Chica Brava - Surf Camps & Retreat | Nicaragua

Chica Brava exceeded my expectations for an all women’s surf retreat. I was hesitant to try a surf camp based on friends’ experiences and advice I heard from other surf instructors who taught camps. Because I knew a person who was going and spoke highly of Claire, the lead coach - I joined. Never been to Nicaragua, the airport shuttle was one less thing to worry about, as well as our local host guide and photographer Francia. This is truly an intensive coached surf retreat - everything is built around optimal surf conditions for learning. Everything else like the inclusions (yoga and massage) and optional activities - also highly recommend (jungle adventure tour and sightseeing) come second in scheduling. The food is delicious and nutritious and very accommodating to dietary restrictions. Best part, the surfing and coaching from Claire, Sara, Otila, and Evelyn. They review footage of every hour surf session to refine the day’s second coached hour for every chica. The last optional hour is where chicas put it all into practice under the coaches supervision. I came away with refined skills, new skills, and riding larger more challenging waves. Don’t hesitate to book!!

If you're mulling over going to a surf camp and can't decide 1) If you should go 2) Which one you should go to, then let me make it easy for you: Yes, go. And secondly, go to Chica Brava. I just got back about a week ago (stayed in The Villa) and had the best time. The lead instructor Claire was fantastic at teaching, both in and out of the water. And the other instructors were equally as amazing and so sweet (they are teachers, but really just felt like friends who are teaching you to surf). The house staff was incredible and cooked the best breakfasts and dinners for us. The whole experience was really well managed, and felt so welcoming. The Villa was clean, comfy, had a nice pool and an amazing view of the sunset and playa below. Plus it's a really short walk to town for when you're not in the water and want to explore. The transportation provided was great, and I honestly can't think of one thing I didn't love. As far was the surfing goes (because that's probably what you're there for) we were in the water for 3 hours a day. Sometimes tiring but always awesome. After we finished surfing each day I was ready to go out for more. For context: I started the week as a total beginner and by the last day I could paddle for my own waves and ride down the face of the wave. I am not going pro anytime soon, but the progression throughout the week was obvious and that's all due to the instruction and attention you're getting in the water, and the surf review we did each day. I was anxious about that part but it turned out to be so fun to watch everyone's videos from the surf sessions and see everyone crushing it. Oh and for anyone nervous about time spent in the water/feeling intimidated by waves or just nervous, the instructors totally respect whatever vibes you want for that day, so if you feel like taking a break, that's cool. You'll see you won't want to though. This review could go on forever because I'm telling you—I felt like this surf camp was lightning in a bottle. An unbeatable combo of A+ location, staff, and experience. One girl at camp was returning for her third time and I could see why. In fact, gonna start planning my next trip now...

I attended the Chica Brava surf camp in Sept of 2025. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my adult life. The instructors were top notch, surfing was amazing, food was fantastic, villa was beautiful, excursions were super fun, & the other “campers” were bad ass chicas! I highly recommend!! I’ll def be returning!! 🤙🏼 🏄‍♀️🩷

I went to Chica Brava as a solo traveler summer 2025 and I could not speak more highly about this camp—from the instructors, to the home cooked meals, to the supportive environment, to the beaches, and much more. It is the trip of a lifetime and I am actively plotting when I will get to go back! The instructors created an empowering, informative, safe, and supportive experience out on the water. They helped me go from riding white wash to riding green waves within days. Claire was the lead instructor and was truly phenomenal. I felt secure taking on new challenges under her and the other staff’s guidance. All the camp attendees came in with different levels of experience and they helped each of us work on what made sense depending on where we were at. It was amazing. The other thing I loved about my experience was the women on the trip. I went alone and was a little nervous about that. But everyone was so nice, welcoming, and open to getting to know one another. The setup being a house only for the Chica Brava attendees and having meals in the house together made it easy to get to know one another and form connections with those in the camp. Loved the Chica Brava experience and can’t wait for round 2!

My friend and I researched surf camps a long time to find the best fit for us, and Chica Brava did not let us down! Their surf instruction is so effective, with a goal-setting methodology and talented trainers. We loved the feedback, video analysis, and opportunities to try out what we learned on our own. I felt like I improved my surfing more in one week of Chica Brava than I had in months of practicing on my own! Plus, the accommodations were lush and comfy, the staff were all friendly and welcoming, the excursions were fun, and the waves in San Juan del Sur are dreamy!! I highly recommend Chica Brava for anyone considering a surf retreat. Prepare to be impressed!

Amazing Surf Experience with Chica Brava I had an incredible week at Chica Brava! I went with three friends and not only improved my surf skills but made great connections with other women who joined the camp. The coaching was fantastic, with lots of helpful feedback and video reviews that really helped me refine my technique. We started the week with amazing waves and later learned to navigate trickier onshore conditions, thanks to the instructors’ great tips. The excursions were fun and adventurous, adding even more to the experience. If you’re looking for a surf camp with excellent coaching, good vibes, and a little adventure, Chica Brava is the perfect choice. Can’t wait to come back!

Amazing experience! Highly recommend a Chica Brava camp for any level The space: I stayed at The Villa which was beautiful and very comfortable. For me it was nice to have the AC at night. They kept it super clean and tidy and cooked us homemade breakfast and dinner every day. Francia made sure we had everything we needed The surf instruction: I had 0 experience going in and was catching some pretty decent waves by the end. Clair, the lead surf instructor is super attentive and focused, she makes sure everyone knows what they are working toward each day. Camila, the other surf instructor was fantastic and made me feel super safe out there. Even Evelyn, who often comes with to do social media and brings her sweet pup, Canela, would jump in with helpful tips One thing that struck me was that it seems like Chica Brava is really respectful and on great terms with the surrounding community. Folks we met in town often knew Chica Brava and some restaurants and stores offer discounts to the group. Had so much fun I'll be coming back next year!

Chica Brava was a game changer for me. I started surfing 5 months prior to my trip and was beginning to catch green waves but plateaued due to lack of confidence in the water and a fear of waves larger than a couple feet. The instructors at Chica Brava were SO patient and professional. They gave us feedback with every wave and comprehensive video reviews after each session. It felt like they were really invested in seeing us progress and their discipline in and out of the water was inspiring to be around. The hours spent in the water in a supportive setting with women cheering each other on was exactly what I needed to get over the anxiety that had been holding me back before the trip. I saw a huge leap in my progress after returning home and feel so much more comfortable and confident paddling out. The people I met on the trip were amazing and I am still in touch with them. I loved seeing women from all walks of life bond over our shared love of the ocean and adventure. I truly cannot recommend Chica Brava enough!