The 5 Best Surf Camps in Nicaragua
One of the best surf nations in Central America, Nicaragua is home to some amazing surf camps for beginners and intermediates.
Why Nicaragua?
Simply put, Nicaragua is one of the best surf nations in Central America. The surf camps in Nicaragua are top-notch, with opportunities for surfers of all levels. Many of the surf spots and camps in our list have whitewash for beginners, small green waves for progression, and some firing bombs for those who are more advanced. Nicaragua is a beautiful country, full of an amazing culture and incredible nature. It’s a bit cheaper than Costa Rica to the south, and Managua takes international flights from all over.
Popoyo
Popoyo is our favorite place in Nicaragua to surf, period. There are so many solid breaks here. The Main Reef has lovely A-frame waves, the Outer Reef can produce 10ft+ waves, Beginner Bay is one of the best beginner surf spots in Nicaragua, and Playa Santana is full of small breaks and surf shacks. It’s a fun little town with major surf vibes. As you progress off the whitewash, you can find tons of small but powerful green waves to begin progressing. If you’re already an intermediate surfer, there are tons of breaks for you here. The surf camps in Popoyo will help you find the perfect wave for the conditions and level.
Surf Camps in Popoyo
Hide and Seek - Hide and Seek is an all-inclusive, higher end surf camp in Popoyo. They include drinks at the bar, three meals a day, spa visits, and more. The coaching and training is solid, and your off time will be filled with relaxation.
Wild Waves - Surf camp and lessons offering tons of different formats. They have 7 day beginner camps, 7 day intermediate camps, and two week camps.
99 Surf Lodge - This surf lodge has a ton of options as well. Their surf camps are all-inclusive, and their restaurant is top-notch. The land and accommodations are also truly wonderful. They have 6 Day Beginner Camps and 8 Day Intermediate/Advanced Camps.
San Juan del Sur
San Juan del Sur doesn’t actually have a break right in town. It’s more of a hub to get to all the nearby surf spots. Staying at a surf camp in San Juan del Sur, you can reach some amazing breaks at Manzanillo, El Remanso, and Playa Maderas. Much like Popoyo, you will have the opportunity to find every type of wave from beginners to advanced. There are mellow beach breaks and point breaks available, and your surf guide will know just where to go given your ability and the current swell and wind conditions.
Surf Camps in San Juan del Sur
Escameca Eco-Lodge - Working together with Verdad Nicaragua, you can find many surf camps of different kinds through Escameca. They have 8 day surf and yoga camps, surf and coworking camps, and a normal 8 day camp.
Dreamsea Surf Camp - Located in San Juan del Sur, Dreamsea takes their students out to various spots including Playa Maderas. For us, this is a plus, as many surf schools keep their students on the smaller waves/spots.
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