4 Best Surf Camps in Bali

At Barefoot Surf Travel, we believe the best surf trip for beginners and intermediates is a combination of a high-quality surf coaching program, mixed with an authentic travel experience. Since our Surf Trip Calendar has specific dates based on the best seasons for waves and weather, some people’s schedules lack flexibility and are unable to attend. Oftentimes these people contact us to know if we could recommend another surf travel company or surf camp, when they can’t match their vacations with any of our trips.

Here are some of our recommendations for a surf camp experience in Bali, Indonesia

1. Baruna Surf Culture

This family-run business is all about keeping the fun in surfing. Out of the 212 reviews on TripAdvisor, 43 used the term “fun” in their comments. They have only 5-star reviews, with the anomaly of one 4-star, but upon reading the comment, it has only positive feedback. This program is not exactly all-inclusive unless you book a room with them. If you do, you receive 10% of surf packages. This means the pricing of accommodation does not include surf packages. Their website offers information on local places to stay that are a direct recommendation from them. Baruna Surf Culture is best for people who want quality surf lessons, but with the freedom of exploring other parts of the town – but again, the option to book a room with the camp also includes a lot of amenities.

• ‍Type: Surf Packages – *Ability to book a room and receive 10% off all surf packages
• ‍Program Length: 1 day, 3 day, 5 day packages: All days include 3-5 hours, daily
• ‍Program Size: max 6 clients
• ‍Where: Canggu‍
• Price: $$
• ‍Meals Included: *Breakfasts, water, tea, coffee
• ‍Girl’s Only: No
• ‍What’s Included: Accommodation, Transportation for lessons, surf equipment, surf photos if booking the 5 Day Package,  *Accommodation, safety-box, AC, daily room service, WiFi, water, tea, coffee and breakfast, swimming pool.
• ‍What’s Not included: All-inclusive accommodation if booking elsewhere
• ‍Pros: Freedom to experience other places – stay in another villa, enjoy lessons from this company. For those who don’t want more independence, taking lessons in packages with the same coaches might be a nice balance of progression, with the freedom to experience your stay the way you want to.
• ‍Cons: Not All-Inclusive, No Video Analyzing, only photos if you book the 5 day package.
• More on TripAdvisor!

2. Wave House Surf Camp & School

Wave House Surf School & Camp has gorgeous accommodation as well as common areas with not only one pool, but two! As a mainly all-inclusive, you’ll feel taken care of both before your daily surf lessons and after. The price doesn’t reflect lunch and dinner, but the house is equipped with a restaurant and bar as well as close proximity to the delicious restaurants Canggu has to offer. Your lessons are daily, giving you one (much needed) rest day, including photo & video analysis, as well as quality lessons and theory classes.

• Type: Mostly All-Inclusive
• ‍Program Length: Minimum 7-night stay.
• ‍Program Size: 33 people can stay maximum at the camp.
• ‍Where: Canggu
• ‍Price: $$
• ‍Meals Included: Breakfast, coffee & tea flow until 2pm.
• ‍Girl’s Only: No, but girl’s only accommodation is available
• ‍What’s Included: Accommodation, airport transfers, WiFi, AC, lockbox, 6 surf lessons per week, photo & video analysis, surf equipment DURING lessons, surf theory lessons, surfing accident insurance, beach day trip, 2 pools, breakfast, concierge service, waterpark, gym, tennis, bicycle, coffee & tea flow until 2 pm.
• ‍What’s Not included: Airfare, surf equipment outside of lessons, lunches & dinners.
• ‍Pros: Mostly all-inclusive with the freedom to explore the restaurants in Canggu – the best of both worlds! Close proximity to the beach.
• ‍Cons: Not a set week – campers come and go, overlapping throughout the week, and you must book a few months in advance.
• More on TripAdvisor!

3. Surf Goddess Retreat

Surf Goddess Retreats is for the girls who want to be surrounded by powerful, feminine energy. This retreat is designed specifically for women who are yearning for a place to thrive and embrace being a woman. The retreat focuses on healthy, nutritious meals as well as confident boosting surf lessons and empowering yoga classes. Let’s not forget the included, unlimited spa treatments because honestly, treat yourself.

• ‍Type: All Girls, All Inclusive
• ‍Program Length: 7-Days, 6 Nights
• ‍Where: Seminyak
• ‍Price: $$$$
• ‍Meals Included: 16 meals, 2 not. Water, coffee, tea, fruit plates, juices and smoothies. Freshly baked healthy cookies & fruit baskets, daily
• ‍Girl’s Only: Yes!
• ‍What’s Included: Accommodation, airport transfers, 16 Meals, water, coffee, tea, fruit plates, juices, smoothies, fresh-baked healthy cookies, WiFi, Kimono robes, hairdryers, custom blended spa products, beach tote, Surf Goddess rash guard, sarong, daily housekeeping, daily yoga & meditation, yoga equipment, 5 surf or stand up paddleboarding lessons, Rip Curl School of Surf instructors, surf photos, surf equipment, daily access to Bali Fitness Center, unlimited hours of Spa treatment, Goddess Retreats Gourmet Cookbook & Wellness Guide, choice of 1 Bali experience.
• ‍What’s Not Included: Airfare & a few meals.
• ‍Pros: All girl’s program, health and wellness-focused, accredited surf coaching!
• ‍Cons: The program could have a tendency to lock you in, rather than ensuring the freedom to explore more regularly.
• More on TripAdvisor!

4. Pelan Pelan Surf Camp

If there’s one thing we look for in a quality retreat, it’s the inclusion of the local culture. At Pelan Pelan, food is emphasized as such an important part of a culture, and it includes homemade Indonesian meals for lunch each day. It’s the perfect follow to a morning surf session. This nature-surrounded camp is for those needing to relax and take in the peace Bali has to offer.

• Type: Partly-inclusive
• ‍Program Length: Minimum 7-night stay.
• ‍Program Size: 1 Coach to 2 clients
• ‍Where: Badung
• Price: $$
• ‍Meals Included: Breakfasts & Indonesian lunches
• ‍Girl’s Only: No
• ‍What’s Included: Accommodation, 5 surf lessons, surf clinic with photo analysis, breakfast, lunch, afternoon meditation & yoga classes, pool, AC, WiFi, hot water, bath and beach towels, lockbox, security, daily cleaning, scooter access.
• ‍What’s Not included: Airfare, dinners & airport transfers.
• ‍Pros: A nice balance of inclusion and freedom. Indonesian lunches ensure you get a taste of the culture! The location is also surrounded by nature, adding a bit of tranquillity to your stay.
• ‍Cons: Staggering start dates, so you are revolving around newer clients. No airport transfer included.
• More on TripAdvisor!

5. Newbro Surfing

Newbro Surfing is a hidden gem. We can’t stress enough how beautiful the island of Nusa Lembongan is. It’s an adventure in itself taking a ferry from the mainland to the heavenly turquoise waters of Lembongan. To access the waves, you take a boat where they start breaking in the middle of the water – truly a lovely experience. Snorkelling with the giant, angel-like manta rays is a breathtaking experience you literally cannot pass up.

• ‍Type: Partly-Inclusive
• ‍Program Length: 2 Days, 3 Days, 5 Days Camp options, Beginner & Intermediate Packages
• ‍Program Size: Varies
• ‍Where: Nusa Lembongan
• ‍Price: $$
• ‍Meals Included: Breakfasts
• ‍Girl’s Only: No
• ‍What’s Included: Shared Dorm Accommodation, Return Transport, Return Ferry, Transport, AC, Surf Lessons, Snorkeling at 3 Spots, Yoga, Lembongan T-Shirt, 1 Mangrove Tree Plant
• ‍What’s Not included: Airfare, lunches, dinners, transports to location.
• ‍Pros: The island of Nusa Lembongan! AC is also wonderful on this humid little island.
• ‍Cons: Not too many included amenities and basic accommodation. The island is so small that most budget accommodations can be pretty basic.
• More on TripAdvisor!