An Unforgettable First Surf Retreat at Amaru, Nicaragua I had a fantastic time at Amaru on my first surf retreat in Nicaragua! From the moment I arrived, the team went out of their way to welcome me and make me feel like part of the family. The warmth, enthusiasm, and positive energy of everyone there made the experience truly special. My guest room was lovely, the common areas were clean and well maintained, and there was always someone around to help or make sure everything was taken care of. The entire team brought energy and a genuinely welcoming vibe that made Amaru such a great place to stay. The food was another highlight. Every meal was delicious, with creative combinations of flavors and preparations that introduced me to new tastes and local cuisine. I especially enjoyed discovering dishes like pupusas and experiencing the variety of food and cooking styles throughout my stay. A special mention goes to the people who made the daily experience so memorable. Gerritt’s passion for surfing was encyclopedic and infectious, and his enthusiasm and insights added so much to the surf experience. I also loved learning about surf theory and the different ways of thinking about surfing, conditions, and improving in the water. His genuine love for the sport really came through. Willow brought a wonderful personal touch to the yoga sessions, customizing the practice to meet the needs and abilities of the group. Her thoughtful approach made yoga feel accessible, restorative, and complementary to the physical demands of surfing. Gaba brought incredible energy to the overall rhythm of the retreat. Her attention to the daily agenda kept everything organized and running on time. That balance of energy, structure, and good humor helped make each day flow smoothly and allowed everyone to get the most out of the experience. Amaru was an opportunity to step away from everyday life, spend time in Nicaragua, and focus on surfing, meditation, and personal growth. Unfortunately, my experience didn’t unfold quite as I had hoped. I injured my foot shortly after arriving and was unable to surf for much of my stay, which was particularly disappointing given how much I had been looking forward to getting into the water. Despite that setback, the experience gave me an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and focus on myself. Traveling with an open mind means accepting that things don’t always go according to plan. I was reminded that how we respond to challenges often shapes the experience we ultimately have. I also became more conscious of how our energy and attitude can affect others in a shared retreat environment, and I made a conscious effort not to let my personal disappointment detract from the experience of those around me. One of the most meaningful parts of my stay was having the chance to experience new things beyond the retreat itself. Releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean was an unforgettable experience, and watching them make their way toward the water was both moving and inspiring. I also enjoyed the amazing sunsets over the Pacific, which created a beautiful and peaceful end to each day. Taking part in an authentic cacao ceremony was another special highlight, offering a meaningful opportunity to connect with the local culture and embrace a moment of reflection and intention. Amaru delivered so much more than a surf retreat. It was a chance to meet wonderful people, experience a new culture, learn new skills, and become part of a welcoming community. I’m incredibly grateful to the entire team for creating such a thoughtful, positive, and memorable experience. I’d happily recommend Amaru to anyone looking for a surf retreat with great people, delicious food, personalized yoga, engaging surf instruction, and an atmosphere full of warmth and positive energy. It was a fantastic introduction to surf retreats in Nicaragua, and an experience I’ll remember fondly. Jon (aka Prairie Dog)

I had a great time! They truly made it an unforgettable experience. Incredible people, great food, amazing atmosphere, barrels for days- Amaru truly has it all.

Beautiful place, amazing people and excellent waves!

Disconnect and Reset from so called “Life” ❤️ we had a wonderful time - if you need a place to just be, take a walk on the long and beautiful beaches, get the best massages, meditate, read do some Yoga or surf and catch the best wave of your life - Amaru is the place to be! Forget for a while the world and disconnect. The owner and staff make you feel like family. We got back to reality recharged and with a smile.

I have surfed in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and El Salvador. None of these places can touch Amaru. I like to get off the grid and enjoy good waves and good local, healthy meals. Amaru checks all the boxes. Gerrit and his staff are top notch-friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. I have been to Amaru three times since January, 2025 and each trip has been fantastic. I will be back.