). Or
A Single Bed + 1 Double Bed with a private bathroom.
These are our more ‘cosy’ style rooms. Here you’ll find countless hammocks, tables and chairs for lounging and making friends and a wide-open view of the pool and restaurant with the ocean in the background. The rooms are well protected from direct sunlight by a super-structure roof, dramatically reducing radiant heat from the tropical sun. The famous Nicaraguan offshore breezes provide refreshing ventilation, which passes through each room, creating a comfortable temperature day and night and greatly reducing the need for artificial cooling. All of these Standard rooms have ceiling fans for additional comfort. All rooms have access to a shared, bright and spacious covered patio area.
Whatever your level of surfing, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re a 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, Nicaragua is an ideal destination 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 ‘New Surfer, ‘Progressor’ or a ‘Green Wave Rider’ – 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 breaks up and down this coast are perfect for all abilities. From the mellow waves at Beginners Bay through to the more advanced reef at Popoyo, there are waves for everyone.
WHAT A TYPICAL DAY LOOKS LIKE
We want to maximise your time in the water. With constant offshore winds our daily focus is to choose the best state of tide to surf around, some times we will get up early, watch the sunrise and surf at dawn, other days we’ll have a morning stretch, grab some breakfast and may not surf until mid morning. Everybody receives a surf lesson each day and a guided free surf session.
After a long, fun session in the water we’ll return to the camp, shower off, relax, grab some food and a coffee, then catch up for our photo and video analysis session. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore or just chill out before surfing again in the evening and watching an incredible sunset. 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
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 |
SUITABLE FOR ALL SURFING LEVELS (See New Surfer, Progressor Surfer and Green Wave Rider descriptions in the boxes below)
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
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
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.
THINGS TO DO
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.
Back at the beach, try horse riding and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Look out for whales and dolphins on the horizon. Or how about some beach yoga? It’s the ideal way to stretch those tired paddling muscles. For something more gentle, simply recharge between surf sessions by swinging in a hammock with a good book.
WAVES
Nicaragua is one of our favourite trips – and for good reason. During the low season when we visit there are generally small, clean, fun waves.
There are uncrowded waves for everyone along this two-mile, multi-peak beach. It’s also an easy paddle out for surfers who are used to riding unbroken waves and sitting in the line-up. And when you need to chill, the pool is nearby, so you can relax with a smoothie in the sun. If you’ve never surfed before, you’ll love Beginners Bay. As the name suggests, it’s perfect for surfing newbies – super mellow and ideal for catching your first ever waves in this tropical oasis. If you’re a more advanced surfer, push yourself outside your comfort zone at Popoyo. This epic reef break is just around the headland from our camp and has consistent lefts and rights. Our home for the week is less than a two-minute walk to the beach. Watch the sun rise, check the conditions and enjoy a dawn surf – all within moments of getting out of bed.
CLIMATE
We’ve chosen the middle of the dry season for our surf trip. Sunshine and heat are pretty much guaranteed. Expect clear skies and incredible sunsets every day. The dry season also means fewer mosquitos and clearer waters for surfing and snorkelling. With less foliage in the canopies, it’s also easier to spot wildlife like monkeys and birds. Nicaragua is generally hotter and drier than Costa Rica, but thanks to the “Papagayos” offshore breeze, the temperature is always comfortable. 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. 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.
WETSUIT TOP OR THERMAL RASH VEST
Sometimes the offshore breeze can be a little cool. Pack a suitable top if you feel the chill.
BOARD SHORTS / 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 repellant, 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
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.
Our camp has a great onsite restaurant, which is open from 7am to 9pm. The chef specialises in home cooked fare with the freshest of fish and seafood purchased directly from the local fisherman that you will see launching their boats each morning as we paddle out. We love to start our day with one of the restaurant’s natural fruit juices then end it with one of their signature barbecues.
Daily specials are available in the restaurant and ‘Nica Plates’, which include lobster and pizza, are two dishes that we look forward to every time we return. The restaurant is situated next to the pool so whether you sit in the cool shade of the rancho or enjoy the sun at the poolside you’ll be served with fresh, healthy meals. Expect homemade corn tacos, pastas, salads, chicken breast strips in jalapeno sauce and more! All dietary requirements can be catered for.
Nearby restaurants give you the chance to change things up with something for all tastes. Expect an excellent selection of dishes from all over the world. As well as traditional Nicaraguan food, you’ll find Mexican, Italian and even Thai. Most of the restaurants are beachfront so you can keep one eye on the waves.
Finishing the day sat on the front decking of our camp with a fruit juice, cold beer or cocktail, watching the waves lap the shore and the incredible sunset is one of the main reasons we count down the months until we can return year after year. One evening we will also visit our fave bar/restaurant, which is perched on the point of a nearby headland with panoramic views across two awesome bays. When the sun dips and the local musicians are playing mellow tunes it’s a special place to be that will long stay in the memory.
You need to arrange your own flight to Augusto Cesar Sandino international airport in Managua. Flights are not included in the price, please see our FAQs for more information.
FLIGHTS AND 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 Managua if possible.
RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES
We suggest you book a flight, which arrives between 7pm and 9pm. If you arrive earlier, you can wait for the rest of the group and chill out at the Best Western Hotel next to the airport.
When heading home, please aim to fly between 7am and 9am so that we can group you together to travel to the airport.
By meeting our organised pick up between 7pm and 9pm and sharing a taxi with the other members of the group it will reduce the taxi cost per person.
When you fly home, if you can’t arrange a flight to leave between 7am and 9am, you should book one for later than 9am. If your flight leaves a little later on the last day this may mean that you join our early transfer to the airport and arrive early for your flight. This will mean waiting for your flight but will keep the price down as you will share a taxi. Drop us a line if you’d like to chat through the options with us.
If you want to arrive earlier before the trip begins, or leave later after it ends, that’s fine. We’ll let you know where and when to meet us on the first day of the trip or how to book extra nights in the accommodation at the end. You may be interested in our Multi Stop Tours.
If you arrive at an airport other than at Managua, you’ll need to make your own way to our accommodation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
Once you’ve arrived, our driver will pick you up and take you to our accommodation. You’ll need to factor this extra cost into your trip. See the ‘Prices’ tab for more info.
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach our accommodation from Managua.
BAGGAGE FEES
Make sure you check the airline’s baggage charges when you book if you bring your own surfboard.
We hire equipment if you need it. Just let us know in advance. See the ‘Price’ tab for more info.
WELCOME MEETING
Once we’ve all arrived at our accommodation and checked into our rooms, we’ll have a group meeting to chat about the holiday ahead. It’s time to get stoked for a week of waves!
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.
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. You may want to consider our Multi Stop Tours as well. Give us a call on +44 (0) 1637 226017 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.
The journey to our accommodation from the airport is 2.5 hours each way. The taxi seats five people, so we aim to group you together to split the cost between 5 guests.
Please budget for food, drinks, arrival tourist tax and the optional excursion to surf at another beach and visit the turtle hatchery. See ‘Prices’ for full details regarding this.
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. In the 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 suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-trip email. We choose Nicaragua at this time of year due to the fun waves and gorgeous weather. Expect waves that are waist to chest height. 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 Nicaraguan 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.
There’s a $12 USD entry fee on arrival. Please check international travel requirements for your nationality.
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 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.
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’s also exchange facilities and ATM’s at the airport.
There’s 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 bank card.
We are a UK based company that deliver trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.
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 effect the coastal region that we visit.
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.