surf
Surf the Way Nature Intended
In a world where surfers race the clock and chase forecasts, Santosha offers a return to slowness, soul, and the sacred dance of sea and self. We don’t drive to the surf—we walk through jungle paths, barefoot and breathing in the rawness of nature, letting the trail become our warm-up, the journey part of the ritual.
Here, surfing is not a sport, it is a meditation. Like yoga, it demands presence, humility, and surrender.
Whether you’re chasing clean lines or simply paddling out to reconnect, the ocean here will meet you where you are. At Santosha, we quietly bow out of the surf scene performance. As the lineups become stages and electric bikes buzz to every break, we walk—letting the earth ground us before the ocean humbles us. We love a well-crafted board, yes, but not for show. Here, no one’s keeping score. We surf not to be seen, but to feel—alive, present, and one with something greater.
For the Soul Surfer
Whether you’re an advanced surfer or just starting your journey, we are not a surf camp—we are something quieter, something deeper.
But we know these waves, and we honor the wisdom of the sea. We’re happy to assist with:
Knowledge of our preferred local breaks
Private lessons for beginners or those returning to the water
Guided sessions for intermediate or advanced surfers
Surfboard rentals for those traveling light
All surf services must be booked in advance, as we are a small and seasonal operation devoted to quality over quantity. To ensure the best instructors and offerings, please reach out prior to your stay.
The Surf
Playa Yankee and Playa Escameca Grande are two of Nicaragua’s best-kept secrets—uncrowded, powerful, and just a walk away.
Yankee delivers fast hollow rights and is best at mid to low tide. Escameca offers variety, often more mellow but equally inspiring, and rarely found on surf reports.
Best swell window: March – June
Consistent surf: Through November
Green Season: May – October (expect some rain and possible onshore wind)
No wetsuit needed – warm water year-round
September & October tend to bring the most rainfall and unpredictable winds
Here, surfing becomes a way of life—unhurried, soulful, and tuned to the rhythm of the tides.
Come for the waves. Stay for the stillness.
Other Beaches by Boat or 4x4
Southern Nicaragua is home to some of the most consistent, uncrowded, and soul-stirring surf on the planet. We frequent hidden gems that don’t appear on the surf reports—remote beaches accessed only by boat or rugged 4x4, where you’ll often find yourself alone with the waves. Our experienced surf guides will help you find the break that best suits the current swell direction and tide conditions. Thanks to offshore winds nearly 300 days a year, the waves here remain clean and glassy from sunrise to sunset—an almost mythical gift for any surfer.
The coastline is dotted with beach breaks that behave like point breaks, delivering long, rideable walls that welcome both intermediate and advanced surfers. Within 15 to 30 minutes by car, you can also reach well-known beaches where local and visiting surfers gather if you’re craving a more social surf vibe.
We offer surf guiding and exploration trips by request for an additional fee, based on group size and desired adventure. Whether you want to paddle into a remote cove with no one in sight or chase world-class waves alongside locals, we’ll help craft your perfect session.
And if you’re looking to level up your skills, we offer some of the most comprehensive private surf instruction and immersive surf retreats available. We rise with the tides, stretch into our day with yoga designed for surf-strength and flexibility, then head out to face the ocean fully present.
Why stay and surf here?
Because surfing is not just a sport—it’s a life practice. In the water, we learn to release control, adapt with grace, and meet the unknown with courage. Surfing teaches us to fall, to rise again, and to greet each wave—like each moment of life—with renewed presence. When combined with the mindset of a yogi, it becomes something even more: a spiritual discipline that fosters patience, resilience, and self-acceptance. There is no perfect wave, just as there is no perfect pose—only our ability to move with whatever the ocean (or life) offers
At Santosha, we offer something truly rare—a place where the journey to the surf is as meaningful as the waves themselves. Just a short, sacred walk through the jungle leads you to the pristine shores of Playa Yankee, far removed from the strenuous hike to the surf at Hotel Verdad or the rustic, impersonal feel of Costa Dulce. Unlike the corporate, resort-style atmosphere of Orquídea, we invite you to experience a space that is both intimate and authentic, where nature’s rhythm guides every moment.
We live the surf life, but we also understand the need for a creative, inspiring sanctuary to return to after a day in the water. Here, surf, yoga, athletics, and mindful nutrition come together in perfect harmony, creating a holistic experience that mirrors the way we choose to live. At Santosha, we offer more than just a place to stay—we offer a transformative way of being, where the ocean, the jungle, and your own inner world converge.
If you seek not only to improve your surf skills but to nourish your body, mind, and soul with the grace of a balanced life, Santosha is your sanctuary. We invite you to slow down, connect deeply, and emerge transformed. Here, in the embrace of nature, wellness, and adventure, you will discover a place to truly be.
Private Introduction to Surfing
• Private Lessons: 1.5 hours with a seasoned instructor, including board rental – $80 USD. Discounted packages are available for multiple lessons. While other surf camps may offer lower prices, our expert instructors provide a personalized experience tailored to your unique ability, ensuring safety, skill development, and a memorable journey into the surf.
Surf Guiding
Come immerse yourself in the true surf culture of Nicaragua—experience the waves, the warmth, and the rhythm of this coastal paradise with us.
• Bring your own board, or we can assist you with a rental—let’s hit the waves together!
• Boat Trips and Guided Driving Tours take you along rugged roads to hidden, world-class surf breaks from north to south.
• Guiding Rates vary depending on the length of the day and the surf breaks we visit.
*Inquire for packages and daily rates.
The best surfers are those who embrace the joy of the ocean—sharing waves, smiles, and laughter with others. Join us, and let’s make some unforgettable memories in the surf!
Surf Etiquette:
Rule #1 - Don’t Drop In On Another Surfer
Rule #2 - The Surfer Closest To The Peak Has Right-Of-Way
Rule #3 - Paddling Surfer Yields To Surfer Riding Wave
Rule #4 - Don’t Ditch Your Board
Rule #5 - Don’t Be A Snake
BE FAMILIAR WITH SURF TERMS
“closeout” – a wave or a large section of a wave that breaks at the same time, making it impossible to continue surfing the open face of the wave
“deep” – the steepest part of the shoulder closest to the peak of the wave is considered the deepest part of the wave. Often when a surfer is “too deep” they are unable to drop in to a wave without falling off of their board
“down the line” – along the face of the wave
“duck dive” – a technique used to paddle out past a breaking wave. Arms push the nose of the surfboard down while the knee or foot pushes down on the tail as the surfer dips below the passing wave.
“face” – the open, unbroken part of a wave
“green wave” – an open wave allowing the surfer to surf along the face of the wave, going either left or right parallel with the beach instead of straight towards the beach
“inside” – when paddling for a wave, “inside” refers to the person closest to the peak of the wave. “Inside” also refers to the shallower part of the water closest to shore.
“kick out” – to surf out of the wave, ending your ride (also called flicking out)
“lineup” - the area where the waves normally begin breaking. Surfers sit on their boards in the lineup and wait for waves to break.
“longboard” – a longer, wider, thicker surfboard. Longboards catch waves much easier than shortboards but are much harder to control and turn.
“left” - a left is a wave that is breaking to the left. The direction “Left” is used by the surfer when describing the direction of the wave while facing shore. Therefore, from the beach, a “left” is described as a wave that breaks from left to right.
“outside” – when paddling for a wave, “outside” refers to the person further away from the peak of the wave. “Outside” also refers to the deeper part of the water, where the biggest waves break, further from shore.
“peak” - the immediately breaking part of the wave.
“right” – a right is a wave that is breaking to the right. The direction “right” is used by the surfer when describing the direction of the wave while facing shore. Therefore, from the beach, a “right” is described as a wave that breaks from right to left.
“section” - a part of a wave. When a surfer “makes a section” a surfer is staying in front of a breaking section of the wave.
“set wave” - a larger wave (the largest waves usually break in sets of 2,3, or 4)
“shortboard” – a shorter, narrower, thinner surfboard. It is more difficult to catch a wave on a shortboard than it is on a longboard, but a shortboard can be controlled/turned much easier.
“shoulder” – the unbroken section of the wave directly next to the peak
“turtle roll” – a technique used to paddle a longboard out past a breaking wave. Longboards are generally too big to duck dive. With the turtle roll technique the surfer turns upside-down and propels the surfboard (also upside down) through the breaking wave.
“whitewash” - the broken white water of a wave moving straight towards shore
Safety and Surf Etiquette are required when surfing with us. You must be a strong swimmer. Surfing requires fitness, strength and patience. The surf, just like many other sports, is classified as a hazardous sport, sometimes practiced in remote beaches where the weather can be severe. That's why we recommend a travel insurance package for assistance in travel, with coverage for accidents resulting from the practice of surf during your stay.
