Surf Camp Nicaragua

Nourish your sense for adventure
at our all inclusive Surf and Yoga Retreat

Surf Camp Nicaragua is an intensive surf and yoga training camp for beginner and intermediate surfers to explore new waves and techniques. Join us for 8 days to challenge yourself and achieve your surfing goals at our boutique luxury surf and yoga retreat in Nicaragua. 

Surf Camp Nicaragua is your surfing wonderland where you get to retreat to life’s simplicities. Located right on the beach with 3 unique surf spots a short walk down the beach, a surf retreat at Mandla Resort in El Transito, Nicaragua really feels like you are in paradise. 

With beach front, boutique-luxury accommodation, fine dining, expert surf coaching and iconic sunsets, there really isn’t much more you’d want. Connect with a global community of surfers in paradise. 

 

Professional Surf Coaching For Everyone

Simplifying Technique Through Understanding

At the Independent Surfer, we believe that surfing is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age, experience level, or physical abilities. Our professional surf coaching program is designed to help you understand the fundamental principles of surfing, break down complex techniques into simple steps, and build a strong foundation for your surfing. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking to refine your skills, our expert coaches will provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your goals.

Dates and Ability

JAN - MARCH 2025

8 & 10 Day Surf and Yoga Retreats

Beginner & Advanced Beginner

  • January 4 – 11 (Available)
  • January 11 – 18 (Available)
  • January 25 – February 1 (Available)
  • February 1 – 8 (Fully Booked) 
  • February 15 – 22 (Available)

Intermediate & Advanced Intermediate

  • February 22 – March 1 (Available) 
  • March 8 – 15 (4 Spots Left)
  • March 15 – 25 * Special 10 Day Camp (Fully Booked)
Have questions? Contact: jordy@independentsurfer.com 

Price Per Person

$500 Deposit Require To Secure Booking

Lux Package

Private Room - $2,950

Shared Room - $2,750

Shared Room - $2,550

Standard Package

Private Room - $2,550

Shared Room - $2,350

Non Surfing - $2,150

Location

El Transito, Nicaragua

The retreat resort, Mandla, is a beautiful, luxury oceanfront venue located in El Transito. It is situated in a small bay with uncrowded waves that are great for beginners and intermediates alike, making for one of the best surf camps Nicaragua. Despite having the advantage of airport proximity, it still remains one of Nicaragua’s most untouched, remote beaches. It must be noted that this is not a built up beach town; the beauty of Mandla is as a retreat location for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

An All Inclusive Experience

DROP YOUR BAGS AND LET US TAKE CARE OF THE REST!

Whats Included

We have a jam packed schedule of surfing,
adventure and relaxation

Independent Surfer Stories

EVERYONE HAS A STORY, WE WANT TO SHARE YOURS

Meet Erica

Hi, my name is Erica! I have been surfing for 6 months. Most of my time spent surfing has been in the white water and I really struggled to read and catch unbroken waves and paddle out behind the break. I signed up for Surf Club in Encinitas, California, and managed to paddle out the back and catch green waves in my very first session! Now, after just 1 month I am a completely independent surfer! I would highly recommend their club and retreats! 

FAQ

No, there are no extra costs. Your package includes everything from airport transfers, to meals out, to all your footage at the end of your stay. Did we mention it even includes a massage and sunset horse ride on the beach? 

No worries, we have a comprehensive refund and cancelation policy. Please see more info about our refund policy by following this link. 

Cancelation & Refund 

We cater to vegans, vegetarians, pescatarian, gluten free and all allergies. Our dedicated team will collect all of your vital information during the booking process. We look forward to accommodating any and all of your food preferences. 

You will need to book your own flight into Managua International Airport and your transfer to and from Managua is included in your package! 

We will be in constant communication to ensure that you book the right flights in and out of Nicaragua. 

Flying into Nicaragua is a breeze. It is recommended to fly into Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua

Yes, we highly suggest you purchase health insurance for your trip, in the unlikely scenario that you get injured. 

No, you do not have to order your own taxi. We will work with you to organize your arrival to fit with the rest of the group. We will organize a separate taxi for you if you are unable to make it with the other groups. We will ask you for your itinerary closer to the time of arrival to organize your airport transfer. 

Yes, we encourage you to bring your board. Please let us know if you are bringing a board so we can organize with the transport service. 

Transfers outside of the designated airport of Managua will not be included in your package but we are happy to organize it for you. Please specify where you are coming from in order to get transfer rates. 

We surf two times per surfing day. Each surf session is roughly two hours and includes coaching during both sessions. We do take one day off to rest tired muscles and head out for a different kind of adventure! The resort is located directly on the beach, so if you wanted to surf  more than twice a day, you can!

 

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From Sunset To Sunrise

MAXIMISE YOUR TIME WITH TWO SURFS PER DAY!

Our goal is for you to dramatically improve your surfing in a short period of time. There’s no better way to do that than to surf your brains out. Don’t worry, if twice a day isn’t enough, you are welcome to surf a third time!

Mandla is perfectly situated around 3 different surf spots, all within a 5 minute beach stroll. These surf spots all work on different tides, which offers us great waves on any tide. Additionally, El Transito is centrally located on the West Coast of Central America. El Transito is located in the zone that is considered the most consitant off shore wind in the world, which means clean, groomed surf 2 out of 3 days. 

The Surf Spots

pistols

A punchy, hollow, right and left hand breaking beach break that is enough to challenge any intermediate surfer. idyllically located right in front of Mandla, this wave often feels like your own private wave! Pistols is best on mid tide. 

The Point

A 5 minute stroll down the beach, this long left hand point break is a gentle rolling point on small swells, perfect for beginners and advanced beginners to hone their skills. The Point grows in playfulness as it grows in size and offers a challenging and ripable wall perfect for intermediates to work on turns. This wave is best on Low Tide. 

El Transito Main Break

Located between The Point and Pistols and a 3 minute walk from Mandla Resort. The beach break breaks both left and right and is perfect for beginners and advanced beginners on small days and is super ripable for intermediates on bigger days. The beach break is best on high tide which closes the loop for us, offering good conditions all day long. 

Relax & Restore

DAILY YOGA

WITH EMILY CORDES

Emily is a longtime yogi with more than 8 years of teaching experience. She has extensive knowledge and experience in knowing exactly what your body needs after a long day of surfing! 

Yoga classes are offered daily on this very deck, perched over one of the best sunsets in the world. It’s easy to run wild, exploring and surfing all day when you know you can actively restore your body to do it all again! 

Daily Theory Classes

EXPERTLY TAILORED TO ACCELERATE YOUR SURFING PROGRESS!

For the past 8 years we have refined our theory classes, so they work hand-in hand with our video review sessions and direct feedback format. Our syllabus is designed chronologically, so you don’t miss a beat! Below is a list of the skills you will improve on at our surf retreat! 

Improved Wave Count
Understand how waves break, how to read them and how to position yourself in the right place so you never miss a wave again!
Board Handling
Manage your board efficiently, avoiding injury and increases wave count.
Paddle Technique
By perfecting your paddle technique, you'll be able to catch more waves and find yourself catching better waves.
Improved Pop Up
Master your pop up technique and never fall on the take off ever again. We combine land training with video analysis to maximise your progress at the retreat!
Navigate Crowds
The surf in Nicaragua is by no means crowded, but thats not going to always be the case when you travel. So, we have a whoole thoery class dedicated to help you stay one step ahead of the crowds!
Read Surf Forecasts
Master the art of knowing were to surf and plan your own surf trips with expert knowledge on how to read surf forecasts!
Master The Bottom Turn
The most important turn in surfing made easy with the combination of bottom turn theory class and daily video reviews!
Speed Generation
Maximized intensity. Learn to maximize and utilize your surfboard to the best of your ability by applying speed generation to every wave!
Cutback
Make the most of each and every wave with the ability to cutback to the power source on soft shoulder sections.
Carve
Utilize your speed in the best way possible with the combination of movement based theory classes and video review sessions aimed at improving your carves!
Snap
Take your surfing to the next level by perfecting the frontside snap at our surf retreat!
Increased Stamina
Surfing twice a day will increase your stamina, helping you maximise each and every surf session.

4k Footage

INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY

Filming and video analysis is an integral part of your learning experience. So, we film every day that we surf and at the end of your stay you get to keep every moment as a token of your commitment to improving your surfing! 

Detailed Analysis

THE ULTIMATE TOOL FOR RAPID PROGRESS

There is no better way to learn, than having an expert surf coach review your footage. At the Independent Surfer™, we don’t just tell you what you are doing right and wrong and we certainly don’t use vague terms like go with the flow. 

Instead, we teach you the fundamentals of surfing, and how to review your own footage. So, you understand it, and are able to make decisions for yourself! Daily video reviews maximizes your time in Nicaragua. 

A Variety To Choose From

WE GOT YOU COVERED!

We have a variety of boards to choose from, including foam boards between 8 and 9ft, longboards over 9ft and midlength boards, between 7 and 8ft. Our selection of boards below 6 ft is small. We highly suggest that you bring your own board if you have one,  and it is not a hassle to travel with. 

Getting to know a specific board well and sticking to one board during the learning process makes your time with us way more productive. Ultimately, we suggest getting used to a specific board before traveling and then bring that board with you, if you can. 

If not? Please mention what type of board you think you will need for the retreat and we work to ensure that you have a suitable board for the retreat. 

Mandla Resort

Nicaragua, El Transito

Mandla is an exclusive oceanfront property, offering guests unrivaled service and luxury on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. This is the place to come for ultimate privacy, and to enjoy all the adventures this beautiful country has to offer. 

Owner/ Operators Damian & Katie come with over 19 years combined experience working on Super yachts around the world; hosting, entertaining and feeding the worlds’ most elite clients. Bringing their exceptionally high level of client service with them, you can expect to receive attention to detail unlike anywhere else in Nicaragua.

Owner Katie heads up the kitchen, creating mouthwatering bespoke menus! With over 11 years experience cheffing all over the world, she describes her favorite style of cuisine as rustic Mediterranean – using personally sourced, fresh and seasonal produce to create a stunning array of dishes to be enjoyed in the open air rancho overlooking the great Pacific Ocean.

Ultimately Mandla’s goal is to provide you with an unforgettable, invigorating experience, enjoying the natural beauty of El Transito in comfortable, beautifully designed, beachfront accommodation.

Casa Amigos

Casa Amigos is a modern house within the Mandla property. Selecting this option will give you 1 ensuite king bedroom with television in a 3 bedroom house shared with other retreat guests. The house includes the following shared spaces: living area, kitchen, pool, and tropical garden. 

The Beach Bungalow

The Beach Bungalow is a house within the Mandla property. Selecting this option will give you 1 ensuite king bedroom in a 2 bedroom house shared with other retreat guests. Please note the beach bungalow does not have hot water showers. The house includes the following shared spaces: living area, kitchen, pool, and tropical garden. 

Oceanview Casitas

The oceanfront casitas are private ensuite bedrooms with amazing ocean views. Selecting this option will give you 1 queen size bedroom with ensuite bathroom. These rooms do not have a living area or kitchen, but you will have access to the shared resort living, dining, pool, and yoga areas.

Garden View Casitas

The garden casitas are ensuite bedrooms with tropical garden views. Selecting this option will give you 1 ensuite bedroom with two twin beds or 1 king bed. If you are traveling by yourself and would like to receive the discounted double occupancy rate, please select the twin bed option and you will share the bedroom with one other retreat guest. These rooms do not have a living area or kitchen, but you will have access to the shared resort living, dining, pool, and yoga areas.

Majestic Sunsets

SADDLE UP AS WE RIDE OFF, INTO THE SUNSET

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we saddle up and ride off into the Nicaraguan Sunset. Sunset horse riding on the beach is an easy tick off the bucket list at our surf retreat in Nicaragua! Don’t worry if you are not the most skilled rider, the horses are super friendly and the guides will help you out. There is also ample space on the beach to not only ride but gallop into the sunset for more experienced riders. 

Food To Nourish
Your Soul!

DID WE MENTION THAT OUR MENU DESIGNER CHEFF'D FOR THE QUEEN?

Meet Katie hunt, the Mother Teresa of dogs and former chef of the Queen of England, is the master mind behind your mastermind behind the unmatched culinary experience at Mandla.

 

Whats Included?

We promise you won't go hungry. in-fact, you probably wont want to leave

We include all meals in your package as well as a variety of drinks for everyone! There is always more than enough food to go around with 4 meals per day, you’ll probably end up skipping meals. Although, you don’t want to miss out on one of the highlights of this trip! 

Enjoy a delectable snack of granola, seasonal fruits and your favorite morning beverage while the sun rises. This pre surf snack is to give you the boost you need to surf your best early in the morning! 

After working up a real appetite, you’ll be greeted with a mouth watering, hearty, homemade breakfast that changes everyday. 

Lunch is usually enjoyed at the pool or in”The Alcove” – picture an ice bucket with a pale bottle of French Rosé, and sides of Oysters & Ceviche. 

Dinner is usually experience focused. As it’s time to unwind, prepare to satisfy your bellies with a host of international cuisines, including South African, Italian, Spanish and more! 

Yes, we include a limted amount of house wines, beers and cool drinks as part of your experience. So, you can treat yourself to a drink by the pool or pair your dinner with a glass of wine! 

Get Out There

Awaken Your Sense For Adventure!

Volcano Boarding
Not much needed to be said about sandboarding down an active volcano!
Boat Trip
Let's search for new waves and wakeboard in a secluded Estuary!

To uphold our oath to fun and adventure, we have included an adventurous excursion into the itinerary. The body starts to shut down after three or four days of surfing twice a day, so we get out and do something a little different. 

We have two options, sand boarding down an active volcano while visiting the history of Managua or chasing waves and wakeboarding in an untouched estuary! 

We typically let the group decide which they would like to do and encourage everyone to join in on the fun! 

Arrivals

Nicaragua is pretty lenient on visa’s. Nicaragua offers a visa on arrival for most countries, but not all. It is important that you do your own research according to which ever passport you hold. 

IMPORTANT**

If you are transiting through one of many, or most African countries, or Central and South American countries, you will need to have had a yellow fever vaccine 10 days before arrival. Failure to do so may result in deportation. Please do your own research to see if you need a yellow fever vaccine before arriving to Nicaragua. 

The visa on arrival doesn’t cost more than $30 USD for most countries and we do not cover it in your package. It is important for you to do your own research about entry and visa requirements for your specific passport or country of origin. 

Flying into Nicaragua is a breeze. It is recommended to fly into Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua

The drive is typically one hour and 20 minutes from Managua Airport to Mandla Resort on the west coast of Central America. 

No, you do not have to order your own taxi. We will work with you to organize your arrival to fit with the rest of the group. We will organize a separate taxi for you if you are unable to make it with the other groups. We will ask you for your itinerary closer to the time of arrival to organize your airport transfer. 

Transfers outside of the designated airport of Managua will not be included in your package but we are happy to organize it for you. Please specify where you are coming from in order to get transfer rates. 

It depends on your ability and the time you arrive. If you arrive in Managua before 11 and you have some prior surfing experience, you will be able to surf. If you arrive in Managua after 11, you won’t be able to get a surf in because we have to get through the introduction and first theory class to start the camp. 

Yes, we encourage you to bring your board. Please let us know if you are bringing a board so we can organize with the transport service. 

Departures

We will ask for your flight itinerary before you arrive. We will use your flight time to organize you a ride to the airport included in your package. Please note, this 

If your flight is later than 12:00pm you may be able to get a surf in, on the last day before you leave. Unfortunately, if your flight is well 12:00pm, you may not get to surf in time to make your shuttle. 

Check out is at 10:00am on the last day of the scheduled dates for the retreat. You are welcome to hang around until what ever time you want that day. Please note that most staff members will be busy as we have a quick turn around on that day. 

The drive is typically one hour and 20 minutes from Managua Airport to Mandla Resort on the west coast of Central America. 

Yes! There will be breakfast as usual on the last day and an early breakfast option for those who need to leave to catch an early flight. However, we will not be serving lunch on the last day. There is a couple of cute beachfront restaurants that you can grab food at. 

In addition to all the includes you get in your package, you may want more, maybe an extra massage or another horse riding adventure. You can run a tab with us and you will be able to settle via card payment, either the night before, or the day you depart. 

Our staff go above and beyond to make sure that your every need is taken care of. Gratuity is never expected but always appreciated. You can choose to either tip each staff member individually or present it to our manager who will take care of it for you. 

Revitalize

RELAX AND UNWIND

You deserve to relax and unwind after accomplishing all your surfing goals. We’ve included a mandatory massage, at no extra fee’s with our international masseuse, in your package, because you deserve to treat yourself! 

Just let us know when you want to have your massage and we’ll organize it for you. The masseuse is on call, so you can have as many massages as you like during your stay. Please note that there is a fee after your first massage.