What Was My Personal Experience Like at Costa Dulce?
I came to Costa Dulce for a full month — mainly to practice and teach yoga. I also surfed nearly every day, spent afternoons journaling in my hammock, and had so many meaningful conversations over delicious food.
What surprised me the most about my stay as a solo female traveler? The people. The community I found here was unlike anything else — deep, honest conversations with strangers who quickly felt like friends. Everyone came from different backgrounds and had different stories — corporate New Yorkers, families on a getaway, nomads staying for months — yet we somehow crossed paths here as if it were meant to be. Throughout the whole experience, I felt a deep sense of safety and belonging.
Let me take you through some key experiences that shaped my past month here.
What Are the Surf Conditions Like at Costa Dulce in Summer?
I surfed almost every day. Escameca Beach, right in front of Costa Dulce, is a sandy beach break that’s forgiving but still fun — perfect for someone like me, progressing past the complete beginner stage but still learning. This is the ideal place to surf during summer in the Northern hemisphere. Most days offered waves around chest height (2–3 ft), with occasional bigger or smaller days. When the swell picked up too much and the waves got a bit intimidating, the crew took us to nearby breaks with more manageable conditions.
I think that the best way to progress in this beginner-to-intermediate stage is just to try and catch as many waves as possible. Of course, I did wipe out a lot and had some sessions where I spent more time under waves than riding them, but that’s all part of the journey. And with so few people in the lineup (one of the perks of the rainy season) and a sandy bottom, this is the perfect place to up your wave count and push your limits safely.
The lineup here is hands-down the kindest I’ve ever experienced. No crowd stress. No ego. Just a bunch of stoked humans cheering each other on. On days when my shoulders were sore, I still went out just for the vibe. The offshore winds and glassy evening conditions made for some of the most magical sunset sessions of my life.
Being out there wasn’t just about catching waves — it was about connection: with yourself, your friends, and the ocean.
What Is the Yoga Experience Like at Costa Dulce?
Yoga is something that weaves through my life as a yoga teacher, so I knew from the start that it would play a big role in my stay here as well. In addition to the few classes I taught here, I also practiced in classes led by other teachers (and soon friends).
Twice-daily yoga — morning and evening — created a beautiful rhythm to the days. And having different class styles and different teachers throughout the day brought a nice variety. Morning flows were energizing and more strong, while the evening sessions — mostly slow and restorative — felt like a warm hug after long surf sessions. There’s something magical about doing Yin yoga while lightning flashes in the distance, then walking to bed under the stars. In addition, workshops on breathwork, the chakras or ecstatic dance brought new perspectives and added to the rich variety.
The yoga classes welcomed everyone, from beginners to fellow teachers. It didn’t matter how experienced you were — everyone meditated, moved, laughed, and grew together. And as a forever learning yoga teacher myself, I found my own practice challenged and enriched on a daily basis.
What Wellness Offerings Can You Enjoy at Costa Dulce?
Between surfing and yoga, I found deep rest in other wellness rituals. The sauna and cold plunge mornings became a loved routine — not just for recovery, but as a quiet social space to connect before the day began.
I also treated myself to massages that were deeply nourishing after several physical days out in the water and on the mat. Wellness rituals like these grounded me and were a great addition to the other daily activities.
What Is the Setting Like — Is It as Beautiful as In the Photos?
Yes. It really is. The photos don’t lie.
The beach is steps away, and the jungle completely surrounds you. Monkeys swing by regularly, colorful crabs scurry along the paths, and the crashing waves become part of your daily soundtrack. Falling asleep to the sound of waves took a night to adjust to — and then became the most soothing background noise.
If I wasn’t surfing or in the yoga shala, I found myself in my hammock or at the sunset point during golden hour — just watching the waves, maybe journaling or just being still and receiving.
What Makes the Costa Dulce Community So Special?
This is the part that’s hardest to explain — and the most impactful. The people here aren’t just “other guests.” They’re travelers, surfers, yogis, teachers, creatives, remote workers, and parents — each bringing their own story.
There’s a real openness here. Conversations go deep quickly, and everyone seems to be on some kind of inward journey, whether they came for a surf break or to strengthen their yoga practice. I learned so much just from sharing space and stories. It reminded me how powerful real human connection can be — especially when we unplug and slow down.
What About Safety in Nicaragua?
As a solo female traveler, I always consider safety when planning a trip. While Nicaragua apparently gets a travel warning in the U.S., it’s generally viewed as safe in Europe (where I am from) — and that matched my own experience. As always when traveling, basic common sense goes a long way — such as not walking alone at night in dark alleys and staying aware of your surroundings. That said, I felt entirely at ease here at Costa Dulce.
Costa Dulce is in a quiet and welcoming area, where you can fully relax. The locals are friendly and helpful, and the staff is always ready to assist — from airport pickups to planning a city trip. Although safety in Nicaragua was something I thought about before coming, it never crossed my mind again once I arrived. I wouldn’t think twice about sending a friend — whether a solo traveler or a family with kids — to Costa Dulce.
Why Costa Dulce might not be for everyone
Costa Dulce is best suited for open-hearted travelers ready to roll with nature’s flow and connect with others. While you can definitely enjoy your own quiet moments, the friendly and open community here means you’ll likely get pulled into conversations and connections over meals, which might not suit those craving complete solitude.
If you’re dreaming of a polished luxury resort with perfectly controlled surroundings, Costa Dulce might not be your ideal spot. It is a beautiful but unpretentious retreat, deeply connected to nature and community. Expect to encounter wildlife around you, from colorful crabs on the stairs to the beach to a curious gecko on your porch. There are also some cuddly and well-behaved dogs on the property.
The pace is flexible and laid-back, just like the locals are. If you prefer every detail planned and scheduled, this might feel a little unpredictable — with spontaneous surf trips and a flow that follows nature’s rhythm.
What Tips Would I Share for Anyone Planning a Visit to Costa Dulce?
- Don’t fear the rainy season: It’s lush, magical, and often less crowded. Plus, the surf is great for progressing beginners with fewer people in the lineup and consistent waves.
- Say yes to new experiences: Sauna, cold plunge, cacao ceremony, breathwork, workshops — there are many activities to try out. And you might just discover something new about yourself.
- Don’t overschedule, but go with the flow. There’s so much happening here, but you don’t need to do it all. Leave some space for spontaneous interactions and pause. Let your days flow naturally.
- Stay longer if you can. I would recommend staying at least one week to allow yourself to truly drop in. The longer you stay, the deeper you can go. More time allows you to take in the full experience without squeezing activities into your days. And Costa Dulce even offers a residency program with special discounts for those staying longer.
- Come with an open heart. The more honest you are with yourself and others, the deeper your experience will be. Try to let go of the expectation of what this could be — and open yourself up to whatever may come your way.
Final Thoughts
Costa Dulce gave me everything I expected — a deepened yoga practice, lots of surf progression, a beautiful setting — but it also gave me things I didn’t even know I needed. Space to pause and reflect. A feeling of being truly present. Conversations that stirred something deeper. Connections that will last a lifetime.
Thank you to everyone who made my month here so special — I truly cannot wait to come back.
