A question I hear a lot is: "what’s the difference between a surf camp, a surf retreat, or a surf resort, and how should I narrow it down for my next vacation?” Well, that might not be the easiest nut to crack, especially with so many options available in Santa Teresa alone, but I decided to put together and share my personal opinion after years of being in the surf tourism industry.

Surf Camp vs Surf Retreat vs Surf Resort: What’s the difference?

The early days of surf travel were characterized by the "surf safari." In its simplest form, a bunch of ocean-loving humans strapped their boards to the top of a vehicle and hit the road in search of amazing uncrowded waves. As travel became easier and more affordable, the surf safari took place further from home, as many looked to discover new countries and cultures. As time went on, a few of those surfers would find a wave they just couldn't leave, and the surf camp was born.

Surf Camps

Setting up shop, typically the surf camp consisted of nothing more than a place for other surfers to lay their tired heads after a day in the waves and to refuel on food before the next session. As time went on and more surf camps emerged a few individuals saw a gap in the market and realized that there were other "types" of surfers that the typical surf camp didn't cater too. Those looking for a place that would offer a bit more all under one roof, as they didn't necessarily have countless weeks, or even months, to travel from wave to wave. And so, the surf retreat came to be.

Surf Retreats & “Resorts”

These variations of the surf camp seemed to start offering more modern amenities, better food choices, and the relaxation that stretching and yoga classes could provide. The surf retreat took hold and has been around for years now. More recently the term "surf resort" has been thrown around within the industry, and for the most part refers to surf camps, surf retreats, and surf hotels offering a more catered surf experience, most usually seen in the level of surf instruction (or coaching) that it provides.

Which is best?

So, you've found a place you like, but what category do they fall under? In my personal opinion the terms surf camp, surf retreat, or surf resort are now all used pretty interchangeably these days. “Great, thanks!” I know, I know… I'm not making it easier, but let me make something clear: just because the industry has begun using these names interchangeably doesn't mean that every place is the same (spoiler: they're not), and doesn't mean that if you search for one name vs another that you'll necessarily find what you're looking for.

6 Tips to Choose the BEST Option:

Narrow down the country you'd like to visit first because most places with waves with have a selection of options to choose from. Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa alone offer a number of options!
Search using the words surf camp, surf retreat, and surf resort + country you chose. Also try using variations to broaden the results, like “surf and yoga” and the country, etc.
Don't rule someone out just because they identify as “camp” vs “retreat” vs “resort.” To be honest, over the years I've seen places calling themselves resorts that were more like hostels and vice versa. Research is your best friend.
Take the time to narrow down if the potential location is offering the things you want for your stay, and feel free to write an email with questions to any potential choice. You can tell a lot from a business’ reply.
Take time and trust reviews. Many surf camps, retreats and resorts are smaller "family" run businesses and their reviews will be a great indication of the experience that awaits. You have the luxury of hearing what others have already experienced.
Lastly, go with your gut. At the end of the day, this is a vacation and it's meant to be an adventure. If you've done your research and get a "good feeling" about a place, then maybe that’s the right fit!