Mentawai surf coaching retreat, Indonesia
Surf some of the worlds best waves for 10 days
Ask any surfer: If you could go on a surf trip anywhere on the planet, where would you go? There is no doubt that the Mentawais would be one of the most popular answers. These secluded tropical islands deliver the absolute perfection that surfers dream about all their lives.
- A mind-blowing selection of 15+ world-class breaks
- Experience perfection: from flawless barrels to world-class playful waves
- Fast boats to surf spots daily, all healthy & delicious meals, & a gorgeous resort
- Location: live on a hill with panoramic ocean views, a 2-minute walk to amazing waves
- High quality of surf coaching: 4 guides for 10 surfers max
A typical day
From your balcony set on top of a hill in a lush tropical rainforest, you drink coffee while observing the flawless turquoise waves peeling right out front. You feel the excitement of starting your day in a true surf mecca. A team of dedicated surf guides takes you to ride some of the best waves of your life. You take boat rides to some of the 15+ world-class spots around, and you enjoy two long surf sessions in epic tropical waves. You come back incapable of wiping the grin off of your face while you enjoy a cold beer with your 3 surfing friends. You watch your surfing clips with your surf coach on the iPad to ensure you enjoy every session even more by helping you to bring your skills to the next level.
The waves
The Mentawai islands is probably the most wave-rich location on Earth. To our knowledge, no other destination offers as many perfect waves within 45 minutes of each other. By looking at the map, it’s easy to see that no matter the swell or wind direction, this incredible wave selection will provide unforgettable rides. With its variety of reef breaks, point breaks, secluded bays, rights and lefts, we will find the perfect waves for you.
The area is known for its flawless, warm-water waves, consistent swells and light winds. You might have heard of one or more of these famous waves:
Intermediate spots:
As a “beginner-to-intermediate” surf coaching company, we know you are probably not looking for 12 feet grinders breaking over extremely shallow reef. That is why we are here. We chose the Nyang-Nyang location because it is also loaded with easier and safer waves (but still world-class!). On any given day, clean, shoulder-to-head high waves are almost guaranteed to peel flawlessly.
- Beng Beng
- Pitstops
- Nipussi
- 4 Bobs
- A Frames
- Burger World
Secret spots
Not all the waves in the Mentawais are known. There are still plenty of waves that are relatively unknown that you could end up surfing with just a few friends!
While most surf camps aim for the “big name spots”, our team of 4 surf guides for a maximum of 10 surfers will make sure you surf the best waves for your level every day. The team is dedicated to finding the absolute best options, often navigating to unchartered territory to search for uncrowded peaks.
Location
You will be living on Nyang Nyang, a small 5km-long tropical island only populated by a few local villages. The paradisiac island is covered by dense, lush rainforest with stunning hills and vegetation.
Your room is set on a hill, right on top of pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters. There is no denying it, every night you enjoy the best sunset views in the Mentawais.
From your home, walk 2 minutes to Pitstops, which could quite possibly be the most fun wave you’ve ever surfed! If there’s a reasonable swell coming from the west during your trip, you will wake up more excited than children on Christmas day. E-bay is a perfect left barrel that peels down the line and is just a short paddle from your resort.
Being one of the most secluded places on earth, the Mentawai islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime tropical escape.
Travelling to such isolated islands set 150 km away from the mainland is an unforgettable journey. The Mentawai people have not been subject to outside influence until the 20th century, making this destination a truly off-the-grid adventure. With its spiritual people, impeccable turquoise waves, white sand beaches and magical lush rainforest, the Mentawai islands will leave you speechless.
Personalized intermediate surf coaching
High quality coaching, tailored to your level
Treat yourself to professional surf coaching on some of the best waves on earth! Whether you want to work on your cutbacks or aim to get your first barrel, our team will be offering Barefoot’s unique surf coaching program. This includes:
- Video analysis of your surfing
- A personal folder of your videos on our iPad
- A surfer profile with recommended videos & articles for you to progress faster
- Personalized tips to help you surf better at each surf spot
- Technical surf meetings with your small group of surfers
Only 10 spots available, with 4 surf guides
The best guide/surfer ratio in the Mentawais! You will be taking boats to surf amazing spots with only 4 other surfers (2 surf coaches for 4 surfers per boat, on average, depending on how the group is split). One guide will be in the water, helping you understand each spot and providing tips for you to catch some of the best waves of your life. The other guide will be taking videos of the waves you take as a souvenir and for further technical analysis.
Local knowledge & unlimited transfers to waves
In order to bring you to the optimal spots for your level, we have 2 different boats and offer unlimited rides to the waves twice per day (unless the surf is better just down from the resort!). Our guides have the experience and knowledge to take you to unknown spots so that you can enjoy perfection with only a few surfers out!
Is this trip for me?
This is an “intermediate” only surf trip. You need to have a minimum of experience to truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You can join this trip if:
- You can catch unbroken waves by yourself
- You can angle your take-off to go either left or right
- You can draw your line on a “green wave” with a minimum of control
- You feel comfortable in head-high waves
- You’re an intermediate surfer wishing to surf epic waves while progressing to the next level
This trip is not for you if:
- You have never tried surfing
- You surfed a few days in the past but still struggle with your take-off
- You are a very advanced surfer looking for 12-feet grinding barrels over shallow reef*
*To provide a personalized surfing experience, we bring our intermediate guests to the best conditions for their level. We do not take very advanced surfers on this trip as it would compromise our ability to provide a unique, customized service.
Our team would be very thrilled if we could help intermediate-to-advanced surfers get some of their first barrels, but if you have the level to ride big, hollow barrels, other charter boat services would be a better option.
Not sure if this is the right trip for you? Click here.
Accommodation
Experience the Mentawai dream in comfort and style. You will live in a beautiful resort made from hardwoods, stone walls and giant windows that provide breathtaking views of the ocean.
The rooms:
- Two surfers per room (separate beds)
- 1 X Private Bungalow for 4 (two-story, 2 beds per level)
- All linen & towels
- Carved log wood showers & hot water
- Air-Conditioning & Fans
This is the only villa on the Mentawai set on top of a hill and it offers unforgettable sunsets.
The resort is the most elegant option in the area, with its impressive structure blending both western and Mentawai style;
- Spacious front yard and garden with panoramic views on the waves
- Huge, stylish common lounge, dining table & custom-made leather sofas
- Driftwood bar with a great selection of beers & spirits
- Full height windows & views on the Indian Ocean
- Wi-Fi
Surf information
You can leave your wetsuit at home, but bring a lot of sunscreen with you! The water is warm year-round at an average of 27°C/80°F. The biggest swells normally come between July and September. This is also the period when the waves are more crowded with surfers coming to surf the high-profile spots such as Kandui and Hideaways.
Don’t be fooled though, swells hit the Mentawais all year round. Many spots, such as Burger Worlds and Nipussi, are very exposed. This means they work even better when the swells are very small.
No matter the conditions and wind direction, you can find clean, shoulder-to-head high waves peeling perfectly down a multicolour reef.
We operate during the “shoulder season” because we believe that is the best option for intermediate surfers. During this time of the year, there are still plenty of incredible waves, with much fewer people in the water. With 15+ spots (including “secret ones”) working with different swell and wind conditions, we can make sure you surf amazing waves no matter the conditions.
Meals
The food is so good that many travellers joke about coming back just for it! All three healthy meals are included every day, plus snacks & home-baked treats.
The cuisine is a mix of Western and Asian meals: curries, ayam bakar, beef, chicken, and locally caught seafood. In addition to discovering new cuisines, you will enjoy meals cooked just like home. The staff here can accommodate special diets.
Activities
Fishing boats (included)
In addition to the surf boats, you have access to a 4.2 meter Quintres aluminium dinghy. Its speed and versatility make it a perfect boat to go out fishing or tour the rivers.
Snorkeling (included)
Right out front of your room, grab snorkeling equipment to observe the rich marine life around the reefs that surround your front yard.
Hiking through the rainforest trails
Discover the island’s amazing rainforest hills and wildlife while walking through the same jungle trails that the local use to go through different villages and farms.
Stand Up Paddle
Grab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and relax while watching the sunset or the amazing surf happening in front of the resort.
Hiking through the rainforest trails
Discover the island’s amazing rainforest hills and wildlife while walking through the same jungle trails that the local use to go through different villages and farms.
Stand Up Paddle
Grab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and relax while watching the sunset or the amazing surf happening in front of the resort.
Fishing boats (included)
In addition to the surf boats, you have access to a 4.2 meter Quintres aluminium dinghy. Its speed and versatility make it a perfect boat to go out fishing or tour the rivers.
Snorkeling (included)
Right out front of your room, grab snorkeling equipment to observe the rich marine life around the reefs that surround your front yard.
What’s included?
Surf
- Unlimited boat transfers to all the surf spots around
- 2 Experienced surf guides for sub-groups of 5 surfers (best ratio in the Mentawai)
- Technical analysis of your surfing footage each evening (see how we coach surfing)
- Important tips for every spot’s particularities
- A fleet of quality fast boats with surf racks, comfortable seating & tinted windows
- 80 or 120hp Yamaha engines on boats designed for Mentawai sea conditions
- All your surf videos sent to your device
Accommodation
- Gorgeous resort with ocean views
- 2 travellers per room or 1 X two-story bungalow for 4
- Clean, air-conditioned rooms
- Custom-made wooden furniture & leather lounges
- Spacious front yard with common areas with hammocks
- Entertainment: music system, hundreds of surf movies & big screen tv
- Wifi
Lifestyle
- Private fast boat to and from the Mentawai
- Government surfer fee
- 3 healthy and delicious meals per day, plus snacks
- Soft drinks, juice, tea & coffee
- Transfers from Padang Airport to Padang hotel & to boat harbor
- Boats for fishing & touring
- Use of SUP boards, fishing equipment & snorkeling equipment
FAQs | Surf & Lifestyle
A lot of our first-time guests are concerned about this!
To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old, with the most significant concentration being in their 30's and 40's. This is, on average, each trip is a bit different.
We are firm believers that age is just a number! If you are under 25 or over 55, you are certainly welcome in our retreats. What is important to our organization is to be transparent in the type of experience we deliver. Our guests come to focus on their surfing progression and to have a great time. Some of them enjoy a beer or a cocktail at sunset and might go out once or twice during the retreat, but if you are looking for a place to party all week, this is not the right experience for you.
To give you an idea, about 80% of our guests are between 25 and 55 years old, with the most significant concentration being in their 30's and 40's. This is, on average, each trip is a bit different.
We are firm believers that age is just a number! If you are under 25 or over 55, you are certainly welcome in our retreats. What is important to our organization is to be transparent in the type of experience we deliver. Our guests come to focus on their surfing progression and to have a great time. Some of them enjoy a beer or a cocktail at sunset and might go out once or twice during the retreat, but if you are looking for a place to party all week, this is not the right experience for you.
About 20% of our travellers have never touched a surfboard. We are here to help beginners learn how to surf and help intermediate surfers progress faster.
Unless you don't know how to swim or if you wouldn't be comfortable swimming at least 40 meters without a floating device, you can join our coaching retreats in Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Bali. For the Mentawais and the Maldives, only intermediate level surfers will be able to enjoy those experiences.
Unless you don't know how to swim or if you wouldn't be comfortable swimming at least 40 meters without a floating device, you can join our coaching retreats in Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Bali. For the Mentawais and the Maldives, only intermediate level surfers will be able to enjoy those experiences.
We only open during what we believe are the best months for both waves and temperature in each of our destinations. These decisions are made according to statistical averages of swells and the type of spots in each destination.
Predicting surfing conditions is a bit like predicting the weather, we can only have a good idea of what the waves will be like a few days before a retreat. Therefore we can not guarantee you that waves will be a certain size or shape on any specific week, months in advance. This being said, your chances of getting quality surf are very high as each surf season is specifically chosen according to average surfing conditions. Since we opened in 2012, we have not had one "flat day"!
We avoid opening during the rainiest months and choose the best surf spots around, according to your level. For example, if the waves are big, we will take you to a bay or a sheltered break, where the waves are smaller and conditions are safer.
Predicting surfing conditions is a bit like predicting the weather, we can only have a good idea of what the waves will be like a few days before a retreat. Therefore we can not guarantee you that waves will be a certain size or shape on any specific week, months in advance. This being said, your chances of getting quality surf are very high as each surf season is specifically chosen according to average surfing conditions. Since we opened in 2012, we have not had one "flat day"!
We avoid opening during the rainiest months and choose the best surf spots around, according to your level. For example, if the waves are big, we will take you to a bay or a sheltered break, where the waves are smaller and conditions are safer.
If you are joining one of the "main retreats" (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or Bali), your surfing equipment is included. If you are a novice surfer, you don't have to bring surfboards.
If you are an intermediate surfer:
For Bali and Costa Rica: there are plenty of quality surfboards on-site, and they are included in your package. Whether you want a longboard, funboard, fish or a hybrid surfboard, there is plenty of choices. Small, performance shortboards are harder to find, but usually, those are for advanced surfers. If you have "the magic surfboard" or if you are very precise in what you are looking for (example looking for 34.5 litres board with medium rocker), you might consider bringing your own boards.
Nicaragua: Surfboards are also included here. This is the most remote location of our "main retreats." We do have a good selection of surfboards, but the selection is not as large as in Bali or Costa Rica for performance, fibre-glass fishes and hybrid boards. You might consider bringing your own boards if performance, fibre-glass fishes or hybrids are what you want to surf and you want a precise shape and volume. If a NSP type of funboard or fish is something that you would like to surf, we do have those types of boards available.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you are an intermediate surfer and want to check if we have the board you are looking for before booking your trip.
In the Maldives and in the Mentawais, we recommend bringing your own surfboards. Bring the type of surfboards that you are used to ride and that you feel comfortable with (minimum 2, preferably 3). Bring at least one board on which you feel you have plenty of paddle power and length. Too often, we see intermediate surfers on the latest 5'6" "Hypto Krypto" because that is what the marketing says they should be on, and they only get onto a couple of waves each session. That's no good for enjoyment. Or improvement. contact us for details.
If you are an intermediate surfer:
For Bali and Costa Rica: there are plenty of quality surfboards on-site, and they are included in your package. Whether you want a longboard, funboard, fish or a hybrid surfboard, there is plenty of choices. Small, performance shortboards are harder to find, but usually, those are for advanced surfers. If you have "the magic surfboard" or if you are very precise in what you are looking for (example looking for 34.5 litres board with medium rocker), you might consider bringing your own boards.
Nicaragua: Surfboards are also included here. This is the most remote location of our "main retreats." We do have a good selection of surfboards, but the selection is not as large as in Bali or Costa Rica for performance, fibre-glass fishes and hybrid boards. You might consider bringing your own boards if performance, fibre-glass fishes or hybrids are what you want to surf and you want a precise shape and volume. If a NSP type of funboard or fish is something that you would like to surf, we do have those types of boards available.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you are an intermediate surfer and want to check if we have the board you are looking for before booking your trip.
In the Maldives and in the Mentawais, we recommend bringing your own surfboards. Bring the type of surfboards that you are used to ride and that you feel comfortable with (minimum 2, preferably 3). Bring at least one board on which you feel you have plenty of paddle power and length. Too often, we see intermediate surfers on the latest 5'6" "Hypto Krypto" because that is what the marketing says they should be on, and they only get onto a couple of waves each session. That's no good for enjoyment. Or improvement. contact us for details.
This depends on the destination you will travel to, and on personal preferences & souvenirs.
In our "main retreats" (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali), you could bring, for example, $200 - $300 USD with you and your bank cards if you need to withdraw in the ATMs on destination. For the intermediate retreats, these are remote locations with no ATMs. You will need to refer to your travel guide for more information (provided when you book your spot).
Almost everything will be covered: accommodation, surf lessons, surf equipment (except for Maldives & Mentawais retreats), airport shuttles, your surfing footage, transportation, some activities, breakfast each morning and more. Here are some things you might need cash money for:
Apart from welcome meals, lunches and dinners are not included in our "Main Retreats (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali)" because we believe it is part of the travel experience to try different meals and restaurants. Meal prices will vary significantly according to your preferences. In both Central America and Asia, you can still eat great local food for 5 - 8 USD per meal, and you can also spend 15+ USD on food in international restaurants.
For the intermediate retreats (Mentawais & Maldives), all meals are included because those are offered in remote locations that have very little or no other meal options.
Also, bring cash money if you bring back souvenirs for friends and family. Sometimes, freelance photographers could take in-water surf shots of you if you are lucky, you might want to purchase those!
Tips are not mandatory and are to the discretion of each traveller. If you want to tip, you can either give tips directly to your surf coach, cleaning or cooking staff.
In our "main retreats" (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali), you could bring, for example, $200 - $300 USD with you and your bank cards if you need to withdraw in the ATMs on destination. For the intermediate retreats, these are remote locations with no ATMs. You will need to refer to your travel guide for more information (provided when you book your spot).
Almost everything will be covered: accommodation, surf lessons, surf equipment (except for Maldives & Mentawais retreats), airport shuttles, your surfing footage, transportation, some activities, breakfast each morning and more. Here are some things you might need cash money for:
Apart from welcome meals, lunches and dinners are not included in our "Main Retreats (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali)" because we believe it is part of the travel experience to try different meals and restaurants. Meal prices will vary significantly according to your preferences. In both Central America and Asia, you can still eat great local food for 5 - 8 USD per meal, and you can also spend 15+ USD on food in international restaurants.
For the intermediate retreats (Mentawais & Maldives), all meals are included because those are offered in remote locations that have very little or no other meal options.
Also, bring cash money if you bring back souvenirs for friends and family. Sometimes, freelance photographers could take in-water surf shots of you if you are lucky, you might want to purchase those!
Tips are not mandatory and are to the discretion of each traveller. If you want to tip, you can either give tips directly to your surf coach, cleaning or cooking staff.
Yes, it is possible in most cases, but not two weeks straight. We usually have 2 to 4 days separating weekly groups. You would then need to travel for 16 to 18 days and plan 2 to 4 free days between your two surf weeks.
Intermediate retreats in the Maldives & Mentawais are usually closer together, with 0, 1 or 2 days between trips.
Intermediate retreats in the Maldives & Mentawais are usually closer together, with 0, 1 or 2 days between trips.
For the "main retreats" in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Bali, both beginner and intermediate surfers are welcome (levels 1.1 to 2.2).
For the "intermediate only" trips in the Mentawais and the Maldives, only intermediate level surfers can join (level 2.1 and 2.2) You must be able to:
-catch unbroken waves by yourself
-angle your take off to go either left or right
-draw your line on a “green wave” with a minimum of control
-feel comfortable in shoulder-to-head-high waves
For more information on "what is your surfing level", click here.
For the "intermediate only" trips in the Mentawais and the Maldives, only intermediate level surfers can join (level 2.1 and 2.2) You must be able to:
-catch unbroken waves by yourself
-angle your take off to go either left or right
-draw your line on a “green wave” with a minimum of control
-feel comfortable in shoulder-to-head-high waves
For more information on "what is your surfing level", click here.
For the main retreats (Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Bali): If your retreat dates on our website are, for example, from January 4th – 11th, this includes both the arrival day (4th) and the departure day (11th). There is no surfing or activities planned for those days.
This means that during the day on the 4th, nothing is planned other than your transportation to our villa or hotel. There is often a welcome group dinner, usually between 6:30pm - 8:00pm on the night of the first day. If you fly in later at night, you might miss it. On the last day of the retreat (January 11th in this example), only breakfast is organized plus transportation back to the airport.
For the intermediate only retreats (Maldives & Mentawais): The first and last days of a trip are also travel days (no surfing planned). For example, if a retreat goes from October 11th – 20th, there is nothing planned other than transportation and a welcome dinner on the 11th, and breakfast plus transportation back to the airport on the 20th. Please wait for us to send details of the itinerary before booking your international flights. Your flight schedule will need to work with the private fast boats in the Mentawais, or domestic flights in the Maldives.
This means that during the day on the 4th, nothing is planned other than your transportation to our villa or hotel. There is often a welcome group dinner, usually between 6:30pm - 8:00pm on the night of the first day. If you fly in later at night, you might miss it. On the last day of the retreat (January 11th in this example), only breakfast is organized plus transportation back to the airport.
For the intermediate only retreats (Maldives & Mentawais): The first and last days of a trip are also travel days (no surfing planned). For example, if a retreat goes from October 11th – 20th, there is nothing planned other than transportation and a welcome dinner on the 11th, and breakfast plus transportation back to the airport on the 20th. Please wait for us to send details of the itinerary before booking your international flights. Your flight schedule will need to work with the private fast boats in the Mentawais, or domestic flights in the Maldives.
Unfortunately, this is not possible. Our team of surf coaches are dedicated to providing the full surfing progression experience, they are not available for extra lessons. Since we have 6 coaches for 12 students maximum, if you come for just 2 or 3 days, for example, this will still take one of the 12 spots available.
FAQs | Travel
To benefit from the free shuttles included in our packages, you must arrive and leave on the same dates planned in our camps. For example, if you have booked a surf trip from January 4th to 11th, you must land on the 4th and leave on the 11th to catch our free shuttles. Outside of these dates, transportation from the airport is not included.
You can land at any time on our retreat dates, and we will send an airport shuttle for you. For the intermediate only retreats (Mentawais & Maldives), you will need to catch a boat after landing from your international flight (included in your package). Therefore you need to wait for us to send you those details by email once you have secured your spot before booking your international flights.
You can land at any time on our retreat dates, and we will send an airport shuttle for you. For the intermediate only retreats (Mentawais & Maldives), you will need to catch a boat after landing from your international flight (included in your package). Therefore you need to wait for us to send you those details by email once you have secured your spot before booking your international flights.
The answers below apply to North Americans, most of Europe and Australia. Please verify online to be 100% certain about your personal situation. More details will be available in the travel guide you will receive after booking your trip.
Nicaragua: No. Just a $10-15 USD fee to pay at the Managua airport (bring small bills with you).
Indonesia (Bali & Mentawais): Yes. You can get your visa directly at the airport in Denpasar (Bali trip) or Padang (Mentawai trip). It cost around $35 USD. If you plan to travel for more than 30 days, we recommend you to apply for a visa online. Depending on where you are from, you might be able to apply for a 60-day visa.
Costa Rica: No.
Maldives: A free 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival for most nationals, including citizens of USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, UK and many European countries.
Nicaragua: No. Just a $10-15 USD fee to pay at the Managua airport (bring small bills with you).
Indonesia (Bali & Mentawais): Yes. You can get your visa directly at the airport in Denpasar (Bali trip) or Padang (Mentawai trip). It cost around $35 USD. If you plan to travel for more than 30 days, we recommend you to apply for a visa online. Depending on where you are from, you might be able to apply for a 60-day visa.
Costa Rica: No.
Maldives: A free 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival for most nationals, including citizens of USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, UK and many European countries.
You must be 18 years old to book a trip by yourself.
We accept 15, 16 and 17-year-olds when travelling and surfing with a parent.
We accept 15, 16 and 17-year-olds when travelling and surfing with a parent.
The US dollar is accepted almost everywhere in all of our destinations. For Indonesia, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, we recommend you bring between 300 and 400$ and a debit/credit card to be able to withdraw local currency in an ATM if needed.
For intermediate only retreats (Mentawais & Maldives): These are very remote locations. Please refer to your travel guide for more information (given to you after you reserve your spot).
For intermediate only retreats (Mentawais & Maldives): These are very remote locations. Please refer to your travel guide for more information (given to you after you reserve your spot).
If you are travelling by yourself, you have the choice of sleeping on a single bed in a room/bungalow with 1 or 2 other Barefoot Surf guests or pay an extra fee to have a room/bungalow to yourself.
Different accommodation types:
Costa Rica (2021): Bungalows for a maximum of 3 guests (see accommodation)
Nicaragua: Rooms for 2 or 3 guests (see accommodation)
Mentawai: Rooms for 2 guests (2 separate beds), or a 2-story bungalow with 2 beds per level.
We separate men and women in shared rooms. This is feasible in most of our retreats, but sometimes it is impossible. In the rare cases where this is not possible, you will be notified in advance and can accept or decline to join the trip (we will refund you if you do not join the trip in this case).
Different accommodation types:
Costa Rica (2021): Bungalows for a maximum of 3 guests (see accommodation)
Nicaragua: Rooms for 2 or 3 guests (see accommodation)
Mentawai: Rooms for 2 guests (2 separate beds), or a 2-story bungalow with 2 beds per level.
We separate men and women in shared rooms. This is feasible in most of our retreats, but sometimes it is impossible. In the rare cases where this is not possible, you will be notified in advance and can accept or decline to join the trip (we will refund you if you do not join the trip in this case).
In each of our destinations, you will be led by experienced surf guides, who have an in-depth knowledge of the area and the surf spots. We also choose very secure places to accommodate our travellers.
This being said, we leave our travellers the freedom of exploring and experimenting with each destination as they wish, as we believe in the beauty of travelling. We give the necessary security advice for each trip. If these are respected, the risks of any trouble are very low (robbery, accidents, etc.).
This being said, we leave our travellers the freedom of exploring and experimenting with each destination as they wish, as we believe in the beauty of travelling. We give the necessary security advice for each trip. If these are respected, the risks of any trouble are very low (robbery, accidents, etc.).
We recommend our clients to get quality travel insurance with a well-known company: Blue-Cross, Manulife, Escapade, RBC, TravelGuard, etc. Make sure the insurance company covers surfing as an activity. Click here to buy travel insurance directly online with our partners G1G Insurance.
In the majority of cases, our travellers find better prices for plane tickets online than they would through a travel agency. Since we can’t offer better prices than the ones on the Internet, we highly suggest the following websites to buy your plane tickets: Kayak.com, Skyscanner.com, or Flighthub.com.
Nicaragua: Managua (MGA)*
Bali: Denpasar (DPS)
Costa Rica: Liberia (LIR)**
Mentawais: Padang (PDG)
Maldives: Malé (MLE)
* The Liberia airport in Costa Rica (LIR) is actually geographically closer to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, than Managua is. If you choose to land in Liberia to go to our Nicaragua retreat in San Juan del Sur, you will need to cross the land border which is 1 hour North of the Liberia airport. This process can be a bit complicated and take some time if there are line-ups. It will cost around $10-$20 USD of taxes and entrance fees. When adding the time at the customs, landing in Managua is quicker and more simple, but sometimes our guests find much better flights for Liberia, which could make this worth it. Click here for more information about this process.
**San Jose is about a 5-6hour drive from Guiones (Nosara), therefore it is twice as far from the resort than the Liberia airport. However, some guest, for example ones coming from Europe, might still prefer landing in San Jose (SJO), depending on flights available. Click here for more information about this process.
Bali: Denpasar (DPS)
Costa Rica: Liberia (LIR)**
Mentawais: Padang (PDG)
Maldives: Malé (MLE)
* The Liberia airport in Costa Rica (LIR) is actually geographically closer to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, than Managua is. If you choose to land in Liberia to go to our Nicaragua retreat in San Juan del Sur, you will need to cross the land border which is 1 hour North of the Liberia airport. This process can be a bit complicated and take some time if there are line-ups. It will cost around $10-$20 USD of taxes and entrance fees. When adding the time at the customs, landing in Managua is quicker and more simple, but sometimes our guests find much better flights for Liberia, which could make this worth it. Click here for more information about this process.
**San Jose is about a 5-6hour drive from Guiones (Nosara), therefore it is twice as far from the resort than the Liberia airport. However, some guest, for example ones coming from Europe, might still prefer landing in San Jose (SJO), depending on flights available. Click here for more information about this process.
About half of our travellers are “lone travellers”, so you will most probably not be the only lone traveller in your group. Whether you are travelling with other groups of friends, couples or lone travellers, you can expect to meet new friends with who you will have a great time!
More information
Extra information
- You must bring your own surfboards, at least two.
- Our prices are per person and in US dollars. Taxes, service fees and contributions to the FICAV are included.
Travel information
- Flight tickets are not included.
- Travel insurance is not included and is mandatory.
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of your departure.
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“The best part of my trip with Barefoot was how much I improved my surfing. I’d done a bunch of single surf lessons before & this was the first time I actually felt like the surf guides were instructing, critiquing & pushing me to get better at surfing.”
Katherine G. 31 / Toronto, Canada -
“The total experience exceeded expectations, staff was knowledgeable, professional, and gracious. Accommodations were very welcoming and comfortable. Everything was top notch!”
Rick Osgood, 53 / Napa, USA -
“Created some great friendships, and experienced a beautiful country in the best week possible. Already trying to figure out when I can plan my next trip with them!”
Emily P. 26 / Ventura, USA -
“I couldn’t ask for time spent with more friendly, truly awesome people. The team is very responsive and well organized. My surfing was pushed to another level”
Brittany M. 34 / Calgary, Canada -
Bao T. 33 / Montreal, Canada
2025 Surf Trips
Costa Rica - 7 days
Jan - Mar 2025
Nicaragua - 7 days
May - Jul 2025
Mentawais - 10 days
November 2025
Bali and Maldives trips are on hold until 2026.
If the trip you are interested in is full, you can join our waiting list & get notified if someone cancels.
It takes 1 minute!
