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!
A premium watersport retreat for adults who want to surf
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.
- 2009
- Open since
- 65%
- Travel solo
- 25–60
- Average age
Ideal conditions
to learn or to progress your surfing
Learn to surf
We’ve been teaching surfing since 2009, and in that time over 9,000 guests have learned to surf with us. Our structured method is built to get you standing on the surfboard and progress in a way that’s safe, efficient, and most of all, enjoyable.
We coach you at your pace so you’ll always know what you’re working on and why it matters for your next step. You won’t get moved on too quickly, or be left behind. Our surf coaches work in small groups and adjust to how fast each person picks things up.
Whether you’ve never stood on a surfboard or you’re already surfing a bit and want to progress, we have a coach for you.
- Consistent waves
- Waves for different levels
- Quality equipment
- Warm water
- 2 Sessions per day
- Small groups
- Experienced instructors
- Lessons in english
- Year round surf season
- Since 2009
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.
In the air-conditioned private rooms, you will have a California king-sized bed (2mx2m), or you can elect to have twin beds if you are bringing someone along. Each room has its own ensuite shower/WC, 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 relaxing.
If you elect to stay in a shared room, you’ll have a single bed in a 4-person room. Two of the shared room beds are on a small mezzanine level. It’s first come, first served for bed positions. Shared rooms are co-ed.
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 area with WIFI
- 24/7 staff onsite
- Fresh water pool
- Set in tropical garden
- Walk to restaurants & shops
- No need for a car
Easy & hassle free
3 Different international airports
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 costs/options on the Getting here page.
Surf & Adventure in a stunning setting — the pool, the breakfasts, the waves, the people, the country.
Questions,
answered.
Anything we’ve missed? Write to us — Swell's owner, Clare, will get back to you within a day.
Since 2009, our ISA-certified instructors have taught over 9,000 adults how to surf. Teaching first-time surfers is what we do at Swell, and it’s all we do.
Before we opened, we spent time looking for the right place to learn. We surfed Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, but the north coast of the Dominican Republic won out: consistent waves, safe conditions, and a beach break that suits people standing up on a board for the first time. It’s still where we teach today.
Every guest gets a coaching plan built around where they’re actually at. Our instructors are qualified to get you up and riding safely, and to make the week genuinely fun while they do it.
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.
About 65% 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.
Watersport paradise
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.