It is impossible for us to advise you as everyone has very different spending patterns, so please don't write to Clare and ask how much cash you should bring.  To help you gauge, here is an idea of various items you might spend your money on: A local beer costs between $3 and $4 USD. A local lunch will cost you around $8 or $10 USD and for a dinner outside of Swell, expect to pay $15 to $30 USD, depending on how posh the place is. Our average drinks bill at Swell is around $35 USD after a week-long stay. Check the Day Trips page of the website for the cost of other activities you might want to do whilst you are with us.

Adventure Tours and Activities

A Swell surf holiday provides more than simple surfing experiences, whether you are a solo traveller enjoying excursions with your fellow guests or if you have come to Swell for a family vacation. We deliver adventure to all our guests.  We can organize canyoning & waterfall tours, fishing trips, boat snorkelling excursions and visits to stunning beaches, caves and lagoons.

Visualize yourself sliding across riverbeds in dense forests or investigating the marine life from a boat. These trips transform a routine vacation into a memorable expedition.

Every activity is structured to make everyone feel like a true explorer and if you come with your kids, (ideal in summer months, May to September) we promise you will give them an adventure-filled, unforgettable family vacation.  

There's a reason the saying is: "The Dominican Republic has it all!"

You don’t need to drink the tap water as Swell provides safe drinking water for free from a water cooler in our kitchen area:) We have a limited bar selection available but you are welcome to bring in your own spirits and use the ice from our fridge to mix some killer-drinks! We have a plastic-free policy at the camp, so we limit our drinks for sale to those which can be re-cycled.

Not at all. Guests typically range from 35 to 60 years old, though we’ve had people as young as 18 and as seasoned 70+ jump in. Most are working professionals escaping the daily grind—looking for quality, not parties till dawn.

Generally, don’t expect anyone to accept credit cards as payment: cash is king and credit cards will always incur extra fees and taxes (as much as 28%) on goods and services. At Swell your arrival balance must be paid in cash in either USD, CAD or pesos, the same goes for your departure balance (or we will also need to pass on these extra charges).

Cabarete is a very cool vibrant town, with a good variety of bars, all within a short walk from Swell. From lounge-type beach bars with live music, or no music, to thumping beach clubs with loud Reggaeton music, you can find what you are looking for to party into the early hours.

Well, in short, unlike Costa Rica where it can rain solidly for 3 months, we don’t have a rainy season: It can rain at any stage (often during the night) and is normally a sharp downpour before the sun comes out again, strongly. Rain is less likely between June and August than at any other time of the year.

No, a Swell Surf & Yoga retreat is not exclusively for women, it's open to men as well,  in fact 45% of our clients who join us at Swell are men.

You can ride waves year-round here, but not all months are created equal. Winter (November–February) delivers overhead swells that intermediate and advanced surfers crave. Shoulder seasons like March–May and September–October still offer decent surf. Summer (June–August)? Expect waist-high waves—fun if you're a beginner, but underwhelming if you're chasing power.  For beginner surfers, there are no months to avoid as you will always be surfing inside of where the main wave power breaks.

Rest assured, our drivers are trusted and reliable people who have worked with us for years.  We include POP round trip transfers in all our packages and as long as you fill in the arrivals form Clare sends you (the link to which will be in the long email you receive after booking - entitled 'Confirmation and arrival details, Swell surf camp') we will set up your collection.  Don't send us this form less than a week before you arrive as it may be too late to arrange a driver.  Provided you have sent us the form, we will confirm receipt and write back to you to let you know exactly where to locate the driver.  All airport staff speak English and you will have Haudy's (manager at Swell) own number to call in case you need any further help at all.  

If you prefer to make your own way, or you specifically ask us to take out transfers, an official taxi desk sits in the centre of the arrivals area with a taxi co-ordinator, regardless of the airport you arrive at. If you are using airport taxis, fares are on display. Uber now operates in the Dominican Republic, so the expensive, government set fares now have some competition. 

Our power sockets are the same as the USA and Canada, so you will not need an adaptor if you are coming from either of those countries. If you are travelling from Europe, bring the same adaptors as if you were travelling to the USA.

The average age of people traveling to us for an adult surf holiday varies per week, but generally speaking, the people who come to Swell Surf Camp on our surfing holidays are aged between 35 and 60. That's not to say that in certain weeks there are more people in their 30s than 50s (or the other way around). We are proud to say that we've have had people well into their 70s learning to surf at Swell.  Age really is just a number at Swell because the simple truth is that everyone is there with a passion for life and learning something new.  

Most of our clients are from the USA ( New York, Boston, LA, and Florida ), Canada (Toronto, Montreal,and Vancouver), and Europe, and 80% of them are working professionals who want the comforts of a boutique Surf retreat combined with the social aspect of a surf hotel.

Swell is a social place; however, we are not a 'party/drink' till 2 in the morning kind of place. 

We have free wifi in the communal area, but not in the rooms.  This is deliberate as Swell is a social place, we don't want you to hide in your room watching movies on your laptop and we try to encourage everyone to take time off from their screens.  If you need privacy to work, get yourself a local sim and hotspot from your 'phone.  Alternatively, choose a quieter moment in the communal area to carry out your work, and don't forget, you are actually on vacation!

Sorry, but the Swell kitchen cannot be used by guests at any time for the preparation of food, nor can use our fridge to store your own food. If you wish to self-cater, Swell surf camp is not the right place for you. But, if you want to be looked after with truly delicious food (there’s a good reason why our guests have asked for a Swell surf camp recipe book to be published), and be within a few meters of a whole bunch of other restaurants, then do choose us for your surf vacation.

Arriving at Swell Surf Camp, you’re instantly swept up by our place's laid-back energy.  Most of our new arrivals find it hard to tell who is staff and who's a guest because everyone feels so instantly at home.   Every day starts with us being the first at the beach, the sun rising over the ocean, signalling it’s time for a new surf adventure with fellow Swell guests. Whether you’re dipping your toes into surfing for the very first time or just soaking up the vibrant resort atmosphere, the mix of guided surf lessons, group events, and down-to-earth fun creates an unforgettable experience. Find out how easy and comfortable life becomes as you settle into the daily routines, connect with others, and embrace the authentic island vibe that makes this surf camp feel like home.

Close to Swell is a laundry where you can take your clothes and they will charge you to wash, iron, and fold your clothes, by the 1lb. Haudy, the Swell surf camp manager, will tell you exactly where it is.

Swell is located on the North coast of the Dominican Republic, in the center of the cool Caribbean surf town of Cabarete. 

Getting to us is really easy & fast from New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto & Montreal.

One direct 4-hour flight with Jet Blue or United and you can swap the concrete, traffic and noise of New York with the sandy beaches of the Caribbean. From Toronto, and Montreal, it's about a 3,5 to 4-hour direct flight and we are only a 25-minute transfer from Puerto Plata (code POP) International Airport.  From Miami, it's only a 1.5 hour flight to POP!

Not coming from New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto, or Montreal? A short 1-stop connection to those cities and you'll soon be at Swell Surf Camp.

Basically, from most destinations in the USA, from your door to our surf beaches is a lot quicker than going on a surf trip to Costa Rica or Nicaragua, since either of those require internal flights or 3 to 6 hour taxi transfers.

Coming from Europe?
From Germany and Switzerland there are direct flights to Puerto Plata, or connect in New York or Miami to Puerto Plata.

More info.

See all airlines and routes that connect New York, New Jersey,  Boston, Toronto and Miami to us on this page > Getting here

Professional Surf Coaching

Finding the right surf coach can transform a pleasant family vacation into a remarkable adventure. At Swell we use  International Surf Association-certified instructors having training in First Aid and CPR.

This ensures every surfer, from kids trying out a surfboard for the first time to parents aiming to polish their skills, are taught safely and effectively. These experienced surf instructors implement teaching methods aligning with each family member's proficiency level, assuring that everyone maximizes their learning potential.

At Swell Family Surf Camp Weeks, we have advanced coaching for children, simplifying the process for young surfers to comfortably tackle waves. At the same time, parents can be at ease knowing their children are acquiring new skills under secure oversight amidst the north coast's welcoming waves.

With expert mentorship adjusted to accommodate all ages and abilities, families depart not just with cherished memories, but also with enhanced surfing capabilities.

We can create a family surf holiday package that suits different skill levels and ensures fun for every family member. 

Planning your trip involves a few key steps. First, decide on the best time to visit us. Our Family Surf Camp weeks are popular, especially during school holidays, so booking early is wise. 

About 70% of the clients who come to Swell for an adult surf camp holiday travel solo.

As a result, it's easy to meet like-minded travelers from all over the world. We surf together, we have breakfasts and dinners together, so if you are looking for a social surf camp when on a solo surf trip, then a stay at Swell will be a great option for you.

Have a look at reviews on external sites like Tripadvisor and Google, and you will see the social aspect at Swell as the no.1 recurring theme. And it's not just the single and solo travelers who enjoy the company of new friends. For couples or groups, it's also a great way to make new friends from all over the globe.

The average age of our clients varies from week to week, but generally speaking, we attract more of a 35 to 50+ year old crowd than the 18 to 24-year-old crowd.

It might be wishful thinking on your part, but we can't possibly include flights in our packages given that our guests travel to Swell from all over the world: It would be impossible to do so. Take a look at our Getting Here page to see all the airlines flying to the Dominican Republic.

Yes, you don't have to surf, kite or wingfoil to stay with us and you will still be welcome.  Send us a message about getting the cost of the stay-only package (including 3 dinners, daily breakfast and round trip POP transfers). 

No, we save all our services for Swell guests. 

Well, it’s almost always hot here, so no warm clothes are required, save for a hoodie in case of a cooler morning in Winter months (Dec through March). The water is always very warm too, so no wet suits are needed, not even a shortie!

Forget about a wetsuit in the Dominican Republic. Air and water temps stay warm year-round. Boardshorts and bikini's are your only requirements. 

If 'only' learning to surf or 'only' learning to kitesurf or wingfoil is not enough, and you want the ultimate watersport action holiday, then yes you can combine our learn to surf holiday with kitesurfing or the new sport of wingfoiling (lots of our guests do in fact).
The surfing is mostly done before midday, then at around 13.00 to 14.00 the trade winds kick in for ideal kite and wing foiling.  With wind sports, you pay by the hour and classes are taught one-on-one, so it's easy to add a couple of hours of either kite or wingfoil lessons before deciding to continue.  You don't pay in advance for those, but if you know you would like to try one in addition to your surfing, or you would like to add surfing in addition to your chosen wind sport, do contact us 
We can offer you a package that combines different sports; surf in the morning and a wind sport in the afternoon. 

No, we don’t: There are other breaks, some of them are world-class on their day. However, we know from years of experience living and surfing here that you must be a very competent surfer already to safely surf those spots, as they are often a long paddle out against strong currents. Unlike Encuentro, those other surfing spots also require a certain swell height and direction to make them worth a visit. We can certainly offer advice and help to expert surfers on where to go and when, if you are staying with us.

The local currency is the Dominican Peso (currency code DOP). The airport has a currency exchange, but don’t change money there as their rates are very uncompetitive. Very close to Swell on foot are two good currency exchanges, and two banks that will give a much better rate (Haudy will tell you where they are). Note that you can only take out Dominican pesos from the local ATM machines.

US dollars and Pesos are both accepted methods of payments in Cabarete; The general rule in a shop or restaurant is pay in the currency the item, drink or food is priced as restaurants and shops will not necessarily always give you a good exchange rate. ATM machines only give out pesos – they often run out of cash at weekends – so prepare yourselves! It’s best to have a mixture of USD and DOP.  Credit card payments will ALWAYS incur significant extra fees, so cash is king.

Yes, there are good doctors who speak English in and around Cabarete. The CMC hospital in Sosua is a 10-minute drive away and they have English-speaking doctors and surgeons with good qualifications. Make sure you travel with a good vacation/travel insurance policy to cover you for any medical emergencies. No special shots are needed for a visit: Malaria is not a problem here. We do have mosquitos though and so to prevent mosquito bites, bring a good repellent, or buy some in the supermarket a short walk away from Swell.

Ridiculously easy. Direct flights from North America and Europe land you in Puerto Plata in 3–4 hours (even just 1.5 from Miami). The camp is a breezy 25-minute drive from the airport.

Teaching people how to surf is what we specialize in here at Swell. When we started in 2009 we set out to be one of the best surf camps for beginners. We have qualified surf coaching instructors who can teach the sport of surfing in a safe, fun, and quick manner. We use a personalized surf instruction plan.

The surf spot where we teach is an ideal place for beginner surfers. Before we opened Swell, we looked around the globe to find the ideal beginner surf destination. We visited Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragu, and as far as consistency and safety, we found the North coast Of the Dominican Republic simply offered the best location for an adult learn to surf retreat.

Our local surf spot Encuentro is perfect for beginners. The waves on the inside are mellow, and the water is about chest-deep. There are no dangerous rips, currents, or sea creatures here in the Dominican Republic (unlike some other beginner destinations like Costa Rica or Nicaragua).

Many places worldwide are great for advanced and expert surfers, but not all great surfing spots are ideal for people new to surfing. Where we teach at Playa Encuentro, just a few miles west of Cabarete, is truly an amazing spot for learning how to surf holiday. For more information on our learn to surf program, have a look at this page.

Yes, each room has its own safe. Safes in most rooms are big enough for laptops. Swell has a strictly guest-only policy for admittance to our premises, therefore, belongings are generally secure inside the camp.

This is a stunning, mountainous island and undoubtedly, it is usually raining somewhere in the hills: Just imagine, it takes 7 hours to drive West to East. This is not a small island and with Pico Duarte (the highest peak in the Caribbean) right in the middle and usually atop with snow, don’t expect forecasts to show nothing but clear skies. Extended periods of rain are rare and we do not have a rainy season like Costa Rica.

Staying longer on a Swell surf vacation is not a problem; we get a lot of returning clients who do not enjoy the cold weather at home during the winter, and stay at Swell Surf Camp for several weeks.  Even during our wintertime, you do not ever have to wear a wetsuit, the water is warm, and leave your warm clothes at home too, just bring plenty of sunscreen.  Ask Clare for our long term rates.  

Staying shorter is also possible, although the minimum stay most of the year is 5 nights.  Whilst Saturdays are the ideal arrival date, if we have availability, you can arrive on any day of the week.  So it's best to see what flights are available and then, send us a message if you want to join us for a surf holiday with like-minded adults.

Whilst we do not have a team of chefs to cater to every whim, we are well used to catering for vegetarians, vegans and people with other food intolerances. We have a wide variety of ingredients to choose from and will always try our very best to cater for your needs if you tell us in advance, so just send us an email to see what your options are.

If you are planning a family surf vacation, we have some very good advice to help you get the very best out of your stay. 

Generally speaking, kids are better off coming for a stay at Swell between May to September.  This is because of a few factors:

• The weather is generally drier
• Waves are far smaller and more manageable for kids in those months
• There is less current so swimming is much safer
• It's cheaper to stay with us in those months
• We can limit the number of reservations so that children get the right amount of attention
• Generally speaking day trips are easier to organise and some, like canyoning, or visiting the magic mushroom, are only possibly for smaller people in those months because of water levels.
• Flights are also cheaper in summer than in the most popular winter-Caribbean break periods

If you do want to come in Winter (Dec to April), you must bear the following in mind:

• Your child needs to be a minimum height of 1.45m (4'5") and be over 12 years old.  
• We won't be able to offer any reduced rates for kids
• Children will be treated in lessons in exactly the same way as adults as our surf instructors will usually be at capacity with other guests (we won't reduce the quality of other guests' lessons or the attention they need because there are kids at Swell).

For traveling with families, we have two different room types for you to consider when there are 4 people travelling together. One is a shared room type with 4 beds, two beds sit on a small mezzanine level with ladder access and two below (which can also make into a king bed if you want).  The other option (which is compulsory if you are 5 people or more) is to have two rooms side by side. Both room types have A/C and ensuite shower/WC. 

Kids love the food at Swell, they love hanging out with the surf coaches and they absolutely love learning to surf, to kitesurf and even to wingfoil.  The younger kids learn a water sport, the easier it is for them. 

Mom's (and Dad's) get food prepared for the family, so they also get a well deserved break!

We have a very strict cancellation policy: Refunds are not possible, but we will give you an invoice so that you can make a claim on your travel insurance for reimbursement. A good travel insurance policy is essential; it is crazy to travel to a foreign country and undertake water sports without one and it will come in handy if you have to cancel, cut short or extend your stay.  You can see our full T&C here