The Best Surf Camps in Popoyo, Nicaragua

Last updated on December 27th, 2023 at 09:38 am

Surf Spots in Popoyo- A Guide to Surfing in Popoyo Nicaragua

If you are looking for a surf camp in Popoyo, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for a surf camp in Popoyo, where you can improve your surfing skills, meet new people, and, most importantly, have lots of fun.


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If you prefer the short version, here it is; these are the 5 best surf camps in Popoyo:

1. Popoyo Surfcamp – For more details, please click here.

2. Magnific Rock Surf Resort & Yoga Retreat– For more details, please click here.

3. Wild Waves Surf-House – For more details, please click here.

4. Nicawaves – For more details, please click here.

5. Malibu Popoyo – For more details, please click here.


And now that we got that out of the way, let’s take a deeper look at the long and detailed version. To help you choose the surf camp that suits you best, we covered everything you need to know about surf camps in Popoyo before making your decision. Let’s dive in!


About Popoyo

Popoyo is a world-class surf spot situated in South Nicaragua. Although Nicaragua has many good breaks, Popoyo is probably the best one. It is world-famous among the world’s surfing community for a good reason. In the outer reef of Popoyo, you can ride unbelievable barrels with massive power, and the main reef has one of the most consistent breaks you can find. Within a short distance from town, there are other great spots for beginners too. The village of Popoyo is quiet and small. No parties, no distractions, here it’s all about surfing.

 

Why Should You Book a Surf Camp in Popoyo?

There is probably no greater fun than going on a surf vacation in an exotic destination. There is something about leaving the everyday stress and dedicating a week or two to something you love doing. However, planning a surf vacation can be quite a hassle, especially when you don’t have the local knowledge about hotels, restaurants, and the best surf spots in the area.

By booking a surf camp in Popoyo, you basically take the stress and the hassle out of the equation and focus only on the fun part. While the camp takes care of accommodation, meals, transportation, equipment, and surf coaching, all you need to do is to enjoy your time. Moreover, surf camps in Popoyo are a great place to meet new friends from all over the world. 


A List of the 5 Best Surf Camps in Popoyo:

1. Popoyo Surfcamp

popoyo surf camp

Popoyo Surfcamp operates personalized surf packages for surfers from all over the world. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, the camp will set you up with exactly what you want. The camp aims to make the guests happy by finding the best waves in the area. Every day, The crew takes the surfers to find the waves by a  4 x 4 to find the best spot of the day around town. With tons of local knowledge, the expertise will care for wave conditions, tides, and surf spots based on swell and wind direction. 

Popoyo Surfcamp welcomes surfers of all skill levels. If you are a novice surfer, you will be surfing daily with a certified surf instructor who will guide and help you depending on your needs. You can hire a surf video analysis service, which will allow you to watch yourself, understand your mistakes, and learn how to fix them. 

If you are an experienced surfer, the instructors will simply take you to the best spots depending on the swell conditions, always with the objective of finding uncrowded waves. For more details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.

 

2. Magnific Rock Surf Resort & Yoga Retreat

magnific rock

Magnific Rock, an All Inclusive Surf Camp in Popoyo, is the ideal place for surfers looking for high-quality accommodations just in front of the waves. The camp is tailored to provide surfers with all they need for a memorable and enjoyable surf vacation, from world-renowned waves to comfortable lodging and scrumptious cuisine. 

This all-inclusive package will provide you access to the world-class waves of Popoyo- The camp provides surfers easy access to some of the best surf spots in the area, including Playa Maderas, Playa Colorado, and Popoyo. With professional surf instructors, you can ride some of the best waves of your life. The camp is staffed with professional surf instructors who are passionate about helping people improve their surfing game. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer, the surf coaches will work with you to improve your skills and help you catch amazing waves. 

For more details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.

 

3. Wild Waves Surf House

wild waves

This surf camo is more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers and less suitable for beginners. You will stay in a beautiful beachfront surf house situated in a surfing paradise where the offshore winds blow almost every day. Wild Waves Surf House will make sure you ride the best waves possible and have an unforgettable experience

These are some of the highlights of Wild Waves Surf House:

Boat trips with a dedicated surf instructor.

Guided tours in different surf spots with a surf guide.

Tour to the natural hot spring of Las Salinas.

Daily delicious breakfast.

Airport transfers.

For more details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.

 

4. Nicawaves

nicawaves

Nicawaves is definitely one of the best surf camps in Popoyo, mainly for experienced surfers. The Nicawaves team has over a decade of experience hosting and guiding surfers to the best waves in the Popoyo area. The camp is ideally situated between Finca Popoyo and Magnific Rock, so Popoyo Reef Break and Beginner’s Bay are just a short distance away. Additionally, Nicawaves offers airport transfers, surfing and fishing boat trips, surfboards, scooters, and quad rentals. The onsite full-service restaurant is open daily, offering fresh, healthy meals and seafood next to a large, beautifully furnished pool terrace. The camp takes care of all your needs and guides you to the best surf breaks in the Popoyo area.

As for the waves you will be surfing, they are based on valuable local knowledge and your skill level. Mike, Nicawaves’ owner, is a two-time US Surfing Championships finalist. He knows exactly what surfers are looking for and has 15 years of experience in Nicaraguan surf. If you are looking for the ultimate surf vacation, Nicawaves will be a perfect choice.

For more details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.

 

5. Malibu Popoyo

malibu popoyo surf camp

Malibu Popoyo is a unique, all-inclusive, eco-friendly surf resort & yoga retreat. It combines a hotel, a surf break, a retreat center, a restaurant, and a yoga studio.

With more than 10 fantastic breaks within 30 miles away, this is definitely a surf paradise. The camp offers something for everyone, with waves ranging from longboard peelers and beach breaks to deep and hollow reef breaks.

Malibu Popoyo, however, is not the place for beginners who have never stepped on a surfboard before, as it doesn’t offer a major coaching program. For experienced surfers, though, this is the place to be if you want to get some epic barrels.

For more details about surf camps in Popoyo, please click here.

 

How to Book a Surf Camp in Popoyo?

Once you choose your preferred surf camp in Popoyo, booking it is pretty easy. Nowadays, there is no need to speak with anyone on the phone; everything is available online. The main question is what kind of surf camp are you looking for, and these are the two best options:

1. If you are a beginner or an intermediate surfer looking for a coaching program, then the best website to book the surf camp is www.booksurfcamps.com. This is where you can get the most details for surf instructors, weekly schedules, and general guidance.

2. If you are an experienced surfer and don’t need anything but a nice place to stay close to the waves, you can simply book your surf camp on www.booking.com

Both websites are reliable and user-friendly, and therefore, we recommend using one of them to book your surf camp in Popoyo.

 

What is the Cost of a Surf Camp in Popoyo?

When choosing a surf camp in Popoyo, the cost should definitely play a major part in your decision. Well, you will be happy to know that there is a variety of camps and packages to suit any budget. In fact, the surf camps in Popoyo offer wonderful value for money. What determines the cost of a surf camp are factors such as accommodation level, number of days, number of lessons per day, seasonality, and special services. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can customize the package that suits you best. In most cases, booking a surf camp in Popoyo will actually cost you less than it would be if you booked all the services yourself. As for the numbers, while the low-budget surf camps in Popoyo start at about $300, the high-budget ones can cost up to $1500 per week.

 

What Skill Level is Required for a Surf Camp in Popoyo?

The main reef of Popoyo is known as a challenging surf spot. While the waves break with massive power over the rocks with a barrel shape, this is definitely a place for advanced surfers who can handle this kind of wave. However, that doesn’t mean beginners and intermediates can’t attend a surf camp in Popoyo. In fact, there are also beginner spots in Popoyo, such as “Beginner’s Bay”, where you can learn and practice your skills on soft and mellow waves. All the surf camps in Popoyo know exactly where to take their students to keep them safe and help them improve. 

 

What is the Best Time of Year for a Surf Camp in Popoyo?

Like all of the Pacific Coast of Central America, Nicaragua receives the best swells between April and October. Therefore, this is the best time of year to take a surf camp in Popoyo. During these months, the waves are consistent, and the offshore winds blow almost daily, which is a recipe for perfect surf conditions. Although the waves can be too big sometimes, as a novice or an intermediate, you can surf in “Beginner’s Bay”, where the waves are gentle and forgiving.

 

What is the Best Location in Popoyo for a Surf Camp

Although Popoyo is a small town and most surf camps are close to each other, location is still a factor worth considering. In general, you want to be as close to the waves as possible. Remember, this is a surf vacation, and you will go back and forth from the camp to the water. Advanced surfers will spend most of their surfing time at the main reef or the outer reef. Beginners, on the other hand, will probably surf in “Beginner’s Bay”. Therefore, before choosing a surf camp in Popoyo, make sure it provides easy access to these breaks.

 

What Should You Check Before Choosing a Surf Camp in Popoyo?

Before choosing your favorite surf camp in Popoyo, don’t forget to go over the following checklist:

1. What is the student-to-instructor ratio? Generally, the smaller the group is, the more personal attention you will get. Therefore, look for a ratio of no more than 5 to 1.

2. Are surfboard rentals included in the package- Will you have to bring your own surfboard, or is it provided by the camp? Also, can you use the camp’s surfboard for practice after the lessons?

3. Are airport transfers included in the surf package, or should you get there on your own? What about transfers to different surf spots during the camp?

4. Is the package all-inclusive, or should you pay for meals? If it is an all-inclusive one, which meals are included?

5. How many surf lessons are included in the package? Is there an organized schedule?

6. What type of accommodations will you be staying at? Is it a private room or a dorm? Which features does it have?

7. Does the level of coaching suit your skill level? Is there a separation between beginners and advanced surfers?

8. What are the qualifications of the surf instructors? Are they licensed? Remember, your safety is the most important thing.

9. Which coaching tools are used in the surf lessons? Is there a theoretical part? Video analysis? Enough practice time?

10. Are there any add-ons or additional services you should know about, or does the cost of the camp cover everything?

 

Conclusion

To sum up, Popoyo is an incredible destination for a surf camp. With spectacular waves, offshore winds, and a chill atmosphere, it is a place that allows you to disconnect from life for a while. In this article, we tried to provide you with all the information you need to choose your favorite surf camp in Popoyo. Regardless of which one you will choose, you can expect to have an unforgettable experience.

Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in Nicaragua, and also the one about surf resorts in Nicaragua.

Author

  • Matt- Reef Break Founder

    Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at reefbreaksite@gmail.com.

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