10 Best Surf Camps for Solo Travelers

Enrolling at a surf camp specifically designed for individual travellers alleviates the burden of organizing a solo surfing excursion. The camps oversee all aspects, ranging from procuring exceptional instructors to organizing transportation to the finest local surf spots on a daily basis. Lodging is provided and you will have a pre-existing team to socialize with and exchange anecdotes with at the conclusion of each day.

Several surf camps have both private rooms and dormitories, allowing you to select the desired degree of seclusion. The teachers are highly knowledgeable in assisting individual surfers and comprehend the distinct difficulties of learning without a companion. Be assured that you will receive ample individualized instruction and support from both the coaches and fellow solo travellers at the program.

Key Benefits

No planning needed – everything is arranged for you
Expert coaching with plenty of individual attention
Meet and befriend other passionate solo surfers
Built-in crew to share travel stories and surf stoke
Comfortable, convenient accommodation
Transport to/from the best local breaks each day

Surf camps remove the uncertainty of organizing a surfari, allowing single travellers to fully immerse themselves in the surf lifestyle and hone your skills. Here are ten of the world’s top surf camps for lone surfers, so you can ride the waves in style.

Top 5 Surf Camps for Independent Travellers

1. Experience Surf Morocco, Taghazout

2. Moana Surf Camp, Ericeira Portugal

3. Nalu Surf Camp, Mentawai Indonesia

4. Girls that Scuba, Puerto Vallarta Mexico

5. Kana Surf Resort, Phuket Thailand

1. Experience Surf Morocco, Taghazout

Location: Taghazout, Morocco

Style of Surf: Beach break – beginner to intermediate

Accommodation: Shared dorms & private bungalows

Located in the tranquil Atlantic coast town of Taghazout, Morocco, Experience Surf Morocco has been welcoming lone travellers for more than ten years. The professional surf instruction is great for people of all skill levels, and the kind, accommodating staff is a major selling point. Solo surfers will love Morocco for its beautiful coastline, fun culture, and waves that are perfect for all seasons.

Price: From $55 USD per night

Surfer Vibe: Laidback & welcoming

Best For: Beginner – Intermediate surfers

Category	Details
Waves	Beach <br>break – good <br>for all levels
Water Temp	64-75°F / 18-24°C
Best Conditions	Sept – May
Room Types	Shared dorm & private bungalow
Vibe	Laidback, <br>communal
Skill Level	Beginner – <br>Intermediate

The surf instructors really excel at working with solo travelers here. They offer tailored one-on-one lessons as well as small group lessons so you can progress at your own pace. The communal vibe extends beyond the waves with group dinners, bonfires and excursions on offer to help solo guests forge lasting bonds.

Many solo travelers who’ve attended this surf camp say it’s been a life-changing experience that gave them the skills and courage to continue surfing long after leaving Morocco.

“As someone traveling alone in Morocco, I can say that I’ve met some of my favorite people in the world here. We spent mornings lazing under the sun sipping mint tea, days eating and surfing, nights laughing until our stomachs hurt. A lot of us came here alone but left with new lifelong friends.” – Alex, USA

2. Moana Surf Camp, Ericeira Portugal

Location: Ericeira, Portugal

Style of Surf: Beach break – intermediate to advanced

Accommodation: Shared dorms & private bungalows

Moana Surf Camp is located in the quaint Portuguese fishing village of Ericeira, fast gaining renown as one of Europe’s top surf meccas. This multi-award winning camp excels at making solo travelers feel instantly at home with their community tables, weekly BBQs and group activities. With waves suitable for every level, stunning scenery and a charming village to explore Moana has something for every solo surfer.

Price: From €55 EUR per night

Surfer Vibe: Community feel

Best For: Intermediate – advanced surfers

Category	Details
Waves	Powerful <br> beach break
Water Temp	55-68°F / 13-20°C
Best Conditions	Year-round – Sept has most consistent waves
Room Types	Shared dorm & private bungalow
Vibe	Community tables & weekly BBQ bring people together
Skill Level	Beginner – Advanced

The passionate instructors, small group lessons, and inclusive community vibe make solo travelers feel right at home from day one. You’ll be linking into barrels before you know it with their expert coaching and encouragement. The post-surf hangouts allow you to swap tales with solo travelers from across the globe – many return year after year for the waves, camaraderie and stunning Portuguese setting.

“Moana surf camp has an amazing community. Even though I was traveling solo, every meal time felt like catching up with old friends updating each other about the day’s surf highs and fails.” – Mike, Canada

3. Nalu Surf Camp, Mentawai Indonesia

Location: Playgrounds Surf Camp, Mentawai Islands, Indonesia

Style of Surf: Reef breaks – expert

Accommodation: Shared boat cabins

Nalu Surf Charters takes intrepid solo surfers on the adventure of a lifetime to the famed Mentawai Islands for 10 days of surfing, beach hopping and boat living. With consistent barrels and an incredibly fun crew, many solo travelers rebook time and time again. This is a surf experience like no other, offering solo travelers ample water time alongside new friends.

Price: From $2300 USD for 10 day all-inclusive surfing & accommodation

Surfer Vibe: Adventurous types who enjoy living on boats

Best For: Intermediate – Expert surfers

Category	Details
Waves	Powerful <br>reef breaks
Water Temp	81°F/ 27°C
Best Conditions	April – Oct
Accommodation	Shared cabin on surf boat
Vibe	Adventurous boat-living
Skill Level	Intermediate – Expert

Living, eating, sleeping and surfing alongside the same crew for 10 days fast-tracks friendships with like-minded solo surfers . As well as surf guidance the experienced boat crew impart local knowledge on everything from the wildlife to weather forecasting out in the remote islands.

After non-stop surfing, you’ll unwind with the new friends aboard watching unforgettable sunsets with Bintang in hand before falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping gently under the hull, ready for another epic day chasing barrels in aquatic paradise.

“10 solo travelers, 2 expert surf guides, 1 boat and countless perfect barrels – the Mentawai boat trip was the surfing adventure of my dreams! We all arrived solo but left with lifelong friendships.” – Juan, Spain

4. Girls That Scuba, Puerto Vallarta Mexico

Location: Bahia de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Style of Surf: Beach break – beginner

Accommodation: Private glamping tents

This multi-award winning solo female surf and scuba camp takes glamping in Puerto Vallarta to the next level with their beachfront bell tents featuring cushy queen beds and hammocks. Their ‘surfistas’ program is perfect for solo travelers looking to learn to surf with supportive instructor Yamileth leading the charge through games and encouragement rather than intimidation.

Price: 7-nights from $1675 USD

Surfer Vibe: Supportive – girls bonding while learning to surf

Best For: Beginner female surfers

Category	Details
Waves	Playa El Anclote Beach Break – soft waves perfect for beginners
Water Temp	75-80°F / 24-27°C
Best Conditions	Nov – April
Accommodation	Private glamping tent – queen bed & stylish amenities
Vibe	Supportive for female solo surfers
Skill Level	Beginner

The experienced instructors excel at providing encouragement, support and practical tips for overcoming fears and progressing quickly from lying on the board to standing up and riding. Joining this glamping retreat is the ultimate bucket list tick for solo female travelers who’ve dreamed of learning to surf in a stunning setting with new BFFs.

“We arrived from all corners of the globe unsure about the surf but left Mexico with a collection of friends for life bonded by our newfound surfing passion – thank you Girls That Scuba for an epic adventure in Puerto Vallarta!” – Lucy, Ireland

5. Kana Surf Resort, Phuket Thailand

Location: Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Style of Surf: Beach break – beginners

Accommodation: Private luxury cottages

Nestled beneath lush jungle foliage only steps from Kata beach, Kana Surf Resort offers a luxe solo surfing experience in Phuket. This peaceful adults-only oasis features beautiful cottages with four poster beds, private verandahs and stylish amenities. Beyond the resort, Kata Beach offersuser-friendly waves that are gentle enough for learning yet fun enough to challenge more experienced solo surfers.

Price: From $120 USD per night

Surfer Vibe: Boutique & peaceful

Best For: Beginner – intermediate surfers

Category	Details
Waves	Kata Beach Break – soft waves good for less experienced surfers
Water Temp	81°F / 27°C
Best Conditions	April – Oct
Accommodation	Luxury private cottages
Vibe	Boutique & sophisticated
Skill Level	Beginner – Intermediate

Kana Surf Resort has an intimate vibe perfect for solo travelers looking for a more private getaway. Nonetheless, the luxury amenities and friendly service fosters a sense of community for those lucky enough to spend time at this sublime Thai surf resort. Guests can enjoy an intimate Ashtanga yoga session on their private deck or arrange a soothing massage after a day riding waves.

“The private cottage provided the perfect peaceful haven after learning to surf – I’d awake to bird songs then wander 50 steps to ‘my’ beach for a morning solo surf under the rising Thai sun – bliss!” – Sabine, Switzerland

Other 5 best alternative Surf Camps For Solo Travelers

Palm Beach Surf Camp, Sri Lanka

Tucked into a remote fishing village with beginner waves and plenty of secluded surf spots to explore. Accommodation in shared traditional cottages encourages communal dining and sunset beers with your new BFFs.

La Wave, France

High quality instruction with video coaching analysis to fast track your progression in the stylish French seaside town of Mimizan-Plage renowned for its friendly beach break waves.

Paiva Surfcamp, Portugal

Situated between the stunning beaches of Afife and Moledo, Paiva Surfcamp in northern Portugal offers top coaching alongside yoga, breathwork, meditation and healthy, delicious meals.

Black Stump Surfing, Australia

For solo travelers keen to learn to surf while experiencing the real Oz – camp under the stars in national parks surrounded by kangaroos while ticking secret waves off your bucket list.

Best Overall Surf Camp for Solo Travelers

Based on location, waves, accommodation, price and community vibe – Moana Surf Camp in Ericeira, Portugal takes out the title of Best Surf Camp for Solo Travelers in 2023. Community events create strong links between individual guests, leading to life-changing experiences and enduring friendships, and their dedicated professional teachers and small-group classes expedite your progress in breathtaking surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good surf camp for solo travelers?

The best surf camps for solo travelers are welcoming places with a community vibe where it’s easy to make friends. Many run events like communal dinners, bonfires, film nights or even hostels with shared dorms to bring solo travelers together to swap stories long after the surfing ends. High quality instruction is also key so you can progress rapidly.

Can beginners attend surf camps alone?

Absolutely! Learning to surf solo can be daunting so rest assured that the expert instructors at reputable surf camps are well versed at working with beginner solo travelers. Many champion building confidence incrementally through games and positive reinforcement rather than criticism. Attending surf camp solo means you’ll likely make friends more quickly with the other solo travelers learning and progressing alongside you too.

Is it safe for solo females at surf camps?

The best surf camps ensure all guests feels safe and comfortable, however it’s understandable that solo female travelers have additional safety considerations. Opting for a female-only surf camp can provide extra peace of mind. Nonetheless, many mainstream surf camps nowadays are very conscious of female solo traveler requirements including secure accommodation sites and zero tolerance policies on harassment of any kind. Don’t be afraid to ask questions around safety procedures during the booking process to ensure you select a surf camp where you’ll feel secure and comfortable during your solo surf adventure.

Do I need travel insurance for surf camp?

Taking out travel insurance, including for activities like surfing, is always highly advisable whenever traveling solo internationally. At the very least, ensure your insurance covers emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation, lost baggage and any adventurous activity mishaps like surfing injuries. Read policy documents closely and don’t hesitate to consult your insurer if unsure whether surf camp activities are covered. Having insurance gives solo travelers added peace of mind to focus on the surf rather than worrying about accidents or incidents out of their control.

Conclusion

Escaping to surf camp alone lets you immerse fully in the surfing lifestyle and form friendships quickly without the distraction of travel partners. You’ll return home not only a better surfer from the expert coaching but with awesome new friends from around the globe who share your passion for the waves.

Booking a surf camp tailored specifically to solo travelers takes the hassle out of planning to let you simply focus on catching waves and bonding with your surf crew. Whether you’re a solo female beginner testing the waters for the first time or a seasoned wave rider looking to level up both your surfing and social life, these amazing camps around the world guarantee epic adventures both in and out of the water.

The hardest part is choosing which awesome surf camp location inspires you for your next solo surfari. Wherever you decide to hang ten, take the plunge and sign up – a lifetime of memories and new surf-loving friends awaits you. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and your sense of adventure!