Chica Brava Surf Retreat
1 1/2 block north of El Timon Street facing the sea, San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Full view
View all photos (179)179
Pool & Beach (33)
Room & Suite (14)
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
#1 of 119 Specialty lodging in San Juan del Sur
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.9
Value
4.8
Travelers' Choice
Chica Brava empowers women through the process of surfing and the genuine camaraderie that comes through sharing a lifestyle, a sisterhood, and a passion for the most rewarding sport on the planet. It’s about a pack of women together in the line up, united by what they love. This is your chance to let go, invest in yourself, and feel confident, invincible, and powerful regardless of your size, strength, or stature. At Chica Brava, the past doesn’t matter. It’s about the right here, right now, boundless opportunities that embrace you in the water.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Infinity pool
Free breakfast
Free airport transportation
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Show more
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Location
Full view
Contact
1 1/2 block north of El Timon Street facing the sea, San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all San Juan del Sur rental cars
362Reviews1Q+A60Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 337
- 19
- 1
- 2
- 3
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
So, so beautiful. Such a beautiful experience -- from the surf to the amazing care we got at "home." I felt so loved at Chica Brava, all while pushing myself mentally and physically to surf every day, which is hard, but so rewarding! I left feeling more like myself and proud of myself! Chica Brava is such a beautiful container to explore your full, human self in relation to the jungle, the surf, and other women. It's powerful. Go!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience at a surf camp or on any kind of trip. The instruction from Elsi, Claire, and Jenn was excellent! They work with you at your level and I also felt very safe in the water with them. In addition to the professionalism that everyone had, they were also so fun to spend time with during our surf camp week! I was able to pop up on the surf board by the second day of the camp! It really was so empowering to be able to learn and do so much. Elsi was not only an amazing instructor but she was also a great host and drove us to the beach every day. She is an inspirational person! She is definitely the embodiment of a CHICA BRAVA! All of them were. I stayed at the cloud farm and it was GORGEOUS! The house was kept very clean and we had spectacular views of the jungle and sea from the pool area and balcony area. HUGE wonderful breakfasts and dinners were included with the package and it was really good! Transportation was included to and from the beach and to and from the airport in Managua. Anytime I had any questions, the team was very responsive and the whole trip ended up being really easy. I had never traveled to Nicaragua before and I was concerned that I would feel unsafe but my experience was the opposite. From the airport, to the shuttle and throughout the entire trip I felt it was extremely safe, and people were extremely friendly! My flight got into Managua several hours before the shuttle was scheduled to arrive Colleen advised me to go across the street from the airport to the BEST Western while I waited and that was very comfortable- for $10 they let me use the pool facilities and use the $10 towards food and drink. I thought for what you get the price was very reasonable. It even included two yoga classes and a massage! And you have the option of getting extra massages and other excursions such as horseback riding and jungle zipping. It including one afternoon on a boat w drinks and snacks! I can’t praise this surf camp enough!!…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I traveled to Nicaragua with a friend and joined other friends of hers who traveled there from around the country to attend the surf camp. For them it was a reunion, in addition to a great vacation. The surfing instruction was truly excellent. The coaches were encouraging and fun and knew just how hard to push. I hadn't surfed prior to the camp, and now I'm hooked. The accommodations were beautiful and comfortable. The food was delicious and plentiful. Every bit of the trip was awesome!
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I just had the most amazing week at the Chica Brava and I’m already scoping out dates to return! My friend and I traveled together and stayed at Cloud Farm June/July 2022. I’m not a surfer, and arrived having only taken a board out once before. I’m also intimidated by the ocean and large waves. However, Elsi, Jen and Claire, our surf instructors for the week, knew exactly how to get the best out of each of us, pushing us when we needed it and letting us take our time when it seemed more appropriate. By the end of the week I was able to turtle roll through larger waves and I was successfully popping up on almost every ride, and even learning how to turn instead of riding straight to the beach. I was impressed with how the instructors were able to accommodate the differing levels of surf abilities in our group, scoping out spots according to the wind and tides and making sure all of us were able to get out there to practice multiple hours a day regardless of our level. The surfing though is really just part of it. You will also be taken care of like family while you're there. Elsi, the lead surf instructor, is so much more than a surf instructor. She greeted us the moment we stepped out of our cab on arrival, she greeted us early each morning at the house to tell us the plan for the day. She taught us surf theory and helped us make sense of our mistakes while watching video footage of our surfing. She ate dinner with us, kept us safe in the water, helped us fit in all extra activities (boat tours, massages, yoga, shopping, etc), drove us all over town and to all the beaches. She taught us about the local community and culture, shared her personal journey with us, cracked jokes, and was really just an inspiring person to be around :) But there’s more … we also had a group of amazing women cooking homemade meals for us every morning and every evening, and they were delicious and plentiful and just what we needed to be able to surf again the next day. The bedrooms were cleaned each day while we were out surfing (!) and coffee was ready made and on the table by 6am. Shout out to surf instructors Jen and Claire as well, both of whom worked 1 on 1 with me at different points to get me comfortable in the water with my board and then later to help me learn to turn and help me conquer my fears of larger waves. Shout out to Francia for all the behind the scenes organizing and for filming us for hours each day! Thank you so much for an inspiring week, I can't wait to return!…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
I emerged from Covid lockdown totally numb to life. I'd never surfed before, but it is something I wanted to learn since I was a teen. From the first time I hit the water with the board, I was brought back to life! I truly cried on the beach because the gorgeous vistas, adrenaline from my first time on the board, scent of sea salt and flowers in the air, it all reminded me that life is beautiful and fun! The rest of the week continued to be beautiful... and so much fun! The beaches are gorgeous, the town is lovely, and Chica Brava really takes care of everything so you can focus on surfing and relaxing. Elsie is the best surf instructor on the planet. She is patient, encouraging, and so helpful. She can see what you are doing right and what needs work, and succinctly tell you what you can do to improve. I always felt very safe, and Elsie even held the board more stable when the waves got choppy to help me get up. She coached me on spotting waves, which is very helpful as you start to surf without an instructor. Joaquilia is a caring and delightful friend and the warmest presence who can take care of you at the house. She is a wonderful cook and a sweet lady! I appreciated the "Surf Theory" part of the camp, where we learned basic things you may not pick up naturally: Reading surf weather reports, etiquette and right of way, board care.... It's what you need if you want to go out on your own. The extra activities and excursions were great and just what we needed. When our muscles were getting tight, we did a great yoga class. When we were sore, we got a wonderful massage. We especially enjoyed the horse riding excursion with Blue on her farm. Since Chica Brava, I've gone surfing a few times, and I feel it gave me an excellent foundation and confidence. I miss Elsie, Jen, Joaquilia, and "Mister Nicaragua" our photographer, but I know this is now a sport I will enjoy for life. Thank you, Chica Brava! I want to come back and show you my new skills soon…
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: The camp I stayed at was dormitory style, but there is another location and I don't know what...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I have been dipping my toe in the water with surfing and this camp was exactly what I needed to show myself that I CAN do this. It challenged me mentally & physically. But it wasn't just that. The comradery I experienced with the other women was amazing for my soul. The female instructors knew what it was like, as a woman on a surfboard and were able to provide instruction on how to exceed our own expectations and preconceived abilities! On top of ALL OF THAT it was FUN!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't recommend this camp more. Ashley and her Chica Brava team have curated an incredible experience for any level of surfer!
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I did Chica Brava surf camp two weeks ago and am so happy I did it! It's so valuable to have an all-female surf instructor team--the vibe is amazing, extremely positive, and confidence building. I had been surfing on and off for a year when I attended, so would classify myself as an advanced beginner. But, I had been dealing with a lot of fear of the ocean/big waves as we went into the week. Elsi Marin de Mosio and Evelyn and Clare were so helpful in building me up and helping me overcome that fear and not only catch waves but ride down the line and practice my turns. It ended up being a great week! (Also, loved the video feedback--so helpful to get that EVERY DAY!). And last week, a week after the camp, I caught the wave of my life! So happy that I made the time to do Chica Brava. Always grateful to Elsi Marin de Mosio for her enthusiasm. And Ashley Blalock de Cabrales has been amazing about giving follow up feedback. All that to say, I would definitely do it again!…
Read more
Date of stay: May 2022
Location
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
If you want to learn to surf in BEAUTIFUL, SAFE, inspiring location with the BEST coaches that there are.... ChicaBroava is for you. Five years ago it became a goal of mine to make here, at age 40 I gifted this trip to myself; my sister& my best friend joined. We were nervous with Covid restrictions, a new place, if we could surf... and CHICABRAVA took 100% care of us. We felt safe 100% of the time, we all surfed daily and left feeling refreshed, stronger, bonded... it was just amazing.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The instructors were knowledgeable, kept us safe in the water, challenged us appropriately, and were very kind and encouraging. No matter what your prior surf experience was (mine was none), you WILL advance your surfing skills in your week at Chica Brava. The Cloud Farm was like, out of a dream. Though we didn't spend much time at the Cloud Farm (because we were usually at the beach), it was the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day! The chefs made truly incredible meals for us every day - it was amazing! 10/10 would recommend. Also, a priceless feature was that they provided us with guides to help us cross the border when we flew into LIR instead of Nicaragua for a cheaper flight - that was seriously so important! My tip to anyone planning to go to Nicaragua, is do take a little time to learn some Spanish before you go! PS they did our laundry, and cleaned for us every day..!…
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
If you are thinking of doing this, do it. If you're a decent surfer, or not a surfer at all whatsoever but you have the ocean in your heart, then do it. If you're going alone or going with friends or going with your sister (like I did) -- you'll come out stronger and happier and with an awesome new group of friends. I have nothing but the warmest regards for all involved in this. Elsi, Jen, and Evelyn were our instructors and I just feel so lucky to have met them. Everyone is so kind and encouraging. This is the smartest and strongest and greatest bunch of women you'll meet. Just do it, try it and you'll see.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
ALSO KNOWN AS
chicabrava surf camp hotel san juan del sur
LOCATION
NicaraguaRivas DepartmentSan Juan del Sur
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingCHICA BRAVA SURF RETREAT - Updated 2022 Specialty Hotel Reviews (Nicaragua/San Juan del Sur)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chica Brava Surf Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Chica Brava Surf Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia (2.3 miles), Latin American Spanish School (2.0 miles), and San Juan del Sur Beach (2.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Chica Brava Surf Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and airport transportation.
What food & drink options are available at Chica Brava Surf Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Chica Brava Surf Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Dale Pues, Nacho San Juan Del Sur, and Simon Says Smoothie Bar.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Chica Brava Surf Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to an infinity pool during their stay.
Does Chica Brava Surf Retreat have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Chica Brava Surf Retreat offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Chica Brava Surf Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, Chica Brava Surf Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.