Surf & Ocean Adventure Retreat in the Bahamas

The camp is set on an island the operators describe as unspoiled — secluded beaches, waves that surfers travel for, and a reef system full of vibrant coral and tropical sea life. On land it's fragrant flowers, hummingbirds and the kind of wildlife you don't see in a resort complex. The whole point of the programme is getting into that landscape rather than looking at it.

Days revolve around the ocean. You can explore by kayak, snorkel the reef, or spend a full day riding waves with surf instruction. Overnight guests stay at the beachside Surfers Haven and add cave and blue hole exploration to the schedule. This is a camp with a long track record — the current sign-ups are for the 21st Annual Surf Camp — so the team knows the breaks, the tides and the best spots to take people.

Day trips and overnight trips both leave from Nassau, Harbour Island and Eleuthera, which means you can join from whichever of those islands you're already on, or build a longer stay around the overnight option. The programme has been running long enough to have a regular following, with a dedicated Facebook page and Flickr photo gallery from past camps.

What separates this from a standard surf school is the mix. It's not just lessons — it's kayaking, snorkelling, cave and blue hole trips, and time on stretches of beach that aren't crowded. If you want a week of actual water time in the Bahamas rather than a resort with a surfboard rental desk, that's what this is.

Because trips operate from three different departure points, the exact itinerary shifts depending on where you join and whether you're on a day trip or an overnight. The overnight option at Surfers Haven gives you the most water time and access to the cave and blue hole excursions.

What's included

- Surf sessions with instruction - Surf equipment - Kayak use - Snorkelling - Cave and blue hole exploration (overnight trips) - Overnight stay at beachside Surfers Haven (overnight trips) - Safety briefings and gear fitting

What's not included

- Flights to the Bahamas - Transfers to Nassau, Harbour Island or Eleuthera departure points - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Meals unless confirmed with the operator - Alcoholic drinks