Remember when the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and you played all day at the beach with your friends? Ever wanted to go back and do it again? Now you can. Las Olas, the first and foremost surf vacation for women, has demonstrated how camaraderie and confidence blossoms when balanced with fun, relaxation, and shared discovery. Since 1997, it’s been our heartfelt mission to take time to play. Our motto says it all ~ We make girls out of women. Please explore the details below. If you have any questions, we’re here to answer them.
See you in the waves,
Bev, founder Las Olas
Las Olas at a glance
The Las Olas surfcoaching method began nearly 30 years ago when we realized that women teach women surfing differently. From there, we’ve developed a holistic approach to surfing by understanding our goals, fears, and relationship with the ocean.
From the first lesson in class through your maiden ride in, you’ll appreciate the fluid and open exchange of surf stoke and knowledge. We respect that every woman is at a different place in their desire to learn something new. Our guests are adults, so are our surf coaches. They’re hand-picked for their experience, teaching expertise, and sensitivity.
Las Olas is located in the coolest little pueblo in Mexico. It’s rural Mexicana, but international surf influence is everywhere. A short walk from your villa and the beach, you’ll find the town plaza surrounded by dozens of cafes and lots of shops. There’s something special about the pace of Mexico that feeds the soul. From Roberto, the coconut man on the corner, to the free-range kids playing soccer in la Plaza, you’ll feel welcome the day you arrive. Free yourself from worry and hurry. Like bobbing in the ocean, you’ll settle in to the flow of the pueblo and wonder why life isn’t always just like this.
Adamski Peek
Adamski PeekYour day begins and ends with a calming exhale. Breathing, stretching, and relaxing is the ideal warm-up and wind down. Our morning session, seeped in the natural soundtrack of beckoning waves, prepares you for a day of surfing. It’s the perfect way to clear your head and loosen up. Afternoon yoga focuses on restoration and relaxation. Classes are tuned to your individual goals, so our yogini can adjust exercises to meet your needs. Bring your yoga attire. We provide mats, water bottles, and plenty of namaste.
Las Olas
Las OlasWould you like a fresh fruit smoothie to start your day? They’re offered at breakfast every morning. What about locally caught mahi-mahi with seasonal vegetables on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes for dinner? That’s just one of your options. And wouldn’t that pair nicely with a chilled pinot grigio, cerveza, or your favorite cocktail? Of course, we’re big girls.
Adamski-Peek
Adamski-PeekAt Las Olas, surf lessons go beyond the surfbreak. We also promote positive reinforcement through It’s Your Wave, our upbeat, surf-centric workshop that focuses on the intellectual side of riding waves. We believe that cultivating a quiet mind along with a healthy dose of encouragement not only helps overcome challenges, but also frees us to focus, advance, surf better, and achieve anything with more confidence. You’ll experience guided meditation, visualization, journaling, and tips for staying sharp and positive in the lineup and beyond.
You won’t find chain stores, but perhaps traditional Huichol art piques your interest? No problem. Hippy chic? On every corner. How about a t-shirt with Pancho Villa holding a longboard? We’ve got you covered.
De Khors
De KhorsYour Las Olas surf safari isn’t complete without a restorative massage during your vacation. It’s essential to loosen and relieve tired muscles, increase circulation, and help your worries drift out to sea. Las Olas therapists are completely in tune with our surfer girls, they’ve been treating us for years. Swedish, deep tissue or sports–it’s up to you.
“I am the story of the non-athlete who, without realizing it, became one.”
–Linda
Less travel = More waves
Las Olas is the closest warm water women’s surf vacation to most major cities in the USA and Canada. In fact, you can have breakfast at SFO and lunch at your ocean-front villa. Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport on direct flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta, Calgary, Toronto, and many more. We’ll meet you at the airport and less than an hour later, you’ll be on the beach.
Whoever said, “The journey is half the fun.” missed a lot of waves. See you soon!
“My experience at Las Olas was very powerful– one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
–Deseri
Las Olas
Las OlasInclusions
• Scheduled ground transportation to and from Puerto Vallarta airport • Four night seaside accommodations • Daily surf lessons with expert, caring female instructors, including a focused surf lesson with your instructor • Morning and evening yoga sessions • Therapeutic sports or relaxation massage • Unlimited use of La Casita, Las Olas’ famous clubhouse complete with surfboards, shower, and bathroom, all just steps from the beach • Quality surfboards from soft foamies to custom shaped pro boards
More inclusions
• Daily breakfast at the seashore • Orientation and finale dinners serving local specialties and open bar • Day safari to secret surf spot by shuttle or boat, including lunch on the beach • Las Olas beach chairs and umbrellas directly in front of the surf break with restaurant service • It’s Your Wave surf-centric personal development workshop focusing on positive reinforcement and applying your surf experience in life • SURF101 après-surf class (and ice cream social) to answer all your burning questions • Scheduled activities like salsa dancing, turtle rescue, whale watching, and tequila tasting • Unscheduled activities like Spanish lessons, pom pom making, and more tequila tasting
Even more inclusions
• Your own Las Olas rashguard (surf shirt) • Your own sports water bottle for hydration • Bolsa de mandado beach bag • Unlimited use of yoga mats and beach towels during your stay • Mid-safari cocktail and tapas mixer • Daily maid service • Gratuities included for hotel, shuttles, and restaurant service
Not included
• Airfare • Two lunches and two dinners are on your own in the village • Gratuities for surfcoaches and massage therapists
“At Las Olas, I broke bad habits, built confidence, and truly took my surfing to the next level.”
–Nancy
La Casita, your private clubhouse
Located right between la playa y la plaza, La Casita is your surf school classroom complete with surfboards, shower, refreshments, storage cubbies, bathroom, wi-fi, and more. Just steps from the surf break and downtown delights. For Las Olas guests and crew only.
“My new surfer girl spirit has changed me, my work, and my life.”
–Susan
Las Olas
Las OlasPerched right above the shoreline, most villas offer dramatic views down to the surfbreak and out to the horizon. Your biggest challenge is deciding whether to spend your afternoon on the beach or on your terrace.
LeValley
LeValleyVilla details
Although each villa at Las Olas is unique, they all include the following standard features: • Ocean or garden views • Entrance from the beach • Walk to Las Olas clubhouse, cafes, shopping, and surf • Pool and yoga patio open all day • Seaside restaurant and full bar • Kitchen or kitchenette • Full bathroom • Organic bath & body products • Air conditioning • Standard US/Canada 110 voltage • Free wi-fi • Fluffy bathrobe and beach towels • Daily maid service • 24 hour security on property • Front desk staff at your service
Villa options
All Las Olas guests will experience the same excellent surf and yoga instruction, meals, and activities. The difference in rates is based on your villa choice. Please consider the options below.
1. Shared or private?
Your villa options are first divided into two main categories Shared and Private. This refers to your bedroom and/or villa arrangement. For example, some guests enjoy sharing a bedroom or villa with friends, old and new. Others prefer privacy in their bedroom or villa. It’s up to you.
2. One or two bedroom?
The next consideration is whether you’d like a one- or two-bedroom villa. For example, if you’d like the kitchen and patio to yourself, request a one-bedroom. Request a two-bedroom if you’re ok with sharing a common area, or if you are attending with friends who’d like to stay together.
3. Comfy? Or comfy and fancy?
Your last choice is choosing your villa quality level. Most villas are offered in Premium, Deluxe, and Standard levels. The differences are explained below.
Villa quality levels
For descriptions, tap PREMIUM, DELUXE, or STANDARD.
“The instructors were REALLY good teachers. The vibe was positive and empowering. So well organized and run like a finely-tuned machine.”
–Jennifer
“What an amazing week with really smart, fun women. I’m catching and surfing my own waves now with more confidence than ever before.”
–Margaret
Las Olas surf retreat dates
After more than 25 seasons we’ve fine tuned your Las Olas surf vacation to offer the best schedule for modern women.
Depending on your dates, you’ll arrive Sunday or Monday, freeing your weekend for last minute preparations and packing. And you’ll travel opposite departing tourists giving you better flight options.
You’ll depart the following Thursday or Friday so all your surf adventures are mid-week, avoiding weekend beach traffic.
Pro tip: If you schedule your arrival and departure right, you can get five days in the waves!
LeValley
LeValleyEvery fall we help newborn sea turtles get their paddle on.
Monday, November 6 – Friday, November 10
Sunday, November 12 – Thursday, November 16
This winter it’s your choice–wet snow or warm sand.
Monday, February 26 – Friday, March 1
Sunday, March 3 – Thursday, March 7
There’s still time to catch the last of the winter swell.
Monday, April 8 – Friday, April 12
Sunday, April 14 – Thursday, April 18
Early spring surf will warm your bones and jump start your summer.
Monday, May 6 – Friday, May 10
Sunday, May 12 – Thursday, May 16
Just like there are only so many waves rolling in, there is limited space at Las Olas. Before you lock down your schedule and book your airfare, please confirm availability by contacting us first.
Call
831-625-5748
Email
“The best camp ever! Awesome instructors with great feedback, progressions, and encouragement.”
–Sarah
Las Olas booklet?
For old-fashioned printed details (or if you’d just like to look at more pretty pictures), we’ll happily mail a Las Olas surf safari booklet. Includes a sticker for your surfboard (free).
As a Las Olas regular, I can honestly say the surf instruction is getting better every year. I learn more and more every time I’m here.
–Carolina
Over the years, the media has reported some very nice things about Las Olas.
“Las Olas is the Golden Door of surf camps.”
–San Francisco Chronicle
“I felt like I had just gone to church, and I’m feeling fortified and more than a little worshipful.”
–O, the Oprah Magazine
“The week I spent at Las Olas truly changed my life.”
–Fitness Magazine
“The #1 Surf Camp for Women.”
–The Malibu Times
Sign up for Las Olas Stories
For over 20 years we’ve collected stories about women and surf culture that resonate with us. We write about friends, fashion, food, the waves, gear, and much more with one unifying theme ~ our connection to the ocean.
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The fine print
Since 1997 Las Olas has evolved to be a better experience for all our guests. Although we’ve done our best to be as accurate as possible in our descriptions, we’re always improving. That said, we reserve the right to make changes along the way. If there’s something in our program that’s important to you, feel free to ask about any current details or changes.
Segovia circa 1997
Segovia circa 1997Beginnings
Bev Sanders, founder of Las Olas, has spent decades in the action sports world beginning as a ski instructor at the age of 16. She co-founded Avalanche Snowboards in 1982 greatly impacting the evolution of the new sport and development of women’s boarding gear. Then at age 44, she learned to surf. With the help of a handful of pioneering surfer girls and a few good men, she launched Las Olas in 1997 continuing in her mission to introduce women to empowerment through sports.
Unless otherwise noted, photos by Camilla Fuchs for Las Olas
Unless otherwise noted, photos by Camilla Fuchs for Las OlasYou have questions? We have answers.
Thank you for your interest in Las Olas Surfing for Women. If you need quick answers, browse our FAQ.
If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, call us at 831-625-5748, email at surfing@lasolas.surf or tell us what’s on your mind in the form below.
¡Hasta pronto!
