Visitors trying out a surf camp can easily discern that the destination has plenty of waves and water and that they’ll be sharing the place with other surfing enthusiasts. Apart from the exotic locations and surfing lessons, surf camps can also be considered a holistic hotel or resort where guests can partake in a community atmosphere while availing of fresh and recuperative experiences. Moreover, these accommodations follow a non-intrusive approach and incorporate the local culture into their style.
Surf camps have been making waves in sustainable tourism circles, and many establishments even started their own eco-initiatives. These include practices such as recycling or cleanup drives, using renewable energy sources such as solar power, and participating in food-growing methods such as permaculture. If you’re looking to experience fun in the sun but are conscious of your environmental and societal impact, check out this list of the top eco-surf camps around the world.
1. Soul & Surf Sri Lanka; Ahangama, Sri Lanka
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Soul & Surf Sri Lanka is a charming bed and breakfast found on the beaches of Ahangama, a quiet seaside town in Sri Lanka. Guests will enjoy a peaceful retreat in their quirkily named Quite Nice, Nice, and Really Nice guestrooms. The Nice and Really Nice guestrooms come with air-conditioning, but those staying in the Quite Nice rooms can also keep cool with the sea breeze.
Their Soul of Surfing program can be tailored to the guest’s skill and experience. It will try to open receptive minds to see surfing not as an activity but as a philosophical expression.
Another fantastic thing about Soul & Surf Sri Lanka is its initiative for sustainability. Steps they have taken include optimized itineraries that reduce carbon-heavy modes of travel and planting a tree for every customer that books with them. Moreover, this place supports local projects and donates 1% of the profit through the 1% For The Planet scheme.
Soul & Surf Sri Lanka
Address: Matara Rd, Ahangama 80650, Sri Lanka
Price: from 50 GBP (62 USD)
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.6 Stars (from 44 Google reviews)
2. Pura Vida Surf Camp; Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pura Vida Surf Camp has made it its mission to share the wonderful waves of Portugal with everyone and help and protect the environment and society in its way. They collaborate with eco-minded companies, support the local community, and plan to launch a solar-powered system. They also grow their vegetables for personal consumption.
Their surf camp is open to aspiring wave riders of all ages and provides classes that can be taken as a group or individual. Skilled students can sign up for the surfaris program, where they’ll visit different beaches in town.
As for accommodations, you can choose between small homes and cozy apartments that come with kitchens and bathrooms.
Pura Vida Surf Camp
Address: Av. da Beira-Mar, 4400-413 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Price: from 160 EUR (171 USD)
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.9 Stars (from 20 Google reviews)
3. Soneva Fushi; Eydhafushi, Maldives (from USD 2000)
Soneva Fushi proves that a luxurious and majestic ocean resort can still do its part in preserving and protecting the environment. Through their Soneva Foundation, they have introduced numerous positive changes in several countries. These include fuel-efficient stoves to ease deforestation in Myanmar, as well as cleanup drives and doing away with single-use plastic in the Maldives.
Guests staying at Soneva Fushi will be happy to know that part of their fee will support the Soneva Foundation’s efforts. But they’ll be even happier to see the beautiful villas they’ll be staying in, with the sunset-facing and sunrise-facing sides of the island. Those looking for surfing experiences can join Soneva Fushi’s eco-friendly guided surfing lessons, which include theory and hands-on learning.
Soneva Fushi
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre
4. Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort; Matadradra Serua, Fiji
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort offers 12 delightful and spacious rooms built using local timber and fitted with cozy king-size beds. You will have a comfy stay here since the rooms have high-pitched roofs allowing ventilation and natural light. You can also opt for air-conditioned rooms. The resort’s sustainable practices extend to their use of eco-friendly natural soap and lack of hair dryers in the bathroom. Sustainable and eco-friendly don’t mean you’ll have to go without indulging in amenities, so you’ll still be able to enjoy sipping delicious cocktails beside a neon-lit pool. Moreover, this eco-resort got its certification from Stoke (Sustainable Tourism and Outdoors Kit for Evaluation)—the world’s first certification body honoring tourism operators for their sustainable initiatives.
The establishment recommends the Surfer Package for intermediate and advanced surfers, as these include comprehensive lessons on top of the stay. For beginners, they recommend the regular stay package and booking the lessons separately.
Matanivusi Beach Eco Resort
Address: Vunaniu Road, Vunaniu, Serua, Fiji Islands PO Box 316, Pacific Harbour, Fiji Island
Price: from 500 FJD (251 USD)
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.6 (from 43 Google reviews)
5. Danyasa Eco-Retreat; Puntarenas, Costa Rica (from USD 60)
Danyasa Eco-Retreat offers guests a chance to break away and reconfigure their minds and bodies while enjoying a retreat surrounded by Costa Rica’s wondrous natural beauty. You can enjoy exquisite comforts while staying eco-minded since the accommodations here are built using refurbished shipping containers. Plus, this place supports Community Carbon Trees Association—a group with carbon offsetting and reforestation initiatives. Guests can even sponsor a tree to help out.
You’ll find everything here, including air-conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi. All appliances are rated energy-efficient, while the toiletries are eco-friendly and use natural ingredients. You can also enjoy an organic breakfast served daily from 7:30am to 10am.
Those who like to try surfing can take up the surf and yoga retreat programs. The hosts believe that surfing and yoga go well together and even train and enhance flexibility and concentration.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the air conditioning worked very wellmost comfortable beds in costa rica hands downsuch a relaxing few days filled with yoga the ocean swimming coffee and all the jungle vibesthe pool the staff the vibes the free breakfastthe bed is super comfortable and the sheets were nice tooCleanliness:
clean accommodating spacious yummy people in a beautiful surroundingthe rooms were also beautiful and really cleanthe retreat was so beautiful and unique incredibly clean and comfortabledanyasa is a beautiful place with a friendly staff and a clean and comfortable roomvery clean and neema (who worked at the eco resort) was very helpful with suggestions accommodations etcHost:
the staff was very accommodating and helpfulthank you to all the staffcalm and cosy warm welcome and great staffhosts are very accommodating and generous with suggestionsthe staff was friendly and i loved the sense of community and unityRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the heart of the town and close to the beachwonderful breakfast in a calm atmospherethis is a very tranquil and well appointed locationthe location was amazing - just steps from restaurants shops the beach and had a wonderful local feelgreat value and you can’t beat the location
Superhost
6. Mojosurf Camp Canggu; Canggu, Indonesia (from USD 13)
Mojosurf Camp Canggu is situated in a seaside village in Bali, Indonesia. This hostel is a short walk from the seashore and offers private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations with 4-bed and 8-bed configurations.
This place follows a company-wide standard for sustainability and protecting the environment. Some of their commitments include education on and prevention of using single-use plastics, teaching the English language to communities, and promotion of recycling and reusing materials, which they have integrated into their operations. Plus, this place offers sustainable tourism packages that let the guests engage with the locals and learn about turtle conservation.
As this hostel is firstly a surf camp, you can expect highly skilled instructors to show you how to ride the waves. They even have a Bali day trip package that includes two lessons, fit for beginners or intermediate surfers.
Mojosurf Camp Canggu
Parking Restaurant Bar Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Laundry
7. Miramar Surf Camp; Miramar, Nicaragua (from USD 168)
Despite being a surf camp, Miramar Surf Camp in Nicaragua takes sustainability and eco-friendliness to another level. The property is home to several banana groves that use a system that filters wastewater and sewage, turning it into nutrients for the plants. Additionally, solar panels have been installed throughout the property, powering the on-site equipment and appliances instead of relying on the main power grid.
Miramar Surf Camp is also committed to spreading the joy of surfing to others. They offer beginner packages to aspiring wave riders which include classes and in-water experiences.
Accommodations include options such as rooms with views of the ocean or the garden.
Miramar SurfCamp
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Garden
8. Deśa Retreat; Jan Juc, Australia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Deśa Retreat is located in a sleepy seaside community to the southwest of Melbourne. Relax and unwind in their eco-friendly guesthouses, each of which is able to house up to four guests. They feature a permaculture garden with products used in the camp’s meals. The garden is part of Deśa Retreat’s sustainable initiative and includes hives of bees and roaming chickens. On top of that, they use solar panels for energy, practice composting, and collect rainwater for non-drinking use.
Vacationers looking to learn how to surf will enjoy the Surf Coast and also learn how to do yoga, as their retreat package has both. Moreover, the package includes a Hawaiian dance class and a cooking seminar.
Deśa Retreat
Address: 12 Ocean Blvd, Jan Juc VIC 3228, Australia
Price: from 297.50 AUD (205.19 USD)
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.9 (from 40 Google reviews)
9. Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel; El Zonte, El Salvador (from USD 166)
Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel is thoroughly committed to the cause of sustainability, not just with the environment but socially and economically. They have initiated programs such as beach cleanups and recycling drives. They have installed facilities such as their wastewater treatment plant and invested in solar panels to power their energy-efficient appliances. Moreover, this hotel is Stoke Certified (Sustainable Tourism and Outdoors Kit for Evaluation) due to its continuous sustainable initiatives.
Surfing in El Zonte is suited for beginners to advanced surfers. Beginners can visit between November and February when the ocean is calmer.
The accommodations come in the form of spectacular suites and spacious apartments. Amenities include Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There’s also a swimming pool where you can take breaks between tours or surfing lessons.
Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel
Address: Km 53.5 Carretera CA2 No12 Playa El Zonte, Chiltiupán , La Libertad
Parking Restaurant Bar 24-hour front desk Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle
10. Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa; Maninoa, Samoa (from USD 242)
Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa is an enchanting seaside establishment that is also deeply committed to preserving the environment and empowering the local community. Their environmental initiatives include Poutasi Gardens, where they have worked with locals to establish sustainable farms and food sources and promote healthy living practices. Another is their use of solar panels to power their energy-efficient fixtures and appliances.
Though the resort has an eco-minded approach, guests will still find lavish villas equipped with amenities such as air conditioning and fine bedding. For activities, their surfing packages include tours to hidden spots where you can surf and swim to your heart’s content.
Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very beautiful location blue sea wonderful grounds good size room with stunning views just perfect for total relaxationHost:
staff was super helpful and friendlybeautiful staff who show the true warmth that is samoastaff were wonderful and food was greatthe staff very friendly especially cialea micheal tena and tinastaff were lovely very friendly and keen to helpRead more reviewsLocation:
amazing location beautiful gardens crystal clear water
The world is full of scenic surf spots for you to discover
Whether you’re a skilled surfer looking for the perfect wave or a wide-eyed beginner who wants to catch their first wave, you have the whole world to explore. To help you pick a nice place to hang out while staying eco-friendly and sustainable, check out these top eco-surf camps around the world.
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