We know you’ve been wanting to check out Bocas Del Toro. This retreat has been in the works for a long time, and we’ve finally found the perfect recipe for the best way to experience this unique corner of the world. This is an intimate guided surf adventure led by Michelle, a veteran SWA instructor in her hometown.
Our goal is to provide you with an authentic, local experience in a very unique community while scoring a variety of waves. We’ll travel in small, personalized groups (6 guests max). As we cruise around, you will be instantly welcomed into the community and experience Bocas from a local’s perspective.
Surf
Bocas has a great variety of waves, all accessible by boat. We’ll go out on surf adventures 1-3 times daily, exploring a variety of reef breaks, beach breaks, and points (depending on the swell and needs of the group). On the daily boat trips, Michelle will be your boat captain and surf coach/guide. We will try to book ladies together with similar surf experience levels to ensure everyone gets their fill of waves during the week. Michelle has a team of other female instructors and we will break up the group by ability level if necessary so everyone gets waves that are their speed. Some prior surf experience is required at this particular location. You don’t have to be awesome, but we prefer if you have surfed at least a few times in the past.
Ability Level
At this location, we ask that guests have prior surf experience. Ideally you’ve been on a Surf With Amigas retreat before and already know the basics. There are a variety of waves including some nice friendly ones, but you must be able to paddle yourself back out to the lineup. Michelle and our other instructors will coach you into the lineup and help you select your wave, but you need to be able to paddle yourself back out afterwards. If you have doubts, send us an email and we’ll chat about it.
Accommodations
You will be sleeping over the water in a classic Bocas-style hotel built on stilts over the warm Caribbean Sea. There’s the option for a private or shared room. Michelle, your surf guide, lives right next door. She and another of our awesome female instructors will be picking you up to surf in their boats several times per day. Relax in a hammock and gaze out over the calm waters in between sessions. The rooms have AC, hot water, and Wifi.
Other Adventures
- Biking adventure – We will cruise the main island by bicycle to get a view from land (since we will be spending a lot of time in the boat). Biking will allow us to access some of Bocas’ gems that aren’t readily accessible by boat.
- Yoga – we’ll have the opportunity to do yoga daily to stretch out our tired surfing muscles
- Snorkeling trip – Depending on the swell we will go on a day trip to explore and snorkel on either Kusapin or Bird Island.
- Night Out! – There is a lot of night life here in Bocas- anything from live music to reggae night to a full on club to let loose and dance!
Food
Breakfast – A simple and healthy breakfast will be provided (coffee, fruit, granola, pancakes, eggs, etc).
Lunch – Lunch is also included. We’ll mix it up by visiting different restaurants everyday on different islands before, after, or in between surf sessions. We will visit a variety of restaurants throughout the week so you can experience the local flavor. There are many options including vegetarian and gluten-free! Don’t worry, if you get hungry during a surf session you can always paddle back to the boat which is always stocked with snacks and assorted drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)!
Dinner (not included in package) – For dinner you are on your own and encouraged to explore the town. Michelle will be showing you around and can make recommendations. Bocas has tons of restaurants with flavors and vibes to suit all sorts of desires.
What’s Included:
- Two way transportation from the Bocas del Toro Airport (provided you arrive and depart on the designated days/times)
- 7 nights accommodation
- Breakfast and lunch *dinner not included
- Unlimited coffee and water
- Daily individualized in-water surf coaching/instruction/guiding
- Surfboard rental
- Daily yoga classes
- other activities and explorations, electric bike rental in town, snorkeling, and ladies night out.
- *no video, photos, or video coaching happens at this location due to the logistics of boat trip access to the surf spots.
Price:
- Starting at $2600 for a private room, and $2400 per person to share a room
- These retreats are small, personalized, and private with only six amigas per retreat!
- *We can also accommodate couples some weeks at this location if you’d like to bring your significant other.
- Email us for more info! h[email protected]
Check our schedule for available dates
Booking Flights
Click here to view our Travel Info Document with instructions on booking flights and packing list.
About your trip leader, Michelle:
Michelle Kienlen has been working with Surf With Amigas for five years in Costa Rica and Nicaragua (as well as a couple trips to Pacific Panama, Puerto Rico, and Morocco) and has kept going back to Bocas on all her off time throughout the years. She knows the area like the back of her hand, and has all the spots (in the surf and out) dialed. She’ll be the captain of her dingy, Beer Crush, and is excited to surf with you and show you around her home of the last five years. Originally from the Gulf Coast of Florida, she’s always frothing to get waves and help you have an epic surf trip.