More than a surf retreat waves, yoga, beaches and real adventure, all in one place.
We teach people to surf with professional coaching, at your own pace. A surf retreat that pairs comfortable accommodation and proper instruction with the relaxed, social atmosphere of a surf camp.
We built Swell as a surf retreat based on our own travel experience — a bed you can sink into, delicious meals, and incredible staff: the kind of place that makes you feel at home the moment you walk in.
Ideal conditions
to learn and to progress your surfing
Surf
Teaching people the sport of surfing in a structured approach is what we have been doing since 2009. Our approach results in a safe, quick, and fun way to progress your level of surfing. Different group levels mean you are learning with other guests who are on a similar level.
We specialize in teaching guests with no surf experience, as well as novice and progressive levels*.
*For intermediate and advanced surf coaching, there might be other, more expensive, surf retreats better suited.
- Mellow waves
- Waves for different levels
- Quality equipment
- Warm water
- 2 Sessions per day
- Small groups
- Experienced instructors
- Lessons in english
Sleep (s)well.
A purpose-built surf retreat: a place to sleep in comfort, meet fellow travellers, chill between sessions, and eat delicious, home-cooked meals.
Every air-conditioned room has its own ensuite, a ceiling fan and crisp 100% cotton sheets. After an action-packed day in or on the water, you can sleep as well as you should. We have kept the palette calm and the beds generous: the real comfort and style us more “mature” folks are after.
At the centre of our surf retreat is the communal hub — an open living room and one huge dining table where the day winds down. Enjoy a game of pool with fellow guests, or let your body relax completely on the sofas and chairs.
Outside, a freshwater pool sits in a beautiful, palm-shaded garden, with ample loungers for the down time between sessions.
- Ensuite · AC · ceiling fan
- 100% cotton sheets
- Fresh breakfast & dinner
- Restaurants minutes away
- Communal living-room hub
- 24/7 staff onsite
- Saltwater pool
- Set in tropical garden
- Walk to restaurants & shops
- No need for a car
An international airport
Just twenty-five minutes away
Puerto Plata (POP) has nonstop flights from Miami, New York, Boston and Toronto. From the terminal Swell is just a twenty-five minute drive down the coast road — and our driver will be waiting for you at arrivals.
Puerto Plata (POP) is the closest airport to us but it isn’t the only one. Two more international airports sit within an easy drive: Santiago (STI) is about an hour and a half away, and Santo Domingo (SDQ) around three and a half — both worth a look if the fare or the timing happens to work better for you on the day you want to travel.
Whichever you choose, we’ll help you line up the transfer so the final leg is sorted before you touch down. There’s a full breakdown of routes, drive times and transfer options on the Getting here page.
Surf, Yoga & Adventure in a stunning setting — the pool, the breakfasts, the waves, the people, the country.
Don’t take
our word for it.
Google · Tripadvisor
Best trip ever! This experience had a personal touch to it you cannot find anywhere else. This was the perfect place to spend a birthday, and I will for sure return with more friends. Great experience that left me wanting more. The staff from instructors, housekeeping, cooks, all the way to security do a great job! This is a one-of-a-kind experience and I highly recommend giving it a try.
Questions,
answered.
Anything we’ve missed? Write to us — Swell's owner, Clare, will get back to you within a day.
None at all. Most guests arrive as first-timers or returning improvers. We grade every session to your level — from never-stood-on-a-board to refining your bottom turn.
Most guests stay 7 nights. Ideally Saturday to Saturday, but Saturday arrivals are not essential. A full week is enough to genuinely progress, and the rhythm of the week — surf, eat, sleep, repeat — is all we need to say.
60 to 70% of our guests travel solo. Shared meals, small groups and the communal hub mean nobody stays a stranger.
Swell Surf Camp was started in 2009
We should have called our place Swell Surf Retreat but at this time surf retreat meant a “woman only surf holiday” and Swell was never meant to be woman only, so we called it Swell Surf Camp. We have had a good amount of questions over the years from people asking if we are camping? No, we provide boutique surf retreat accommodation with a friendly “surf camp” like vibe.
Yoga is included in the surfing package; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. If you are at ‘home’ when there is a Yoga class you are welcome to add a class; Each one costs US$25.
Limited spaces available
Tell us your dates, how many people you are thinking about coming with, and we’ll send you a custom price and availability quote; almost instantly. Hasta pronto, see you soon.