This isn’t your average vacation. It’s a full-body, full-heart, full-squad kickoff to 2026 in one of Central America’s most stunning beach towns. Playa Maderas is raw, wild, and just remote enough to feel like your own secret paradise.
You’ll land in Nicaragua and be greeted by the SurfYogaBeer crew and a group of high-vibe humans, most of whom come solo and leave with lifelong friends. After a jungle drive to the villas, we drop our bags and run straight into the ocean. From there, it’s cocktails, sunset views, and your first family dinner. The vibe? You decide. Chill by the pool or dive into tequila and deep convos under the stars.
Mornings start with high-energy workouts, beach circuits, mobility, and yoga overlooking the Pacific. After you sweat, we feast. Breakfast is fresh, filling, and sets you up for a full day of surfing, sun, and exploring. Surf lessons are included and perfect for beginners or experienced riders.
Afternoons are flexible. Lounge by the pool, explore town, grab a massage, or join group adventures like horseback riding or salsa lessons. Evenings bring golden-hour yoga, dinners under the stars, beach bar parties, theme nights, bonfires, and all kinds of magic.
And yes, Boat Day is real. Think snorkeling, sunshine, music, drinks, and a secluded beach that feels like a dream. You’ll never forget it.
This trip is designed for people who want to move, connect, and celebrate life. No planning, no pressure. Just show up ready to live. We’ll take care of the rest.
The trip officially begins at 6:00 PM on December 27th. We’ll organize transportation shuttles to get you from the airport to our villas, so no stress there.
We recommend flying into Managua Airport (MGA). A second option is Liberia, Costa Rica. Try to land at either airport by 2:00 PM to ensure you catch a group shuttle. We’ll build the shuttle schedule based on everyone’s arrival times.
If your flight doesn’t line up, we can connect you with a trusted driver. Private transfers cost around $125 to $200 per vehicle, and they fit up to four people.
On the way out, we’ll do the same—schedule shuttles based on departure times. Just make sure your flight is no earlier than 11:00 AM on departure day so you don’t miss your ride. If you’re flying earlier, you’ll need to cover your own transport, but we’ll help you find someone to share with.
Six weeks before the trip, we’ll send out a check-in form to collect your flight details, passport info, and anything else we need to get you there smoothly.
Yes, travel and medical insurance is required. You must secure it before joining the program. If you choose not to purchase insurance, you accept full responsibility and agree to our cancellation policy.
To reserve your spot, a 25% deposit is required. This goes toward your total payment. The remaining balance is due six weeks before the program start date.
If you cancel more than 28 days before the program begins, you’ll receive trip credit (minus your deposit) that can be used toward any future SYB trip within 12 months.
If you cancel within 28 days, your payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. No exceptions.
We do not offer refunds for any reason. Travel insurance helps protect your investment if anything unexpected happens. It’s worth it.
We’re based in Playa Maderas, about 20 minutes north of San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. This area is surrounded by lush jungle, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches, with some of the best surf in the world and unforgettable sunsets.
Playa Maderas was once a small fishing village. Today, it’s a peaceful and laid-back surfer’s paradise, perfect for disconnecting and recharging.
The trip officially begins at 6:00 PM on December 27, 2026, with check-in and a welcome happy hour at our villas in Playa Maderas. Expect a sunset run, ocean dip, and your first group dinner that evening.
We wrap things up on the morning of January 2, 2027, with check-out at 8:00 AM. We’ll provide group transportation to the airport, so please book your departure flight for after 12:00 PM to ensure a smooth transfer.
Yes. At checkout, you can select an early arrival option if you want to settle in before the trip officially begins.
One Day Early Arrival — $350 USD
Arrive on December 26. We’ll arrange private transportation from either Liberia or Managua and set you up in a private room with a bathroom. You’ll be staying with our trip leaders in Playa Maderas and easing into the experience with the crew.
Two Day Early Arrival — $500 USD
Arrive on December 25. Same setup, just with an extra night. Private transport, private room, and quality time with our leaders before the full group arrives.
It’s the perfect way to beat travel stress and start the trip feeling fully refreshed.
We’re taking over multiple hotels in the beautiful beach town of Playa Maderas, Nicaragua. It’s a laid-back, remote surf village about 20 minutes from the port town of San Juan Del Sur.
You’ll be staying at one of the following properties, depending on your room selection and group size:
- the SPACE. Jungle Oasis (50m Norte de Tanque de Agua Carreterra Chocolata, San Juan del Sur 48600, Nicaragua)
- Villas Playa Maderas (10 km north of San Juan del Sur, 48600, Nicaragua)
All accommodations are surrounded by jungle and filled with good vibes. You’ll have everything you need to unwind, recharge, and rally. We will have ongoing transport to and from the beach, restaurants, and workouts.
Playa Maderas is considered one of the safest areas in Latin America, but like anywhere, petty crime can happen. We recommend not carrying all your valuables with you when you’re out and about. Our rooms have safes where you can securely store passports, cash, and anything important. It’s always better to leave the flashy stuff at home—this trip is more about barefoot vibes than blinged-out fits.
We provide group shuttles from Managua (MGA) and Liberia (LIR) airports to our villas in Playa Maderas. To join the included SYB bus transfer, please schedule your arrival before 2:00 PM. The drive from Managua takes approximately 2.5 hours, and from Liberia about 3.5 hours. If your flight arrives later, we can connect you with trusted taxi services.
Once you’re here, the beach is just a short walk from our villas. For added fun and convenience, we have 4x4 vehicles to shuttle the group to surf spots and town adventures. Whether you’re heading out for a surf session or exploring the local area, we’ve got your transportation covered.
Yes. Daily housekeeping is included, so you can focus on enjoying the trip while we handle the cleanup. Fresh towels, made beds, tidy spaces—it’s all taken care of. You relax, we got the rest.
We’ve got you covered with daily breakfast and all but one dinner during the trip. Some lunches are left open so you can explore town, try local spots, and eat whatever you’re craving in the moment.
Alcohol isn’t included at restaurants outside the hotel, but you’re always welcome to grab drinks, split a bottle with the crew, or go big with a round of shots for your new best friends. Your call.
Walk just a few steps and get a taste of the local waves. We will provide two or three surf lessons for you to ride your first wave, or if you're a pro, perfect your form! With world-famous waves, you'll be eager to dip your toes in the water daily! This experience is included in trip fees.
Boat Day is a trip highlight. We’ll hop on a private catamaran and sail along the coast to discover stunning white sand beaches, swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun with the full crew. Expect good music, fresh food, and major main character energy.
This epic experience is included in your trip.
Bootcamps, beach workouts, and yoga sessions are all part of the experience. Whether you’re rallying after a big night or waking up ready to crush it, we’ve got workouts that energize, reset, and bring the group together.
Led by world-class SYB leaders, every session is designed to kickstart your day and leave you feeling strong. No pressure, all good vibes—and yes, it’s all included in your trip.
Yes. You can leave your phone in your bag and stay present while a professional photographer and videographer capture every moment. From sunrise workouts to beach adventures and late-night laughs, you’ll get high-quality content without lifting a finger.
And yes, it’s all included in your trip. Your post-trip photo dump is going to break the group chat.
This is the jungle, not a resort. Stay hydrated by bringing a refillable water bottle and drinking water often. Dehydration is the number one reason people feel off.
Go easy on the alcohol. Tropical hangovers hit harder and you don’t want to miss out on the fun because you went too hard the night before.
The sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and take care of your skin—especially if you’re coming from winter.
Look after yourself, and you’ll get the most out of every day.
Do not flush anything down the toilet, including toilet paper. The plumbing in this part of the world is different from what you might be used to. Each bathroom has a waste bin for paper and other products. Please use it to help keep everything working properly.
This is a tropical beach adventure, not a luxury retreat. The property is beautiful and the rooms are clean and comfortable, but we are in the jungle. That means bugs, spiders, and a little bit of nature with your stay. Keep your doors shut and you’ll be just fine.
Expect morning workouts, sunset yoga, beach games, group dinners, town nights, and plenty of dancing. Everything is optional, so take it at your own pace.
If you show up with an open mind and a sense of adventure, you’ve got this.
The local currency is the Nicaraguan Córdoba, but most places accept US dollars. We recommend bringing between $300 and $400 in cash for bar tabs, snacks, and a few meals. Most other essentials are already included in your trip.
Alcoholic drinks typically range from $6 to $12. Playa Maderas does not have ATMs, and many spots add a 5 to 6 percent fee for card payments. It’s best to withdraw your cash before arriving in Nicaragua.
Absolutely—and we actually recommend it.This trip is your chance to show up as your truest, most adventurous self. No baggage, no expectations, no old routines. When you come solo, you open yourself up to deeper connections, new experiences, and a crew that becomes instant family.We totally get that it can feel intimidating at first—but trust us, this is the best way to do it. Most of our guests come solo, and by day one, you won’t feel that way anymore.
We highly recommend having travel medical insurance—just in case. If anything comes up, our trip leaders will help get you to a nearby clinic or hospital right away.We also offer an optional $30 add-on called Nicaragua Medical Care. It gives you access to our trusted local doctor, Dr. Norlan, who can be at the villa within 30–60 minutes. This covers up to 3 house calls for common issues like dehydration, stomach bugs, cuts, bites, and more. You’ll only pay for any medications needed.Peace of mind in paradise. 🙌