8 Amazing Nicaragua Surf Camps
Wondering about the best Nicaragua surf camps? You’re in the right place!
The surf in Nicaragua is incredible, and one of the best ways to experience it is staying at one of these amazing Nicaragua surf camps.
Many of these camps include all meals, surf trips, accommodations, equipment, and in some cases, even video analysis and photography!
There are a lot of different options for surf camps, and we’ve sorted through all the options to land you with this list of the best surf camps in Nicaragua, complete with insider knowledge from living in Nicaragua.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Farm-to-table meals included
✅ Surfing & fishing boat trips included
✅ Luxury accommodations
✅ Best for surfing The Boom
✅ Focused on health & sustainability
✅ All-inclusive surf camp
8 Best Surf Camps in Nicaragua
1. Malibu Popoyo– Best Nicaragua surf resort for all-level surfers, foodies, and yogis
⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars | 📍Playa Popoyo | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Located in the center of Nicaragua’s most renowned surf breaks in Popoyo such as Popoyo Reef, Playa Santana, and Playgrounds, Malibu Popoyo is well known for its unique combination of luxury, simplicity, and adventure. The beachfront resort consists of 12 hand- designed cabanas featuring indoor gardens, rain showers, and Moroccan-style seating areas.
Malibu Popoyo offers guests a curated all-inclusive experience featuring daily surf and yoga programming, luxury accommodation, and a fully organic meal plan. Their restaurant is top notch and is a popular dining spot for expats and locals who live in the area.
There are surf instructors and coaches on site that will help elevate your surfing and will cater an entire surf program to your specific abilities/needs. It is no surprise that Malibu popoyo has been chosen to host numerous professional surfers and surf teams in the past due to their surf-centered approach and emphasis on overall physical wellness.
Aside from what is included in your nightly rates, this resort also offers a variety of excursions, spa treatments, transport, boat trips, photography and video analysis packages, and board rental options. It is a one-stop shop for basically anything you will need on your trip.
Special Features
- All-inclusive
- Farm-to-table meal plan
- Boat trips (fish + surf)
- 4 x 4 transport
“The rooms are spacious, excellent design and very comfortable. Food was also one of the best I had so far, everything was fresh”
-Hayalsu (read more reviews)
2. Dreamsea Surf Camp– Best Nicaragua surf camp for the San Juan Del Sur area

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 📍San Juan del Sur | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Amidst the jungles of San Juan Del Sur lies the Dreamsea Villas. They’ve got multiple accommodation options for all kinds of travelers and budgets. Dreamsea guests are able to choose between dorm-style rooms for solo travelers, twin rooms for friends, or suites for couples. Enjoy free 4×4 transfers to the local surf spots, a beautiful pool with a tiki bar, and delicious food options at their restaurant.
Are you a beginner surfer? Take advantage of their private or group surf lessons and enjoy different surf breaks that cater to your level. If you’re looking for things to do besides surf, ask them about their adventure tour and yoga classes.
Offering vegan/vegetarian food options, animal-friendly policies, local surf guides, and instructors, Dreamsea Surf Camp will be your best option for Nicaragua surf camps if traveling to surf in San Juan Del Sur.
Special Features
- Free 4 x 4 surf transport
- Multiple accommodation options
- Surf lessons
- Pool with Tiki Bar!
“My partner and I just had the best week at dreamsea -the set up of the camp is beautiful and our private room was super comfortable -the food was absolutely delicious and we loved having family dinner every night”
-Shon (read more reviews)
3. Amaru Wellbeing Resort – Perfect if you want to surf The Boom

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Punta Aposentillo | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Situated on a 40-acre point in Northern Nicaragua and perched on top of a breathtaking cliffside, lies Amaru Wellbeing Resort. The resort is home to some stunning beach views, walkways through gardens, and unique yoga shalas. They have certainly done an incredible job of creating an environment that embraces the surf and yoga lifestyle in “an eternal quest for wellness.”
The Amaru team prides itself in conscious practices that focus on health and sustainability. This includes daily yoga classes, surf programs, and sourcing clean/local food for their guests. The property has a total of 13 rooms ranging from single to triple occupancy.
They are well known for their Friday Pizza Nights, where guests and the local community are invited to enjoy fresh pizza cooked in their traditional clay oven. Amaru is one of the top locations to stay when visiting this area of northern Nicaragua, and easily one of the best Nicaragua surf camps.
Special Features
- Surf, yoga, and retreat packages
- Wellbeing resort and Permaculture farm
- Best all-inclusive option for surfing the Boom
- Friday night pizza nights
“My stay at Amaru was more than amazing. I intended to stay for a week only and ended up leaving heavy heartedly after a whole month. And I am not the only one.”
4. Miramar Surf Camp– Best for travelers on a budget

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Puerto Sandino | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Located in the sleepy fishing town near Leon in Northern Nicaragua and right in front of one of the country’s most sought-after waves (Puerto Sandino), Miramar Surf Camp continues to grow in popularity among the surf community.
Complete with a restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and skatepark, all of which run off of solar power, this camp has great reviews from travelers of all types. This place has it all, and for an incredibly affordable rate, with rooms just starting at $63 a night, including Air conditioning and a complimentary breakfast.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer, Miramar Surf Camp can cater to your individual needs with its all-inclusive surf packages. They also have a fantastic quiver of boards for you to rent if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of bringing your own.
Special Features
- Skate Park onsite
- Curated surf program
- Gym and Spa
- Breakfast included in all room rates
“Beautifully constructed resort. Food is delicious. Quiver is stacked. Easy transportation to different breaks.”
-Anonymous (read more reviews)
5. 99 Surf Lodge – Best Nicaragua surf camp for the luxurious surfer

⭐️ RATING: 4.3 out of 5 Stars | 📍Popoyo | 🌊Availability: Check here!
99 Surf Lodge sits seaside in Downtown Popoyo; between famous surf breaks like Playa Santana, Magnific Rock, and Popoyo Reef. It is a modern and minimalistic lodge with a la carte and all-inclusive package options.
Their boutique-style rooms, pool, and restaurant make for an unforgettable luxurious experience for those looking to get a little bit more out of their stay.
The team goes above and beyond for their guests by offering personal surf coaching, guiding, boat trips, and even tow-in options for the adrenaline-seeking big wave hunters. Their surf package options even include board rentals and dining!
You can kick back watching the waves break from the infinity pool while sipping on a craft cocktail, relax and unwind with yoga and a massage, or enjoy the beautiful beaches of Popoyo by horseback.
Special Features
- Smaller boutique-style lodge
- Taberna 99 restaurant, perfect for foodies
- A la carte or all-inclusive package rates
- Daily yoga
6. Costa Dulce Surf & Yoga Retreat – Best Nicaragua surf camp for beginner surfers

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Playa Escameca | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Costa Dulce is conveniently located right in front of Playa Escameca, a mellow, uncrowded beach break that is known to be perfect for beginners. The resort itself sits on a cliff among a lush paradise overlooking the ocean and is near well-known breaks like Playa Yankee, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Remanso.
They host accommodation and activity options for solo travelers, couples, and groups/retreats. You can book a short or long-term stay and depending on the duration you choose, Costa Dulce offers a variety of bonus packages curated to your travel and surf needs.
The resort itself is rooted in wellness and sustainability, prioritizing the health of its guests and the planet simultaneously. Aside from surfing, you can take advantage of amenities like cultural tours, hikes, spa treatments, and a Mesoamerican sweat lodge that is built into the property!
Special Features
- Uncrowded break
- Surf lessons and guiding packages
- Board rentals
- Luxury accommodation
- Eco-friendly
7. Wild Waves Surf Camp – Best Nicaragua surf camp for surfers on a budget

⭐️ RATING: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | 📍Playa Popoyo | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Wild Waves Surf Camp is situated north of downtown Popoyo in the small beach town of Guasacate just a short walk to Popoyo’s main surf break. If you want a budget-friendly surf trip, this is a great place to check out. The camp consists of dorm-style rooms with A/C and hot water so you can enjoy a hot shower and a great night’s sleep after surfing your brains out.
This camp caters to surfers of all levels and, with the endless amount of world-class waves in the near vicinity, you are guaranteed to get the most out of what you pay for. Without the luxurious amenities of some of the other camps featured, this is a way to keep things simple and save a few bucks while focusing on the main reason you’re heading to Popoyo, to score world-class waves.
Special Features
- Budget-friendly
- Surf focused
- A/C and hot water in rooms
- Surf packages offered
8. Verdad Nicaragua Coworking Surf Camp – Best Nicaragua surf camp for various wave riders (boogie/SUP rental options)

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 📍San Juan del Sur | 🌊Availability: Check here!
Twenty minutes south of San Juan Del Sur, perched on a hillside with expansive ocean views, you will find the Verdad Boutique Hotel and Retreat Center. Located in southern Nicaragua on the Pacific side, this property overlooks the private and uncrowded beach of Playa Escameca Grande. It is a serene beach setting complete with lush jungle and curious wildlife all around!
Playa Escameca is home to some great beginner-friendly and longboard waves but can cater to more advanced surfers when there is some size.
This place is the epitome of laidback luxury. Holding eco-consciousness and sustainability as one of their core values, they pride themselves on being off the grid, using solar power for electricity, and carbon-filtered drinking water. The daily meals are locally sourced and served family style. With only five casitas and two rooms, you get the comfort, quality, and excellence of a high-end resort but without the formality and crowd.
Amenities include an open-air yoga and fitness studio, massage studio, pool, and bar. Direct beach access allows you to walk down to the beach for a surf or dip in the ocean.
Whether you are an experienced surfer or looking to catch your first wave, Verdad has a varied quiver of rentals, including boogies, standard surfboards, and SUP boards.
Thanks to Verdad’s close proximity to neighboring surf breaks like Playa Yankee and Playa Hermosa, intermediate and advanced surfers can get their daily fix, while beginner surfers take advantage of the local surf school in Escameca and get a few lessons under their belt before going out on their own!
Special Features
- Boutique hotel
- Off the grid
- Beach Bar and restaurant
- Expansive views
- Reliable and uncrowded beach break
Nicaragua Surf Camp FAQs
Is Nicaragua’s surf crowded?
Compared to many other parts of the world, no. However, during certain times of the season, certain breaks can be more crowded than others (especially Popoyo Reef) depending on the conditions. With the amount of waves this country has to offer, you can always find peaks to surf alone or with a small amount of people!
Do you need a wetsuit to surf in Nicaragua?
No, most people don’t bring wetsuits to Nicaragua. Although a wetsuit top or springsuit isn’t a bad idea during the December-March seasons when the water temps drop slightly and offshore breezes give off a bit of a chill. If you’re curious about when it’s best to surf in Nicaragua, check out our guide to the Nicaragua surf seasons.
Is Nicaragua safe for surfers?
Yes! Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in Central America (google it!). The locals can often be friendlier than the tourists as long as you treat them with the same respect you want to be given. Just make sure you’re surfing spots that cater to your surf level.
This post does a great job detailing safety while traveling in Nicaragua– plus it’s from the perspective of a solo female traveler!
Are Nicaragua surf camps expensive?
While some of the camps on this list are on the pricier side because they offer luxury accommodations, all-inclusive organic meal plans, and multiple boat trips, most aren’t overly expensive. Some of the Nicaragua surf camps on this list will only run you a few hundred dollars for a week-long surf camp! If you’re trying to save money on your surf trip, Nicaragua is great option as it’s one of the cheapest surf trip destinations.
Best Nicaragua surf camps- Final Thoughts
With endless options to surf up and down Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline, I guarantee you will find a place that suits your needs! From budget-friendly surf camps to high-end luxurious resorts, there are unique options for all.
Nicaragua has some of the best surf conditions in the world, with offshore winds most of the year and no real “winter,” you can pick a time that best suits your schedule and be sure to encounter prime conditions.
I hope this helps you better gauge where you plan to stay and that you fall in love with Nicaragua like me and many others have! As always, plan ahead, respect the culture/locals, and enjoy!