Best Places for a Solo Female Surf Camp

Why Solo Female Surf Camps in Nicaragua and Bali Will Change How You Travel Forever

A moment of pure freedom: catching a wave alone, but never lonely.

✈️ Best time to visit: Bali: Apr–Oct (dry); Nicaragua: Nov–Apr (dry)
💰 Estimated budget: $1,200–$2,500 per week (camp, food, flights from US/EU)
⏱️ How long to spend: 7–14 days for a real surf breakthrough
🎯 Difficulty level: Easy (beginner) to Moderate (intermediate)
📍 Recommended season: Shoulder months (May/Jun or Sep/Oct) for smaller crowds
👥 Best for: Solo female travelers, absolute beginners, women reconnecting with adventure

I remember the exact moment I decided to stop waiting. I was sitting in my cramped apartment, scrolling through the same four apps, and a photo flashed on my screen: a woman, maybe mid-thirties, completely alone on a longboard in Bali, laughing at the sky. It wasn't staged. It was real. I had never surfed before, and the idea of showing up at a surf camp alone made my stomach twist with nerves. But a bigger part of me—the part that craved saltwater and silence—was louder. So I booked a women’s surf retreat in Nicaragua for ten days. No backup plan, no friend in tow.

I am not a professional surfer. I am not a travel influencer with 100k followers. I am a regular person who took a leap, and that camp changed my relationship with risk, with my body, and with solitude. I’ve since visited four women-only surf camps across Bali and Central America, and I want to help you skip the overwhelm I felt that first night.

In this guide, I’ll break down why Nicaragua and Bali are the gold standards for solo female surf camps, what safety looks like in practice (not just marketing), how to budget without sacrificing the experience, and the exact mistakes that cost me sleep and money. You'll walk away with a clear, honest checklist that cuts through the glossy Instagram stories. Whether you're a total beginner or an intermediate surfer craving a supportive community, this is the straight talk I wish I’d had.

The Essentials at a Glance

• 🌊 Community is the real secret weapon: The women you meet—from a dentist from Ohio to a graphic designer from Berlin—become your cheerleaders. Solo doesn't mean isolated.
• 🏄‍♀️ Nicaragua beats Bali for raw beginner waves: San Juan del Sur offers long, gentle right-handers that give you time to think. Bali's waves (like Canggu) are faster and more crowded.
• 🛡️ Safety is built into the camp structure: Look for retreats with 24/7 local staff, locked rooms, female guides on evening outings, and clear emergency plans.
• 💸 $1,500 all-inclusive is the sweet spot: That covers 7 nights, 5 surf lessons, daily meals, airport transfer, and yoga. Lira in Nicaragua; Surf Goddess in Bali.
• 📅 Book 8–12 weeks ahead: The best camps fill up 3–4 months before peak season (January and July). Last-minute deals are rare for solo spots.

The Complete Guide

Why This Matters / Why You Should Go

There’s a difference between traveling alone and traveling solo. Traveling solo means you're active in your aloneness—you choose it. At a women’s surf retreat, that choice is amplified. You're not just sleeping in a hostel dorm hoping to meet people. You're paddling out at dawn with eight other women who are also nervous, also excited, also figuring out which board feels right. That shared vulnerability builds a kind of trust that fast-tracks friendship.

Nicaragua and Bali stand apart because they offer two distinct experiences of solo female travel. Nicaragua feels raw, untamed, and deeply personal. The Pacific coast there is quieter, less commercialized, and you’ll genuinely be the only gringa on the beach some mornings. Bali, on the other hand, has a well-oiled infrastructure for solo female surfers. Cafés with WiFi, co-working spaces, and a brigade of women who’ve already done the route. Which one is right for you? It depends on whether you want to disappear into nature (Nicaragua) or plug into a global tribe (Bali). Both are safe when you pick the right camp. Both will teach you to trust your gut—and your pop-up.

The camps I recommend have a maximum of 12 women per week, dedicated female instructors (or male instructors screened for safety), and structured evening activities that prevent you from eating dinner alone. That’s the secret sauce: structure that feels like freedom.

When to Visit (Seasonal Guide)

Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur / Popoyo area): The dry season—November through April—offers consistent swell with glassy mornings. December and January are busy with international travelers, but the waves hold. Rainy season (May–October) brings bigger surf but also afternoon downpours and rougher roads. For a solo female, I strongly recommend dry season for easier travel logistics. I went in February and the water was warm (78°F/26°C), no wetsuit needed.

Bali (Canggu / Uluwatu / Medewi): Bali has two seasons: dry (April–October) and wet (November–March). The best surf runs July through September, but Canggu gets crowded. I visited in May and it was perfect: long sunny mornings, less traffic, and the camp wasn't at capacity. Avoid January and February if you’re on a budget—it’s high season and prices spike. Also, check for reef breaks (like Uluwatu) if you’re a beginner; stick to beach breaks near Canggu or Medewi for safety.

Pro tip for both: Shoulder weeks—the first two weeks in June or the last two in September—offer the sweet spot: fewer tourists, good waves, and lower prices. I book my camps for June 1st or September 15th.

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation (per week, all-inclusive surf camp): Low-end ($900–$1,200): shared room, basic meals, no AC. Mid-range ($1,200–$1,800): private room with fan or AC, three meals a day, daily surf lessons, yoga. High-end ($1,800–$2,800): private villa, gourmet meals, private coaching, spa treatments. I’ve done mid-range at Lira Surf in Nicaragua and Surf Goddess Retreats in Bali—both were excellent value.

Food: Included in most camps. At mid-range camps, breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, dinner is family-style. In Canggu, a single smoothie bowl at a café costs $6; in Nicaragua, a local meal is $3–$5. If you eat out one night, budget $10–$15.

Activities: Surf lessons are covered. Extras: private coaching ($40–$60/hour), sunrise photo shoot ($50), day trip to another break ($30 for group transport). I took a volcanic hot springs trip in Nicaragua for $25—worth every cent.

Transport: From Managua airport to San Juan del Sur: private shuttle ($45 each way). From Ngurah Rai airport to Canggu: Grab ride ($8–$12). Scooter rental in Bali is $5/day, but I don’t recommend it for solo women at night—traffic is chaotic.

Total weekly budget (all-in, including flights from US West Coast to Managua or Bali): I spent $1,650 for Nicaragua (including $450 flight) and $1,850 for Bali (including $800 flight). You can do cheaper if you choose a dorm room and eat local.

Money-saving tip: Book a camp that includes airport transfer. It shaves off $40–$50 and removes stress.

Getting There & Getting Around

Nicaragua: Fly into Managua International Airport (MGA). From there, take a pre-arranged shuttle (your camp will organize this) to San Juan del Sur—about 2 hours. The road is winding but paved. Once at camp, everything is walkable or a short tuk-tuk ride (locals call them “mototaxis”) costing $1–$2. I always carried a printed map and had my camp’s number saved on WhatsApp before landing.

Bali: Fly into Ngurah Rai International (DPS) in Denpasar. Most camps arrange airport pickup. From the airport to Canggu takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic (it’s notorious). Download Gojek or Grab before arrival for ride-hailing. Uluwatu is a 1-hour drive south. For exploring, rent a scooter only if you have experience—I swapped for a driver ($30/day) who took me to three surf breaks in a day. It’s safer and you can rest between sessions.

Navigation tip: Google Maps works great in both places. In Nicaragua, offline maps are essential because data can be spotty. In Bali, get a local SIM at the airport ($10 for 20GB).

Top Recommendations / Must-Do Activities

Nicaragua – Lira Surf Camp (San Juan del Sur): I spent 10 days here and it was the most supportive environment I've ever experienced. The instructors—all local women—taught me to read waves instead of just chasing them. We surfed Playa Maderas (a 15-minute shuttle) each morning, a long, forgiving beach break. The downside: Maderas can be crowded from February onward. Insider tip: go to Playa Hermosa, a 10-minute walk south. Fewer people, same swell. I also did a sunset horseback ride on the beach ($35) that left me speechless.

Bali – Surf Goddess Retreats (Canggu): I was skeptical of the “luxe” branding, but it’s earned. They group women by ability, so I wasn’t fighting for waves with advanced surfers. The highlight was a session at Medewi, a left-hand point break two hours west of Canggu. It’s less crowded than Uluwatu and perfect for intermediates. An honest downside: Canggu traffic is brutal. Plan 45 minutes for any 10-minute drive. I also took a Balinese cooking class ($25) which was a beautiful cultural break from saltwater.

For absolute beginners only: The water is warm year-round (81°F/27°C in Bali, 79°F/26°C in Nicaragua). No need for a wetsuit. But bring reef-safe sunscreen—I got burned badly in Nicaragua because I forgot to reapply after two hours in the ocean.

Traveler’s Pro Tips

Tip 1: Bring a second swimsuit (and a rash guard): After a morning session, your swimsuit will still be wet at the 2pm lesson. I learned this the hard way in Nicaragua. A rash guard (get one with UV protection) saves your back from sunburn and chafing from the board.

Tip 2: Master the “paddle paddle pop-up” on land first: Most camps offer a short lesson on the beach, but I spent 15 minutes each evening practicing my pop-up on my bedroom floor. Muscle memory is real. You’ll be catching waves Day 1 instead of Day 4.

Tip 3: Choose a camp that bans phones on the beach during surf sessions: Some retreats (like Lira) have a “no phones in the water” policy. It’s not about Instagram; it’s about focus. You’ll learn faster and feel less pressure. I left my phone in my locker and it was freeing.

Tip 4: Build one rest day into every 7-day camp: Your shoulders, back, and neck will be exhausted. On that day, do yoga, read, or book a massage. I visited the Ojo de Agua natural spring in Nicaragua ($5 entry) and it revived my sore muscles completely.

Tip 5: Always have cash for tips in local currency: In Nicaragua, tips for surf instructors are $5–$10 per lesson. In Bali, $3–$5. ATM fees are high (especially in Nicaragua), so withdraw enough for the week when you land. I ran out of córdobas and had to use US dollars, which got a bad exchange rate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Booking a mixed-gender camp to save money. I did this on my first try in Bali. The vibe was different—some men were competitive, and I felt self-conscious. A women-only camp (like Surf Goddess) created a judgment-free space. The lesson: pay a little more for a safe, supportive environment.

Mistake 2: Overpacking “surf gear” you don’t need. I brought two wetsuits, booties, and three boardshorts. Absolute overkill. In tropical camps, you need: one bikini, one one-piece, a rash guard, board shorts, and flip-flops. Everything else is extra weight.

Mistake 3: Ignoring the reef safety briefing. In Bali’s Uluwatu, I cut my foot on coral because I wasn’t paying attention. A proper camp will teach you how to walk over reef with flat feet. Listen carefully. Carry a small first-aid kit with antiseptic and bandages.

Mistake 4: Thinking you can “catch up” on sleep after a late night. Surfing at dawn after three hours of sleep is dangerous. Your coordination drops. I learned this when I nearly wiped out into another surfer in Nicaragua. Prioritize sleep over socializing—the community will still be there at breakfast.

Your Travel Checklist

Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), e-ticket for camp booking, travel insurance (I use World Nomads—they cover surf injuries), printed copy of camp address in local language.

Packing: 2 swimsuits, 1 rash guard (long-sleeve), reef-safe sunscreen (I swear by Sun Bum), earplugs (for shared rooms), reusable water bottle (many camps have filtered stations), a small dry bag for valuables on the beach.

Health & Safety: Travel first-aid kit (antiseptic, bandages, ibuprofen), motion sickness bands if prone to nausea in the water, insect repellent (DEET-free for reef safety).

Local prep: Download Google Maps offline for the region, save a screenshot of emergency numbers (local coast guard, camp manager), buy a local SIM in-country (Telcel in Nicaragua, Telkomsel in Bali).

Apps: What’s App (group chat with camp mates), Gojek/Grab (Bali), offline translator (Google Translate).

Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba (withdraw at MGA airport) or Indonesian Rupiah (ATMs everywhere in Bali). Have $50–$100 in small bills for tips.

Traveler FAQ

Q: Is it safe to surf alone as a woman in Nicaragua or Bali?

A: I would not recommend surfing completely alone at a remote break. However, at a structured camp, you surf in groups with instructors in the water. In both countries, camps stay close to populated beaches. In Nicaragua, never leave your belongings unattended on the beach—I kept mine in a secured locker at camp.

Q: What if I’ve never surfed before? Will I be the only beginner?

A: Not at all. At Lira Surf, half the women in my group were absolute beginners on Day 1. The instructors start you in whitewash (foamy waves) and progress slowly. You’ll be standing up by the second or third day if you focus. Don’t compare yourself to others—everyone learns at their own pace.

Q: How do I choose between Nicaragua and Bali?

A: If you want raw, nature-focused solitude and lower costs, pick Nicaragua. If you want a well-established infrastructure, endless café options, and a bigger social scene, choose Bali. I recommend Nicaragua for first-time solo travelers because the camps are smaller and more intimate.

Q: Do I need to be fit to surf?

A: Some core strength and upper body stamina help, but not required. I’m a desk worker with no upper body strength and I managed. Yoga at camp helps. The real fitness is paddling—you’ll build it in the first three days. Focus on learning to pop up with your knees, not feet.

Q: Can I combine a surf camp with other travel in the same trip?

A: Yes, but don’t overdo it. After a week-long camp, I added three days in Granada (Nicaragua) to recover and sightsee. For Bali, I tacked on a few days in Ubud for rice terraces and temples. Just know you’ll be tired. Give yourself at least one full rest day before moving.

Ready for Your Adventure?

Here’s the honest truth: you will not feel completely ready. You might hesitate at the booking page, wonder if you’re too old or too out of shape. I did. But the moment you paddle out, surrounded by women who don’t know your story yet, all of that disappears. The waves don’t care about your job title or your age. They only care that you show up.

What I found in those camps wasn’t just a surf technique—it was a version of myself I had forgotten existed. The one who grins after a wipeout. The one who shares a meal with strangers and feels seen. The one who trusts that she can handle the unknown.

So go ahead. Pick Nicaragua or Bali. Book that camp. Pack light. And remember: the surf community you’re about to join is waiting for you. The hardest part is deciding. After that, the ocean will do the rest.

Catch that wave. I’ll see you out there.