Lake Nicaragua, located North East of the town, provides the coastline with daily off shore winds. This causes slow-breaking waves, that offer a great variety of left and rights. Even when crowded, the pure variety of breaking points meaning few line ups and plenty of waves to go around!
In a stark contrast to Northern Nicaragua, San Juan Del Sur is known as a party town. The nightlife here has grown ten fold in recent years. The Tiger Hostel even allegedly hosts the biggest party in Central America every Sunday, the “Sunday Funday”, That being said, the town centre itself remains a few kilometres from the main surf spots.
This keeps it suitable for those who wish to prioritise surfing, or prefer quieter accommodation. We’ve scouted out the best San Juan Del Sur Surf Camps below, that cater for whatever your ideal destination would be. There are also water activities like kayaking and supping which can be done on main beach of the town.
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Dreamsea Surf Resort Nicaragua
In the heart of San Juan Del Sur is Dreamsea Surf Resort Nicaragua, just 3.8 km from Christ of the Mercy Nicaragua. Since this property started taking bookings from booking.com in 2017 it has received rave reviews, which consistently highlight friendly staff and delicious food. This food is available from the bar or restaurant where guests at the resort can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
Dreamsea Surf Resort is one of the only San Juan Del Sur Surf Camps to offer evening entertainment. This allows guests to experience traditional Nicaraguan performers and shows. Guests can even sign up for (very) early morning yoga classes with friendly, qualified instructors to start their day off right before hours on the surf.
Rooms with a garden view or a private bathroom can be specifically requested. Private bathrooms can also be external, letting guests immerse themselves in the environment. These are adjoined to either a double room, or a dormitory room.
Rapture Surf Camp Nicaragua
This camp takes its students to hidden gems and uncrowded surf spots to maximise quality instruction. It is also a 15 minute walk from the world class Playa Maderas, down a lush, green jungle path. This beach is known for its consistency, making Rapture one of our many San Juan Del Sur Surf Camps where you can surf all-year-round.
The property is set atop a hill overlooking jungles, beaches and oceans alike. It is a large split level building, where guests can chill out in the common room, by the infinity pool or infront of the open air cinema.
Accommodation in a dorm, tent or suite is available for an array of prices from €35 ($40) to €120 ($140) a night, all containing a private bathroom. These are all within the Surf Resort, each containing king and queen size comfortable beds.
Selina Maderas
Selina’s is nestled in the jungle just a short walk from a plethora of surf spots. Yet the property is still in touch with San Juan Del Sur town centre, which is just a 20 minute drive away. Shuttles are available to both however there is still enough to do on-site without the need to make the journey into town. There is a pool, a bar and an on-site restaurant where guests socialise and take on surfing hints and tips!
Reception itself is able to meet a guests every need. Not only are snacks and soft drinks sold here but also a tour desk. From here staff will aid in arranging tours and activities. These often incur an extra cost, but make surfing, horse riding, zip lining and even turtle watching available to guests. Daily yoga classes and massage sessions are also offered.
Selina’s has both four and eight bed mixed dormitories for the lowest available price. Private rooms can also be booked for two – as standard, deluxe or suites. This can be with or without a shared bathroom.
This is one of few San Juan Del Sur Surf Camps to offer tents as accommodation. Guests can opt for either a teepee or glamping tent. Rooms have a Nicaraguan tropical-style with a ceiling fan and patio that boasts views of the pool and gardens. They also have a bathroom with a shower with room-temperature water.
Casa Bahia Family Adventure & Surf Hotel
This property gives guests the true Nicaraguan experience. Right down from the latin architecture to the Central American cuisine. The hotel is just 3.8km from the iconic Christ of the Mercy Nicaragua statue. It is described as having “beautiful views away from all the tourist gimmicks”.
This hotel has earned it’s four star rating for its additional amenities not offered in other San Juan Del Sur Surf Camps. Massages, a spa, hair styling and even beauty services can be booked by guests. Businesses have the option to use meeting rooms at an additional charge. Snorkelling, horse riding, hiking and fishing are then offered as an alternative to surfing.
This property is suitable for pairs, groups and families alike. Couple can book either a double room, or a one bedroom apartment. Families or larger groups are free to hire a two or three bedroom apartment (each sleeps six), or a four person room. Certain rooms are equipped with a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a fridge.
TreeCasa Resort
Mountain views are what makes this property a cut above other San Juan Del Sur Surf Camps. The sights are panoramic, from rolling hills to sparkling oceans, all framed in a golden glow from the Nicaraguan sun. These can be admired from a sunrise yoga class, the sun terrace or the garden. This resort lies in a strategic location, between the mountain, the coastline, but also just 2.6km from the famous Christ of the Mercy Nicaragua statue.
Guests love the live music by the poolside every Sunday, the delicious ribs served at the restaurant, and the second-to-none service from the staff. The hotel also has a unique social but family vibe, with a busy bar and restaurant for surfers and other guests to meet.
Guests can book either a twin room, a double room or a king room. The twin room contains two single beds, whilst the king room contains a king size bed. At the hotel, every room comes with a balcony. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, while selected rooms also boast a patio.
