NicaWaves Surf Camp

Location :

• Anonymous

  09 May 2018

  Awesome price to quality ratio, great staff, chill atmosphere

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• Anonymous

  29 January 2018

  My surf buddy and I went here and did the "surf package." My rating is based on that experience (the accommodation and staff service itself was more 4 stars).
  
  Pros:
  -we got upgraded to a poolside room at no charge
  -few issues with power going out, though we were warned about it in advance
  -you can eat onsite daily and use hammocks/pool (not just for surf package participants)
  -rooms are clean and nice hotel in general
  -easily do your own thing here if you are a pro surfer and have transportation
  -Secluded and private
  
  Cons:
  -the surf package did not include surf lessons though the package notes "guides". As beginner surfers, this was an important distinction and we emailed the owner about it with no real result other than having to pay additional for lessons which weren't much guidance/instruction at all. If you are a beginner, this is NOT for you (this was my 4th surf camp experience and the least instruction/guidance I've ever received). The instructors have a super lax schedule (not really abiding to times agreed upon) and are also your drivers, I found them more engaged to get their surf on, rather than give instruction. We were taken in really rough conditions (rocks and rough/fast waves) my first day and spooked us to follow their advice on "good surf" for beginners afterwards.
  -the "all inclusive" isn't really that and your meals/drinks are counted up by the kitchen staff manually. I found out, luckily, before my last two days that my drinks were "finished" and only had meals leftover. I was able to switch out meals for drinks (water, juices, etc.) but just seemed odd for an all-inclusive package. The food at Mag Rock is better, more variety and an incredible view.
  -Not very central to much so you can't hop over to shopping or restaurants easily (other than Mag Rock which is about a 10 minute walk on a dirt road).
  
  I recommend only the lodging.

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• Anonymous

  29 December 2017

  The place is relaxing and has a nice pool, the only bad thing is that is not in front of the beach.

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• Anonymous

  29 December 2017

  Nice location near the beach
  Friendly place

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• Anonymous

  23 December 2017

  My wife and I stayed here for three nights. We were excited to learn how to surf and this business touts itself as offering surf lessons. The place itself is quite nice and tranquil. Food at the restaurant was ok. After visiting other nearby restaurants I would say it is slightly overpriced and lacking in variety-but considering the location it is adequate. The dinner at Magnificent Rock was better and cheaper, if you don’t mind the walk or have transport.
  
  As for surfing, if you are a complete beginner don’t book lessons here! What they provide is more of a guide service to transport boards around and show you where the good waves are. Our ‘lesson’ was pretty terrible. Basically the instructor says you are laying on your board, paddle paddle paddle, jump up on your board and catch the wave. Nothing whatsoever on technique, reading waves, safety, etc. plus, he started us out on mid length boards. if you want a real surf lesson at Popoyo then go see Morrie at Surf Popoyo Lessons In Guanacaste. Proper longboards and very detailed instruction.
  
  If you are a surfer with some experience then this would be a great place to book a surf stay. One of the main nuisances is that it isn’t on the beach. The shortest hike to beginners bay is at least 10 minutes and further for the Popoyo break although they should help drive your board around.
  
  Overall we enjoyed our stay and would recommend, but take heed of above advice.

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• Anonymous

  03 November 2017

  Really nice place and staff were pretty friendly, but its not that close to the break or town and shops and if you are budget surf travelling I'd advise going to somewhere in the town instead as this place charges American prices for food and drink and any lifts (even to the medical centre 10 mins away in an emergency!?) which all adds up to quite a lot.

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• Anonymous

  23 September 2017

  Good place for food and wifi

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• Anonymous

  28 June 2017

  Had a great and relaxing stay at Nica Waves :)
  
  The staff at the bar are really nice and everything is fairly priced.
  
  They keep the place clean and all the plants give the area a tropical feel.
  
  Zach thé surf guide is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the swell and they have a good selection of boards to rent.

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• Anonymous

  09 June 2017

  Rude waitress, the 1st one to try to rip us off!! We were not allowed to use the pool until we spent $20! We wanted to eat there but such a bad vibe so don't bother . Shame;(

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• Anonymous

  28 February 2017

  Can't say enough about this place. 3 of us stayed for 2.5 days, ate dinner and breakfast there, drank, lounged at the pool. All for $190, $45 a night in spectacular rooms, cold AC, great pool, friendly staff, excellent food and coffee (hadn't had a buzz like that in a while). 5 minute walk to the beach, very close to Magnificent Rock. And honestly, I would rather stay at Nica Waves than right on the water. The place was fantastic. Good surf, popoyo beach can be walked in 2 hours ( down and back). Eat good food for $3, $1 beers what?!!! My husband and I will be coming back for sure. We felt safe and secure (more than Costa Rica actually where we live). If you can survive the hustlers at the border, you'll love Nicaragua!

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• Anonymous

  17 August 2016

  Awesome place to chill and to surf on the nearby Popoyo Beach!

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• Anonymous

  23 November 2014

  Really nice place.

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• Anonymous

  05 April 2013

  Stayed for a week in April. Excellent location within walking distance to several breaks. Transportation available to many other spots. Great food, clean facilities, ac in rooms. We will be back

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