PUERTO SAN JOSÉ GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Secret-Lineups and a Shorefront Base: A 6-Day Surf Retreat in Puerto San José
A compact, 6-day surf retreat led by Ryan Croteau that pairs a beachfront partner hotel with guided sessions on uncrowded Guatemalan breaks—this guide explains what to expect and how the retreat runs.
Secret-Lineups and a Shorefront Base: A 6-Day Surf Retreat in Puerto San José.
Join a focused, small-group surf retreat in Puerto San José led by Ryan Croteau, whose years exploring Guatemala since 2012 have produced deep local connections and a curated program of waves suited to a range of abilities.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Local knowledge from a long-term explorer
Ryan Croteau has been active in Guatemala's surf community since 2012 and leads the retreat, using his experience and connections to find the best, often uncrowded, lineups.
Warm water, variety of breaks
Expect warm water and a variety of waves that can suit beginner through advanced surfers, with an emphasis on uncrowded lineups.
A beachfront partner surf hotel
The retreat uses a partner surf hotel located on the beach that offers a mix of shared and private rooms plus an on-site bar and restaurant as the program base.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
Over six days (five nights) participants wake to guided surf sessions and local scouting driven by the leader's on-the-ground knowledge; days revolve around chasing appropriate breaks, returning to a beachfront hotel base, and experiencing warm-water lineups that range from beginner-friendly to advanced.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this retreat suits—and when it might not be ideal.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The retreat runs for six days and five nights.
Participants stay at a partner beachfront surf hotel that provides both shared and private room options and has an on-site bar and restaurant.
Expect warm water and a variety of waves across nearby breaks, with the leader selecting spots appropriate to ability and conditions.
The program is limited to a small group to preserve a boutique experience (see restrictions for the stated maximum).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the retreat?
The program is six days in duration, consisting of five nights.
Who runs the excursion?
The retreat is led by Ryan Croteau, who has been exploring and active in Guatemala's surf community since 2012.
Where do participants stay?
Participants are based at a partner beachfront surf hotel that offers a mix of shared and private rooms and includes a bar and restaurant on site.
What are the waves and water like?
The retreat focuses on warm-water breaks with a variety of waves suitable for beginner through advanced surfers, emphasizing uncrowded lineups.
How large are the groups?
The retreat is limited to a small number of guests; the details indicate a non-corporate, capped group size—see restrictions for the stated maximum.
How much does the trip cost?
One listed price point for the program is from $995.