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Where we stay and where we surf the most. We wake up watching this beautiful beach.
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Seven daysThe Waveswell Retreat: Seven Days of Stand Up Paddle Surfing in El Salvador
Seven days and six nights on the Gulf of Fonseca, limited spots, and every session filmed and reviewed together.
- Limited spots, usually 6 of us
- November to March
- Everything on the ground included
In one paragraph
How the retreat looks like
Seven days and six nights at the Gulf of Fonseca in La Unión, El Salvador. Surrounded by a small group of SUP surfers and far from crowds. Spend seven days in a beachfront house, with the surf spot right at your doorstep, warm waters, and tropical weather almost year round.
A day here
The flow of a Waveswell Retreat
No two days are identical, because the ocean decides a lot of it. But the shape holds, and it is built so that you are in the water when the water is best and thinking about it when it is not.
Wake up routine
Early, before the wind comes up. Mobility and breathing before anything gets wet.
Surf session
Technical stand up paddle coaching at the break that suits the day and your level, filmed as you go.
Meals
Fresh food, three times a day, cooked for the group. Dietary needs handled from the form you fill in after booking.
Video analysis
The group watches the morning back together, and you go back in the water knowing how to perform better.
High performance tools
The same toolkit Joss uses as a professional athlete competing worldwide.
Adventure and personal time
When we take some time to recover, we will also engage in additional experiences, such as visiting islands, volcanoes or boat trips.
Journaling and cool down
Ten quiet minutes that turn out to matter more than they sound.
All of this can change according to the climate, the swell and any natural circumstance. We flow according to the ocean.
Where you surf
Four breaks and a gulf full of islands
El Salvador is consistently named among the ten best surf destinations on the planet, and the retreat is based at the quiet end of it, away from the crowds.
Maculís
Gentle waves, and secret spots. You need to see them with your own eyes.
Las Flores
One of the most beautiful waves we have with swell. During retreat season it is a very fun wave with kind sets.
Punta Mango
Like Punta Roca, but on the other side of the country. With a perfect swell, get ready for action.
And the gulf itself
La Unión sits on the Gulf of Fonseca, which El Salvador shares with Honduras and Nicaragua. Boat trips run out to the islands, past reefs, and past volcanoes on three sides. If we are lucky, we might even see whales or dolphins.
Price and inclusions
What the retreat covers
The price is per person and it covers nearly all of the trip. The short list of what it does not cover is below it.
The Waveswell Retreat
From $3,950
per person · 6 nights and 7 days
- 6 nights in a private or shared room
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Technical stand up paddle surf sessions
- Personalized coaching
- Post session video analysis with the group
- One to one high performance coaching
- All meals, snacks and drinks
- Surf trips to the nearby breaks
- Tours: the islands of the gulf by boat, a coffee farm on a volcano, waterfalls
- All your photos and video from the week
- A goodie bag to take home
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance and medical insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- SUP board and paddle rentals, at a special rate for retreat guests
Your room decides the final figure
Everything in the list is the same whichever room you take. What moves the number is whether you sleep alone, share with one person, or share with two.
| Occupancy | Per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Triple room | Starting from $3,950 | A triple room for your tribe. |
| Double room | Starting from $4,200 | Two people sharing. This is the price per person if you bring a surfing buddy. |
| Private room | Starting from $4,720 | Your own room. The most popular choice for solo travellers. |
Why almost everybody rents a board
If you want to travel light, or you have any trouble bringing your equipment, we offer a SUP board and paddle for the week at an additional cost. Check our quiver.
Dates
When the retreats run
- Retreat season
- November to March, up to Easter week.
- Coaching season
- April to October. One to one sessions on your own dates. See coaching and rentals.
- Length
- Seven days as standard. A ten day format has been run on request and can be arranged again.
- Booking window
- Dates are usually announced around six months ahead. The minimum group size is three people.
| Retreat | Dates |
|---|---|
| December 2026 | 13 to 19 December 2026 |
| January 2027 | 24 to 30 January 2027 |
| February 2027 | 21 to 27 February 2027 |
| March 2027 | 14 to 20 March 2027 |
Photos
Surf, and everything around it
Booking
How a booking actually works
There is no checkout button, on purpose. Spots on every retreat are limited, so it starts with a conversation.
1. Contact us
Send an email to our team. Tell us roughly where you are in your paddling and what you are hoping for.
2. You talk
A call, so she can answer everything and be honest with you about whether this retreat is the right one. Sometimes the answer is one to one coaching first.
3. You reserve
You pay 25 per cent to hold your place, and the balance two months before the retreat starts.
4. You fill in the form
Objectives, experience, dietary needs. It is what the coaching and the kitchen are built from before you arrive.
5. You land
We will be at El Salvador International Airport waiting for you.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Minimum group | 3 people. Below that the retreat is cancelled and everyone is refunded, or the booking becomes one to one coaching if flights are already bought. |
| Maximum group | 6 people, and sometimes we can add one more. |
| Deposit and balance | 25 per cent to reserve, balance two months before the start. |
| Cards accepted | Visa or Mastercard. |
Frequently asked questions
Where are we surfing?
El Salvador is well known for being a safe country and one of the top ten best surf spots in the world. We will make sure you visit the most iconic places in El Salvador.
How much advance notice do I need to make a reservation?
It is necessary to make a reservation 3 months in advance or before, paying 25% of the final quoted amount. Otherwise, it will depend on availability.
When do I need to pay in full for my retreat?
Payment in full has to be done two months before the start date.
Is this retreat suitable for everyone?
Waveswell is a family retreat suitable for everyone. The surf sessions themselves are built for people who already practice stand up paddle, and friends, children and loved ones who do not surf are very welcome to come along for the week.
I am pregnant, is it safe to participate?
All of our guests are always welcome and it is the responsibility of each visitor to consult with their doctor before booking the retreat. We would be delighted to be a part of your journey.
Are children allowed in the retreat? Is my loved one welcome?
To create a family friendly environment, your children and your partner are welcome. If necessary, we can help you arrange a “nanita” to take care of your kids. Friends, children, and loved ones who do not surf are very welcome. Contact Joss and she will help with a deal for them.
What benefits does this bring to my health?
During the retreat, various high performance tools are explained, aiming to have a positive impact on your physical and mental performance.
Can I get there before the retreat or stay after the retreat?
Of course, and we can help you in the process.
Does it include insurance?
Travel and health insurance are not included. It is highly recommended to take one before you come, because SUP surf is an extreme sport and we always want to be prepared for any circumstance.
Are flights included?
No, the retreats do not include flights; guests are responsible for covering that cost. We can help you coordinate logistics with our partner travel company.
Are discounts available?
Unfortunately, discounts are not currently offered, but please stay tuned to our communication channels for possible promotions and discounts.
Can I cancel in case there are changes in plans?
If the client cancels the retreat, there will be no refund.
Can the dates be changed?
If the client requests to change the dates 2 months before the initial retreat date, there will be a penalty of 50% of the final quote. Within 1 month of the initial retreat date, there will be a penalty of 70% of the final quote. Between 24 and 1 day before the initial retreat date, there will be a penalty of 100% of the final quote.
What are the requirements to go?
You need to be able to swim on your own, and the surf sessions are built for people who already practice stand up paddle. We also recommend private travel insurance covering trip cancellation, emergency medical care and medical evacuation, and it is worth arranging as soon as your booking is confirmed.
How can I book my retreat?
Get in contact with host Josselyn Alabi by email at [email protected].