6 Surf Hostels Around the World

These budget-friendly accommodations offer more than a bed—they provide a community connection that unites oceans. 

A beach with multiple nation's flags blowing in the wind, attached to a pop-up tent that has a myriad of surfboards in racks on either side. A surfboard in front advertises Surf Lessons.

Main entrance of Playa Jaco, Costa Rica. Armando Olivo Martín del Campo. CC BY-SA 4.0 

Wake up to crashing waves, grab your board, and paddle out. Surf hostels are not just places to rest your head; they’re miniature global hubs where travelers, surf enthusiasts and adventure seekers converge. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or part of a group, surf hostels foster friendships and shared experiences such as communal dinners, bonfires on the beach, and impromptu jam sessions with fellow travelers.

Hostels often offer surfboard rentals and lessons, making it an easy way to pick up new skills. Each hostel has its unique flavor, influenced by its location and culture. From Bali’s laid-back vibes to Portugal’s rugged beauty, you’ll taste local cuisines, explore places through their waters and witness unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

 1. 99 Surf Lodge - Popoyo, Nicaragua 

Person surfing on a blue wave under a partly cloudy sky

Surfing in Popoyo, Nicaragua. Dylan Wooters. CC BY-SA 2.0 

99 Surf Lodge in Popoyo, Nicaragua, is a sleek, low-slung modernist hotel that perfectly balances style and unpretentiousness. Situated right on the legendary surf beach of Popoyo, it offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure in a region that is hospitable yet not overdeveloped. Each room boasts an ocean view, allowing guests to check surf conditions from the comfort of their beds. The bungalows and suites, which can accommodate up to four guests, feature private verandas to enjoy the constant offshore breeze. Despite its design-hotel aesthetics, 99 Surf Lodge remains affordable, making it a great value destination. Surfing is the main attraction, but guests can enjoy various water activities and nearby mountain hikes. The hotel’s gym and the on-site restaurant, Taberna 99, provide additional amenities to fuel and rejuvenate guests. With yoga classes, retreats and two seasonal restaurants, including Mesquite, 99 Surf Lodge ensures a memorable stay. Whether surfing, dining or simply relaxing, this beachfront retreat perfectly blends modern comfort and natural beauty. 99 Surf Lodge is a higher-end surf hostel and rates start at $130 per night. 

2. San Sebastian Surf Camp (Stoke Travel) - San Sebastian, Spain

Aerial view of a surfer carving on a wave, with others paddling out and a small city on the coast.

Scenic view from the comb of the wind ride to the Ondarreta beach. Laura Peña. CC BY-SA 3.0 

San Sebastian Surf CAMP, an all-inclusive surf house in the Spanish Basque Country, offers an exhilarating blend of surf, yoga, and vibrant nightlife. Since 2005, Stoke Travel’s Surf Camps have been the go-to destination for exploring San Sebastian and the Basque Country, providing an unbeatable combination of surfing and partying. Now located in a converted Basque farmhouse near Zarautz, the camp has only improved. The communal atmosphere is enhanced by staff who double as surf instructors and prepare all meals, ensuring a seamless experience. The basic package includes dorm accommodation in the scenic Pagoeta nature reserve, healthy homemade meals, daily pickups to Zarautz, introductory surf lessons, and daily yoga classes. Guests can also enjoy unlimited access to surf equipment, local activities, and an open bar for a small fee. With hearty home-cooked meals, welcoming vibes, and awesome parties, this surf camp promises an unforgettable experience. San Sebastian Surf CAMP offers a unique and immersive adventure in a stunning natural setting. There is a two-day minimum and rates start at $50 per night. Get in touch with San Sebastian Surf Camp (Stoke Travel) here. 

3. Hostel & Surf Camp 55 - Ericeira, Portugal

A surf lesson of almost ten people following the instructor out from shore into the sea

Surfing at Praia do Matadouro. Web Summit. CC BY 2.0 

Hostel & Surfcamp 55 in Ericeira, Portugal, is a fantastic destination for surfing beginners, embodying the slogan “When you feel the Ericeira 55 vibe you don’t want to leave…” Overlooking the ocean and located in the heart of Ericeira, this unique hostel offers a true surf and travel experience. It accommodates up to 22 guests in seven thematic rooms with sea views, providing a relaxed and colorful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy surf lessons, guiding and equipment on-site, as well as daily yoga retreats. The communal lounge area is perfect for socializing, and the shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals or join themed dinners and wine tasting sessions. Located just a five-minute walk from the beach, Hostel 55 also offers free WiFi and various discounts on local activities, including bicycle and board rentals. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and a vibrant communal feel, Hostel & Surfcamp 55 ensures an unforgettable stay in the picturesque fishing village of Ericeira. The nightly rate is $40 and you can contact them here Hostel & Surf Camp 55.  

4. Farm Hostel - Canggu, Indonesia

Three young surfers stand with their backs to the camera, looking out at the small waves.

Young surfers in Bali, Indonesia. Tiket2. CC BY 2.0 

The Farm Hostel in Canggu, Indonesia, offers an exceptional experience for travelers. With five different types of dorms, all air-conditioned and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, the hostel ensures maximum comfort and privacy. Each bed is larger than average, featuring curtains, a reading light, an international power outlet, and a large locker for personal belongings. Located just 1.2 miles from Batu Bolong Beach and Canggu Beach, The Farm Hostel provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a bar, and a restaurant serving international cuisine with vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan options. The hostel also offers a paid airport shuttle service. 

Nestled at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac surrounded by rice fields, banana trees, bamboo and a running stream, The Farm Hostel is a tranquil retreat. Despite its serene location, it is just minutes away from great surf spots, tasty food, vibrant nightlife, and excellent coffee. Since its opening in 2015, The Farm has grown from 22 beds to 118 beds, featuring nine mixed dorms and seven female dorms. With high-speed internet, a small breakfast included, two pools, multiple common areas and a central location in Canggu, The Farm Hostel is a must-stay destination in Bali and rates start at $36 per night. 

5. Rosemary Hostel - Florianópolis, Brazil

A surfer making a turn on a wave, impressive smooth rock coastline stands in the background

Praia Mole, Florianopolis, SC, Brasil. Papa Pic from Eldorado, Argentina. CC0

Rosemary Hostel in Florianopolis, Brazil, offers a unique and empowering experience for travelers. Located just a minute’s walk from Trilha Da Galheta and a short distance from Praia da Barra da Lagoa, this hostel provides an ideal setting for reconnecting with nature. With eight rooms featuring climate control, private balconies and mini fridges, guests can enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay. The hostel is well-connected to local attractions, including the Open Sea Turtle Museum and Barra da Lagoa Natural Pools. Guests can savor South American cuisine at the nearby Restaurante Maria & Maria or explore the vibrant Praia Barra da Lagoa district. Rosemary Hostel is designed to challenge both body and mind, offering exceptional accommodation, healthy meals and inspiring activities. Whether you’re looking to relax or embark on an adventure, Rosemary Hostel promises a memorable stay with its international family, the Dream Team. The Rosemary Hostel’s nightly rates begin at $33, and there are several different types of accommodation. 

6. ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel - San Diego, CA, USA

A crowded lineup and waves. Multiple surfers in wetsuits go to catch the same wave while others duck under water

Surfing in San Diego, California. Bengt Nyman. CC BY 2.0 

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel in San Diego offers an unparalleled experience right on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean in Pacific Beach. Known for its cozy beds, beachfront facilities, and friendly hosts passionate about showcasing local culture, this hostel invites guests to bring their beach clothes and flip-flops and immerse themselves in the surf lifestyle. The hostel emphasizes sustainable lodging, cultural contact and providing a unique hosted experience. Guests can enjoy oceanfront accommodations just 1.9 miles from Belmont Amusement Park, with amenities including BBQ facilities, a garden and a shared lounge. A daily free continental breakfast is provided, featuring bread, fruit, cereal, oatmeal and coffee. The hostel also offers a 24-hour front desk, indoor lounge with workstations and table tennis. With several room options, including female-only, coed dorms, and private rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel ensures a comfortable stay. The large private outdoor deck is perfect for socializing, checking out the waves and soaking up the sunshine. Hosted social events, surfboard, wetsuit and bike rentals, as well as partnerships with top-rated wellness and yoga studios, make this hostel a legendary spot for travelers since the 1980s. Whether you’re surfing, relaxing or exploring, ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel promises a social, friendly, and fun atmosphere with rates starting at $49 a night

Julz Vargas

Julz is a student at Wellesley College studying Anthropology and Spanish. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA, and has studied all around the world in places such as Costa Rica, Greece, Iceland, and Spain. She is passionate about employing writing as a tool to explore human connection and diversity. Julz aspires to foster cross-cultural connections through community-based research, amplifying inclusive and diverse media about global cultures, foods, and people, to encourage individuals to engage more wholly with the world.

How Afghan Women Are Combating the Ban on Education

After losing access to education, Afghan women advocate for rights through silent schools and public outcry.

Women’s Learning about Education in Afghanistan

Women’s Education in Afghanistan. United Nations Photo. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

In August 2021, the Taliban returned to power in Kabul, Afghanistan, after the previous government collapsed. An Islamic fundamentalist organization, the Taliban emerged in Afghanistan in the mid-1990s as a small religious group focused on combating corruption, but quickly grew into a harsh regime based on an extreme understanding of Sharia, or Islamic law. While the regime was overthrown in 2001, Taliban offensives and the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from the country allowed their return. Along with instituting several bans on popular culture, the Taliban banned girls from attending secondary school, violating their right to education. 

Following this initial ban, Afghanistan’s gender inequality has grown exponentially. In conjunction with this educational ban, the Taliban has prioritized a focus on religious studies over traditional curriculum, dictating what women are supposed to wear, how they act, where they travel and how sex segregates the workplace. As a result, Afghan women have grown more vulnerable —  constricted in their livelihoods and forced to be dependent on men. However, in the wake of this inequality, a fight for women’s right to education has grown against the Taliban. For example, many Afghan women are continuing their education despite the ban. In underground locations, usually inside homes, volunteer teachers and families educate girls in secret schools. If any of these schools were to be discovered by the Taliban, those involved would face harsh punishment, including imprisonment, beating or even execution. Even with this daily threat, teachers and students bravely continue in the fight for equal education.“I know I cannot give up and must keep going for their sake,” secret teacher Maryam Ahmadi said in an interview with Al Jazeera. “The other teachers and I are doing our best to keep the hope of Afghan girls and young women alive.” Some instructors have found loopholes in the unjust system, setting up learning centers as girls’ religious schools or tutoring centers. In an interview with NPR, female teacher Zainab described how the Taliban allowed her to informally run her tutoring center since it “offers classes for English and Quran memorization.” 

Since 2021, women have fought through protest in a public outcry for equality. A large demonstration in December 2022 saw Afghan women gathering in the streets of Herat, after an initial ban on female university attendance. In response, Taliban groups threatened protestors and forced them to disperse. Protests continued, with another occurring in March 2023, as women gathered outside Kabul University after men returned to school for a new academic year. The Taliban again responded by dispersing the group and forcing them to leave the university. With the rise of such protests, those involved have not only faced aggressive counterattacks by Taliban militants but also have been jailed, undergoing further degradation and abuse. However, despite constant pressure and intimidation by the Taliban, women continue to fight for their right to education. “It is the power of women to stand against the Taliban and demand their rights,” echoed Wahida Amiri, a member of Afghanistan's Women Spontaneous Movement, in an interview with Amnesty.

GET INVOLVED:
Those looking to help protect the right to education can donate to numerous organizations dedicated to supporting Afghan women, including the International Rescue Committee, Women for Afghan Women, the Malala Fund, Sahar Education or Afghan Relief. Individuals can also champion equal rights by getting involved with work done by groups such as UNICEF, Education Cannot Wait or Care, who speak out to the government and international institutions about making a change.

Julia Kelley

Julia is a recent graduate from UC San Diego majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology with a minor in Art History. She is passionate about cultural studies and social justice, and one day hopes to obtain a postgraduate degree expanding on these subjects. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.