FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Have questions? We’ve got answers! Below, you’ll find additional details that aren’t already covered on our main pages.
General
Q: Why is the trip scheduled for June?
June offers ideal surf conditions (consistent waves and warm water), sees fewer crowds, and causes minimal disruption to school schedules for school-aged kids at home.
Q: What is the ideal age range for kids?
Kids ages 8-14 tend to have the best experience, but younger (and older) children who are comfortable in the water are welcome.
Q: Can I bring more than one child?
Yes! The base price of $4,450 CAD is for one parent + one child, but additional parents and children are welcome. See pricing for details.
Q: How big will the group be?
The tour needs a minimum of 8 people (4 adults + 4 kids) but could accommodate 12. Currently, 4 people have signed up—so one more family of 4 will make it a sure thing!
Q: Can grandparents come too?
Yes, grandparents are welcome, even as a surfing child’s primary guardian on the tour.
Accommodations & Comfort
Q: Will my family have a private room?
Yes! Each family gets a private room with at least two beds. Additional beds and rooms are available for larger families. Custom pricing is available for special requests.
Q: Does the accommodation have Wi-Fi and air conditioning?
Yes, Wi-Fi and A/C are included.
Q: Is there anywhere to cook or prepare a snack?
Yes, the hotel has a shared kitchenette where you can prepare food such as packed lunches, or make tea and coffee.
Surfing & Activities
Q: How difficult is surfing and how much are beginners likely to progress in one week?
Like many things, surfing takes years to truly master. But most beginners—and children especially—can make noticeable progress within just a few days.
Here’s what to expect in a week:
Day 1-2: Learn the basics—paddling, popping up, and riding small waves near the shore.
Day 3-4: Gain confidence standing up and start catching more consistent waves.
Day 5-7: Improve balance, timing, and wave selection, with many beginners riding waves independently by the end of the week.
The instructors at Arena Caliente tailor lessons to the students’ skill level, ensuring a supportive and fun learning environment. Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’re refining your technique, you’ll finish the week with a solid foundation and plenty of anticipation for your next surf adventure.
Q: What if we struggle with surfing or need a break?
That’s totally fine! You can take a break, boogie board, swim, enjoy other beach activities, or do something else entirely! There’s no obligation to surf every day, and lots of other things to do together in the San Juan del Sur area with your child.
Q: Can I join as a non-surfing parent or partner?
Yes! You can relax on the beach, explore town, or join other activities while your family surfs.
Q: What kind of surf conditions can we expect?
Beginner-friendly waves with warm water (82-86°F). The beaches we visit are specifically chosen for safety and ease of learning.
Q: What other types of activities could we explore while we’re on the trip?
Too many to list! Favourite family activities in the San Juan del Sur area include ziplining, horseback riding, jungle hikes, sloth tours, whale watching, skateboarding, visiting a protected turtle hatchery, thrift shopping, dining, and lounging poolside. With nine days on the ground, you might even take a road trip to Ometepe Island or visit an active volcano!
Costs & Budgeting: What to Expect
Q: Beyond the package, what other costs should I anticipate?
Lunches and dinners, optional activities, and personal expenses (e.g., snacks, souvenirs). Plan to budget around $30-$40 USD per day for meals for a parent and child, less if you share plates!
Q: Why aren’t meals included in the package?
San Juan del Sur offers an incredible variety of well-priced dining options, and we know you’ll want to explore them all. While a meal package is available as an add-on, we recommend trying different places each night—or finding a couple of favourites to return to. The choice is yours!
Q: Can we buy groceries and pack lunches for the beach?
Yes! Local markets sell fresh produce and essentials. A shared kitchen is available at the hotel.
Q: Will I need cash, or can I use credit?
Credit cards work in most restaurants and stores, but small markets and taxis require cash. Carry some USD for convenience.
Q: Is there reliable internet in Nicaragua?
Yes, high-speed internet is available at the hotel and most establishments, including most of the beach bars. You can definitely plan to do some remote work if you need to.
Q: Can I buy a SIM card and have cell service?
Yes! SIM cards with a 14-day data package cost around $20 and are easily available at several outlets in San Juan del Sur.
Travel & Logistics: Getting There & Getting Around
Q: What travel documents do we need?
A valid passport (with at least six months before expiry) is required.
Q: How do we get to Nicaragua?
Flights are arranged from Ottawa (YOW) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), followed by a bus transfer to San Juan del Sur which involves a brief stop at the border.
Q: Why are we flying into Costa Rica instead of directly to Nicaragua?
At the present time, there are no airlines providing direct flights from Canada to Nicaragua. Flying to Costa Rica allows us to avoid U.S. layovers and makes the journey simpler.
Q: Do we need to know Spanish?
No. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and translation apps can help if needed.
Health & Safety: Staying Well on Your Trip
Q: Is Nicaragua safe for families?
Yes. San Juan del Sur is a well-known family-friendly destination. As with any travel, basic precautions will help ensure a safe experience.
Q: Can we drink tap water in Nicaragua?
You definitely can, but drinking bottled water is recommended during a shorter stay.
Q: Who is responsible for my child?
Parents are responsible for supervising their own children at all times, especially while surfing and swimming in the ocean. See the full details in our Participant Agreement & Liability Waiver.
Q: Are there ocean dangers like sharks?
Shark encounters are extremely rare. The main concerns are rip currents and stingrays, which the instructors will guide you on avoiding.
Q: Where is the nearest hospital?
San Juan del Sur has a small hospital with an active emergency room. Larger medical facilities are 30 minutes away in the town of Rivas, and Managua (2 hours by car) has major hospitals.
Q: Do we need travel insurance?
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage is recommended. The NFSA package does not include insurance of any kind. Check with your existing providers, your credit card company, or get a quote through WestJet.
Booking & Payments: How to Secure Your Spot
Q: How do I book?
After signing the Participant Agreement & Liability Waiver, reserve your spot with a $500 deposit per traveller here.