Moana Surf Hostel

Not speaking Spanish and needing gluten-free food could have made this tricky, but the team handled both without any fuss. They put so much care into the program, and I ended up having the most amazing vacation.

I loved learning things beyond surfing, which I enjoyed too, and spending time with such a great group. The packed activity calendar kept us busy, so be ready to bring some energy. From the moment I arrived, the beautiful place and welcoming staff made me feel at ease. I was lucky with my roommates and the people there, and had a chance to make memories and enjoy myself like I hadn't in ages. I felt like a teenager again, in a good way. I'm already planning to come back next year.

The cooks and food were exceptional. The activities were great and well organized, and every instructor was attentive and involved. Amazing place.

The teacher was super nice, and the cleaning ladies were friendly and helpful. The hostel employees, though, were pretty useless. They didn't communicate, and came across as very 'bro-like'. I've stayed at a lot of surf hostels, and this is the first one I wouldn't return to. Some people seemed really happy, especially those doing the 'one week surf group' thing, so you might have a good time, but I didn't. It felt more like a youth hostel than a surf place. Kids were doing TikTok dances in the skatepark, and there were lots of 18 year old skaters acting 'too cool for school'. That wasn't the problem by itself. I just missed the surf vibe, like piling into a small van with boards on top, the teacher blasting cool music, and heading out to look for beaches. Here, a tourist bus takes you to the beach, followed by surf games and a meal together. It felt like a youth hostel. The place is also in the middle of nowhere, so there's nowhere to walk after surfing. The rooms and architecture feel like a youth hostel too. They only speak Spanish, so don't go if you don't speak it. If you're 18 and happy with a one week group trip with some surfing and a GoPro dubstep aftermovie, it might suit you. I was very disappointed and wouldn't go again.