ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
THE WORLD’S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT LUXURY SURF CAMP FOR BEGINNERS
Nestled in the heart of Cabarete on the Dominican Republic’s stunning north coast, Swell Surf Camp represents more than just a place to learn surfing—it’s the realization of a vision to transform how adults experience surf holidays. Since opening our doors in the winter of 2009/2010, we’ve welcomed over 9,000 guests from around the world, teaching them not just how to ride waves, but how to embrace a lifestyle of adventure, wellness, and genuine connection.
OUR FOUNDING STORY
Swell Surf Camp was born from eight years of living the Caribbean dream. Our founders, Jeroen from the Netherlands and Clare from the UK, fell in love with the Dominican Republic’s outdoor watersport lifestyle and knew they had discovered something special. But as seasoned travelers who had stayed at surf camps across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Europe, they recognized a significant gap in the market.
Traditional surf camps often meant compromising comfort for affordability, or sacrificing the social atmosphere for luxury accommodations. Travelers were forced to endure basic facilities, uncomfortable beds, and subpar food—all while paying premium prices for their surf instruction. Jeroen and Clare asked themselves a simple question: Why couldn’t surf holidays offer both quality and community?
With this vision in mind, they enlisted a renowned Swiss architect with one ambitious goal: to design the world’s first purpose-built luxury surf camp specifically tailored for adult beginners. The result is Swell—a stunning property that seamlessly blends boutique hotel comfort with the authentic, social energy of a true surf camp experience.
WHY CABARETE? THE PERFECT SURF DESTINATION
Before breaking ground on Swell, Jeroen and Clare conducted exhaustive research, visiting potential locations throughout Central America and the Caribbean. They evaluated Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, meticulously comparing wave consistency, safety conditions, accessibility, and year-round weather patterns. Their conclusion was definitive: the north coast of the Dominican Republic offered the ideal conditions for adult surf education.
Our home base of Cabarete has rightfully earned its reputation as the Caribbean’s premier watersports capital. Alongside Hawaii, the Dominican Republic ranks among the world’s top watersports destinations, offering consistent morning surf followed by legendary afternoon trade winds perfect for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and windsurfing—all in a single epic day.
PLAYA ENCUENTRO: WORLD-CLASS BEGINNER SURF SPOT
Just a few miles west of Cabarete lies Playa Encuentro, our primary teaching location and one of the finest beginner surf spots on the planet. Unlike many popular surf destinations, Encuentro offers crucial advantages for those new to the sport: mellow inside waves with chest-deep water, no dangerous rips or currents, and an absence of the hazardous sea creatures found in other tropical locations. The waves break consistently, creating an ideal learning environment where students can progress rapidly with confidence and safety.
OUR PHILOSOPHY: EXCELLENCE IN SURF COACHING
Teaching people how to surf isn’t just what we do—it’s what we specialize in. When we opened in 2009, we committed ourselves to becoming one of the world’s premier surf camps for beginners, and we’ve maintained that standard for over fifteen years.
Our team of qualified, certified surf instructors doesn’t just demonstrate techniques; they genuinely love teaching and connecting with students. We employ a personalized surf instruction plan that recognizes each guest’s unique learning pace, previous experience, and personal goals. Our approach goes far beyond basic wave riding—we provide comprehensive education on ocean awareness, surf safety fundamentals, proper etiquette, and the environmental consciousness essential to responsible surfing.
COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING APPROACH
Every lesson includes video analysis sessions, allowing students to see their progress and understand exactly what they need to improve. Our theory sessions complement the practical instruction, giving guests a deep understanding of wave dynamics, positioning, and timing. This holistic approach has proven remarkably effective, with many first-time surfers standing and riding waves within their first few days.
THE SWELL EXPERIENCE: MORE THAN JUST SURFING
While surf instruction remains at our core, the Swell experience extends far beyond the waves. We’ve cultivated an environment where solo travelers (who comprise 70% of our guests) immediately feel welcomed into a global community of like-minded adventurers. Our shared breakfasts and communal dinners—prepared with fresh, local ingredients by our talented kitchen team—create natural opportunities for connection and friendship.
The property itself reflects our commitment to quality at every level. Our purpose-built facility features private en-suite rooms with air conditioning, exceptionally comfortable beds, and daily cleaning service. The stunning swimming pool with LED and fiber optic lighting serves as a social hub, complemented by our expansive communal area equipped with pool tables, foosball, ping pong, and relaxation spaces perfect for unwinding after a day in the surf.
THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE FOR ADULT LEARNERS
But Swell isn’t a late-night party destination. Our guests—typically working professionals aged 35 to 60 from New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, and throughout Europe—come here with purpose. They want to wake up early, catch the best morning surf conditions, and live fully in each moment. We’ve cultivated an atmosphere that balances social connection with respect for everyone’s surf goals and rest needs.
BEYOND THE WAVES: COMPLETE ADVENTURE
Swell guests have access to the full spectrum of Caribbean adventure. Learn kitesurfing at one of the world’s best spots, try wingfoiling (the sport’s newest evolution), or join yoga classes to complement your surf training. Adventure seekers can explore the Dominican Republic’s spectacular interior through canyoning expeditions, horseback riding on pristine beaches or in mountain ranges, and visits to breathtaking waterfalls.
CULTURAL IMMERSION AND SUSTAINABILITY
We also pride ourselves on immersing guests in authentic local culture through community visits, traditional Dominican cuisine, and connections with local surf legends. As an eco-conscious retreat, we’re committed to sustainable tourism practices that protect the very coastlines and ocean ecosystems providing us with perfect waves.
ACCESSIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE
One of Swell’s often-overlooked advantages is sheer convenience. Located just 25 minutes from Puerto Plata International Airport, we’re easily accessible via direct flights from New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto, and Montreal—typically just 1.5 to 4 hours of flight time. This means you can swap urban concrete for Caribbean sand faster than traveling to Costa Rica or Nicaragua, which often require puddle jumper flights or lengthy taxi transfers.
RECOGNITION AND RESULTS
Since our opening, Swell has earned multiple awards and accumulated hundreds of five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Google, and independent travel platforms. We’ve received TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award and consistently rank among the top specialty lodging options in Cabarete. But our proudest achievement isn’t the awards—it’s the countless guests who return year after year, often bringing friends and family to share the Swell experience.
JOIN THE SWELL FAMILY
Whether you’re a working professional seeking an active escape, a solo traveler looking for adventure and connection, or a couple wanting to learn something transformative together, Swell Surf Camp offers an unparalleled combination of expert instruction, genuine comfort, and authentic community.
We’re not just teaching people to surf—we’re helping them discover a new dimension of themselves, forge friendships that transcend borders, and create memories that last far beyond their time on our beautiful Caribbean coast.
Welcome to Swell. Your perfect surf adventure awaits.
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WHERE IS SWELL LOCATED?
Swell Surf camp is located on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, right in the center of the cool surfer town of Cabarete. With 3 international airports to choose from it's also one of the easiest places to get to for a quick surf getaway. Puerto Plata Airport is only 25 minutes away from Swell. On the' getting here' page you'll find the different options of getting to us.
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ABOUT SWELL SURF CAMP
Founded in the winter of 2009, Swell Surf Camp emerged from Jeroen and Clare Mutsaars vision. They lived in the Dominican Republic for eight years and spotted a gap in the surf camp market for higher quality accommodations combined with an engaging social atmosphere. Their extensive travel and stay experiences across different countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, Hawaii, Indonesia and various European nations fueled their passion to elevate the surfing retreat experience.
Swell Surf Camp is renowned as the world’s first luxury surf camp tailored specifically for beginners. The founders collaborated with a notable Swiss architect to design facilities that blend comfort with style. This innovative approach ensures every guest enjoys superior lodging and amenities. Since its inception, Swell has taught over 9,000 people how to surf with an emphasis on safety, fun, and structure.
Our achievements speak volumes. Swell has collected numerous accolades and maintains hundreds of stellar reviews from guests globally. Recognized repeatedly as the leading destination for luxury surf vacations, our commitment to excellence keeps us at the forefront of the industry.
Beyond surfing, Swell offers a diverse range of activities including kitesurfing, wingfoiling, and yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy horse riding both on scenic beaches and mountain trails—plus exciting adventure-filled excursions like canyoning.
A crucial element of any vacation is food, and here at Swell we excel. We provide delicious home-cooked meals daily. For evenings out, guests find themselves just minutes away from an array of dining options that promise satisfying culinary adventures.
For those who prioritize upscale amenities and wellness in a unique setting built around learning surf skills amid profound natural beauty, Swell should be on the top of your surf destination list
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A 1 WEEK LEARN TO SURF HOLIDAY
Dreaming of catching your first wave but wondering if surf lessons are really for you? At Swell Surf Camp, our lessons are designed specifically for beginners, and we mean absolute beginners, particularly those between 40 and 55 from cities like New York, Boston, or Toronto. You’ll never feel rushed, lost, or out of place. Our expert instructors genuinely love teaching, and their approach is as much about encouragement as it is about skill-building. Every instructor carefully tunes each lesson to fit one person, you, so you always get personalized support, whether you’re working on basic paddling, learning to pop up, or building confidence in the water.
The journey at Swell Surf Camp is about progression, not perfection. You’ll start with the very basics, practicing on the sand before moving into gentle ocean waves with your instructor right beside you. Throughout every lesson, our focus is on clear communication, safety, and keeping things fun. As you progress, our instructors give you feedback in real-time, helping you celebrate small wins and guiding your next steps. You’ll learn solid surfing foundations, water safety, and even the unwritten rules of surf culture. By the end of your stay, you’ll be amazed at your own growth and how natural surfing feels. Don’t wait to discover how transformative a single lesson can be, book your surf adventure at Swell Surf Camp and let your surfing journey begin!
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WHAT SPORTS DOES SWELL OFFER?
It's not only surfing that's on offer at Swell, we also offer learn to wingfoil and learn to kitesurf packages.
“Think of Swell as the anti-surf camp. There’s plenty of surfing, of course, but the similarities to other surf camps end there. For starters, the rooms are stylish — more boutique surf retreat than reggae-loving surfer digs. Then there are the legendary breakfasts (omelets, pancakes and crepes, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and fruit bowls). Structured surf lessons take place each morning. An instructor alongside you and the head surf coach watching from shallow water, ready to offer learn to surf tips between riding waves. If you are serious about learning to surf, then Swell should be on top of your destination list. Highly recommended! ”
Reference Source:
[Frommer’s Travel Guides]
Designed with the discerning surfer in mind, Swell is far from a crash pad. The spare clean lines, plush bedding, modern photographs and funky furniture say ‘boutique surf retreat’. The pool, ping-pong and foosball tables and social vibe suggest otherwise. A huge wood communal table is the center of the hanging-out action, after all the surfing is done. Highly recommended!
Reference Source:
[Lonely Planet]