Salem Surf Co retreats are subject to meeting a minimum participant requirement. Trips will be confirmed or canceled no later than one (1) month prior to departure, and all participants will be notified via email.

Salem Surf Co is not responsible for airfare or travel expenses booked prior to trip confirmation. We strongly advise waiting to purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable travel arrangements until confirmation is received.

Read our full Trip Confirmation Disclaimer here.

This is real island living, not a resort; and that's the point.

Expect humble fan or AC rooms, basic ensuite bathrooms (Filipino-style, meaning the shower and toilet share one space), and the occasional water outage or power flicker.

It's simple, it's raw, and it's part of what makes this trip feel real.

Clean sheets, ocean sounds, and the occasional gecko included.

We've been on plenty of group trips ourselves, and we know that doing something every three seconds isn't actually relaxing.

That's why our surf trips are designed to balance structure with downtime.

We surf together every day, have one group activity, and do daily video analysis, but beyond that, your time is your own.

There will be group adventures sprinkled in daily (check out the itinerary), but you're also free to explore on your own or simply enjoy some extra beach time.

It's a hands-on, hands-off approach that keeps everyone feeling organized without feeling scheduled to death.

Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, then take a short domestic flight to Virac Airport (VRC): about an hour with Cebu Pacific.

If you're coming from abroad, we recommend giving yourself a buffer day in Manila in case of flight delays or layovers.

Once you land in Virac, we'll be there to meet you for a 15-mile car ride to Puraran.

Not at all! A group van will handle all transportation. Daily surf sessions, activities, airport transfers, and grocery store runs are all taken care of.

Absolutely. Most of our guests come solo! This retreat is designed to foster connection, confidence, and community. Whether you’re introverted or outgoing, there’s space for you here.

Your 8 days in Catanduanes come fully taken care of.

You'll stay 7 nights just steps from the beach in Puraran, with 3 healthy, home-cooked meals a day (drinks not included) keeping you fueled the whole trip.

Surf lessons come with equipment included, and boards are available to use outside lesson hours depending on availability: daily coaching comes from local guides plus Salem and Chloe, with personalized video analysis after every session so you can actually watch your progress unfold.

Beyond the surf, you'll ground through yoga classes, meditation, and daily journal prompts, and dive into local immersion activities like cooking classes, cacao tasting, abaca-processing, and native jewelry making, plus nature walks with local flora lessons woven throughout the week.

We're heading out for a 2-day island expedition, a motorbike adventure day, and a massage to help you unwind.

All ground transfers and excursions are covered, along with airport pickup and drop-off from Virac Airport (VRC).

This is a small group experience (8 women max), and every guest goes home with an exclusive Salem Surf Co gift bag, plus a few extra surprises we're keeping under wraps. 🌺

• Flights

• Extra snacks, drinks, and meals

• Travel insurance (they highly recommend getting one)

• Extra water sport activities

For this trip, we offer two different kinds of rooms: Private AC rooms and Private Fan rooms.

The rooms with AC will be an extra $75 USD per night.

All the rooms will be private.

You will receive structured, hands-on, 1:1 surf coaching from Salem and Chloe.

Since the group is small, we will be able to work with each woman individually to make sure you are meeting your surfing goals.

One of us will be in the water at all times, and we will do daily video analysis.

YES! You can absolutely sign up with a friend and request to share a room. Let us know on your interest form and we’ll make it happen.

All deposits are non-refundable.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before the retreat may receive a refund of payments made beyond the deposit. Within 60 days of the retreat, all payments are non-refundable.

No refunds will be issued for missed lessons or unused portions of the retreat.

Travel insurance is required. Salem Surf Co is not responsible for flights or personal travel expenses.

Read our full cancellation policy here.

That’s okay! If you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free, we will have something for you, but don't forget to let us know before you leave!

If you're a U.S. citizen, no: you can travel to the Philippines without a visa for stays up to 30 days for tourism, well within this 8-day trip.

You'll just need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay and a return or onward ticket.

If you hold a passport from a different country, entry requirements can vary, so double-check with your nearest Philippine embassy or consulate before booking your flights.