Mentawai Islands
10-Day surf coaching retreat in some of the world’s most perfect waves
- Indonesia
Mentawai Surf Camp
10-Day Surf Coaching Retreat
Surf Level
Intermediate
Room
Bungalow
Duration
10 Days
Airport
Padang (PDG)
Ask any surfer; if you could go on a surf trip anywhere on the planet, where would you go?
Undoubtedly, the Mentawais would be a top answer. These secluded tropical islands offer the absolute perfection that surfers dream of throughout their lives.
- Access to 15+ world-class breaks
- Playful, world-class waves
- Unlimited fast boat transfers to surf
- All healthy and delicious meals included
- Spacious, fully equipped beachfront bungalows
- Mentawais' only 4:10 Coach-to-Surfer ratio
A Typical Day
Start your day sipping coffee from your beachfront bungalow set in a lush tropical rainforest while watching the flawless turquoise waves roll in just outside. You feel the excitement of starting your day in a true surf mecca.
Take boat rides to some of the 15+ world-class surf spots and enjoy two long surf sessions in epic tropical waves. Come back beaming with joy as you share a cold drink with your surfing friends. Review your surfing clips with your coach to elevate your skills and enhance your enjoyment of every session.
Waves
The Mentawai islands are arguably the most wave-rich location on earth.
The Mentawai Islands are the ultimate surf camp destination for intermediates, with many world-class reef breaks and playful waves. With various reef breaks, point breaks, secluded bays, and both right and left-hand waves, we consistently find excellent conditions. We’ve chosen the Nyang-Nyang location for its easier and safer waves while still being world-class. The region regularly receives clean, shoulder-to-head high waves that peel perfectly over a multicoloured reef.
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Intermediate Spots
- Beng Beng
- Pitstops
- Nipussi
- 4 Bobs
- A-Frames
- Burgerworld
While the largest swells typically occur from July to September, don’t be fooled; swells hit the Mentawais all year round. Many spots, such as Burgerworld and Nipussi, are very exposed and work even better with small swells. We operate during the “shoulder season” in October/November because there are still plenty of great waves and usually fewer people in the water. Leave your wetsuit at home; the water temperature is around 27°C (80°F), but be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!
Intermediate Spots
This trip is not for beginners looking for 1:1 in-water attention and who need to get pushed into waves. It’s also not for advanced surfers seeking large, heavy barrels.
Click here for more information on the surf level for the Mentawais.
Accommodation
Experience the Mentawai dream in comfort and style.
You’ll stay in a boutique beachfront resort on 2 hectares of land, complete with a tranquil beach, wild reef, infinity pool, spacious bungalows, and expansive restaurant and social areas.
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Bungalows
- Private bungalow (up to 3 guests)
- Direct beach access (steps away)
- Private decks
- Western toilet in each bungalow
- All linen & towels
- A-C, fans & hot showers
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Resort
- Beachfront: steps from the water
- Sunrise & sunset views over the Indian Ocean
- Spacious common area with restaurant
- Constructed by skilled local carpenters
- Infinity pool right in front of the waves
- Wi-Fi
Surf Coaching
Treat yourself to professional surf coaching on some of the best waves on Earth!
Whether you want to work on your cutbacks or get your first barrel, we’ll do everything possible to help you get there!
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Personalized Coaching
- Daily 1-on-1 video analysis of your surfing
- Folder with all your videos shared to your device
- Surfer profile & recommended tutorials via our App
- Personalized in-water guiding at each surf spot
- Technical meetings with your small group
- 1 Year Access to Barefoot Premium
- Best ratio in Mentawais: 4 guides / 10 surfers
During this Mentawai surf coaching retreat, you’ll explore various surf spots twice daily with 3-5 other surfers and two surf guides (groups will be split into two boats). One guide will be in the water, helping you understand the specifics of each location and offering tips for catching some of the best waves of your life. Meanwhile, the other guide will film your sessions for further technical analysis.
Intermediate Coaching
- You catch unbroken waves by yourself
- You angle your take off consistently
- You are comfortable in head-high waves
More things to do
Package
10-Day Surf Coaching Trip in the Mentawais
In a private bungalow for 2 or in a shared bungalow with 1-2 other guests
Surf
- Unlimited speedboat surf transfers
- 2 surf guides for every 5 surfers
- Daily video analysis of surfing
- Personal in-water surf tips at each surf spot
- 1 year access to online surf coaching
- Fast boats with racks & comfort seating
- Suzuki engines built for Mentawai seas
- All surf videos sent to your device
Accommodation
- Beautiful beachfront resort
- Ocean views, sunrise & sunset
- Set on a two-hectare property
- Spacious bungalows for 1-3 guests
- Clean, bungalows with A/C & hot showers
- Big infinity pool overlooking the waves
- Large & comfortable social areas
- Wi-Fi
Lifestyle
- Private fast boat Mentawai transfers
- Government surfer fee included
- 3 healthy meals daily plus snacks
- Soft drinks, juice, tea & coffee
- Transfers: airport, hotel & harbour
- Boats available for fishing & touring
- SUP boards, fishing gear & snorkels
Optional upgrade: private bungalow to yourself
*Only 3 private bungalows available. Priority given to guests in order of their reservation date.
+ 1,500 USD
No extra for a private room for two
For any additional information, please contact us. A team member will be glad to help out!
Calendar
Click here to view all of our surf trip dates.
Mentawai 2025
1 Spot Left
shared male bungalow
2 Spots Left
Mentawai 2026
Available
Available
More Information
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Extra information
- You must bring your own surfboards, at least two.
- Longboards (9-footers) available for rent on site (contact us for details)
- Our prices are per person and in US dollars. Taxes, service fees and contributions to the FICAV are included.
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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.
FAQs
SurfING
How are the waves/temperature during month X?
We only operate during what we believe are the best months for both wave quality and water temperature at each of our destinations. Our timing is based on years of experience and statistical swell data, combined with the unique characteristics of each surf spot.
Surf conditions, like the weather, can only be accurately predicted a few days in advance, so we can’t guarantee specific wave sizes or shapes ahead of time. That said, your chances of scoring great waves are very high. Since we started in 2012, we’ve never had a flat day!
We also avoid the rainiest times of year and adjust our daily surf sessions to suit the surfing conditions. If the waves are big, we’ll head to sheltered breaks or calm bays with smaller, safer conditions.
If you’d like to dive deeper into how we choose each season and location, you can read more here.
Is this retreat suitable for my surf level?
In Costa Rica and Nicaragua, we welcome both beginner and intermediate surfers — levels 1.1 to 2.2 on our scale.
For our Mentawai retreats, you’ll need to be at an intermediate level (2.1 or 2.2), as the waves there require more experience.
To join a Mentawai trip, you should be able to:
Catch unbroken waves on your own
Angle your take-offs left and right
Control your line down the face of a wave
Feel confident in head-high surf
If you’re unsure about your level or want to learn more about how we define it, click here.
To see if you’re ready for a Mentawai surf trip, click here.
I have never surfed in my life. Is this trip for me?
About 20% of our guests have never touched a surfboard. We help beginners learn how to surf safely and help intermediate surfers progress faster.
As long as you know how to swim and feel comfortable swimming at least 40 meters without a floating device, you are welcome to join our coaching retreats in Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
However, only intermediate-level surfers can participate in the Mentawais trips. Click here to learn more about surfing levels for the Mentawais surf retreat.
Should I bring my own surfboards?
Your surfing equipment is included in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and you can swap your surfboard as you progress. We have a good variety of boards available, so you don’t need to bring your own if you are a novice surfer.
If you are an intermediate-level surfer:
Costa Rica & Nicaragua: There are plenty of quality surfboards available onsite, which are included in your package. You can choose from longboards, mid-length boards, fish, or hybrid surfboards. Small performance shortboards, typically for advanced surfers, can be harder to find.
Consider bringing your own surfboards if you have “the magic surfboard” or if you have specific preferences, such as wanting a 34-litre board with a medium rocker. If you have a specific type of surfboard in mind, please don’t hesitate to contact us in advance to check if we have access to something similar.
For the Mentawai retreats, you’ll need to bring your own surfboards. We suggest bringing at least two — ideally three — boards you’re comfortable with. Be sure to include at least one board with good paddle power and extra length. We often see intermediate surfers bringing boards that are too small (like a 5’6″ Hypto Krypto), which limits wave count and slows progression. The right board will make a big difference in your experience.
If you’re looking to rent a longboard (9’+) in the Mentawais, it’s possible to arrange this directly through the resort. Just contact us for details.
It’s possible to rent longboards (9 foot+) directly from the resort; for more details, feel free to contact us.
Can I surf outside of the surf lessons?
Yes, absolutely!
Costa Rica:
You’ll be staying just a 6-minute walk from the waves, with easy access via a jungle path. You’re free to surf anytime you’d like, and conditions are usually best early in the morning (6–10/11 am) and at sunset when the winds are lighter.
Nicaragua:
While there are occasional waves in the San Juan del Sur bay, they’re rarely ideal for surfing. Instead, San Juan del Sur is our base from which we travel daily to nearby surf beaches. We usually spend around 4 hours at the beach, timed for mid to high tide when conditions are best, giving you plenty of time to surf again before or after your coaching sessions.
Mentawais:
Since this is an intermediate-level retreat, there’s no fixed 90-minute lesson format. We go on two surf missions each day by speedboat, spending 2–3 hours in the morning and another 2–3 hours in the afternoon. There’s often a surfable wave right in front of the resort too. With so much water time, most guests end up taking occasional breaks to recharge during the 10-day retreat!
Lifestyle (12)
Lifestyle
Am I too old or too young for this trip?
This is a common concern, and totally understandable! Approximately 80% of our guests are between the ages of 30 and 60, but we welcome adults of all ages. What matters most isn’t your age — it’s your mindset. If you’re excited to improve your surfing and enjoy a fun, supportive group experience, this is for you!
The minimum age is 18, but we occasionally accept younger guests (typically 13 and up) if they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help!
Can a non-surfing partner join me on this trip?
Costa Rica:
Absolutely. Non-surfer packages include accommodation, breakfast, airport shuttles, one welcome dinner, and access to group activities. For pricing, please refer to the “Packages” section on our website. Spots are limited, so we recommend contacting us before booking.
Nicaragua:
Yes, non-surfers are welcome to join! The package includes accommodation, breakfast, group dinners, yoga sessions, and all transportation (including airport pickups and surf beach transfers). For details and pricing, check the “Packages” section. Please contact us before booking, as spots are limited.
Mentawais:
We generally don’t accept non-surfers for our Mentawai retreats. Space at the resort is very limited, and each guest spot is reserved for surfers participating in the coaching program. Additionally, the location is extremely remote with no nearby restaurants or cafes, and most of the group is out surfing by boat much of the day. Outside of surfing, the only activities available are relaxing on the beach, snorkelling, or stand-up paddling.
That said, if you’re still interested, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to chat and help you decide if it’s the right fit.
What's the Wi-Fi like?
Costa Rica & Nicaragua:
You can expect good Wi-Fi at the hotel or villa. While speeds may not be as fast as you’re used to at home, most guests find the connection reliable enough for video calls, work meetings, and general browsing.
Because we’re in tropical regions, storms or heavy rain can occasionally cause temporary slowdowns or brief outages. As a backup, we recommend grabbing a local SIM card when you arrive. It’s a great way to have a second connection just in case.
Mentawais:
The resort uses the best available internet system in the Mentawais, which is satellite-based. While bad weather can occasionally affect performance, especially for uploads, the connection is usually stable enough to work online and join video meetings. Just expect slightly slower speeds compared to urban areas.
Is it possible to stay 2 weeks in a row?
Yes, in most cases, it’s possible!
In Costa Rica and Nicaragua, we typically have a 2- to 4-day break between weekly groups. So, if you’re planning to join two retreats in a row, you’ll need to stay for about 16 to 18 days, including the free days between programs.
In the Mentawais (intermediate-only retreats), the breaks between trips are usually shorter — often just 0 to 2 days.
Guests joining back-to-back retreats can also take advantage of our “member’s discount” on their second trip. Just let us know when booking, and we’ll help you organize the dates and details.
Is there a minimum age to go on a surf trip?
The minimum age to join our retreats is 18 years old. However, we occasionally accept younger guests (typically 13 and up) as long as they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you’re considering bringing a younger surfer, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to discuss options and see if it’s a good fit.
Can I organize a private group retreat?
Yes, we offer private group retreats for groups of 8 or more guests. To secure your preferred dates and destination, we recommend booking about one year in advance. Feel free to contact us for more details.
Can I book just a few days or individual surf lessons?
Unfortunately, we don’t offer partial bookings or individual lessons. Our surf coaching program is designed as a complete, progressive experience — and our team of six coaches is fully dedicated to guiding a small group of up to 12 students throughout the entire retreat.
Even if you joined for just 2 or 3 days, you’d still be taking one of the limited spots we reserve for the full week. This helps us maintain a high coaching quality and group dynamic from start to finish.
Can I access the online coaching platform before paying my trip balance?
When you book a surf retreat with us, you get one year of free access to our online surf coaching platform. Normally, access is activated once your trip balance is paid, about two months before departure (or four months for the Mentawais).
If you’d like to start learning earlier, just send us an email and we’ll happily send you a code to unlock early access.
I’m travelling solo. Will there be other solo travellers?
What meals are included?
Meal inclusions vary by destination:
Costa Rica:
Each morning begins with an organic breakfast and freshly roasted coffee, served at the resort. A welcome dinner is also included. Other meals are not provided, but you’ll have access to the resort’s farm-to-table restaurant and plenty of excellent cafes and dining options within walking distance in Nosara. During the week, we also take guests to some of our favourite local restaurants. Participation is optional.
Nicaragua:
Breakfast is served daily at the villa, along with three group dinners. Lunches are usually enjoyed at taco shacks near the surf beaches. On evenings when dinner isn’t included, we provide shuttles into town so you can explore San Juan del Sur and try its local restaurants. Once during the week, we take the group to one of our favourite spots for a special dinner.
Mentawais:
All meals are included since this is a very remote location with few or no other dining options available.
Can I see the retreat's schedule in advance?
We don’t provide a full schedule far in advance, as we build the day-to-day plan 24 to 48 hours before each retreat begins based on the surf forecast and tide conditions.
However, we understand that some guests may need a general overview, especially those who want to fit in work meetings or plan downtime. While our retreats are centred around surfing and coaching, there’s still time to relax, explore, or catch up on personal tasks.
Here’s what a typical day looks like at each location:
Costa Rica – Typical Day:
– Morning surf theory session (30–40 minutes)
– In-water surf lesson (90 minutes) between 6:30 am and 9:30 am, depending on tides
– Early afternoon technique video analysis with your coach
– Sunset free surf or beach hangout
– Some days include restorative yoga or a group dinner at a restaurant
Nicaragua – Typical Day:
– Morning surf theory session (30–40 minutes)
– 15-minute drive to one of the nearby surf beaches
– In-water surf lesson (90 minutes)
– Free surfing or relaxing at the beach for another 2–3 hours
– Afternoon video analysis with your coach
– Late afternoon pool time, sunset drinks, or dinner at the villa
– Some days include yoga or dinner out in San Juan del Sur
Mentawais – Typical Day:
– Breakfast at the resort between 6:00 and 7:00 am
– First surf session: 2–3 hours via speedboat to the surrounding breaks
– Return for lunch around noon
– Second surf session: 3:00 to 6:00 pm
– Dinner at the resort with optional sunset drinks
– Video analysis and coaching feedback in the evening
Note: The Mentawais trip has the most intensive surf schedule, with two boat trips daily. That said, guests often take an afternoon off to rest, work, or simply enjoy the scenery. There’s no pressure to surf every session.
How do the shared rooms work?
If you are travelling alone, you will sleep in a room/bungalow shared with 1 or 2 other Barefoot Surf guests of the same gender.
Alternatively, you can pay an extra fee for a room or bungalow for yourself. These are typically limited to 3 per retreat, and availability is specified on our surf trip calendar.
Getting there
How does the airport transportation work?
Costa Rica and Nicaragua:
To use the free airport shuttles included in your package, you’ll need to arrive and depart on the scheduled dates of your retreat. For example, if your trip runs from January 4 to 11, you must arrive on the 4th and leave on the 11th to receive free airport transfers. You’re welcome to arrive or depart at any time during those dates, we’ll coordinate your pickup accordingly.
If you’re staying at a hotel near the airport the night before your retreat begins, we can arrange a pickup from your hotel reception on the first day. We can also arrange pickups from other locations, though extra charges may apply. If you’re looking for a place to stay before your trip, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to recommend options.
Mentawais:
You’ll need to stay in Padang (West Sumatra) the night before your retreat starts. Early the next morning, we’ll board a private speedboat to the Mentawai Islands. On the final day of the trip, we’ll leave the islands around midday and return to Padang in the late afternoon or evening. You’ll need to spend that night in Padang before catching your international flight the next day.
All transport, including airport transfers, hotel pickups, harbor transfers, and the private speedboat to the Mentawais, is fully organized by our team. Please wait for us to send your full itinerary before booking your international flights.
Which airport should I fly into?
Here are the recommended airports by retreat location:
- Costa Rica: Liberia (LIR)*
- Nicaragua: Managua (MGA) or Liberia (LIR)**
- Mentawais: Padang (PDG)
*Liberia (LIR) is the closest international airport to Nosara, where our Costa Rica retreat takes place. San José (SJO) is also an option, but it’s about a 5–6 hour drive, roughly twice the distance compared to Liberia. Some guests, especially those flying from Europe, may still prefer San José depending on available flights.
**For the Nicaragua retreat in San Juan del Sur, Managua (MGA) is typically the most convenient airport. However, Liberia (LIR), located in Costa Rica, is geographically closer.
If you fly into Liberia, you’ll need to cross the land border into Nicaragua, which is about one hour north of the airport. The border crossing can take time depending on lineups, and you’ll need to pay $10–$20 USD in taxes and entrance fees. That said, some guests choose this option when flights to Liberia are significantly better. Click here for more details on this process.
Can I land at a different airport?
Costa Rica:
Yes, there are a few options depending on your international flight schedule.
Option 1 – Domestic flight from Liberia (LIR) to Nosara (NOB):
If your international flight to Liberia lines up with one of the two daily domestic flights to Nosara, this can be a good option. Although it adds some cost, it avoids the bumpy 2.5-hour drive on dirt roads to the coast. We’ll pick you up from Nosara Airport if you choose this route.
Keep in mind:
– Domestic flight schedules may change
– Extra luggage fees are common
– Surfboards may not be accepted, depending on size; check airline policies in advance
Option 2 – San José (SJO):
San José is around a 5–6 hour drive from Nosara, about twice as far as Liberia. However, some guests (especially from Europe) may find better international flight options to SJO.
We provide shuttle transfers on specific retreat dates. For example, if your retreat runs January 11–18, we offer:
– Shuttle from SJO to Nosara on Jan 11
– Shuttle from Nosara to SJO on Jan 18
If you’re arriving outside of those dates, we can connect you with a reliable local transport company (with English-speaking staff) to arrange your shuttle.
Pricing:
– 2 or more guests travelling together: included
– Solo travellers: contact us for pricing
Optional: SJO (domestic) to Nosara (NOB):
You can also fly domestically from San José to Nosara if the schedules align. Like with the Liberia flights, double-check baggage limits and surfboard policies.
Nicaragua:
Most guests fly into Managua (MGA), but flying into Liberia (LIR), Costa Rica, is also possible.
Landing in Managua (MGA):
We’ll arrange a driver to pick you up and bring you directly to the villa — about 2.5 hours, with no border crossing.
Landing in Liberia (LIR):
This option involves crossing the border into Nicaragua, which takes longer — approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on customs clearance. Still, some guests prefer this route, especially if they get to book a nonstop flight to Liberia.
If you choose Liberia, be sure to consider:
– Customs/border crossing times
– Potential extra fees
– Border opening hours (important for late-night flights)
More details are available on this page.
Mentawais:
All guests must fly into Padang (PDG) — this is the only airport that connects to the Mentawai transfer boats.
When should I buy my plane tickets?
We recommend waiting until about 2 months before your trip to purchase your plane tickets, or 4 months in advance for Mentawai retreats.
Should I arrive early so I don’t miss surf on the first day?
Costa Rica & Nicaragua:
If your retreat dates are listed as January 4 to 11, for example, this includes both the arrival day (4th) and the departure day (11th). These two days are reserved for check-in and check-out only. No surfing or activities are scheduled.
On arrival day, the only planned activity is your transportation to the villa or hotel. We typically host a welcome dinner between 6:30 and 7:30 pm. On departure day, breakfast is provided and we’ll arrange your transfer back to the airport.
Mentawais:
You’ll need to stay in Padang (West Sumatra) the night before the retreat begins, as we board a private speedboat to the Mentawai Islands early the following morning.
On the final day, we’ll leave the Mentawais around midday and return to Padang by late afternoon or early evening. You’ll then stay one more night in Padang and fly home the next day.
All transportation, including airport pickups, hotel transfers, the Padang harbour transfer, and the speedboat to the Mentawais is included and managed by our team. Please wait for your full itinerary from us before booking international flights.
Travel (12)
Travel
What’s the best website to book flights?
We recommend using the following websites to purchase plane tickets:
To minimize complications, we strongly suggest booking flights with a minimum of 2 hours of connection time.
Do you have airport hotel recommendations?
You can easily find hotel options on sites like Booking.com if you decide to arrive one night in advance.
Here are some of our favourite choices:
- Costa Rica (Liberia): The Hilton Garden Inn
- Nicaragua (Managua): Best Western Las Mercedes
- Mentawais (Padang): Santika Premiere
Is it safe to travel to these countries?
In each of our destinations, you will be guided by experienced surf instructors who have extensive knowledge of the area and the surf spots. We also choose accommodations with safety and comfort in mind.
We always encourage our guests to explore and enjoy the local culture. Travel naturally involves stepping outside your usual environment, and we believe that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.
We’ll provide you with destination-specific safety tips before and during the trip. As long as you follow those guidelines, the risk of issues like theft or accidents is very low.
Do I need a visa to enter the country?
The information below applies to citizens of North America, most European countries, and Australia. Please double-check your specific requirements online, as visa policies can change. Full details will also be included in your travel guide after booking.
Costa Rica:
No visa is required for tourism.
Nicaragua:
No visa is required, but there is a $10–15 USD entry fee payable at the Managua airport or the Costa Rica–Nicaragua border. Please bring small USD bills to make this easier.
Indonesia (Mentawais):
Yes, a visa is required. Most travellers can get a visa on arrival at the airport in Indonesia for around $35 USD, valid for up to 30 days. You can also purchase this online a few days before your trip.
If you’re staying longer, we recommend applying online in advance. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a 60-day visa.
What are the surf trip dates?
You can see all our surf trip dates on our Surf Trip Calendar.
What type of travel insurance should I get?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for all our surf retreats. Most insurance companies offer two main types of coverage:
- Travel Medical: Covers essentials like emergency medical care and evacuation.
- Travel Protection or Trip Cancellation (recommended): Includes medical coverage, plus protection for unexpected events such as family emergencies, illness, or natural disasters that prevent you from travelling.
If you want maximum flexibility, consider adding Cancel for Any Reason coverage. This usually needs to be purchased within 7 to 21 days of your initial deposit.
We let guests choose between “Travel Medical” and “Travel Protection,” but at a minimum, your policy should include:
- Emergency medical coverage (minimum $50,000–100,000+)
- Medical evacuation coverage (minimum $250,000–500,000+)
- No exclusions for surfing, your destination, or other planned activities
For help finding the right policy, you can contact the team at G1G Travel Insurance (support@g1g.com). Click here for tips on what information to send them.
Note: We’re not licensed insurance agents. Please read your policy carefully or consult a professional. If you’re relying on health insurance (in the U.S.) or a credit card policy, be sure to verify what’s covered — especially for international travel and surfing.
While we fully intend to run every retreat, there’s always a very small chance we may have to cancel for safety or operational reasons. If you’d like your flight covered in those situations, include your airfare in the total insured trip value when purchasing “Trip Cancellation” or “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage.
Payments / Reservations
What is the reservation policy?
We can find our full reservation policy here, but here’s a quick summary:
You may change your retreat dates, switch destinations, or request a refund (minus a $150 admin fee) up to 60 days before your trip, or 120 days in advance for Mentawais retreats.
If you cancel less than 60 days before the trip (or less than 120 days for the Mentawais), we’re unable to offer a refund or travel credit. By that time, accommodations and other services have already been booked and paid for.
That said, we’ll do our best to re-sell your spot. Many of our retreats are fully booked well in advance, and we often have waitlists. Re-selling is never guaranteed, especially with limited notice. If we are able to fill your spot, you’ll receive either:
- A full refund minus a $150 admin fee, or
- The full amount in travel credit (your choice)
How far in advance should I reserve my spot?
We recommend booking your spot as soon as you’ve confirmed your vacation dates and time off. Our retreats often fill up 2 to 6 months in advance, depending on the location and season. If there’s a specific retreat date you’re aiming for, it’s best to book early. If your dates are flexible, we sometimes have last-minute availability or cancellations 2 to 4 months before a trip.
To reserve, simply complete a 20% deposit through our online booking platform. Once your deposit is received, our team will reach out by email, usually within 24 hours.
The remaining balance is due:
- 60 days before departure for Costa Rica and Nicaragua
- 120 days before departure for the Mentawais
When your balance is due, you’ll receive a secure payment link by email. All payments must be made by credit card.
Our reservation policy is flexible. You can change your trip dates, switch destinations, or request a refund (minus a $150 admin fee) up to 2 months before the trip for Costa Rica and Nicaragua (4 months before the trip for the Mentawais).
How do I book and pay for the trip?
We accept payment by credit card.
To reserve your spot on a retreat, you must complete a 20% deposit through our Online Booking platform. Once you send us your deposit, our team will reach out via email, usually within 24 hours or less.
The remaining balance is due:
- 60 days before departure for Costa Rica and Nicaragua
- 120 days before departure for the Mentawais
When the balance is due, we’ll email you a secure payment link to complete the process by credit card.
How much does the retreat cost?
You can see the cost and inclusions of each retreat in the “package” section of our surf retreats.
How much cash should I bring, and what’s not included?
The amount of cash you should bring depends on your travel destination, personal preferences, and any souvenirs you might want to purchase.
In Costa Rica or Nicaragua, you could bring, for example, $300 – $500 USD and your bank cards if you need to withdraw from the ATMs at your destination. The Mentawai Islands are very remote and do not have ATMs. Please refer to your travel guide for more information (provided when you book your spot).
Most expenses are already covered in your package, including accommodation, surf lessons, surf equipment (except for Mentawai retreats), airport shuttles, your surfing footage, transportation, some activities, and breakfast each morning.
Here are a few things you might need cash for:
- Souvenirs for yourself or gifts for family and friends.
- Payment for a freelance photographer, who typically takes in-water surf shots, which are easiest to purchase with cash.
- Extra meals: In Costa Rica, breakfasts and a welcome dinner are included. In Nicaragua, a breakfast buffet is included each morning, along with three villa dinners. In the Mentawai Islands, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included.
Tipping is optional and completely up to you. If you’d like to leave a tip, you can give it directly to your surf coach, cleaning staff, or kitchen crew, or hand it to our general manager, who will distribute it fairly among the team.
What's the ideal currency?
In Costa Rica and Nicaragua, the US dollar is widely accepted. We recommend bringing between $300 and $500 USD in cash, along with a debit or credit card in case you’d like to withdraw local currency from an ATM.
