A Gorgeous Getaway On Nicaragua’s Stunning Central Coast

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 242 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Sandra Merrill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Just back from Rise Up Jungle Escape on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. I LOVED my experience and can’t thank the team enough! Each day felt like a gift - surfing uncrowded waves in the most beautiful nature, eating healthy/extremely yummy food, meeting new friends, and getting to relax with no planning or decisions to make. The surf coaching was so helpful with video analysis regularly and a local guide who knew his stuff! I’m so grateful for this experience and can’t wait to go back.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Juliette Behringer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
A month after my first Rise Up retreat at Eco Bay and I'm still beaming on one of my most freeing, fun, and meaningful experiences to date. A game-changer not only for surf progression, but for mind and body as well. The level of coaching, care, and intention set an incredibly high bar for any camp or coaching I’ll invest in going forward, and it was worth every penny.

What truly sets Rise Up apart is the coaching - the commitment in and out of the water was *exceptional* (thank you Chepo, Corrado, and Dennis!!). Even with 5:30am departures, I woke up excited to get in the water every day, fueled by super personalized feedback provided in video analysis. In the water, all coaches were incredibly intuitive, knowing when to push technique and when to let sessions simply be fun and freeing. With this approach I finally broke through intermediate plateaus and reached a new level of progression that’s opened up the opportunity to explore new waves around the world. Though I am totally spoiled by the empty, unbroken waves in Northern Nicaragua - highly reco this more remote location!

Eco Bay itself was the perfect balance between sustainability and comfort, with amazing food, warm local staff, and surf right out front for bonus sessions when conditions allowed. As someone who typically prefers independent travel and avoids rigid schedules, I was surprised by how much I loved the structure. Days flowed beautifully between video analysis and theory, deep rest, and optional activities like yoga or sunset volleyball. Never forced, always well-timed.

This retreat was my last chance to surf before a life-changing medical procedure, and I’m deeply grateful for the energy, confidence, and motivation it gave me heading into a long recovery. I’ll carry that with me back into the water, and absolutely into another Rise Up retreat in the future. Thank you will never be enough!! <3
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Anna Cygnar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I had an incredible experience at Rise Up Surf Camp. My coaches — Corrado, Carol, and Elton — were all fantastic: knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping me improve. Sarah brought such positive, encouraging energy that really added to the overall vibe.

The location is absolutely beautiful, the accommodations were comfortable and well-maintained, and the food was consistently great. It was the perfect balance of surf, relaxation, and community. I would absolutely come back and highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their surfing in an amazing setting.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Haley Sacks 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I had a wonderful one-week holiday with Rise Up. As a complete beginner at surfing, I was a little nervous at first, but the instructors were patient, motivating, and made the lessons so much fun. The people were incredibly welcoming and friendly, creating such a positive and supportive atmosphere throughout the week. On top of that, the location was absolutely beautiful, making the entire experience even more memorable.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Amanda Horton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
what an amazing experience to be part of a rise up retreat in Nicaragua. this was my first solo trip abroad, and where I spent my first days of 2026, where my goal is to continue to prioritize spending time doing the things that nourish my soul and spirit. this is exactly what being surrounded by the rise up staff, the beautiful land, and ocean did for me. each coach was knowledgeable, dedicated, caring, and most importantly created a safe space for each guest inside and outside of the water. this was the first time ive done surf coaching and video analysis and it was incredible. on top of the surfing, the yoga was the perfect accompaniment, always tailored to what we needed that day. thank you to everyone for being so welcoming. eating amazing food together, watching sunsets together, playing volleyball together, joking together, and practicing my Spanish with everyone created an extraordinary sense of community. i had a smile on my face the entire time. i left not only with having made amazing improvements to my surfing, but also with new friendships i look forward to maintaining into the future.

special shoutout to June, Kathleen, Newman, and Chepo :))) can’t wait to come back prontooooo
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Sara Webb 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I can’t recommend Rise Up enough. The space is beautiful, activities are well organized & the staff are incredible from the kitchen to the coaches. I can’t wait to come back!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Lori Novak 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
incredible way to spend your time. learned a lot - about surf and self!

great programming (perfect yoga & time for naps) food (pancakes and ceviche), coaches (encouraging and helpful) and shells!!

literally booked my next retreat the day i got back. do it!!!!!!!!!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Honey Debelle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Absolutely brilliant retreat. The coaches are exceptional and the 2:1 coaching ratio makes ALL the difference. Food and rooms are great, too. Can't recommend it highly enough.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Ya-El Mandel 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I had the most incredible experience at Rise UP Costa Rica.
The team, the food, the surf instructors and the people just make this experience so GOOD! I'm hooked and will be back again. Kudos to everyone for putting such a successful surf retreat together.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 George Preciado 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
From arrival to departure, you’ll have an awesome experience and you will definitely improve your surf skills. I have been surfing for over 20 years, the coaching and feedback is super helpful. I feel that I will be able to advance my surfing and finally start using the entire wave. The coaches are awesome, super fun and engaging.  The place run really well. We know what we are going to do and they know the spots.  If you’re looking for the chance to improve your surfing, surf uncrowded waves, and have a great time, come to Rise Up Nicaragua.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 326 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 George P 
 
 
 
  
Surfing along the jungle of the Osa Peninsula
I just got back from the Costa Rica Jungle Escape Rise Up Surf Camp. What an awesome experience. One coach for every two surfers, but the coaches work well as a team and you’ll receive feedback in real time from other coaches as well. This trip really allowed me to improve upon my surf skills and helped me enjoy surfing even more. Great breaks, accommodations are in the middle of the jungle with howler, spider and white face capuchin monkeys along with so much more. Food is great and plentiful. So much fun. Can not wait to return.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Dan W 
 
 
 
  
Incredible Experience at Best Surfing Retreat
Great experience! Everything about RiseUp makes it the best surfing retreat: the best instructors, incredible food, professionally orchestrated, complementary yoga, amazing people, spectacular nature. I love this retreat and everything and everyone involved. After 2 RiseUp retreats, I’ll do a third later this year. Pura Vida
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Whitney R 
 
 
 
  
10/10 Experience!!
10/10 recommend booking a trip with Rise Up. Their team is amazing, so accommodating & communicative throughout the entire process. I’m a newbie surfer, and the coaches made me feel comfortable and safe in the water. The yoga, hiking to waterfalls, ice bath + incredible food all made the week top notch! It was so much fun getting to know the team + other travelers during our week together. I would 100% take another trip with Rise Up.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Meredith M 
 
 
 
  
Don't think twice!
I went to the Tranquil Escape in Feb of 2026 with 2 friends. Our retreat had a total of 7 guests signed up (maximum of 12.) From the accommodations to the food to the atmosphere to the coaching to the people - it was a 10/10 experience. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, the hotel grounds are peaceful and quiet, and the surf is great. There is something for everyone. I had been eyeing up a Rise Up retreat for several years and finally prioritized it-- i'm mad I waited so long! They have repeat guests consistently for a reason :)
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Anna C 
 
 
 
  
An Unforgettable Surf Camp
I had an incredible experience at Rise Up Surf Camp. My coaches — Corrado, Carol, and Elton — were all fantastic: knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping me improve. Sarah brought such positive, encouraging energy that really added to the overall vibe. The location is absolutely beautiful, the accommodations were comfortable and well-maintained, and the food was consistently great. It was the perfect balance of surf, relaxation, and community. I would absolutely come back and highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their surfing in an amazing setting.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Juliette B 
 
 
 
  
Don't think twice, gold standard for an all levels surf retreat
A month after my first Rise Up retreat at Eco Bay and I'm still beaming on one of my most freeing, fun, and meaningful experiences to date. A game-changer not only for surf progression, but for mind and body as well. The level of coaching, care, and intention set an incredibly high bar for any camp or coaching I’ll invest in going forward, and it was worth every penny. What truly sets Rise Up apart is the coaching - the commitment in and out of the water was *exceptional* (thank you Chepo, Corrado, and Dennis!!). Even with 5:30am departures, I woke up excited to get in the water every day, fueled by super personalized feedback provided in video analysis. In the water, all coaches were incredibly intuitive, knowing when to push technique and when to let sessions simply be fun and freeing. With this approach I finally broke through intermediate plateaus and reached a new level of progression that’s opened up the opportunity to explore new waves around the world. Though I am totally spoiled by the empty, unbroken waves in Northern Nicaragua - highly reco this more remote location! Eco Bay itself was the perfect balance between sustainability and comfort, with amazing food, warm local staff, and surf right out front for bonus sessions when conditions allowed. As someone who typically prefers independent travel and avoids rigid schedules, I was surprised by how much I loved the structure. Days flowed beautifully between video analysis and theory, deep rest, and optional activities like yoga or sunset volleyball. Never forced, always well-timed. This retreat was my last chance to surf before a life-changing medical procedure, and I’m deeply grateful for the energy, confidence, and motivation it gave me heading into a long recovery. I’ll carry that with me back into the water, and absolutely into another Rise Up retreat in the future. Thank you will never be enough!! <3
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Amanda H 
 
 
 
  
amazing surf retreat in nicaragua
what an amazing experience to be part of a rise up retreat in Nicaragua. this was my first solo trip abroad, and where I spent my first days of 2026, where my goal is to continue to prioritize spending time doing the things that nourish my soul and spirit. this is exactly what being surrounded by the rise up staff, the beautiful land, and ocean did for me. each coach was knowledgeable, dedicated, caring, and most importantly created a safe space for each guest inside and outside of the water. this was the first time ive done surf coaching and video analysis and it was incredible. on top of the surfing, the yoga was the perfect accompaniment, always tailored to what we needed that day. thank you to everyone for being so welcoming. eating amazing food together, watching sunsets together, playing volleyball together, joking together, and practicing my Spanish with everyone created an extraordinary sense of community. i had a smile on my face the entire time. i left not only with having made amazing improvements to my surfing, but also with new friendships i look forward to maintaining into the future. i cannot wait to come back!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Sara 
 
 
 
  
Book it now, you won’t regret it!
Best surf retreat ever! I improved more in 1 week here than I have at any other surf camp/retreat I’ve done. The entire staff are so welcoming. Coaches are so fun, supportive & knowledgeable. It’s very well organized. The Coco Loco eco resort is beautiful & the food was always delicious. I can’t wait to come back :)
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Lori N 
 
 
 
  
a very special place
100% out of my comfort zone, 100% booked my next riseup retreat the day i got back. coaches were kind, funny and helpful. liking who you’re learning from matters and you can tell they really love being there. programming was perfect, enough surf and down time to recharge. yoga was also perfect, gentle and needed. GET A MASSAGE!! Killer. I got 2 and they were way better than the one i got at a four seasons the week before. food was also so good!! special shoutout to the desserts. and the beach breakfast burritos 😭 and the pancakes 😭😭 and the juice 😭😭😭 so grateful i got to have this experience. and will get to have another in a few months!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 George P 
 
 
 
  
Rise up Chinandega.
Super location right on Nahualapa beach. Great surf retreat. Staff is awesome and you you’ll definitely improve your surf skills. You’ll experience several different breaks and the best waves the day has to offer. Great for newbies to solid surfers that are looking to improve upon their skill set. If you want a surf vacation that doesn’t feel over run, check out Rise Up Surf. Four Cabanas for two people and a back house. No AC. Food is great. Yoga to help stretch those sore surfing muscles in the afternoon. Tight schedules so you know how your day will go. Super well run. The staff love their job and it shows.