Join the Surf Sisters on an amazing women’s only Surf & Yoga Retreat in beautiful El Salvador – 9 Day Surf Retreat to Central America’s best-hidden gem.
Steamy rainforest, smoking hot volcanoes and stunning reef-fringed shorelines, El Salvador, is a god-given playground for the adventurous. It has become a firm fixture on the international surf scene, but our gorgeous waterfront accommodation is on an isolated beach break. Reliable waves peel elegantly along its 300km Pacific shoreline, and unlike the busy breaks of nearby Costa Rica, the water stays swimsuit-friendly 25–30°C year-round.
This surf-focused itinerary is sure to get you stoked on surfing and give you the skills and confidence you need to get into the water on your own. Each day will be complemented by daily yoga practice, classroom sessions and camaraderie.
Surf Sister‘s professional certified surf instructors have partnered with a Salvadorean surf guide to ensure that you have the best experience possible in El Salvador.
Surf Sister was founded in 1999 to promote women’s surfing in Tofino and worldwide. Surf Sister’s goal is not to exclude men from our lessons, rather it’s to make sure that women feel included when trying surfing in Tofino for the first time.
All Surf Sister instructors meet the requirements for safety and training as determined by the British Columbia Association of Surf Instructors (BCASI) and hold certificates for Standard First Aid, CPR, and Lifesaving. We are also the only surf school in Canada to be accredited by the National Surf School and Instructors Association (NSSIA) which is the highest governing body in the surf instruction industry in North America.
So what are you waiting for? Join us for the experience of a lifetime. We’ll be out there having a blast, sharing our passion for waves.
Hotel Los Mangos is right in front of the Punta Mango point break. Just walk down the stairs towards the beach and can start paddling! This is a cobblestone right point break and fun beach break, surrounded by beautiful mountains located in one of El Salvador’s more remote areas. This is a paradise for those who are looking for warm uncrowded waves, perfect for improving their surf skills! A true little slice of paradise!
Tiff - Where to begin with Tiffany Olsen... Since Tiff joined SS back in 2015 she has become a fixture of our operations and is Surf Sister's GM. It is no exaggeration that things simply would not get done around here without Tiff. Hers are the unseen, often overlooked, efforts that keep our business running as well as thriving. Every single thing Tiff does comes from the heart. We are so fortunate this Alberta girl landed here for good! Tiff never misses an opportunity to elevate and motivate fellow female surfers (aka say hi to her in the line-up and she’ll cheer you on like she’s your biggest fan!)
Ava - Ava was raised on the West Coast of BC, a pluviophile through and through! She fell in love with Tofino and Surf Sister after taking her first surf lesson with us at the age of 12. Since joining the team in 2019, Ava has developed a deep love and appreciation for instructing and sharing her stoke for surfing. The most rewarding part of teaching for Ava is connecting folks to the power of the ocean and encouraging bodies to move in a new way. Ava spends most of her time with her dog, in the woods, on the beach, or in the water. A few of her other favourite things include oysters on the half-shell, bowling, the Rolling Stones, travelling, tall trees, and great clothes. Be sure to say hi if you see her, she loves to make friends in the water!
Best suited to Beginner/Advanced Beginner surfers with a moderate fitness level and love of the ocean.
The yoga practice is suitable for all levels of fitness and flexibility. Each posture has many modifications and you will be supported and encouraged to develop your personal practice according to what is right for your body. Yoga is optional of course, but is included in the package and excellent for flexibility. The yoga classes are meant to complement your surfing lessons and stretch out sore muscles. Classes are held once or twice a day – sunrise and sunset yoga sessions.
Learn more >> Acro Yoga El Salvador
Have the best week ever with other kick-ass women in this tropical paradise!
Playa Los Mangos is a sandy beach and a volcanic landscape right in front of Punta Mango beach and point break.
CONTACT INFO:
Surf Sisters: Tiff + 1 (250) 726-6964 Ava + 1 604 603 0112
JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP - https://chat.whatsapp.com/KZUA0aoBcqz1ODaJazl92F
Manuel (surf guide & driver): +503 7796 8590
Esther (our host in El Sal): +503 7890 4751
Ricardo (our host in El Sal): +503 7871 5320
Finisterra: Keri +1 604 505 2472 I Nicola +1 604 762 5851
MONEY MATTERS - I've had a couple of questions about money, so I thought that I would just respond to everyone. I would definitely recommend taking out USD in advance and requesting smaller, crisp bills - $5, $10, $20 bills. I would recommend bringing a few hundred US dollars ($300+) as you can always go back home with USD (it doesn't go bad). There are no ATMs near Los Mangos.
You will need to pay $12USD cash upon arrival (subject to change without notice) in San Salvador so you must have cash for this. The only meals that you will need to purchase are in San Salvador (although we arrive late) and lunch the next day. All meals are included at Los Mangos and you can use a credit card or cash to purchase extra beverages and snacks from the hotel in Los Mangos (pay at the end of the week).
TIPS/GRATUITIES - Of course, tipping is subjective, however, it is very much appreciated. You will likely want to bring USD to tip the staff at the hotel, surf instructors, and yoga teacher. We would recommend $5-10USD per person per day for the hotel staff (they serve and prepare 3 meals a day and clean the rooms), $8-15USD per person per day of instruction for each surf instructor and yoga teacher. You can tip everyone towards the end of the week before we part ways. Please note that these are just suggested amounts and of course, it is totally up to you.
SURF SISTER SURF INSTRUCTORS - Tiff Olsen & Ava Appleby
LOCALS - We will also have a great local certified Surf Instructor named Manuel (Manny/Manuelito/Meno). He's done 6 surf camps with us and is a delight to work with. He is learning English so he is a great person to practice Spanish with!
Our wonderful local Yoga Teacher is named Ana. We absolutely adore her. This is Ana's 6th year as our yoga teacher on these camps - she speaks fluent English and actually lived in Canada for a short time during her childhood. Her yoga style is meant to complement our surf lessons - restorative and gentle.
REMEMBER: Passport, $USD, a few swimming suits, plenty of sunscreen, a long sleeve shirt for sun protection, a reusable water bottle, yoga clothes, PJs (for those sharing a room), proof of vaccination...etc. If you still need a couple of awesome travel products, please check out WorldlyGirlies Travel Essentials and I can bring it with me (before Jan 11th).
INSURANCE - You MUST have Travel Insurance to participate in the adventure so if you haven't already purchased it, you can do so here - https://finisterra.ca/travel-insurance/
MEALS & DRINKS - All meals are included at Los Mangos. You will just need to pay for your own meals in San Salvador. Filtered water, coffee, and juice is included at Los Mangos. If you would like to order cocktails, sodas, beers, or smoothies, at Los Mangos, no problem. They will run a tab for you which you can pay at the end with USD or credit card.
eSIM - Here’s a link to a discount eSim. Hey, have you tried an eSIM? Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo. Use code KERI0076 when you sign up or apply it at checkout. https://ref.airalo.com/4JAa
El Salvador 
