Nicaragua Surf & Yoga Escape at Playgrounds Surf Camp

Playgrounds Surf Camp runs on a simple schedule built around the tides. You wake up, eat breakfast at the resort restaurant, and walk the jungle path down to Veracruz de Acayo beach. Your surf guide has already checked the conditions and decided where to paddle out — usually the Playgrounds wave right in front of the camp, but sometimes a neighbouring break if the swell or wind calls for it. Sessions run 90 minutes to two hours, and guides are in the water with you, calling sets and pointing you into the right spot. If you're just starting out, they'll take you to a mellower section and work on the basics; if you're already surfing, they'll push you toward the bigger, faster sections.

After the morning session you head back up for lunch, which is cooked fresh at the on-site restaurant. The afternoons are deliberately unstructured. Some guests go back out for a second surf, others take a board and explore the beach, and a few just stay in the shade of the resort. There's no pressure to do anything — the camp is small enough that the guides can tell who wants a third session and who'd rather nap.

Evenings are for dinner and hanging out. The restaurant serves a mix of Nicaraguan dishes and food that travelling surfers tend to want — rice, beans, grilled fish or chicken, salads, and cold drinks. Most people eat together at a long table, and the conversation usually turns to the day's waves and tomorrow's forecast. The bar stays open late, but the general vibe is relaxed and early-to-bed because the best surf is often at first light.

What sets Playgrounds apart is the location. The Chacocente Wildlife Refuge is a protected stretch of coast with no other surf resorts nearby, so you're not fighting a crowd for waves. The camp is the only land-based operation here, and that means your guide can pick a break based on conditions rather than on who else is out. It's also a genuinely all-inclusive setup: accommodation, meals, drinks, surf guiding, and airport transfers are part of the package, so the only extra you'll really spend on is alcohol or souvenirs.

The camp is run by a team of Nicaraguan staff and international surf guides. Most of the guides have been surfing this coast for years and know exactly which tide and wind combo makes each break work. They speak English and Spanish, and they're used to mixed groups — couples, solo travellers, and small groups of friends. The resort itself is simple: comfortable rooms with fans or A/C, a pool, a restaurant, and plenty of hammocks. It's not a luxury hotel, but it's clean, friendly, and built for people who came to surf.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in private or shared rooms - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Local drinks (water, coffee, tea, juice) - Daily surf guiding with English-speaking guides - Use of surfboards (limited quiver) - Airport transfers to/from Managua - Daily transport to surf breaks - Pool access - Wi-Fi in common areas

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Alcoholic beverages - Optional massages or spa treatments - Optional excursions (e.g., turtle hatchery, hiking guide) - Surfboard damage or loss - Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra snacks) - Tips for staff and guides