Become a Surfer — Not Just a Student
The only true beachfront surf retreat in SJDS — where every bed faces the waves and every session moves you closer to mastery. Most surf camps drive you to the beach. We live on it. At Flamingo, you can roll out of bed, see the lineup, and paddle out in under sixty seconds. Here, the surf isn’t just an activity — it’s a lifestyle that our days revolve around.
Why we launched the Surf Retreat
I built The Flamingo because I simply love surfing and wanted to share the expereice of riding waves with others. But I was tired of the illusion. Every surf camp promises “the surf life,” yet none of them are actually on the beach. I watch every day as students load into the back of truck and drive twenty minutes to the beach, wasting the best waves of the day while eating dust and bumping around the back of the truck. If you want to become a surfer, you need to live it 24/7 on the break, paddling out for 2 to 3 sessions per day, only stopping to eat, nap, read, reflect and recharge for the next session. Thats how I excelled quickly. I first learned to surf right here at Playa Remanso in 2010 — perfect glassy waves, friendly locals, soft sand bottom, consistent waves. I knew it was the ideal place to teach beginners. Years later, I came back and built a house directly on this beach — not a hostel, not a resort, but a small boutique lodge where people could live the true surf rhythm. When guests started showing up, it was obvious: They didn’t need more margaritas(although I our Pink Margarito is the best in town). They needed momentum — a place to reconnect with their body, the ocean, and a sense of purpose. That became The Flamingo Experience and now I am happy to host the Flamingo Surf Retreat.
Surfing isn’t mastered in a few 90-minute lessons.
Progress comes from time in the water — catching hundreds of waves, not ten.
At Flamingo, you’re steps from the surf.
That means you can paddle out three times a day, surf when conditions are best, rest when you need, and watch the lineup to learn patterns even when you’re on land.
Living on the beach multiplies your progress.
You don’t commute to waves — you live with them.
If you live on the water, you learn faster — period.
Meet Tito – Head Coach, Makako Surf
Tito has spent over 15 years mastering Central America’s waves.
He’s ISA-certified, bilingual, and one of the region’s most respected surf coaches.
He leads every program personally, with a 1-to-2 coach-to-student ratio, mixing technical precision with calm, intuitive guidance.
“Surfing isn’t about fighting the ocean — it’s about learning to move with it.”
— Tito, Makako Surf
What to expect
Each retreat is small, personalized, and intentionally curated.
You’ll train with Tito and his team at the break directly in front of the house and explore nearby waves when conditions align — Tamarindo, Hermosa, Las Tablas, Yankee — depending on conditions.
You'll Learn:
- Ocean awareness & reading the lineup
- Paddle power, timing & positioning
- Pop-up technique & stance
- Wave selection, etiquette & confidence
And you'll live:
Beach bonfires, secret-beach hikes, karaoke nights, catamaran sails, sunset dinners, and long quiet mornings with your coffee watching the tide roll in.
Every Flamingo Surf Retreat includes:
🏄♂️ Surf & Coaching
Learn from the best with Makako Surf’s professional instructors led by Tito — bilingual, ISA-certified, and with 15+ years of experience.
Daily in-water and on-land training sessions help you build real skill and confidence.
🏖️ Beachfront Access 24/7
Stay right on the surf break. Every bed in the house faces the ocean — you can check the swell from your pillow and paddle out within 60 seconds.
No dusty shuttles. No wasted time. Just waves, whenever you want them.
📸 Photo + Video Analysis
Professional footage and feedback to help you see your form, track progress, and walk away with memories that last forever.
🍳 Luxury Breakfast Menu
Wake up to healthy, energizing meals made from local ingredients — fresh fruit, eggs, coffee, tea, and all the fuel you need to hit the waves.
🏡 Eco-Luxury Living
Enjoy comfort that’s grounded in nature.
Solar-powered property, ocean-view pool, sky hammock terrace, beach lawn, and shaded lounge spaces for recovery and connection.
🚐 Airport Transfer (Included)
We pick you up from Managua or Liberia and bring you straight to the beach — no stress, no confusion, just ease from the moment you land.
🧘 Wellness & Recovery Add-Ons
Rejuvenate after your surf sessions with massages, sauna, or cold plunge therapy — all available on-site.
Guests staying 10+ nights receive a bonus massage or sauna session.
🍕 Themed Chef Dinners & Nights In
Join pizza nights, sushi nights, or grilled steak evenings under the stars.
We keep it casual, communal, and full of flavor — the way surf trips are meant to be.
🎶 Adventure & Community Vibe
Sunset bonfires, karaoke, salsa nights, hidden beach hikes, and local adventures.
Some call it “the best part of the trip” — we call it everyday life at Flamingo.
📶 Connectivity & Comfort
Stay connected with 24/7 Wi-Fi and backup power from our $70,000 solar system.
Starlink keeps you online when you need it — even while living off-grid in paradise.
🏡 Accommodation Options
Ocean-View Female Pod Dorm: eight private pods with curtains, fans, and outlets — safe, social, and serene.
Private Suites: king beds, ensuite bath, ocean panorama — perfect for couples or solo guests seeking privacy.
🌟 5-Star Guarantee
If you are dissatisfied, I will refund you with a handshake. We value reputation more than profits.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Choose between an 8-bed female-only luxury dorm or private King Suites. Both options include: Infinity pool • Beach lawn & garden • Mini bar • Library • Community workspace • Board racks • Rinse area
Oceanview Dorm (Girls Only)
Female-only shared dorm. Eight private pods facing the ocean.
Each has a privacy curtain, personal fan, reading light, and charging port.
Quiet, safe, and social — designed for women who value comfort, community, and the freedom to surf as much as they want.
Private Suites
King bed, ensuite bath, panoramic ocean view.
Ideal for couples or solo men joining the retreat who want more space and privacy.
When you join The Flamingo Surf Retreat, you’ll get:
- 7 days of expert surf coaching ($550 value)
- Full gear & board setup ($450)
- Photos/Videos + review & analysis ($450)
- Ocean-view accommodation ($950)
- Luxury Breakfasts ($250)
- Round-trip airport transfer ($300)
- Local surf transport ($200)
Total Value: $2,500+
But we offer packages starting at $975.
Fill out the form and we'll respond with a quote.
Two ways to stay here at Flamingo
Prefer to surf and move at your own pace? Simply book directly with us. You can bring your own board or rent one here on the beach. You can also purchase massages, transportation, meals, and other services directly on site. But to book an all inclusive retreat, you must book directly with us.
Direct Stay
Book your suite or pod directly with us or through Booking.com — perfect for travelers passing through who want taste of the experience.
All-Inclusive Retreat Package
Prefer everything arranged for you? We’ll handle transfers, meals, activities, and experiences for one seamless price.
Flamingo Surf Retreat FAQs
For a full list of FAQs around Flamingo, Nicaragua, transportation, traveling, surfing and more, visit our main FAQ page.
What amenities are included at The Flamingo Experience?
How do I book a stay at The Flamingo Experience?
What activities are available for guests?
Flamingo Only Sleeps 14 Guests
We keep things small so the experience stays special. Only 8 pods and 3 suites are available. Book early to secure the best spots.
Flamingo Guarantee
You’ll leave with sun-kissed skin, salt in your hair, and a new identity — a surfer. You’ll understand tides, etiquette, and the quiet joy of catching your own wave. You’ll be stronger, calmer, and proud of what you learned. That feeling stays long after the sand washes off.