The 5 Best Surf Camps In Nicaragua [2024]
This is our review of the best surf camps in Nicaragua in 2024.
The best surf camps in Nicaragua package the combination of surf, social and learning together as one.
I’m a surfer that has travelled to 20 countries who researched the best surf camps in Nicaragua to help you find the best for you.
And I found that Dreamsea Surf Camp is the overall the best surf camp in Nicaragua.
All surf camps in Nicaragua are different. So, I've included a review of the best surf camps in Nicaragua for every type of surfer.
Let’s get started.
🙏 Best For Yoga
88% 🙂
Selecting top surf camps in Nicaragua involves considering a variety of factors such as camp accommodation, atmosphere and quality of surf lessons.
After hours of researching and analysing over 850 reviews we have produced a list of the best surf camps in Nicaragua.
The Best Surf Camps In Nicaragua
- Dreamsea Surf Camp - Best Surf Camp In Nicaragua
- Miramar Surf Camp - Second Best Surf Camp In Nicaragua
- Verdad Nicaragua - Best Surf Camp With Yoga
- 99 Surf Lodge - Best Surf Camp For Luxury
- Escameca Eco-Lodge - Best Surf Camp For Co-working
Looking for other surf camp locations? Check out the surf camps in Bali and Australia!
Dreamsea Surf Camp - Best Surf Camp In Nicaragua
⭐️ Verdict: BEST SURF CAMP IN NICARAGUA (91%)
Address: Zona norte Marsella 250 mts SW, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Best For: All Surfers
Why We Recommend:
Located next to the famous Playa Maderas, Dreamsea Surf Camp is perfect for couples, families, and friends who love comfort and exclusivity. Enjoy the eco-resort's pool, tropical smoothies, and hammock relaxation while being immersed in Nicaragua's lush nature and vibrant community. Experience real glamping and sleep comfortably in the heart of the jungle.
Pros
Friendly Staff
Clean Accommodation
Great Food
Convenient Location
Cons
Noise Issues
Crowded Snorkelling
Basic Rooms
Location
What To Expect
Enjoy 10 hours of surf lessons, daily surf theory, and 3 hours of yoga lessons. Benefit from transfers to surf spots, weekly planned activities, free access to equipment, 7 nights of retreat, and daily breakfasts and dinners.
Contact Dreamsea Surf Camp
- Phone Number: (+505) 8983 3153
- Email: nicaragua.sanjuandelsur@dreamsea.com
- Instagram: @dreamseasurf
Miramar Surf Camp - Second Best Surf Camp In Nicaragua
⭐️ Verdict: SECOND BEST CAMP IN NICARAGUA (89%)
Location: C. Miramar, Miramar, Nicaragua
Best For: Beginner/Intermediate Surfers
Why We Recommend:
We recommend Miramar SurfCamp for its extensive 6-day surf journey, daily boat rides, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring an unforgettable surfing experience.
Pros
Excellent Accommodation
Great Surf Coaching
Delicious Food
Friendly Staff
Cons
Limited Availability
Remote Location
Basic Surf Levels
Very Social (personal preference)
Location
What To Expect
Enjoy daily surf sessions, a boat ride, and Nicaragua's best uncrowded waves with roundtrip transportation from Managua/Leon. Stay in comfortable accommodations for five nights and savour daily meals, drinks, and a Miramar Surf Camp T-shirt.
Contact Miramar Surf Camp
- Email: miramarsurfcamp@gmail.com
- Phone Number: +13213073902
- Instagram: @miramarsurfcamp
Verdad Nicaragua - Best Surf Camp For Yoga
⭐️ Verdict: BEST SURF CAMP FOR YOGA (88%)
Address: Escameca Eco-Lodge, Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Best For: Surfers Who Enjoy Yoga
Why We Recommend:
This Surf Yoga Package is perfect for those seeking a healthy, active holiday without committing to a group retreat. Verdad combines surfing, fitness, and beach life for adventurous, health-conscious travellers, offering a balanced mix of action and relaxation.
Pros
Excellent Instructors
Beautiful Surf Spots
Comfortable Accommodations
Welcoming Atmosphere
Cons
Long Travel
Remote Location
Limited Boards
Insufficient Lighting
Location
What To Expect
Enjoy three surf lessons, three yoga classes, and a nature trail hike with a visit to the turtle sanctuary. You'll also have all-day access to fresh fruit juice, water, and coffee, a 60-minute massage session, seven nights of accommodation, and three daily meals.
Contact Verdad Nicaragua
- Email: info@verdadnicaragua.com
- Phone Number: +505 75055 771
- Instagram: @verdadnicaragua
99 Surf Lodge - Best Surf Camp For Luxury
⭐️ Verdict: BEST SURF CAMP FOR LUXURY (87%)
Address: Unnamed Road, Jiquelite, Nicaragua
Best For: Surfers Who Seek Luxury
Why We Recommend:
This holiday is perfect for intermediate to expert surfers eager to explore local breaks with daily guided sessions by land or sea. Enjoy a full meal plan at the gourmet restaurant Taberna 99, making it a comprehensive and fulfilling surfing experience.
Pros
Attentive Staff
Great Facilities
Social Atmosphere
Good Food
Cons
Travel Distance
Location Remote
Lack of ATMs
Limited English Instructors
Location
What To Expect
During your stay, anticipate daily assisted transfers by 4x4 to the day's hot surf spot, accompanied by a surf guide in the water. Enjoy up to 3 boat trips depending on ocean conditions, along with 7 nights' accommodation in a beachfront boutique hotel.
Indulge in full board gourmet food for 7 days, relax at the infinity pool, and benefit from complimentary airport transfers to and from Managua.
Contact 99 Surf Lodge
- Email: stay@99surflodge.com
- Phone Number: +505 7699 8777
- Instagram: @99surflodge
Escameca Eco-Lodge - Best Surf Camp For Coworking
⭐️ Verdict: BEST SURF CAMP FOR COWORKING (86%)
Address: Escameca Eco-Lodge, Nicaragua, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Best For: All Levels of Surfers
Why We Recommend:
Escameca Lodge stands out for its commitment to offering guests an authentic Nicaraguan experience. Nestled in a secluded and serene setting, the hotel provides attentive and welcoming guest services while immersing you in the local culture and surrounding nature, all within an atmosphere of laidback luxury.
Pros
Great Location
Helpful Staff
Stunning Accommodation
Enjoyable Activities
Cons
High End Camp
Limited lessons
Basic Instruction
Location
What To Expect
During your stay, anticipate three surf lessons or guided sessions to improve your skills, complemented by a relaxing 60-minute massage and a visit to the Playa Escameca Turtle Sanctuary.
Enjoy the serene atmosphere with multiple locations offering beautiful ocean views for peaceful work sessions, along with seven nights of comfortable accommodation and daily board rental included.
Contact Escameca Eco-Lodge
- Email: info@verdadnicaragua.com
- Phone Number: +505 75055 771
- Instagram: @verdadnicaragua
What to Look For in Surf Camps in Nicaragua
Selecting which surf camp to go for can be challenging with the overwhelming amount of information available today. We have listed the key factors to consider when selecting surf camps in Nicaragua including location, surf lesson quality, accommodation, food and camp atmosphere.
*Another good tip is to review each surf camps social media to see what they have been up to recently!
Surf Camp Location
Camp location is personal preference, as some may want a surf camp located on the beach, whereas others don't mind being inland travelling to the beach every day. Location will also impact which surf spots you will surf. Make sure the swell in your selected location matches your skill level.
Surf Lessons
This will be the bulk of your experience, therefore ensuring the surf lessons are high quality will ensure a successful surf camp. Some lessons can be crowded resulting in a high student/instructor ratio, this can result in you not getting adequate teaching time to develop your surf skills. This can be expected in high season, so if you're looking for a more one to one experience consider the seasonality of your trip.
Accommodation & Facilities
Where you sleep is a number one consideration for many surfers. You will burn a lot of energy during surf camps so ensuring you can get a good amount of shut eye is vital! Surf camps in Nicaragua often have extra facilities for you to enjoy such as pools, skate ramps, and even ice baths. These can add to your experience during down time!
Food
Important! This is your fuel for surfing so it is very important! Most surf camps offer breakfast and dinner, however each camps food quality and variety will differ. Opt for surf camps that offer a wide range of foods for breakfast and dinner so you can have as much energy as possible when surfing.
Camp Atmosphere
Also Important! Many surfers arrive to surf camps in Nicaragua looking to connect with like minded surfers and build new friendships. The camps atmosphere will impact this. Often surf camps will put on evening activities such as a camp fire or some drinks to bring everyone together. Some surf camps are more focused on partying than others so ensure you select the best one for your needs!
Where Are The Best Surf Camps In Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers an abundance of fantastic surf camps along its picturesque coastlines. From San Juan del Sur to Popoyo, surfers can explore camps tailored to all levels, featuring experienced instructors and incredible waves.
In San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas, and Popoyo, surf camps are plentiful, providing a blend of relaxed atmospheres and consistent breaks, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers.
Further north, spots like Gigante and Astillero offer superb waves and a lively surf culture, with various camps catering to different skill levels and preferences.
Best Time To Do a Surf Camp In Nicaragua
The optimal time for a surf camp in Nicaragua varies depending on the region and your surfing objectives.
Generally, Nicaragua's surf season extends from March to November, with peak conditions aligning with the dry season from May to October.
In destinations like San Juan del Sur and Popoyo, the dry season brings consistent swells and excellent surfing conditions, attracting surfers of all levels.
Conversely, the wet season from November to April offers fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and occasional rain showers, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for surfers seeking a serene experience.
Where To Learn To Surf In Nicaragua
Nicaragua boasts numerous fantastic surf spots and surf camps perfect for beginners eager to catch their first wave.
In San Juan del Sur, Playa Maderas, and Popoyo, you'll find reputable surf schools offering beginner-friendly lessons against stunning backdrops and gentle waves.
Further north, in Gigante and Astillero, beginner surfers can refine their skills with patient instructors and forgiving waves, perfect for mastering the fundamentals.
On the east coast, spots like Puerto Sandino and Las Penitas provide a laid-back ambiance and beginner-friendly breaks, making them excellent options for aspiring surfers seeking a relaxed learning environment.
Surfing In Nicaragua
Surfing in Nicaragua offers an electrifying adventure amidst its stunning coastlines, warm waters, and an array of surf breaks suitable for surfers of all levels.
History
Nicaragua's surfing legacy traces back to the 1960s, gaining prominence in the 1990s as a top surf destination in Central America.
From the early days of surf exploration at San Juan del Sur to the emergence of renowned spots like Playa Maderas and Popoyo, Nicaragua's surfing narrative reflects its rich coastal heritage and growing surf culture. Nicaragua surfers now enjoy the sport in all areas across the region!
Spots
Nicaragua boasts numerous incredible surf spots along its coastline.
From the powerful waves of Popoyo and Playa Maderas to the serene breaks of Gigante and Astillero, each spot offers a unique surfing experience amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Waves
Nicaragua's waves exhibit diversity, catering to surfers of varying skill levels and preferences.
From the challenging reef breaks of Popoyo to the user-friendly waves of Playa Hermosa, Nicaragua's waves provide an exhilarating ride for surfers seeking adventure.
Seasons
The surfing season in Nicaragua varies depending on the region and prevailing weather conditions.
Generally, the prime surfing season extends from March to November, with peak conditions aligning with the dry season from May to October.
During the dry season, consistent swells and ideal surfing conditions prevail, attracting surfers of all levels.
However, the wet season from November to April offers fewer crowds and occasional rain showers, providing a tranquil atmosphere for surfers seeking a laid-back experience.
How We Chose The "Best" Surf Camps
In selecting the best surf camps, I employed a thorough and meticulous process to ensure that each camp met the highest standards of quality and satisfaction.
This process involved reviewing over 1250 reviews from various online platforms and meticulously analysing social media feedback. Additionally, I reached out to individuals who had firsthand experience with the camps to gather insights into their overall experiences.
Each surf camp was evaluated based on a weighted system, considering essential factors such as location, surf lessons, accommodation, food quality, and overall atmosphere.
By assigning specific weights to each criterion and meticulously grading each product against these standards, I was able to objectively assess and compare their merits.
FAQ
What is the best season to surf in Nicaragua?
The best season to surf in Nicaragua is typically during the dry season from March to November when consistent swells and ideal surfing conditions prevail.
Is Costa Rica or Nicaragua better for surfing?
Both Costa Rica and Nicaragua offer excellent surfing opportunities, but Nicaragua is renowned for its less crowded breaks and consistent waves.
Where do people surf in Nicaragua?
People surf in Nicaragua at popular spots like Playa Maderas, Popoyo, and San Juan del Sur, known for their diverse waves catering to surfers of all levels.
How do I choose a surf camp?
When choosing a surf camp in Nicaragua, consider factors such as location, accommodation, instructor experience, lesson quality, and overall atmosphere to ensure it aligns with your preferences and skill level.
Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Nicaragua?
In Nicaragua, a wetsuit is typically not necessary for surfing due to the warm water temperatures year-round.
Is Nicaragua surf crowded?
Nicaragua's surf spots can vary in crowd levels, but compared to more popular destinations, many breaks offer a less crowded and more laid-back surfing experience.
Our Verdict
When looking to book some of the best surf camps in Nicaragua, it’s important to be satisfied you have made the right decision.
Every surf camp has their pros and cons, it's about finding the best one for you. But, Dreamsea Surf Camp is an excellent choice for surfers seeking a true Nicaragua surfing experience.
