The 6 Best Surf Camps in Mexico
Living and surfing in Mexico ourselves, we share some of our favorite surf camps and spots in the country. Whether you’re looking for surf-yoga retreats, progressive camps, or economical options, we have you covered.
Why Mexico?
There are surf camps all over Latin America and the world, so why choose Mexico? To start with, Mexico has a total of nearly 6,000 miles of coastline! That’s a lot of opportunity for surf. Because it is so large, you will find countless different cultures, vibes, and types of breaks in the various surf towns around the country. Additionally, Mexico is relatively accessible to travelers from all over the world. With several major international airports and dozens of little surf towns, Mexico is an awesome place to learn to surf.
We’re going to focus on the three main locations for surf camps in Mexico: Sayulita, Los Cabos, and Puerto Escondido. You can scroll down a bit to get straight to the list of surf camps, but before offering our favorite surf camps for each location we wanted to share a bit about each of these areas so you can choose the place that’s right for you.
Sayulita, Nayarit
We write a lot about Sayulita. It’s on our list of the Best Beginner Surf Spots in Latin America, and for good reason. The waves in Sayulita are super mellow right in town. The main beach is home to countless surf schools and camps, and the town is quite fun for the right person. The downside to consider is that the beach in town is often quite crowded, but camps and schools do their best to keep everyone separated and safe. It’s generally a positive-vibe kinda place. There are lots of yoga and wellness retreats, good healthy food options, and a chill but bustling nightlife scene. Sayulita is home to many art galleries/shops, small music scenes, and super friendly people. Just outside the more active city of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a place to relax.
Surf Camps in Sayulita
WildMEX - Located right in Sayulita, Wildmex is our favorite surf camp for beginners in Mexico. Part of this definitely is because it’s located in Sayulita, the best beginner surf spot in Mexico in our opinion. But part of it is due to the fact that they don’t just have one accommodation like many surf camps do. That is, they don’t have their own lodge they stick everyone in. For many, this is a downside as they want to stay with other surfers and meet people, and we’re the same way. For others, they want the options that WildMEX offers. Depending on what you want to spend, they will set up appropriate accommodations. Their camps consist of multiple 2 hour sessions during the day, and they generally take surf students to other spots like Punta Mita as well. WildMEX offers both 7 day and 10 day progressive surf camps.
Variant Surf Co. - A close second is Variant Surf Co. They’ve been around a while and just updated their name recently, but they offer more of a true surf camp vibe. Accommodations are in a beautiful apartment-like complex walking distance into the city center and beach, allowing you to easily meet people during your surf vacation. One thing we like about the guys at Variant is their respect and passion for local culture. In addition to being quality surf instructors, you are sure to learn a lot about Sayulita and Mexico in general. They also offer some options as far as housing and pricing to help you fit your budget. Variant offers 4 day surf camps and 7 day camps.
Cabo, Baja California Sur
Compared to Sayulita, Cabo is a bit like the opposite. Located in Baja California Sur, Los Cabos (Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo) is a busy place. You’ll find a ton of resorts, families, and a hopping nightlife scene. Cabo is often full of golfers, people seeking a quick getaway from California, and spring breakers looking for their next party. However, you can also find your chill in Cabo if that’s what youre looking for. There are tons of options for activities as it is the most well-developed tourist destination on this list. Whether you want to go diving or snorkeling, deep sea fishing, or on a nice hike, Cabo has pretty much all you could ask for. If you’re looking for something more laid-back and chill, perhaps skip Cabo.
Surf Camps in Cabo
Aloha Surf Hostel - Aloha Surf Hostel has been doing it right for well over a decade. Located near shopping and restaurants, this surf camp gives you plenty to explore outside the normal resort life of Los Cabos. A true surf camp, you’ll be housed in comfortable little dorms with a shared common area. If you want to meet other surfers and make new friends, this is definitely the place to go. The people who end up here are all super friendly, probably influenced by the warm and fun staff they seem to always have on hand. It’s reasonably budget-friendly, and the surf school is top notch. Meals are included, as are a few cultural tours. You also can take the surfboards out any time at no extra cost. They have 3 day surf camps and 5 day camps.
Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa - Cabo Surf Hotel and Spa is a beautiful hotel run by Balderrama Hotel Collection offering a full spa, gym, golf course, swimming pools, and more. It’s definitely on the nicer side of surfy hotels, but it’s great for a more luxurious surf vacation or if you’re traveling with family. They are just a few minute walk to the main beach, have close connection with a surf school that is very well-regarded (Mike Doyle surf school) and you will be well taken care of.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Puerto Escondido is a bit newer on the whole international travel surf scene in Mexico. However, it’s not new to surf. Home to some of the best waves in Mexico, this town is an awesome little surf town. We’d put Puerto Escondido on the chillest end of the spectrum when compared to Sayulita and Los Cabos. Surf camps and amenities are likely to be a little more basic, but also beautiful. The nature and ecotourism makes it a gathering place for those wishing to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and find a bit of peace or calm for a while. If you’re looking for something luxury, this probably isn’t the place for you. If you want your money to go the furthest possible, love nature, and want a full-on chill vibe, you’ll love Puerto Escondido. Bonus points for being in Oaxaca, which has the best food in Mexico (in our opinion).
Surf Camps in Sayulita
Oasis Surf House - Oasis is a real surf camp. If your goal is to learn to surf, Oasis is your answer. They progress people from whitewater to green waves fairly efficiently, focusing on strong fundamentals and technical abilities. Run by Roger Ramirez, Oasis is hands down the most respected school in Puerto Escondido. Classes are small, usually with just two students at a time, allowing you to get a lot of one-on-one feedback and instruction. A bit unique to this school, you’ll also be offered out of the water instruction in the form of surf theory. They really go all out. Finally, they have trainers who work with you to build mobility and strength to help your surfing. These are things you can take home with you to continue taking care of your body. Oasis offers a ton of camps. They have 8 day camps, 2 week camps, 3 week camps, and full 4 week camps.
Barbarenas - Barbarenas is definitely a more chilled-out surf camp. Along with surf instruction, you’ll find yoga and meditation classes, healthy meals, and a chill eco-luxury atmosphere. You can walk from the hotel right down the surf break, relax in the beautiful cabanas, or partake in some local cultural experiences. This surf camp isn’t for someone looking to shred every day all day. It’s more for those who wish to relax, surf every day, and rejuvinate themselves. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and the beach access is a definite plus. Their main offering is an 8 day surf camp.
Honorable Mention: Selina
Selina isn’t specifically a surf camp, but it can be used as one. If you’re not familiar, Selina is a small hostel chain in Mexico with a dozen locations. There’s one a few kilometers from where we live, and we’re there quite a bit. They have a great community, do a ton of cultural programs and events, and are a fantastic way to stay somewhere with like-minded people. A much more budget-friendly option, Selina offers you a dorm, WiFi, yoga classes, and often live music. They have many locations in Mexico, including a Selina in Sayulita and one in Puerto Escondido.
Want a personalized recommendation? Reach out to us. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll tell you what we think!
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