Surf travel isn’t exactly the most sustainable endeavor out there. To chase swells in the far-flung corners of the world, we board flights, charter boats, and drive 4x4 overland, all of which use an enormous amount of fossil fuels. At Amaru, we wholeheartedly believe that travel is one of life’s greatest joys. Travel allows us to experience new cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us while also teaching us an enormous amount about ourselves. Sustainability is one of the cornerstones of our Nicaragua surf resort. We cherish our planet and the natural world we occupy and want to do everything we can to protect it. So, we’re here to offer a helping hand in making your surf travel more sustainable. Continue reading below for Sustainable Surf Travel: Minimizing Your Environmental Impact in Northern Nicaragua.

Pack with a Purpose

When you travel, you have the option to be as sustainable as you’d like by packing with a purpose. When packing for your trip, choose eco-friendly surf gear that will reduce your impact on the planet. Surfboards made from traditional polyurethane are incredibly harmful to the environment as the foam doesn’t break down, and the resin used is highly toxic when disposed of improperly. Fortunately for the eco-conscious surf traveler, there are now dozens of eco-friendly board builders out there. When you’re shopping for a new surfboard, look for the Ecoboard Stamp to ensure your new surf craft is made sustainably.

Choose Your Surf Travel Destination Wisely

Not all surf travel destinations are as environmentally conscious as they claim to be, and it can be difficult to discern what’s fact and what’s fiction when booking surf travel. If you’re planning a surf trip and want to ensure your stay is as sustainable as possible, look for accommodation that has eliminated common single-use plastics from their daily operation, serves locally sourced foods from local farmers, fishermen, and butchers, and works actively to reduce their own waste. At Amaru, we’re deeply committed to mitigating our environmental impact. You won’t find single-use plastics at our bar. Many of the ingredients that make up your meals are harvested on our own property. Additionally, we work tirelessly with our local community to help protect and restore our coastlines through various initiatives like our sea turtle conversation project.

Eliminate Single-Use Plastics for Your Travels

While on the road, single-use plastics are all around us. From the drinks we’re served on airplanes to our travel-size toiletries, it can be hard to conceptualize a day of travel that is totally void of single-use plastics. Avoiding single-use plastics during your surf travel isn’t just possible, it’s also practical. For example, investing in a reusable water bottle that you can fill up pre-flight will give you the peace of mind to sleep through your light without being disturbed by the drink cart while also cutting down on your personal waste. In 2023, there are hundreds of sustainable toiletries options that avoid plastic altogether, like shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and refillable deodorant.

Cut Down on Food Waste

Cutting down on food waste will drastically reduce your personal consumption, which, in turn, will cut down on your carbon footprint. There are several ways to reduce your food waste, including meal planning, storing food intelligently, utilizing leftovers in new recipes, and composting. At Amaru, our kitchen team composts our food waste, and we use that compost in our garden and to feed our chickens.

Get Involved with the Local Community

Whether your surf trip lasts for one week or several months, getting involved with the local community should be at the top of your priority if sustainability is your goal. Participate in local beach cleanups, engage with others about sustainability, and look for opportunities to help local organizations. At Amaru, we work closely with the local sea turtle sanctuary and provide funding to help protect sea turtle eggs from poaching.

At Amaru, we’re immersed in the natural beauty of Northern Nicaragua. We take pride in living closely with nature and do all we can to protect our natural world. Whether you're searching for empty waves, a yoga retreat with like-minded individuals, peaceful family time, or some soulful reflection, we offer it all. Head to our website to book your stay.