Nicaragua Surf Camp: Daily Coaching, Boat Trips & Beachfront Stays in Popoyo

A typical day starts early because the wind comes up around mid-morning. You're up for breakfast, then out to a beach break or driven to a point break depending on your level and the swell. Beginner groups stay on the softer inside waves while intermediate and advanced surfers get taken further out or loaded onto the boat for reef and point breaks that only work at certain tides. Sessions run around two hours. Back at camp, lunch is served, then there's video analysis — the coaches pull up footage from that morning's session, slow it down, and talk through your take-off, your stance and where you're losing speed.

What separates this camp from the many surf houses along the same coast is the guiding operation. Joel, the boat captain, is a multiple-time Nicaraguan national champion and consistently ranked in the country's top three, so the boat trips aren't just transport — you're being put on waves by someone who surfs them better than almost anyone. Ermi, the local guide, has been surfing Popoyo his whole life and knows which break is working on which tide, which is why guests regularly end up surfing empty reef breaks while other camps pile into the same beach break. Small groups matter too: with one instructor per two or three surfers, you get corrections every session rather than once a week.

The camp itself is small and relaxed, with a main lodge holding private rooms plus a four-bed dorm a short walk from the beach. There's a communal kitchen, a terrace, Wi-Fi, and yoga sessions included in the packages. Board rental is included for lessons, so you don't need to fly with your own quiver — though if you do bring boards, there's storage at camp.

Popoyo is a fishing village turned surf town, still low-key. There are a handful of restaurants and bars within walking distance, and the camp staff will point you to the good ones. Beyond surfing, you can book deep-sea fishing for mahi-mahi, tuna and mackerel, spearfishing, horseback riding on the beach, or massage sessions at camp. Moto rental with a surf rack is available if you want to explore the coast on your own.

Packages start at five nights and go up from there, with seven-night and longer stays the norm. Pricing depends on how many surf sessions per day you want, whether you're in the dorm or a private room, and whether you're on a beginner, intermediate or advanced programme. The team runs everything through WhatsApp and email, and answers quickly.

What's included

- Accommodation at the camp (dorm or private room depending on package) - Daily breakfast and lunch - Daily surf sessions (1 per day on standard, 2 per day on full programmes) - 4x4 shuttle to all surf spots - Surf boat trips - Surf video analysis with your instructor - Surf theory and land practice (beginner programmes) - Surf guiding to the best local spots (intermediate and advanced programmes) - Lesson surfboard rental - Yoga sessions at camp - Access to camp facilities including communal kitchen, terrace and Wi-Fi

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra cost) - Dinner - Travel insurance - Massage sessions - Horseback riding - Fishing and spearfishing expeditions - Surf photography (land or water) - Moto rental - Personal expenses and tips - Additional boat trips beyond those in your package