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.

How Much Does A Visa Cost?

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.

How Long Is The Drive From The Airport To Mandla?

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

Do We Surf On The First Day?

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.

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

Can I Surf On The Last Day?

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.

What Time Is Check Out?

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.

How Long Is The Drive To The Airport?

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

Do We Get Meals On The Last Day?

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.

When Do I Settle My Tab

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.

Surf Camp Nicaragua | Independent Surfer

Surf Camp Nicaragua

Nourish your sense for surfing progress & adventure
at our all inclusive Surf Retreat In Nicaragua

We don’t share your data

Surf Camp Nicaragua is a luxury surf retreat in the semi-remote, secluded area of El Transito. This collaborative experience, provided by the Independent Surfer and Mandla Nicaragua, has been expertly curated to take care of all your surfing needs.

Think achieving your surfing goals in the most consistent surf on earth, in uncrowded conditions with one of the worlds leading surf education companies. This could be you!

    
 
 
        
   Sarah Bachman 
 2023-06-14
 
 
  This is a fantastic surf school! The hosts and instructors were super personable and gave individualized critiques, and just the right amount of motivational push. They worked super hard for us, made sure we got waves, but also made sure we were getting them on our own. I felt super inspired leaving the camp - I would 1,000% go back!!
  
 
       
   Will Longhurst 
 2023-06-11
 
 
  Jordy and Kim have a well-rounded, comprehensive program with Independent Surfer.  I'm a novice surfer and I did the 1 week beginner retreat in Nicaragua this past Spring.  The daily personal video reviews were invaluable along with the dry-land practice.   I was able to overcome some pop-up and maneuvering barriers to graduate from my foam log to a fiberglass longboard.  I left the retreat with plenty of fundamentals to work on.  The days were packed with two-a-day surf sessions and the location in El Transito at the Mandla Estate was nothing short of magical.  Plus, daily yoga session w/ Lakeshore Flow kept me limber and ready for the next day.   I highly recommend Independent Surfer to anyone looking for an amazing retreat with aspirations to take their surfing to the next level.
  
 
       
   Brett Allred 
 2023-04-30
 
 
  Our family of 5 had an amazing time with Jordy and his staff. We had an all around great experience. The coaching, and accommodations were five-star. We’re excited to do another camp with this group.
  
 
       
   alex greenberg 
 2023-04-29
 
 
  I had an amazing trip with Jordy and rest of the independent surfer team in Nicaragua. The setting and the people all made it a time to remember.  Would definitely do it all again if given the chance!
  
 
       
   Spencer Currie 
 2023-04-25
 
 
  An incredible experience for anyone who wants to improve their surfing, at any level, hands down. The teaching system Jordy has developed is nuanced and incredibly valuable. I've been surfing for 10+ years, but was sick of making the same mistakes and not progressing. This retreat represented a major pivot point for me; I'm very grateful for the experience.
  
 
       
   Shaun R 
 2023-04-19
 
 
  Amazing retreat in Nica.  Tons of surf, great theory, specific and helpful video review.  I definitely progressed during a week with Jordy / Independent Surfer.   Fun and relaxed, incredible yoga, amazing location, food and space.  Stoked.  I want to go back.
  
 
       
   Alice Kim 
 2023-04-12
 
 
  I attended Independent Surfer's intermediate retreat in Nicaragua and had an amazing time! It was my favorite surf retreat to date -- everything was very well-planned and thoughtful, and the accommodation / location was perfect. And most importantly, there was tons of time allocated to surfing, reviewing videos and learning theory, which was so valuable and genuinely improved my surfing even after just a week! Jordy is a great surf instructor and really did a great job breaking down more advanced movements and giving you specific feedback. The staff at the hotel were all so helpful and accommodating, the food was delicious and the rooms were clean / luxurious. Thought the price of the trip was extremely reasonable for everything you get while you're there and would 100% attend any surf retreat they host in the future!
  
 
       
   Dr. Kristen Kochamba 
 2023-03-27
 
 
  Independent surfer hosted the retreat of a lifetime. The combination of luxuary amenities, world class surf instruction, and incredible excursions, I cannot recommend them enough! I will definitely attend any retreats they host in the future. Thank you for providing such an phenomenal experience!
  
 
       
   Emily Cordes 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  I attended a surf retreat with Independent Surfer in Nicaragua and cannot say enough good things about them. I only previously had some surf experience so I felt a bit nervous at first, but the entire crew helped me gain confidence and develop my surfing skills. I found the video reviews particularly helpful to see my progress and know what I should continue to work on. Thanks so much to these guys for an amazing experience all around, will definitely be back!!
  
 
       
   Bre Smith 
 2023-03-25
 
 
  Kim and Jordy are absolutely the best surf coaches and I had an amazing experience with them! I was in the beginners group surf camp held at Mandla resort in Nicaragua and had the experience of a lifetime. They were great with communication in terms of planning the trip and responding quickly to emails and questions in WhatsApp. But more importantly, they are excellent coaches in and out of the water. They took slow motion video to review in surf analysis sessions which was super helpful and gave me the coaching I needed at the right times. I feel like I progressed SO much within just a few days. I will be looking out for any more surf camps held by them! Thank you guys for everything and being such a positive force of energy in this world!

Location

El Transito, Surf 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!

Surf & Adventure

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

2 x Daily
Surf
Sessions

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Daily Yoga Sessions

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Daily Theory Classes

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All 4k
Footage

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Daily Video Reviews

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Equipment Rental

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Pura Vida

Take your holiday to the next level!

Luxurious Accomodation

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Sunset Horse Riding

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All Meals & Drinks

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Advanterous Excursions

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Airport Transfers

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Restorative Massage

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Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

Dates and Ability

JAN - MARCH 2025

Pricing

$ 3,600

PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE

$ 3,300

PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE

Save $300

    
 
 
        
   Sarah Bachman 
 2023-06-14
 
 
  This is a fantastic surf school! The hosts and instructors were super personable and gave individualized critiques, and just the right amount of motivational push. They worked super hard for us, made sure we got waves, but also made sure we were getting them on our own. I felt super inspired leaving the camp - I would 1,000% go back!!
  
 
       
   Will Longhurst 
 2023-06-11
 
 
  Jordy and Kim have a well-rounded, comprehensive program with Independent Surfer.  I'm a novice surfer and I did the 1 week beginner retreat in Nicaragua this past Spring.  The daily personal video reviews were invaluable along with the dry-land practice.   I was able to overcome some pop-up and maneuvering barriers to graduate from my foam log to a fiberglass longboard.  I left the retreat with plenty of fundamentals to work on.  The days were packed with two-a-day surf sessions and the location in El Transito at the Mandla Estate was nothing short of magical.  Plus, daily yoga session w/ Lakeshore Flow kept me limber and ready for the next day.   I highly recommend Independent Surfer to anyone looking for an amazing retreat with aspirations to take their surfing to the next level.
  
 
       
   Brett Allred 
 2023-04-30
 
 
  Our family of 5 had an amazing time with Jordy and his staff. We had an all around great experience. The coaching, and accommodations were five-star. We’re excited to do another camp with this group.
  
 
       
   alex greenberg 
 2023-04-29
 
 
  I had an amazing trip with Jordy and rest of the independent surfer team in Nicaragua. The setting and the people all made it a time to remember.  Would definitely do it all again if given the chance!
  
 
       
   Spencer Currie 
 2023-04-25
 
 
  An incredible experience for anyone who wants to improve their surfing, at any level, hands down. The teaching system Jordy has developed is nuanced and incredibly valuable. I've been surfing for 10+ years, but was sick of making the same mistakes and not progressing. This retreat represented a major pivot point for me; I'm very grateful for the experience.
  
 
       
   Shaun R 
 2023-04-19
 
 
  Amazing retreat in Nica.  Tons of surf, great theory, specific and helpful video review.  I definitely progressed during a week with Jordy / Independent Surfer.   Fun and relaxed, incredible yoga, amazing location, food and space.  Stoked.  I want to go back.
  
 
       
   Alice Kim 
 2023-04-12
 
 
  I attended Independent Surfer's intermediate retreat in Nicaragua and had an amazing time! It was my favorite surf retreat to date -- everything was very well-planned and thoughtful, and the accommodation / location was perfect. And most importantly, there was tons of time allocated to surfing, reviewing videos and learning theory, which was so valuable and genuinely improved my surfing even after just a week! Jordy is a great surf instructor and really did a great job breaking down more advanced movements and giving you specific feedback. The staff at the hotel were all so helpful and accommodating, the food was delicious and the rooms were clean / luxurious. Thought the price of the trip was extremely reasonable for everything you get while you're there and would 100% attend any surf retreat they host in the future!
  
 
       
   Dr. Kristen Kochamba 
 2023-03-27
 
 
  Independent surfer hosted the retreat of a lifetime. The combination of luxuary amenities, world class surf instruction, and incredible excursions, I cannot recommend them enough! I will definitely attend any retreats they host in the future. Thank you for providing such an phenomenal experience!
  
 
       
   Emily Cordes 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  I attended a surf retreat with Independent Surfer in Nicaragua and cannot say enough good things about them. I only previously had some surf experience so I felt a bit nervous at first, but the entire crew helped me gain confidence and develop my surfing skills. I found the video reviews particularly helpful to see my progress and know what I should continue to work on. Thanks so much to these guys for an amazing experience all around, will definitely be back!!
  
 
       
   Bre Smith 
 2023-03-25
 
 
  Kim and Jordy are absolutely the best surf coaches and I had an amazing experience with them! I was in the beginners group surf camp held at Mandla resort in Nicaragua and had the experience of a lifetime. They were great with communication in terms of planning the trip and responding quickly to emails and questions in WhatsApp. But more importantly, they are excellent coaches in and out of the water. They took slow motion video to review in surf analysis sessions which was super helpful and gave me the coaching I needed at the right times. I feel like I progressed SO much within just a few days. I will be looking out for any more surf camps held by them! Thank you guys for everything and being such a positive force of energy in this world!

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

Are there any extra costs?

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?

What if I can't make it?

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

Cancelation & Refund

I have food preferences or allergies

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.

What about my airfare?

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.

Do I need health insurance

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

Do I need to book a taxi?

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.

Can I Bring My Board?

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.

What If I Fly Into Costa Rica or Another Airport?

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.

How many times do we surf a day?

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!