NicaraguaSurf & Bodyboard Retreat
Surfers and bodyboarders can ride perfect waves together on our first-ever women's retreat with expert coaching for both crafts. Offshore waves 320 days a year, uncrowded sand-bottom peaks, and a private beachfront complex
Why choose to go surfing in Nicaragua?
Step out from your accommodation to a consistent 2-3ft beach break beckoning all levels of wave riders to progress in a laidback, tropical climate. Daily video analysis, groomed offshore perfection, luxury beachfront accommodation and a laidback lifestyle ensure you’ve got everything you need to progress faster, ride better, and relax harder. Whether you’re a mum-and-daughter with one surfer and a bodyboarder, or friends who ride different boards, this world-first trip finally makes it possible to holiday together - with expert coaching for all levels.
What to expect
A progressive seven-day experience honing your skills and finding your flow in warm, peeling, sand-bottom waves in offshore uncrowded conditions. It’s low swell season so the waves are chest-high and fun. And the sunsets are epic, so when the surf winds down, kick back and enjoy the view from the swimming pool or sundowner terrace of the beach club or join one of our surf inspired yoga sessions. Can’t get enough of the laidback lifestyle? Make it a multi-stop tour and tag on an extra week in Costa Rica before or after your trip.
Quick facts
Your Trip Leaders
Your Nicaragua crew brings years of coaching, surf travel, and local knowledge to every session. Each team member is trained in-house, fully insured, and dedicated to helping you progress in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. They’re more than instructors, they’re mentors, motivators, and the ultimate surf buddies.
Chelsea RoettBarbados, Costa Rica & Nicaragua Trip Host
Chelsea began surfing competitively at just 12 years old and has since earned over 100 wins and more than 50 titles on the international stage, even representing Barbados at the Olympics. One of her proudest achievements was winning the APSPR Corona Pro in Puerto Rico, where women and men received equal prize money.
An ISA Level 2 Surf Coach and qualified Montessori Teacher, Chelsea combines her teaching expertise with her lifelong connection to the ocean to help women build confidence, skill, and joy in the surf. She co-hosts our Barbados Camps and leads all our Costa Rica trips, where she has been surfing and coaching for more than a decade.
Hatty CooperNicaragua & Costa Rica Trip Leader
Hatty has an unrivalled love for surfing that is infectious to be around. She’s a true talent as she divides her time working as a Trip Leader on our international camps and coaching weekends. As well as spend time back at Women and Waves HQ she keeps as Head of Partnerships. She brings years of experience building authentic connections and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. With a love for surfing, sustainability, and community, she’s already bringing fresh energy and exciting ideas into the mix.
An ISA level 1 instructor, SLSGB Beach Lifeguard and a slave to the art of surf coaching, there is no one better to help you have an amazing trip and achieve all of your surfing goals!
Accommodation
Paradise, sorted. Whether its post surf swims in the pool, or watching sunsets while monkeys swing overhead. There are hammocks and a yoga terrace for zen time. Safe, enclosed and footsteps from the beach - spacious, beautifully designed apartments with fast WiFi, air con and fully-kitted kitchens.
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 1 - Arrival in Nicaragua
Arrive into Managua Airport where your private transfer will be waiting to take you to our beautiful accommodation on the Pacific coast. Settle into your room, take a breath, and let the warm Nicaraguan air work its magic.
Meet your Women + Waves trip leader and fellow surfers over welcome drinks, followed by a relaxed orientation and goal-setting session so we can tailor the week to you. End the day with a sunset beach walk, swim and a delicious group dinner under the palms.
Highlights
- Private airport transfer
- Private resort accommodation
- Welcome drinks and personalised goal-setting session
- Sunset beach walk and group dinner
Day 2 - First Waves, Fresh Energy
Wake to the sound of the ocean and ease into your first coached surf session of the week. Whether you’re building confidence in white water or refining turns on green waves, coaching is personalised and pressure-free.
After brunch at the accommodation, enjoy downtime by the pool or in a hammock before an optional afternoon surf or video analysis session, this will be followed by a pool based technique clinic. As the sun dips, gather for a gentle stretch designed specifically for surfers.
Highlights
- Morning coached surf session
- Video analysis and feedback
- Beachfront relaxation time
- Swimming pool based technique workshop
Day 3 - Building Flow and Confidence
Today is about rhythm and repetition. Another guided surf session allows you to apply feedback and feel real progression in the water.
In the afternoon, explore the local area with a short trip into a nearby surf town. Enjoy the first of two yoga sessions which help you to stretch out muscles after your first two surfing or bodyboarding sessions.
Highlights
- Progressive surf coaching
- Small group support in the water
- Local town visit and cultural experience
- Surf focused yoga session
Day 4 - Progression and Adventure Blend
By now you’re settling into the surf routine, so today we blend focused coaching with exploration.
Start with a coached session where we dial in specific goals, whether that’s paddling strength, wave positioning or generating speed. Enjoy a chilled afternoon recovering and relaxing.
It’s the perfect balance of pushing yourself in the water and expanding your world beyond it.
Highlights
- Targeted surf coaching
- Goal specific feedback
- Recovery and reflection time
Day 5 - Adventure Day
After a relaxed breakfast, we mix things up fully with a dedicated excursion day. This could include a volcano hike, boat trip, or exploring Nicaragua’s wild landscapes depending on conditions and group preference.
This mid-week reset keeps bodies fresh and spirits high. Sunset drinks back at the lodge are well earned.
Highlights
- Optional adventure excursion
- Exploring Nicaragua beyond the surf
- Active recovery day
- Sunset drinks overlooking the Pacific
Day 6 - Dial It In
Back to the waves with renewed energy. By now you’ll feel more confident, more connected with your board, and more trusting of your instincts.
Coaching becomes refined and individual. We focus on your personal breakthrough moments, whether that’s catching unbroken waves, improving paddle efficiency, or linking turns together.
The afternoon includes another video analysis session to pinpoint improvements.
Highlights
- Advanced personalised coaching
- Focused skill development
- In-depth video analysis
- Beachfront sunset
Day 7 - Celebration Surf
Our final full surf day is all about celebrating your progress. We’ll capture footage and photos so you can see just how far you’ve come.
Expect laughter in the lineup, shared waves, and that unmistakable feeling of doing something you once doubted you could.
In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and strengthening the bonds formed over the week.
Highlights
- Final coached surf session
- Photos and video keepsakes
- Farewell celebration dinner
Day 8 - Departure Day
Enjoy a final sunrise, a slow breakfast, and heartfelt goodbyes before your private transfer back to Managua Airport.
You’ll leave with stronger surfing, new friendships, lots of amazing imagery of yourself surfing or bodyboarding and a deeper trust in yourself.
Highlights
- Sunrise beach moment
- Breakfast with the group
- Private airport transfer
What’s included
Travel
FAQs
We offer 4 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, WhatsApp or email us for this option)
4. 
Shop now. Pay over time with Klarna (Contact us using our online chat, WhatsApp 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.
Klarna’s Pay in 3 / Pay in 30 days are unregulated credit agreements. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
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’re super-welcoming and you’ll make like-minded friends. 90% of participants arrive solo and over 40% are over 40.
If you need persuading, read our blog on surf travel solo.
Please follow the instructions on the ‘Travel’ tab above. Then for further help please read our helpful blog post about booking flights.
If you wish to bring a non-surfing partner with you please get in touch.
Partners are welcome to join our evening meals, excursions etc.
You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process. You’ll signify which level 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. Nicaragua is incredibly 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.
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 Rica 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 ability 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 Nicaragua 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.
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. You will be added to our Whatsapp group so that we can share updates and stay in touch.
If you need help booking 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 local currency in Nicaragua is the Nicaraguan Córdoba, but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in coastal and tourist areas. We recommend bringing small-denomination USD in cash, as it’s easy to use for extras like drinks or snacks.
It’s best to arrive with cash already changed, as ATMs can be unreliable, may charge high withdrawal fees, and aren’t always nearby. While some places accept cards, cash is king here, coming prepared will make your trip smoother and stress-free.
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 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.
