Learn to Surf at a Sustainable Beach Camp in Bali, Costa Rica, Portugal & Beyond

A typical day at Dreamsea starts early. You'll grab breakfast at the camp restaurant — usually fruit, eggs, toast, coffee — then head to the beach for a two-hour surf session. Instructors like Kadek and Made in Bali (mentioned by name in guest reviews) are out in the water with you, helping you paddle into waves, teaching you to pop up, and calling you into sets. Groups are kept small, and beginners stay in the shallows while more advanced surfers head further out. After the session, you rinse off, have lunch, and the afternoon is yours. Many camps run a yoga class in the late afternoon, often on a deck with an ocean view. Dinner is served family-style, and the food gets consistently good reviews — one guest called it "a surprising variety of large delicious and healthy dishes."

The accommodation varies by location but follows the same idea: simple, comfortable, and close to nature. In Bali Uluwatu, rooms have panoramic ocean views; in France, there's a glamping area with fabric tents. You might share a room with other travelers or book a private one. Bathrooms are usually shared or private depending on the room type. The camps are not luxury hotels — they're built for people who want to be outside most of the day. But they're clean, well-run, and the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome. One guest wrote about the manager Nico at the Spain location: "such a great job and talent."

What sets Dreamsea apart from other surf camps is the sustainability angle. The structures are built by hand using local techniques and natural materials like bamboo and wood, and the glamping units are made from fabric and natural fibres in colors that blend into the landscape. At the end of the season, they can be taken down without leaving a trace. The company also runs beach cleanups and works with local NGOs. It's not just marketing — guests notice. One reviewer said, "The camp is brand new and looks amazing... The food was insanely good, surf lessons were great quality." If you care about traveling with a lighter footprint, this is a camp that actually walks the talk.

The social side is a big part of the experience. Because meals are shared and the camp is small, you get to know everyone quickly. There are group activities beyond surfing — yoga, sometimes excursions to local towns or beaches. The vibe is friendly and inclusive, whether you're a solo traveler or with a group. One guest booked for a week and stayed three: "The best thing was the friendly, helpful and fantastic staff... Can't wait to come back soon!!" Another praised the instructors for being "observant, caring and competent," making them feel safe even as novices among more advanced students.

If you're traveling with a group of 10 or more, or want to host your own surf and yoga retreat, Dreamsea offers tailor-made packages and discounts. They also run promotions throughout the year with promo codes. But even without a deal, the value is solid: you get accommodation, surf lessons, yoga, and most meals included in the package price, plus the use of boards and wetsuits. The only extras are flights, travel insurance, and personal spending. It's a straightforward, well-organized way to spend a week learning to surf in some of the world's best beach towns.

What's included

- Accommodation (shared or private rooms) - Daily surf lessons (2 hours per day, equipment included) - Yoga classes - Most meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Use of surfboards and wetsuits - Welcome drink and orientation - Access to camp facilities (pool, lounge, etc.) - Beach cleanups and other sustainability activities - Wi-Fi in common areas

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra fee) - Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.) - Optional activities and excursions - Additional surf lessons beyond the package