Looking for perfect waves and guilt-free travel? Eco-conscious surfers no longer have to compromise between chasing barrels and protecting the planet. With an increasing number of surf resorts prioritizing sustainability, it’s now easier than ever to ride waves in style while treading lightly on the environment.
From solar-powered villas to marine conservation projects, the world’s top eco-friendly surf resorts blend adventure with sustainability — offering unforgettable surf experiences in destinations that prioritize the planet. Whether you’re planning your first international trip or your next bucket list mission, this guide will help you find the best surf resort for your next green getaway.
Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Surf Resort?
Surf travel often means long-haul flights and off-grid locations — a combination that can take a serious toll on the environment. Eco-friendly resorts reduce your impact with solar power, water conservation, reef protection, and even local education programs. Some of the best go beyond sustainability by encouraging guests to get involved in local conservation efforts.
If you're already conscious about your surf gear, like using our FARO Eco Dry Bags or Recycled Boardshorts, why not go one step further and stay somewhere that reflects your values?
10 Eco-Friendly Surf Resorts for Your Next Trip
1. Scorpion Bay Hotel – Baja, Mexico
Best for: Right-hand point breaks in a remote desert setting.
Eco Highlights: STOKE-Certified, partially solar-powered, involved in blue carbon offset programs like mangrove and seagrass restoration.
Wave Type: Long right-hand point
Where You’ll Stay: 10-bedroom boutique stay with private bathrooms and A/C units
When to Go: March–November
Getting There: 3 hours from Loreto Airport; plan to fly as the 17-hour drive from California is intense.
🌱 Pro Tip: Bring a board sock and mid-length board for cruising endless rights.
Check out our travel gear guide to pack smart and sustainably.
2. Los Cardones Eco Lodge – Nicaragua
Best for: Peaceful solitude and hands-on conservation
Eco Highlights: Sea turtle nursery, beach cleanups, low-impact construction, light pollution minimization
Wave Type: Hollow lefts, A-frames
Where You’ll Stay: Oceanfront cabanas and bungalows
When to Go: April–October for peak swell
Getting There: 1 hour from Managua Airport
🐢 Volunteer to protect baby turtles during your stay — a truly unforgettable experience.
3. Palo Verde Hotel – El Zonte, El Salvador
Best for: eco-friendly Surfing world-class point breaks and staying beachfront
Eco Highlights: Solar-powered, wastewater treatment, local empowerment initiatives
Wave Type: Rights and lefts over sand
Where You’ll Stay: 10 rooms ranging from lofts to queens, all with A/C and local textiles
When to Go: March–October
Getting There: 1–1.5 hour drive from San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Airport
💡 Pair this trip with our Lightweight Surf Poncho for post-surf comfort with minimal packing.
4. Olas Verdes Hotel – Nosara, Costa Rica
Best for: Uncrowded beach breaks and rich wildlife
Eco Highlights: First LEED-certified surf hotel, solar panels, native landscaping, retained 90% of existing trees
Wave Type: Steep beach breaks
Where You’ll Stay: Regionally themed suites and apartments
When to Go: May–August
Getting There: 2–3 hour drive from Liberia (LIR), or fly into Nosara
🦥 Ideal for surf-eco lovers looking for waves and wildlife.
5. Chicama Boutique Hotel – Chicama, Peru
Best for: Riding the world’s longest left-hand wave
Eco Highlights: Plastic-free since 2018, partnered with NGOs to prevent reef-damaging construction
Wave Type: Long left point break
Where You’ll Stay: 20 oceanview rooms with balconies
When to Go: March–November
Getting There: Fly to Trujillo via Lima
🧼 Collect beach plastic for free coffee — surf, clean, repeat.
6. Suarga Padang Padang – Bali, Indonesia
Best for: Quick access to Uluwatu, Dreamland, and other iconic breaks
Eco Highlights: FSC applicant, recycled wood, solar power, elevated construction to preserve flora
Wave Type: Reefs and point breaks
Where You’ll Stay: 36 Balinese-inspired villas and rooms
When to Go: April–October
7. Harana Surf Resort – Siargao, Philippines
Best for: Access to 30+ surf breaks including Cloud 9
Eco Highlights: STOKE-Certified, plastic-free, water conservation, community involvement
Wave Type: Reef, beach, and point breaks
Where You’ll Stay: Deluxe rooms to shared villas
When to Go: August–November
Getting There: Fly into Siargao via Cebu or Manila
📚 Join local literacy or tree planting programs during down days.
8. Maqai Eco Resort – Qamea, Fiji
Best for: Remote surf trips with a focus on coral reef protection
Eco Highlights: Solar power, reef preservation, coral gardening projects
Wave Type: Reef breaks (left and right)
Where You’ll Stay: Beachfront bures (traditional huts)
When to Go: Year-round
9. Tavarua Island Resort – Fiji
Best for: Iconic waves like Restaurants and Cloudbreak
Eco Highlights: STOKE-Certified, solar-powered, Mission Blue Hope Spot
Wave Type: Left and right reef breaks
Where You’ll Stay: Beachfront bures and luxury villas
When to Go: March–August
Getting There: Fly to Nadi, then bus + boat transfer arranged by the resort
🌀 Perfect for intermediate to expert surfers chasing world-class waves sustainably.
10. Matanivusi Surf Resort – Coral Coast, Fiji
Best for: Surfing uncrowded reefs while supporting local communities
Eco Highlights: STOKE-Certified, built using local labor, rainwater systems, recycling programs, and education outreach
Wave Type: Reef breaks
Where You’ll Stay: 12 beachfront rooms with local wood decor
When to Go: December–October
Getting There: 2-hour bus from Nadi Airport
👣 Leave a lighter footprint — this was the world’s first certified eco surf resort.
Final Thoughts: Eco Travel Meets Epic Waves
Eco-friendly surf resorts offer more than just green credentials — they’re the future of sustainable travel. Whether you're heading to the rugged coast of Mexico or a secluded island in Fiji, you can make a positive impact without sacrificing comfort or surf quality. Reach out to us and start planning today.
Looking to pack sustainably? Check out our Surf Travel Essentials Blog for tips on low-impact packing and product suggestions that align with your lifestyle.
