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El Salvador Women's Performance Surf Camp

Some nights / From £0000 Book now
Overview Accomodation ItineraryWhat’s includedTravelDates & prices

El Salvador is known as “the land of jewels” (Tierra de Joyas) – and for good reason. As one of Central America’s more off-the-radar surf locations, this is a stunning, uncrowded surfer’s paradise.

Why choose to go surfing in El Salvador?

An amazing variety of waves, epic right-hand point breaks and a water temp of 28°C…need we say more? If you’re an intermediate surfer ready to progress quickly alongside like-minded women in a tropical climate, El Salvador is the destination for you.

What to expect

Unlike our beginner trips, this 7-night camp is all about skyrocketing your surfing performance – whilst still having plenty of time to relax and have fun! You’ll be safe in the hands of our in-the-know team, who’ll guide you on coastal and cultural adventures and show you the best post-surf feeds in town, too.

Who’s this course for?

El Salvador Performance Camp is made for intermediate and advanced progressor surfers who’re keen to make quick surfing gains through specialist, focused coaching. Prepare to feel (blissfully) surfed-out.

What level am I?

Cultural Secrets

Pumping surf breaks and peeling barrels are backed by dense jungle, dramatic volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, tropical wildlife and Mayan ruins. El Salvador’s natural beauty will take your breath away.

When to go

The equatorial tropical climate is predictably constant year-round but we travel in January, midway through the dry season. It’s the ultimate way to escape the chilly northern hemisphere winters.

Quick facts

Water Temp

28°C

Climate

19 - 29°C

Wave Types

Beach + point breaks

Language

Spanish

What people say

"Women + Waves provided exactly what I was looking for. I loved that not only did we understand mechanics in the water but we were taught and so much more to instil confidence I can take anywhere! I’m so appreciative of the women I met from around the world and instructors and I can't wait for my next paddle-out opportunity!"

Courtney

"I went in super nervous about my ability, and insecure about the things I needed to work on and learn, but as soon as I arrived and got settled in I knew I was with the right people! I will definitely be booking again for another trip — I walked away with at least a years worth of surf education I can apply to my daily sessions at home."

Kristen

"Just wrapping up an incredible intermediate surf week in El Salvador. It's wild how much my surfing improved and it's mainly because of the attention to each detail and level of care. This was my first women + waves camp and I CAN'T WAIT to return for more. Super worth it!"

Maheen

"El Salvador intermediate camp was insanely good! Surfing-wise, I had achieved my goals for the week by day 2, so went way above and beyond what I expected! The organisers were so kind, prepared and knowledgeable. It was active but relaxing also, so I got the downtime I needed in a pressure-free environment."

Hattie

Itinerary

Please note, sometimes we need to be flexible as some activities will be weather and condition dependent – but don’t worry, we’ll always do our very best to ensure you get the very best out of the trip! All our surf days and suggested activities are completely optional – you can enjoy as much or as little as you desire. This is not a boot camp!

Day One

Touch down in El Salvador! At 3:00pm we’ll greet you at the airport and will drive you to our coastal base. You’ll have some time to freshen up in your room, then we’ll gather together for some introductions in our welcome meeting, followed by a tour of the local area. We’ll have a chilled evening meal at the hotel together, so you can get to know your fellow surfers and share the stoke for the week ahead.

Some of our guests like to arrive the day before to feel fresher for Day 1. Just let us know if you’d prefer to do that too.

Day Two

Your surf programme begins bright and early! You’ll start by discussing and clarifying your goals and doing some land-based training, including a warm-up, visualisation exercise and conditions check. Then you’ll hit the water for your first in-water coaching session, after you have experienced the perfect waves on our doorstep you’ll head back to the hotel for breakfast, an iced latte and your first video analysis. There will be a little relaxation time before you'll have your paddling skills workshop. And you’ll round off the day with sunset drinks at the bar and a hearty meal back at your accommodation.

Day Three

Start the morning with another coaching session in the water, the dawn sessions will stay in your memory forever! We then head back for a tasty breakfast and video analysis. Then you can recharge in the hammock for a few hours before it’s time for your surf skate workshop – a fun way to refine your style and technique! The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore. In the evening you’ll head to El Zonte village to sample the wonderful central American culture and try El Salvador’s national dish, the pupusa. Think thick flatbreads stuffed with cheese, squash and beans, all served with a side of spicy slaw – delish.

Day Four

More surfing, of course! Today you’ll get extensive feedback and theory, as well as another coaching session and video analysis. After surfing, you can spend the afternoon exploring independently, perhaps take a waterfall hike to the amazing Cascadas de Tamanique (optional). Tonight we all go for for dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants, which serves incredible food with awesome panoramic views across the ocean.

Day Five

In today’s surf you’ll be continuing to put everything you’ve learnt so far into practice. You'll stroll across the beach together too, discussing your progress and how to build on what you've already learned. Over breakfast, you’ll continue looking at your achievements and setting a pathway for the following days. You'll also have a confidence building workshop to learn about the emotional side of surfing. In the evening you’ll head to a beautiful sunset spot to enjoy our one of handpicked local restaurants, in the village with open-air tables, tasty local dishes and a chilled buzz.

Day Six

In your surf coaching today you’ll go over specific techniques and some of the more technical aspects of surfing (all tailored to you and your ability). We’ll video the session again, which you’ll watch and analyse after breakfast at a local restaurant. Then in the afternoon there’s a chance for a second surf skate workshop to really find your flow! This one is optional, you sign up for it if you fancy it or chill if you’d prefer an afternoon in a hammock. For dinner and sunset drinks you’ll visit the laid-back surf town of El Tunco, the home to the ISA world surfing championships and many other surfing competitions. There are plenty of sunset beach bars and restaurants along the front, surf inspired menus serving sizzling street food. It’s a great place to browse the local surf shops and pick up presents for those at home (or yourself!).

Day Seven

It’s the last day of surfing, and your chance to show us everything you learned – today we’ll be in the water observing and filming, rather than coaching. Over breakfast you’ll have your video analysis and go over your week’s progress and goals. It’s always a great part of the week because you get to see how much you’ve advanced! For your final evening together you’ll have a much-needed stretch on the beach, a group sunset walk, drinks and dinner at our favourite spot in El Zonte over looking the waves. No doubt we’ll be celebrating and reflecting on the amazing week we’ve all had together!

Day Eight

Departure day. All too soon it’s time to pack your bags and say a fond farewell to El Salvador and your new friends! Check out is at 10am, this is where the trip officially ends and we’ll make sure we get you to the airport in good time for your flight. Our airport drop off will have you returned to the airport for 11am. But believe us, you will want to return again to this amazing country for more epic waves!

What’s included

Please see the Travel section below for full details of arrivals, transfer collection times and departures.  

You’ll get seven nights in our laid-back surfer hotel, located just steps away from the beach (and four amazing surf spots!), surrounded by palm trees and hibiscus flowers. We have private rooms and twin rooms available. 

The accommodation includes:

  • Ensuite rooms with air conditioning
  • A laid-back atmosphere 
  • Two lovely pools to cool off in
  • River and ocean views 
  • An on-site restaurant and bar
  • Amazing service – it’s a family-run hotel and the staff will go out of their way to make your trip fantastic 

This is a performance-focused programme with the highest level of coaching that we offer, so get ready for some serious surf progression! 

The coaching is designed for intermediate or advanced progressor surfers who are comfortable paddling out back and catching unbroken waves, consistently and confidently (the entire week is centred around riding green waves). Not sure what surfing level you are? Take our quiz. 

We aim to surf as much as we can for six days of the trip, we choose this time of the year to visit because of the consistent swell, wind and waves. You’ll receive two hours of intensive in-water coaching each day with Courtney, and our amazing Salvadoran team who’ll be with you every paddle of the way, literally!  Please note that we work with both male and female surf coaches for this trip.

You’ll be surfing in small groups to ensure close, in water coaching at all stages of your ride. Our instructors will help you with wave selection, finding the best take-off spot and refining your technique wave after wave. The coaching is bespoke to your needs, but expect to cover techniques for bottom and top turns, trimming and pumping, carves and cutbacks, angled and steeper take-offs, generating speed from your bottom turn and working on your confidence for catching bigger waves. Plus we’ll deliver invaluable 1:1 in-water feedback after every wave, so you can make immediate improvements to your performance.

Our team will be filming you from the beach and in the water, ready for your post-surf video analysis – we have all angles covered! 

There will be a free surf day (no coaching) at the end of the trip – or if you want a day out of the water, no problem, you can go and enjoy the other sights and activities that El Salvador has to offer and we are here to help you with that. 

We strongly recommend that you bring your own board for this trip, even if you ride a soft board. We love to be coaching surfers on their own boards so that progression can come more quickly in these waves. If you do need to hire a board this will be at an additional cost, paid upon arrival.

 

Once you have booked we will send you an enrolment form to fill in so that we can start working towards your individual goals. This ensures we can offer you personalised one-to-one coaching.

During the week we will deliver: 

  • Five two-hour surf lessons
  • One Surf skate workshop
  • Paddle technique and duck diving/turtle rolling workshop
  • Surf confidence workshop 
  • Q&A session 
  • Two surf-inspired stretch sessions 

Check out our videos here to find out more about how this performance-focused programme works.

Seeing yourself surf is a fantastic way to improve your performance. Every day you’ll watch a move-by-move breakdown of your surfing with footage both from the beach and in the water (all of our instructors are trained with a GoPro!). 

You’ll get to take a photo and video package home with you at the end of the week too, which is a helpful tool for your on-going progress and an epic memento of your trip.

This trip includes a unique yoga session, tailored specifically for the women on our surfing trips. This yoga session will blend mindful asana movement designed to develop and enhance your flexibility, strength and surfing endurance, with breathing techniques to help calm the mind and body. This may also include meditation practices that will relax your body and soul to help foster a serene and focused surfing mindset. By integrating these three yogic elements you’ll reduce your stress and anxiety empowering you to overcome mental and physical challenges in your surfing progression.

Surf skating is a fun and effective way to develop the dynamic body movements you need during surfing – which is why it’s taking the surf community by storm! 

During the trip you will receive a surf skating & video analysis session, where our instructors will teach you a series of drills that encourage you to practise toe and heel control, opening your shoulders and using your arms to draw clean lines through your turns. 


These workshops will increase your time spent on a board and in turn will enhance your balance, strengthen your muscle memory, help you to generate speed and improve your rate of progression in the water.

When you’re not surfing, you’ll have free time to relax by the pool, unwind with some surf-inspired yoga or kick back in a hammock with a good book. Or, if you’ve still got some energy, there’s plenty more to see and do in the area! All activities are optional and some incur extra charges. For example, you can:

  • Visit the world-famous surf town of El Tunco and enjoy a sunset dinner 
  • Hike up a volcano in the National Park
  • Cool off in the beautiful Cascadas de Tamanique waterfall 
  • Hike across the beaches, explore the caves and amazing beachfront properties, bars and restaurants 
  • Take a tour of the local tea plantation
  • Enjoy a salsa class
  • Visit an ancient Mayan archaeological site
  • Head to La Libertad for shopping at vintage markets, cocktails and live music 
  • Treat yourself to a massage

 

There are a host of further surf-inspired activities below which have the costs associated with them: 

  • Ginastica Natural – $15
  • Icebath Experience – $35
  • Icebath Recovery – $25
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – $10
  • Yoga for all levels – $14
  • Massage – $60

Your trip includes seven healthy breakfasts like fresh smoothie bowls and avocado on toast, perfect for fuelling your surfs. 

Our hotel offers delicious, energy-packed food onsite. Expect global dishes with Salvadoran flavours – everything from burritos and quesadillas to salads and rice dishes. 

We’ll usually sit and eat together beneath the beautiful palapa-style roof, where we can chat about our days’ surfing adventures. 

To sample more local cuisine, we’ll be eating dinner out in both El Zonte village and El Tunco town. We’ll take you to some of our favourite local spots. You’ll be working up a big appetite after all that surfing and our optional group evening meals are a big highlight of each day!

Travel

Airport transfer collection time: 3:00 pm 

Once you’ve collected your bags we’ll meet you in the arrivals area. You’ll be greeted by a member of our trusted transport team (they’ll have a “Women + Waves” clipboard).

Please note that we offer one inclusive transfer per day and we ask you to plan your flight times to sync up with the 3:00 pm collection, if possible. However, if you cannot sync your flight don’t worry. There are a couple of options:

Option 1 – We can organise for you to be collected at an additional cost $50 USD each way. If we have other members of the group at a similar time, we will inform you so you can split the transfer costs between you.

 

Option 2 – You could arrive the day before and stay in an airport hotel in San Salvador, then make it back to the airport for the following day’s transfer. 

You may have a short wait as the rest of the group assembles so it’s worth bringing a book, Kindle or iPad and some snacks to keep you going.

At 3:00pm you’ll be whisked away to our base for the week (around 45 minutes from San Salvador airport). The trip officially starts at 4:00pm on the first day. 

Once we’ve all arrived at the accommodation and checked into our rooms, we’ll have a group meeting to chat about the holiday and get excited for the waves ahead.

The trip officially ends at 10:00am on the last day. After a surf-stoked week, we’ll leave our accommodation at 10:00am to drop you back at the airport in good time for a stress-free check-in. You will arrive at the airport at 11am. 

 

Please note that we offer one free transfer per day and, again, we ask you to try and plan your flight times to sync up with the drop-off. If your flight is earlier or later than this, we can arrange a transfer back to the airport at an additional cost of $50 USD. If you travel with other guests this price can be split between you. Or if you are happy to arrive at the airport early for your flight you can chill at the airport with a good book, of course!

If you’d like to leave later, we have a space where you can leave your bags for the day. You will just need to cover the cost of your additional transfer.

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, Houston, Miami or Atlanta.

It’s best to book a ticket that transports your luggage directly to the airport in San Salvador, if possible.

If you’re worried about booking your flight and you’re based in the UK, give our good friend Lee at Dial A Flight a call on 020 7295 1556. Lee’s been booking our flights for the last 10 years and will find you the best deal and connection time. He can even book the whole trip for you, so you can relax and just rock up to the airport!

Once you’ve booked we’ll send you further information on how everything works upon your arrival. We’ll also be tracking your flight and keeping you informed over our WhatsApp group.

Take a closer look

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Dates and prices

Date
20th - 27th January 2025
Options
Price£2,749
Fully Booked
Date
19th - 26th January 2026
Options
Price£2,749
Book now

FAQs

We offer 3 easy ways to pay!
1. Pay In Full – Pay the full amount in one, that’s it your done! (Available online)

2. 50/50 – Pay a 50% deposit and the remaining 50% 12 weeks before the trip starts. (Available online)

3. Payment Plan – Pay an initial deposit and the rest in instalments! (Contact us using our online chat or email us for this option)

We can’t guarantee your place until we receive payment (in full or a deposit). Once you have made a payment, you’ll then be sent a trip confirmation email.

Of course! 95% of our guests attend alone! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. You’ll arrive solo and leave with a whole heap of new surf friends for life!

Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for up to 24 hours without payment.

El Salvador is close to the equator so its tropical climate is predictable and consistent all year-round. Our trip takes place midway through the dry season, which extends from November to April, when the average temperature is 29°C (and around 19°C in the early morning).

The water is a balmy 28-30°C, so you definitely won’t need to pack a wetsuit. 

It’s a dreamy escape from the cold northern hemisphere winters! 

For help please read our helpful blog post about booking flights.

You are welcome to attend for a shorter period to suit your personal schedule, however, the package price will remain the same.

Some of our guests choose to make this surf trip part of a longer holiday. Remember we offer trips to Costa Rica before and after this trip so if you wanted to join for a two or three week surf trip and take in two of Central America’s most beautiful surfing destinations you can. 

ASAP! These holidays fill up quickly and, with super limited spaces available, sell out fast. We operate on a first come first serve basis. If you want to secure your place on the trip, it is advised that you pay as soon as you can.

We pride ourselves that Women and Waves is inclusive to all. We have a great mix of all ages and backgrounds.

This trip is for you if you are confident surfing outback and taking bigger waves, you can ride along the face of a green wave and you feel comfortable in chest-high waves. Now you want to improve your style and technique, which is what this programme will focus on.

You need to be up for catching bigger waves and spending all your time outback, with a willingness to throw yourself into trying new things! Get in touch if you have any questions.

If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner with you, that is absolutely fine, however, please be aware that this is a women-only trip, please contact us via our online chat to discuss this.

Lunch and dinner are not included in the price. There are many places to eat to suit all budgets. We recommended budgeting 12 USD for lunch per day and 15 USD for dinner per day.

If you’d like to enhance your stay with some of the hotels additional activities please find prices below:

Ice bath experience. $35
Swim Paddling lesson: $15
Yoga for all levels – 1 class – $14 or 3 classes – $36
Ginastica Class – $15usd
Paddle Technique Pool Training – $15
Brazilian Jui Jitsu – $10 – Saturdays only
Massage – $60

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 consistent and will be most suitable for the group. We’ll send you a brief predicted forecast in the pre-trip email. We choose El Salvador 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.

Our Women + Waves trip leaders will be accompanied by local El Salvadorian members of our coaching team. We use female and male instructors during this trip.

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 holiday (although they don’t need to participate in the surfing). If you are 60 or over we’d love to chat to you about the trip before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on +44 (0) 7544 094518.

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) 7544 094518 or follow the instructions in your pre-flight email. One of us will locate you.

As with any holiday, full travel insurance is a requirement for all guests booking a trip with the company.

Please also ensure that your policy covers you for ‘disruption to travel’ and ‘cover for cancellations’ as standard.

For further help please read our helpful blog post about travel insurance.

You may need to add additional cover for surfing, it is essential that your insurance policy covers you for all activities during your stay. Failure to take out travel insurance breaks the contract between Women And Waves and the client.

If you are joining one of our trips and you are native to the country of its location (i.e you live in Lisbon and are joining our Portugal trip) you do not need to take out medical travel insurance. This is as long as you have your own personal health-care plan or are covered by your country’s National Health Service. Although, we kindly request that you still take out trip disruption and cancellation insurance to cover all possible eventualities.

Visit Gov.uk for medical advice for El Salvador

Please contact your doctor if you’re unsure about vaccinations. We advise you to take mosquito repellent to avoid getting bitten.

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!

We are a UK based company that delivers trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.

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.

If you’re based outside the UK and want to chat through the trip details, you can contact us on our online chat.

If your circumstances change and 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 terms:

We hold part or full costs, depending on when you cancel:

If you cancel 12 weeks or more before the trip we retain 50% of the total cost
If you cancel with less than 12 weeks before the trip then its 100% of the total cost
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.

Contact us via our online chat.

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