You’ll be guided throughout by our experienced Trip Leaders and Coaches, all expert bodyboarders, qualified lifeguards and fully trained in-house. From wave selection and progression coaching to safety and logistics, you’re supported every step of the way, allowing you to focus entirely on riding waves and enjoying the adventure. Some trips, not all, have celebrity bodyboarders Jay and Vicki Reale in attendance.
Rob Barber is not only the Director of Bodyboard Holidays, he is also a former European and British Bodyboarding Number 1. After a remarkable 25-year career combined with his role as Head Coach for the British Surfing & Bodyboarding team, he was inspired to create unique bodyboarding experiences for like-minded people. A chance conversation at a bodyboarding contest in the UK gave him the tip off of the waves in this area of Nicaragua. That was back in 1998. Roll on to present day and he has held many trips to Nicaragua and received endless glowing reviews on the experience. While Bodyboard-Holidays took a hiatus from the visits to this region during and post the pandemic, they are now back and have things set up better than ever before.
Jacob has been voted as instructor of the year for 2 years in a row for good reason. Maturity beyond his years, strong in the water (he’s a triathlete as well as a bodyboarder), a great explainer and definitely the biggest fins out of any of the team (he’s a size 12 shoe and 6 foot 4 inches tall). Jacob flew through the 4 month instructor training course, climbed the ladder of achievement among his peers and now finds himself working on the Central America camps each winter. When he’s not working for Bodyboard Holidays he is training aspirant watersports and surfing instructors. He’s extremely safety conscious, knowledgeable and approachable. If you hear him being called ‘John John’ it’s because of his likeness to World surfing champion John John Florence!
João was born and raised in Portugal, he has lived in Porto since he was a child and enjoys bodyboarding the many and varied set ups! Starting bodyboarding at the age of 12 he now has over 27 years of experience as a bodyboarder. Even though Joao is a trained lawyer, he chooses to spend his time travelling the world teaching bodyboarding. His favourite part of working in the team is having the chance to share his passion for bodyboarding with the awesome people on Bodyboard Holidays Trips. João rips, he’s one of Portugal’s finest riders.
Jay Reale is a bodyboarding legend and one of the most accomplished figures in the sport’s history. Originally from Ocean City, Maryland, Jay has been riding waves since 1980, earning titles like U.S. Amateur Champion and competing in the world’s most iconic spots, including the Pipeline World Championships. Beyond his competitive success, Jay is known as a global ambassador for bodyboarding, with a career that spans magazine features, TV appearances, and worldwide travel. Jay now co-runs eBodyboarding.com, the largest bodyboarding shop in the world, combining his decades of expertise with a passion for supporting the bodyboarding community.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Jay join us on a select number of Bodyboard Holidays trips, where his unmatched expertise, fun personality, and passion for the sport take the experience to another level. Whether sharing tips in the lineup or stories from his incredible career, Jay brings an energy and enthusiasm that make every session unforgettable. Please check the dates section to see what trips Jay will be joining us on.
Vicki Reale is a pioneer in women’s bodyboarding, she’s famous for her fearless style and groundbreaking achievements. Born in Port Macquarie, Australia, Vicki quickly rose to prominence on the world stage, becoming the first Australian Women’s Pro Champion and competing in the World Surfing Games. Her travels have taken her to five continents, and she’s been a prominent figure in shaping the sport, even gracing the cover of Riptide Magazine as the first female bodyboarder to do so. Vicki now co-runs eBodyboarding.com, the world’s largest bodyboarding shop, where she helps riders of all levels gear up and stay stoked for the waves.
Having Vicki on a Bodyboard Holidays trip is an incredible privilege. Her wealth of experience, charming personality, and love for the sport make her an inspiring mentor and companion. Bodyboarding with Vicki is not just fun-it’s a chance to learn from one of the best in the game and share her infectious passion for the waves. Vicki joins us on a select number of trips, please check the dates section to see which ones.
NICARAGUA
Seven nights in spacious, fully equipped houses within a private, gated coastal community just minutes from an epic bodyboarding wave. Enjoy ensuite or twin rooms, two pools, volleyball and ping pong, communal lounges, pushbikes and Wi-Fi. Lush surroundings, minimal crowds and effortless access to fun, hollow waves define this stop.
EL SALVADOR
Seven nights in a relaxed surf-vibes hotel just steps from the beach and multiple high-quality point breaks. Private or twin rooms, two pools, ocean and river views, on-site restaurant and bar, and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere make this a favourite stop on the tour.
COSTA RICA
Seven nights in comfortable, surf-focused accommodation close to a variety of fun beach breaks and playful peaks. Expect air-conditioned rooms, pool access, a dedicated yoga sala and relaxed communal chill-out areas, with easy access to waves that suit all levels. Set within Costa Rica’s lush jungle environment, days and evenings are soundtracked by the calls of howler monkeys and the flash of macaws moving through the canopy.
For more details, visit the individual destination pages.
Our expert instructors provide daily tuition tailored to your ability, from complete beginner to advanced. Expect hands-on in-water guidance, beach-side workshops and tips, and detailed video analysis to accelerate your progression.
A pre-arrival form helps us assess your level so you start in the right group, while daily sessions are adapted to swell, tide and conditions, ensuring you’re always in the best spot.
Our dedicated photographers and coaches capture every session from land and water across all three destinations. You’ll leave with a full photo and video package covering the entire three-week journey, including at least one frame-worthy barrel shot and plenty of footage to track your progression and relive the experience.
You’ll need to arrange your own flights into Managua International Airport (MGA), Nicaragua, and depart from San José International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica.
Please arrange your arrival into Nicaragua before our 14:00 transfer and your departure from Costa Rica after our scheduled drop-off time.
Internal flights and transfers between Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica are straightforward, and we’ll help you plan these to ensure a seamless journey.
We highly recommend that you have a read of our ‘How to book a flight’ blog to help you organise the best flights for your holiday.
If your flight includes a stop, please allow enough time to make your connection and factor in short delays. If you’re flying from Europe, your stop will often be in the U.S.
It’s best to book a ticket that transports your luggage directly to the airport in San Salvador if possible. If you’re transiting through the U.S. you will most likely need an ESTA visa. Ask your travel agent.
When you walk through arrivals (after collecting your bags) your driver will be there to meet you, please keep an eye out for him. He will be holding a sign with ‘Bodyboard Holidays’ on it. Once your bags are loaded, they will take you to the accommodation, which is approximately 2.5 hours away.
Airport transfers, in an air conditioned minibus, are included in the price if you can make the times that we have available.
The (inclusive in price) airport pick up and drop off times are:
14:00 on arrivals day, from Managua airport
10:00 arrival at Cobano airport on departures day to begin your journey home
If you can’t make the transfer we can arrange your pick up at a charge of $100 each way. If you share a transfer this price will be split between the passengers. We will try our best to group you together to keep the cost down.
You will also need to arrange flights between the three destinations. Please chat to us and we will help you plan your flights to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. It’s very straightforward and we have done it many times. You should budget around $100 each for these flights.
NICARAGUA
All meals in Nicaragua are included and freshly prepared onsite by our private chef. Expect hearty breakfasts, relaxed lunches and social dinners featuring a mix of local and international dishes. Think fresh fish, grilled meats, tacos, burgers, pasta dishes, salads and plenty of vegetarian options.
Hot coffee, fresh juice and water are available throughout the day. Optional evenings out are possible if you’d like to explore local restaurants, but most guests love the social vibe of eating together at the house after long days in the water.
EL SALVADOR
In El Salvador, breakfast is included each day and provides the perfect fuel for dawn patrols. Expect traditional options such as beans and rice, eggs on toast, or international favourites like pancakes with fresh fruit.
Lunches and dinners are for you to choose and purchase. You can eat at the hotel’s excellent on-site restaurant or venture into the village to explore local spots serving burritos, tacos, quesadillas, grilled seafood and salads. Evening meals out are a highlight and a great way to experience Salvadoran culture.
COSTA RICA
In Costa Rica, breakfasts are included and typically feature fresh fruit, eggs, toast, coffee and local specialities. Lunches and dinners are enjoyed either at nearby restaurants or local eateries, giving you the chance to sample Costa Rica’s diverse and healthy cuisine.
Expect fresh seafood, rice and beans, grilled meats, plantains, smoothies and excellent coffee. Costa Rica offers plenty of choice, whether you’re after a quick post-surf meal or a relaxed evening dinner.
NICARAGUA
Nicaragua is fully all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, transport, coaching and activities. It offers exceptional value, allowing you to enjoy a first-class bodyboard lifestyle without constantly reaching for your wallet.
Visa: Tourist visa entry fee of $10 USD, payable in cash on arrival.
Extras: Budget around $20 per day for optional treats such as beach club drinks, snacks or bakery stops.
EL SALVADOR
El Salvador remains one of Central America’s best value destinations. While breakfast is included, lunches and dinners are purchased locally and are very affordable.
Visa: Tourist visa entry fee of $12 USD, payable on arrival.
Food: From $3 pupusas to $15–$18 for beachfront dining.
Extras: Budget approximately $10–$20 per day for drinks, snacks and optional activities.
Bitcoin is accepted in some areas, but US dollars are widely used and recommended.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is slightly more expensive than Nicaragua and El Salvador but still excellent value for the quality of food, services and experiences on offer.
Food: Allow approximately $15–$25 per meal depending on where you choose to eat.
Extras: Budget around $20–$30 per day for drinks, snacks and optional excursions.
NICARAGUA
When you’re not bodyboarding, Nicaragua offers a wide range of optional activities. Relax by the pool, stretch out in a hammock or explore the surrounding area by bike. For those wanting adventure, options include:
All activities are optional and some incur additional costs.
EL SALVADOR
El Salvador blends surf culture with adventure and relaxation. In your downtime, you can relax poolside, enjoy yoga or explore the surrounding area. Optional activities include:
Additional surf-inspired activities (extra cost) may include yoga, ice bath recovery, movement training and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity and adventure options. Between surf sessions, you can slow things down or dive into exploration. Optional activities include:
Whether you choose total relaxation or full adventure mode, Costa Rica provides the perfect final chapter to your three-week journey.
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On Sale!
We Offer 3 Easy Ways To Pay!
All trips must be paid in full no later than 12 weeks from start date. We can’t guarantee your place until we have received a payment from you. Once you have made a payment, you’ll then be sent a trip confirmation email with all details on.
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with a host of new bodyboarding buddies.
Due to this trip being in high demand and having limited spaces, we can only hold your space for up to 24 hours without payment.
You are welcome to attend for a shorter period to suit your personal schedule, however the package price will remain the same.
Group booking discounts are available, please contact us for more information.
ASAP! These holidays fill up quickly and, with limited spaces available, sell out fast. We operate on a first come first serve basis. If you want to secure your place on the trip, it is advised that you pay as soon as you can.
If you are based outside of the UK and would like to book or chat through the holiday details, we can be contacted through our online chat.
If you wish to bring a non-bodyboarding partner with you, that is absolutely fine, however, the price stays the same.
We have a great mix of all ages from young whipper-snappers to silver surfers.
The gender ratio at the moment is around 60% men to 40% women. However, this is constantly changing and Bodyboard Holidays is inclusive to all.
The accommodation has acceptable WiFi which can be used for video calls, emails etc. It would not be strong enough to support the downloading of films and large files.
You’ll be asked to fill in an enrolment form as part of the booking process. You’ll signify which level of bodyboarder you are. You may be in a different group suited to your ability, however, there will be plenty of time to see each other back at the accommodation and during our social evening meals.
We choose the time of year and location for our holidays based on local knowledge and historical swell data. In the event of flat waves or stormy conditions, we will offer alternative activities and day trips to help you get the most out of your holiday.
We may also adjust the format of the week, for example, choosing to run more bodyboard sessions on the days that the waves are at their best.
Please visit our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Expect uncrowded, warm-water waves across all three destinations. Nicaragua offers fun, hollow beach breaks, El Salvador delivers long, perfectly peeling point breaks, and Costa Rica adds powerful beach breaks and playful peaks. Together, they provide exceptional variety and consistency for bodyboarders of all levels.
We do not offer a discount for bringing your own equipment.
Remember to check the baggage size and weight allowance with your airline, as well as reading their guidance for carrying bodyboards. Baggage handlers can be unforgiving, so a tough bag and intelligent packing are a must.
Firstly, pack your board(s) in a protective, padded board bag, and write FRAGILE and TOP LOAD ONLY on it with a permanent marker. Make sure you wrap your towel and clothes around your board inside the bag for added protection. Place your shampoo and other wet toiletries in a separate sealed bag in case of leakage. We also recommend locking the zips on your bag with a padlock.
Many nations can visit Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica for up to three months without a visa. However, entry into the country may be refused and airlines may turn you away if you have less than six months left on your passport or if you don’t have an onward ticket.
Please check international travel requirements for your nationality. Please contact your travel agent or airline if you are unsure or have any further questions.
You may also need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). If you are travelling through America you should take a look at this website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
There are now enhanced security requirements to travel through the U.S using the Visa Waiver programme. There is a charge for the ESTA. If you are unsure, please contact your travel agent or the company that you purchased your air ticket from for further information.
If you’re not a British national, please check international travel requirements for your nationality.
It’s a good idea to carry photocopies of your important documents and guide books and pack them separately. We also suggest scanning copies and emailing them to yourself for extra reassurance.
We will tell you the flights to book in advance of your trip and how to book them. This is a very straightforward process and we are happy to guide you through it. You should expect to pay around $100 dollars per flight. We then assure that you are at the airport in good time to make the connections. The flights that you will require are Managua to San Salvador, then San Salvador to San Jose, San Jose to Cobano.
If you are under 18, we will need to chat to you on the phone and you will need to be accompanied on the trip by a parent or guardian throughout the holiday. If you are 60 or over we’d love to chat with you about the trip before you book. Please contact us via our online chat.
On the day you travel please keep your mobile phone handy so we can stay in touch in case of delays and flight changes. Please inform us if you’re early or delayed for any reason.
If you need help booking your flight then just drop us a line or read our helpful blog post about booking flights.
If you can’t find our representative at the airport, stay there and wait, they won’t be far away. Our transfer representatives will have access to your arrival details. However, if you’re having difficulties finding them follow the instructions in your pre-arrival email. One of the team will locate you. Upon booking the trip the trip leader will share their direct mobile number so that you can contact them if you need them.
As with any holiday, full travel insurance is a requirement for all guests booking a trip with the company.
Please also ensure that your policy covers you for ‘disruption to travel’ and ‘cover for cancellations’ as standard.
For further help please read our helpful blog post about travel insurance.
You may need to add additional cover for surfing or bodyboarding, it is essential that your insurance policy covers you for all activities during your stay. Failure to take out travel insurance breaks the contract between Bodyboard Holidays and the client.
If you are joining one of our trips and you are native to the country of its location (i.e you live in Lisbon and are joining our Portugal trip) you do not need to take out medical travel insurance. This is as long as you have your own personal health-care plan or are covered by your country’s National Health Service. Although, we kindly request that you still take out trip disruption and cancellation insurance to cover all possible eventualities.
US dollars are widely accepted across all three countries, particularly in coastal and surf regions. We recommend bringing small-denomination USD in cash for ease, as ATMs can be limited in some areas.
All accommodation is located in safe, surf-focused areas with established tourism infrastructure. Nicaragua features a private, gated community, El Salvador is based in a close-knit surf village, and Costa Rica is renowned for its welcoming, traveller-friendly environment. Guests consistently report feeling relaxed and secure throughout the trip.
We are a UK based company that delivers trips all over the world welcoming travellers of all nationalities.
If your circumstances change and you can’t join the trip, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation terms:
We hold part or full costs, depending on when you cancel:
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.
Please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions videos.
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