Womens only Surf Camps are a way for female surf frothers to travel to new destinations, surf new waves, meet new people – all in a safe, supportive environment.
This is especially true for solo female travellers.
But not all of these female only camps are created equal (far from it).
So in this post we’re going to showcase only the best women’s surf camps, the ones that have it all: quality waves, beautiful surroundings, epic hosts and more, so that you can find the perfect fit for your trip.
Where will you be heading on your next surf trip?
Let’s find out…
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Ok, as a female traveller there are a few important considerations for your trip.
Things like:
- REPUTATION: The best surf camps will have a solid reputation, backed by testimonials from previous guests.
- SAFETY: As a female traveller safety, privacy and security are important.
- WAVE TYPE: Most women tend to favour smaller, more playful waves, so be sure your camp of choice is nearby similar waves.
- EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES: You’ll undoubtably be surfing a lot, but there’ll be plenty of downtime too. So, your vicinty to local towns, cafes, bars, nightlife, beaches etc. are important considerations.
- PRICE: Naturally price is a big factor, and different countries will offer up varying levels of comfort for same price depending upon the local economy. A dollar will travel a lot further in a third world destination than its Western counterpart, which is definitely worth consideration.
- WATER TEMP: Let’s face it, surfing in a bikini is just so much more fun than surfing in a thick, restrictive wetsuit. An important factor when choosing the right camp for you.
There’s a lot to think of right there, but don’t worry, as all of the above has been taken into account in curating the list below, saving you the leg work in the process.
So, without further ado, let’s get stuck into the fun part and start getting excited about your travel plans…
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SURF CAMP AND A SURF RETREAT?
A surf retreat will generally be high-end, boutique accommodation, with luxury as a prerequisite, with a generally focus on personal wellbeing.
A surf camp on the other hand is catered more towards the younger, budget traveller that’s happy to bunker up in a shared room, with a big emphasis on meeting other people, alongside extra curricular activities like nightlife and bars, cafes and the like.
Sure, there’s a bit of crossover between the two where things get blurry, but this is a good guide.
7 OF THE BEST SURF CAMPS FOR WOMEN RIGHT NOW
1. SURF & YOGA MIRISSA [SRI LANKA]
SRI LANKA
PRICE: MID RANGE
WAVE TYPE: SMALL & FUN
WATER TEMP: TROPICAL
Mirissa is a beachside town on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka with access to fun, beginner style waves, but minutes away from intermediate level pointbreaks too.
The area itself boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, alongside an alternative, boho style local scene full of great cafes, and restaurants dotted along the beach.
As for the surf camp itself, the ‘Jungle House’ as it’s known is nestled amongst the palm trees just minutes from the beach.
The place itself is full of charm, with outdoor pool, co-working facilities, tropical gardens and more, not to mention the in-house cuisine served up daily as part of the package – full of healthy and wholesome local food.
Yum.
And, they don’t mess around when it comes to surf tuition too. With video analysis sessions broken down by qualified instructors too, you’ll undoubtably learn a tonne whilst you’re here.
Website: https://surfnyogasrilanka.com/
2. MOROCCAN SURF JOURNEY
MOROCCO
PRICE: MID RANGE
WAVE TYPE: BEACH BREAK & POINTS
WATER TEMP: COOL
Morocco is a bit of a hot-bed for surf camps, with many littered around the coast, especially at the surf capital of Agadir, home to the country’s most famous wave – Anchor Point.
Yes, as part of the African Continent with its soaring summer heat, the water in Morocco remains relatively cool year round, with 3mm wetsuits needed the majority of the time – which is certainly something to consider.
As a surf camp destination though, Morocco does offer up a unique cocktail of culture, surf & cost.
Now although this camp isn’t exclusively for women, it does offer women only surf packages, ensuring women are grouped together in the shared rooms.
A short flight from most major cities in Europe, this is surely a tempting choice to break up the long dark winter months with some high vibe sun and surf action.
Website: https://moroccansurfjourney.com/
3. PELAN PELAN [BALI]
BALI
PRICE: MID RANGE
WAVE TYPE: BEACH BREAK
WATER TEMP: TROPICAL
Pelan Pelan is a surf camp situated just ten minutes away from the funky surf town of Canggu.
The waves in this region are perfect for the beginner or intermediate surfer, with soft rolling waves breaking in deep water.
The surf camp itself is a short drive away from all the action, secluded in amongst the lush tropical trees, and famous rice paddies.
At this camp you’ll get a full, immersive retreat feel, but with the social aspect and reasonable pricing of a camp.
There’s a big reason why Bali is the most popular surf camp destination, and for women especially, Pelan Pelan ticks all the boxes.
Website: https://pelanbali.com/
4. PURA VIDA [COSTA RICA]
COSTA RICA
PRICE: HIGH END
WAVE TYPE: BEACH BREAK
WATER TEMP: TROPICAL
Pura Vida has been specialising in women’s surf camps for years, and has become one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Central America.
The camp itself is situated at Santa Teresa, just a stones throw from the beach, right near the waves at Hotel Tropico Latino.
The Women’s only camps combine a mix of daily yoga, massage, and obviously surf too, for that full relaxation and immersive surf camp experience.
Furthermore, they take great pride in welcoming the solo traveller, with a big emphasis on safety, security and inclusion, so if you’re travelling alone you’ll be in safe hands.
Website: https://puravidaadventures.com/
5. RISE UP SURF CAMP [GUATAMALA]
GUATAMALA
PRICE: MID RANGE
WAVE TYPE: BEACH BREAK
WATER TEMP: TROPICAL
Alright, this one is not exclusively a surf camp just for women, it’s coed, but it’s such an inclusive set-up that I thought I had to add it to the list.
And, a surf camp in Guatamala is just damn cool and exotic right?
Situated in the small fishing village of El Paredon, with its access to bountiful uncrowded waves, volcanic black sandy beaches, and rustic, dusty roads, this camp is a real smack to the senses.
If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in a new culture, and really experience something completely different and off the beaten track then this could be for you.
A full surf adventure, to uncrowded, tropical paradise.
Website: https://www.riseupsurf.com/
6. CHICKS ON WAVES [PORTUGAL]
PORTUGAL
PRICE: HIGH END
WAVE TYPE: BEACH BREAK
WATER TEMP: WARM/COOL
Founded by women, exclusively for women, Chicks on Waves in Portugals picturesque district of the Algarve is a great option for the travelling female looking for waves.
What stands out about these ladies only surf camps is their attention to the tuition side of things, with a very core-surfing centred approach.
Yes, there’s Yoga. And, yes there’s a focus on healthy food.
But these things are a side order to the main focus of surfing, as it should be.
With the area now a thriving surf destination, with plenty of extra curricular activities to choose from too: bars, cafes, good nightlife, etc. it’s no reason why surf camps in Portugal are becoming so popular.
Website: https://chicksonwaves.com/
7. LANZAROTE SURF CAMP
LANZAROTE
PRICE: BUDGET
WAVE TYPE: BEACH BREAK
WATER TEMP: WARM/COOL
A lot of the options on this list are on the higher end of things and I wanted to be sure to add a budget option too.
So whilst it may not be fit for a ‘Best Of’ list, it’s certainly reasonably priced and a decent budget option for someone that wants that surf-fix, without all the bells and whistles.
Lanzarote Surf offer a weeklong girls only camp jam packed full of surfing, day in day out.
Forget all the mod-cons, luxury and relaxation, and just go surf your brains out.
If that floats your boat, you’ll definitely want to check this place out.
Website: https://www.lanzarotesurf.com/
CONCLUSION
Women’s only Surf Camps are one of the best ways to meet new girl friends, make connections with other women that froth on surfing and travel, and experience new waves and cultures at the same time.
A way for women to travel and surf safely, and do it in a nurturing group environment.
Pretty damn cool if you ask me.
If there’s anywhere I’ve missed that absolutely has to make it on this list post it in the comments below.
LAUREN RINGER
Ex WQS warrior, and all-round frother – Loz is the technical coaching queen at the House of Surf.
She is also a mindset and life coach and has a habit of living in her van way too much.
