Top 10 Reasons to Choose Chica Brava

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Chica Brava:
Nicaragua’s Best Women’s Surf Retreat

We dug into real guest reviews on Trip Advisor to uncover what women consistently value most about their time at Chica Brava, and what truly sets the experience apart from other surf camps. Founded in 2007, Chica Brava was the first women’s surf retreat in Nicaragua and remains one of the most trusted and beloved programs today. We have stayed intentionally small, focused, and rooted in the same community ever since. Check out our Trip Advisor reviews. Here are the top 10 reasons women say this retreat is more than just a getaway. It is a game changer.

1. A surf program designed for real progress
Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer, you will make noticeable progress fast. This is the #1 single most consistent theme in our reviews. Our program is clear, structured, and time tested, built specifically for adult women.

Guests frequently describe their progress with phrases like:

✨ “I had never surfed before and was standing up and riding waves by the end of the week.”
✨ “I had been surfing for years, and this was the first time things really clicked.”
✨ “I made more progress in one week here than I had at other camps or on my own.”
✨“I finally understood what I was doing.”

Personalized instruction, daily surf theory, and video coaching help you make quick and meaningful progress.

2. Personalized surf coaching in intentionally small groups
With a maximum of nine guests per retreat, coaching stays personal and focused. Guests often mention how much individual attention they received and how instructors remembered their specific goals and challenges.

✨ “I never felt lost in the group. The coaches really knew where I was and what I needed.”

This small group approach is a core part of why your progress will happen quickly and consistently.

3. Clear and consistent instruction across all coaches
Guests regularly comment on how aligned the coaching is across the entire team. Everyone teaches the same method, uses the same language, and reinforces the same fundamentals. This reflects the depth of training behind the Chica Brava program and the cohesion of the team.

✨ “Every instructor taught the same way, which made everything click.”

This consistency reduces confusion and helps concepts click for you.

4. A welcoming and supportive environment for solo travelers
Many guests arrive solo and describe feeling welcomed immediately. Reviews often use words like supportive, encouraging, and inclusive. There is no pressure to perform and no sense of competition.

✨ “I came alone and felt like part of the group right away.”

This atmosphere allows you to relax and focus on learning rather than worrying about fitting in.

5. An all women surf retreat that builds confidence
Being surrounded by other women who are learning together is repeatedly mentioned as a key part of the experience. Guests often say they felt less self conscious, more comfortable, and more willing to try new things in the water.

✨ “The all women environment made such a difference in my confidence.”

This setting supports your growth both in surfing and beyond.

6. A balance of surf and wellness in a beautiful setting
Guests regularly mention appreciating the balance built into the week. Surf sessions are paired with yoga, massage, and downtime so learning does not feel rushed or exhausting.

✨ “I left feeling energized, not worn out.”

Wellness at Chica Brava is designed to support your recovery and performance so you can fully participate in and benefit from the surf program.

7. An experienced and deeply invested team
Reviews consistently praise the instructors and staff for their patience, professionalism, and genuine care. Guests often mention feeling supported both in and out of the water, and note that every member of the team contributed to a positive, encouraging experience.

✨ “Every single coach was amazing and truly cared about our progress.”

This level of care creates trust, which is essential for your learning and confidence.

8. Deep roots in Nicaragua and the local community
Chica Brava has operated exclusively in Nicaragua since opening in 2007. The founder has been a part of the community since 2003 and her husband and children are Nicaraguan. Several team members, past and present, are locals from the town of San Juan del Sur. Guests frequently comment on how much they enjoy being part of a retreat where they feel genuinely welcomed by and connected to the local community.

✨ “It felt authentic, not touristy.”

Long standing relationships within the area create a richer and more genuine experience for you.

9. An exceptionally well run experience
Words like organized, thoughtful, and peaceful appear frequently in reviews. Guests appreciate that logistics are handled seamlessly and that the pace feels intentional rather than chaotic.

✨ “Everything was so well run. I could just relax and enjoy the week.”

This allows you to stay present and focused throughout the retreat.

10. A surf retreat experience that stays with you
Beyond surfing better, many guests describe leaving with more confidence, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment that carries into daily life.

✨ “I came home feeling stronger, more confident, and proud of myself.”

This lasting impact is one of the most consistent closing notes in guest reviews.

What Sets Chica Brava Apart?

Chica Brava is a surf camp with soul. True to our roots since inception, we are intentionally small by design. Our focus is not on running high volume retreats or expanding to multiple destinations. Staying rooted in one place allows for deeper training, stronger team cohesion, and a more consistent and rewarding experience for you.

Because we teach a single, unified program year after year, you will experience clarity and alignment in the water. Because Chica Brava has remained in the same community for nearly two decades, you will get to experience Nicaragua in a way that feels genuine and welcoming.

Chica Brava is a surf retreat built with intention. Clear instruction. Real connection. Meaningful progress.