It’s no secret that some of the absolute top-tier surfing destinations in the world reside in Central America.
Most of Latin America’s gorgeous coastlines are charmed with lush, year-round sunshine, beautiful balmy weather, and of course, some of the world’s most amazing surf.
Read on for our top picks on the most incredible surf camp experiences available in Central America to help you on your way to getting started on your next adventure.
We’ve divided our best surf camp list into countries so you can see what everywhere in Central America has to offer.
Are You Ready for Central America?
Whether you’re looking for a hedonistic nightspot to party with top-notch surf, or a luxurious vacation destination tucked away from the noise and hustle, you’re bound to find an amazing venue in Central America to meet your needs.
As a great bonus, not every surf camp destination in Central America has to bust the bank either.
Sure, we’ve included some incredible luxury stays but there is also a huge range of high-quality camps that don’t have to cost you the world to experience.
With a whole continent to play with, it’s pretty overwhelming to see all the amazing places on offer and decide what’s the best fit for your next adventure. Perhaps you’re not even sure yourself what kind of surf camp you’re looking for.
Costa Rica
We’ll start with one of the most well-known holiday destinations in Central America for surfing enthusiasts. Costa Rica has incredible surf all year round.
With its average water temperatures ranging around low 80 degrees, this balmy holiday hotspot has a whole host of amazing surf spots to enjoy and plenty of surf camps to take advantage of.
Costa Rica is also one of the most stable and economically developed countries in Central America with a thriving tourist industry.
That means great travel services, lots of incredible accommodation to choose from, and of course, stunning coastlines to explore whilst you’re winding down from your daily surf.
1. The Gilded Iguana, Nosara
The Gilded Iguana has been one of the most popular surf camp destinations in Nosara since its opening in 1988. Nosara is an amazing destination if you’re not looking for your typical touristy hotspots.
This remote enclave is one of the most highly recommended surf camps and for good reason. For the entire year, The Gilded Iguana boasts surfing experiences for every level of surfer.
The waves around the expansive Playa Guiones are some of the most celebrated in Costa Rica and the hotel can offer you its wide range of equipment, surfing lessons, guidance for both seasoned pros and absolute beginners amongst the dependable and awe-inspiring waves of the peninsula.
There’s also no small amount of activities and luxuries available at the hotel other than excellent surfing.
Not only do you have access to Costa Rica’s most famous beach, Playa Guiones, you also have access to yoga retreats, adventuring tours, and biking trails.
This is the perfect destination for the entire family as there’s something for everyone and the resort itself is secure and safe whilst also not feeling disconnected from its surroundings.
Designed by renowned architect Benjamin Saxe, all rooms have both indoor and outdoor showers and a kinship with the natural landscape so you can experience all Costa Rican wildlife has to offer.
2. Selina Nosara
Another of Costa Rica’s gorgeous venues to explore is the stunning Selena Nosara. Tucked away in between the famous beaches of Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, this luxurious surf camp has something for everyone!
Amid the jungle, feel surrounded by Costa Rica’s stunning wildlife, whilst experiencing all the luxuries of a boutique retreat. With some of the most renowned surf in the world, you’re bound to experience some of the best in your life, whatever your entry-level is.
They have an inclusive selection of surfing activities, free wifi and the nearest airport, Nosara airport, is 1.9 miles away.
It’s also the perfect location for those wishing to improve their yoga or for those looking for an adventure in the surrounding jungle region.
Looking for something unique?
Selina Nosara has it all including a hammock garden, tribal drum therapy, new moon yoga workshops, and cacao ceremonies (I’m not sure either but I’m willing to get involved!) as well as a gorgeous pool and communal lounge and dining facilities.
3. SOMOS
This ecologically minded hotel retreat is built into its surroundings to make the most of the natural beauty. A communal area shows off the pool, a stylish vintage Airstream restaurant, and immediate access to the beach.
Somos is the surf destination for those passionate about some of the best local cuisine as they have their onsite restaurant called The International- boasting local produce, a simple menu, and line-caught fish.
Enjoy the world-renowned beaches of Santa Teresa, and the blend of modern facilities with natural-inspired features that celebrate the best of the coast.
Somos has its very own surfboard studio if you’re interested in having a surfboard handcrafted to your specifications, unique to you- a real souvenir from your holiday!
For those who want to explore the surroundings, take a trip on one of their custom motorcycles to feel the freedom of sleeping under the starlit skies. entire
Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a rising star amongst the Central American surf community and the global scene, delivering some of the most exquisite surf and coastline that has put it on any surfer’s go-to list.
In the last few years, incredible accommodation and surf camps have been making the most of the stunning surroundings and providing a great platform to explore the amazing country.
4. Malibu Popoyo
First up is a classic location, the Malibu Popoya. It is one of the most popular surf camps in Nicaragua as it’s situated smack bang in the middle of ten of the most iconic Pacific coast surfing beaches.
These include Popoyo, Magnificent Rock, and Playa Santana. If you’re looking to explore more than one beach, this is the perfect spot to travel from to make the most of your Nicaraguan vacation.
Of course, as we’ve come to expect, these stunning camps offer more than just an exquisite opportunity to surf- the Malibu Popoya prides itself on offering healthy local foods that you can enjoy at any time throughout the day, including smoothies, light lunches, breakfasts or heartier dinners.
As comes with the surf camp territory, Malibu Popoya crosses the balance of yoga and meditation with endless possibilities to explore almost any adventure from horseback riding to local tours and hiking.
With a private beach, outdoor and indoor pool, and plenty of optional extras such as bathrobes, this is an amazing place to put your feet up and experience the luxuries on offer whilst surrounding yourself with the magical Nicaraguan coastline.
5. Dreamsea Surf Resort
If waking up to the view of the ocean is your idea of paradise, Dreamsea Surf Resort is the one to go for. This appropriately named dreamy resort encapsulates everything you could hope for from a tropical paradise getaway.
The hotel is designed with individual villa-style cabanas with each room specifically designed by a team of artists, giving them a professional and unique design amplifying the boho features of the Nicaraguan coastline.
Bamboo is the main feature prevalent in the design, celebrating rustic and tropical elements of the natural landscape.
Not only does the appeal of the wilderness draw in guests, but Dreamsea also offers its visitors A fantastic experience of food and drink including fresh cocktails and smoothies at their local Tiki bar.
There are so many opportunities for exploring the local coastline and having a whirl at something other than surfing, with fishing, sailing, diving, and yoga lessons available along with Turtle watching for those more inclined to explore some of the local natural habitats.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to unwind and relax while surfing the Nicaraguan coast, Dreamsea Surf resort offers everything to you in a beautiful bohemian package.
6. Selina Maderas
If you’re looking for a place that’s more of a traditional village rather than a separate cabana resort, Selina Maderas may be the perfect ticket for you. This complex is perfect for those who want to socialize whilst they’re on holiday.
Selina prides itself on providing more than just a place to stay. This is a place to go when you want to explore your natural surroundings and more importantly a place where you could get in touch with yourself.
Built in 2014, this hotel project is a fabulous example of a modern chain making the most of the Central American coastline.
The whole aim of the Selina Maderas is to provide a surfing holiday that’s completely all-inclusive, not just a place to stay but a place to live fully whilst you are there.
A crystal clear pool, garden, free wifi, and balcony for guests to enjoy as well as maid service on request is available at the Selina.
They are well known for their amazing food, comfortable bedding and as a successful chain, you can know that the high quality you expect can be delivered.
You can book a room for a very reasonable price depending on the season with plenty of amazing extras included that you would expect from a well-renowned hotel chain.
Daily yoga classes and massage sessions are available as well as horse riding, surfing of course and other activities are available for an additional cost, and a shuttle service to San Juan del Sur town center is also available to guests for a nominal fee.
Honduras
The Mesoamerican Reef means Honduras and Belize are not great for those who love to surf. However, it is a prime snorkeling and diving spot, therefore we’ve popped this beautiful villa down on our list.
If you are looking to explore the Central American coastline in its entirety, you shouldn’t give Honduras a miss.
With crystalline waters, unmatched wildlife, and gorgeous snorkeling opportunities, take a break from the surfing waves and try a natural retreat for a few days on your journey.
7. Villa Roa
Nestled in Roatan, the Villa Roa offers guests a great place to stay whilst you explore the joys Honduras has for its visitors.
This Villa has 7 bedrooms, 4 flat-screen televisions with satellite channels, an indoor pool, and an opportunity to go hiking, snorkeling, or relax in the beautiful garden and use the barbecue facilities provided.
You can also get an airport shuttle to the nearest airport which is 15.5 miles away from the villa. This Villa provides free Wi-Fi and gorgeous garden views and features a stunning restaurant, a bar, and a terrace to enjoy. This is a great place to put your feet up after exploring what Honduras has to offer.
Due to the Mesoamerican Reef, this is not a prime surfing location but what it lacks for surfing enthusiasts, the location makes up for diving opportunities as this is a fantastic place to enjoy the reef’s natural beauty whilst staying in luxury.
Guatemala
If you are looking for truly unspoiled surfing locations, Guatemala is for you. Incredible tropical beaches with black volcanic sands, no crowds, and plenty of friendly local communities to show you the ropes, Guatemala is a hotspot on the rise.
As of now, it’s a relatively non-touristy area which makes it perfect if you’d rather avoid the hustle and bustle and stick to the roots of surfing.
8. Paredon Surf House
The first surf house at Paredon is only a few steps back from the beach and is a completely unspoiled and gorgeous location for some top-quality surfing.
A full surf school awaits you no matter your ability level and this is a great place to go if you want to fully immerse yourselves in the waves and take your skills to the next level.
It is located in a tranquil fisherman’s village, far away from the tourist hotspots so you can focus on honing your craft.
They only take a certain number of people to minimize overcrowding so be sure to book in quickly. Their aesthetic is rustic and in keeping with the village’s charm so guests can focus on the natural beauty surrounding them.
In terms of facilities, Paredon Surf House has everything you could need. It has a bar, a beachfront location, and an onsite swimming pool as well as onsite parking whilst remaining natural and ecologically minded.
It is a great location for exploring your spirituality with yoga and wellness facilities available, and wifi for planning your next adventure whilst staying connected.
The prices are exceptionally good value and this is an incredibly highly rated surf house by visitors who have had the pleasure of experiencing it.
Final Thoughts
This has only touched the surface of the incredible places on offer in Central America and we encourage you to keep on exploring, making the most of this fantastic continent filled with opportunities to catch the best waves on earth.
As it is slightly less well known than its North American counterparts, Central America is an amazing place to visit if you don’t want to be drowned out by a sea of tourists but want the comfort of a well-established surfing location.