Choose your Summer 2026 Program!
| Ride the legendary waves of the Oaxacan coast while immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions and natural wonders of the Mexican Pacific. From professional surf instruction on pristine beaches to exploring ancient ruins and bioluminescent lagoons, our Pacific Surf Camp offers a high-energy, staff-led journey for high school students aged 14-18.
Embark on an action-packed journey through the diverse landscapes of Southern Mexico, from the colonial architecture of Oaxaca City to the rugged Pacific coastline. This high-energy expedition is designed for students seeking a balance of physical challenge and cultural discovery, blending professional surf instruction with immersive exploration of remote lagoons, sea turtle conservation and mountain springs. Your journey begins in the cultural heart of Oaxaca, exploring ancient archeological sites and vibrant markets, before transitioning to the world-class breaks of Puerto Escondido and the hidden eco-lodges of Chacahua. Led by veteran directors with a focus on ocean safety and environmental stewardship, this program offers a secure and transformative gateway into the untamed beauty of the Mexican Pacific.
Program Location: Puerto Escondido & Oaxaca City, Mexico
Eligibility: 14-18 years of age
Group Size: Typical cohort of 6–10 participants (Min: 6 / Max: 10)
Focus: Surfing, Outdoor Activities & Cultural Discovery
Activity Level: High (daily surfing and coastal exploration)
Accommodation: Boutique Eco-Lodges & Vetted Hotels
Arrival & Departure Airport: OAX (Xoxocotlán International Airport)
Meals | Accommodation | Onsite Director & 24/7 Support | Surf Lessons | Excursions | Cultural Activities | Airport Transfers | International Medical Insurance
8:30 AM: Tropical breakfast at the Puerto Surf House.
9:30 AM: Professional Surf Lesson followed by free time to practice at the beach.
1:30 PM: Group lunch in Punta Zicatela or La Rinconada.
4:00 PM: Coastal Excursion: Bacocho Sea Turtle Release project or Mangrove exploration.
7:00 PM: Group Dinner (Tacos at Rinconada or a bonfire at Chacahua).
10:00 PM: Evening reflection and rest for the next day's swell.
At the heart of the Pacific Surf Camp is a commitment to physical skill-building and ocean safety. Whether catching your first wave or refining a bottom turn, our students receive personalized coaching from certified instructors in a high-support environment. We prioritize technique and environmental stewardship, ensuring students gain confidence in the water while developing a deep respect for the delicate marine ecosystems of the Pacific coast.
The Arcos expedition is a cross-state journey through the diverse landscapes of Oaxaca. From the petrified waterfalls of Hierve el Agua to the remote mangrove forests of the Pacific coast, our excursions provide a deep dive into the natural wonders and ancestral traditions of Southern Mexico.
Hierve el Agua Petrified Waterfall & Natural Springs: Begin the journey in Oaxaca City and travel to this sacred site where you will explore the "petrified" mineral waterfalls of Hierve el Agua and hike through the highland ecosystem overlooking the Oaxaca valley.
The Chacahua Lagoon Expedition: A signature Arcos experience. Travel by boat into the remote Lagunas de Chacahua for an overnight stay in eco-cabins. Explore mangrove forests, take mud baths, and witness the water glow during nighttime bioluminescence.
Bacocho Sea Turtle Conservation: Participate in the release of wild sea turtle hatchlings with a local conservation organization. This hands-on activity focuses on the preservation of marine life and the challenges of coastal ecological conservation.
Sunrise Boat Trip & Traditional Fishing: Embarking before dawn with local fishers, witness the awakening of the Pacific coast as the sun rises over the horizon. Learn traditional sustainable fishing practices surrounded by the region's rich marine biodiversity.
We provide a comprehensive, all-inclusive journey that bridges the colonial highlands of Oaxaca with the surf-breaks of the Pacific. From specialized ISA surf coaching to traditional Zapotec artisanal workshops, every logistical detail and safety protocol is managed by our expert onsite team.
Dual-Destination Housing: Authentic, vetted homestays in the heart of Oaxaca City for cultural immersion, followed by secure beachfront accommodations at our professional surf camp on the Pacific Coast.
Full Board (All Meals): Three nutritious meals daily, featuring the world-renowned "Oaxacan Seven Moles" and fresh coastal seafood. Includes a traditional Mexican cooking class.
Professional Surf Instruction: All coaching fees, surfboard rentals, and ocean safety training led by certified instructors.
In-Country Transportation: All private, air-conditioned ground transportation, including the critical scenic transfer from the Oaxacan highlands to the Pacific coast.
Cultural & Archaeological Entry: All entrance fees and professional guiding for the Monte Albán UNESCO site and local artisanal workshop visits.
24/7 Onsite Leadership: Continuous supervision and mentorship from our veteran Program Directors, maintaining our secure "Group Bubble" throughout the city and coast.
Health & Safety: Comprehensive international medical and accident insurance for the duration of the program.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare to Oaxaca (OAX) and personal spending money for souvenirs or additional snacks.
The Pacific Surf Camp utilizes a cohort-based model where students travel, reside, and explore as a single group with 24/7 staff supervision and support. Our Active Discovery programs are capped at a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a tight-knit community and a secure environment for shared adventure.
Our students reside together in hand-picked boutique hotels and eco-lodges that reflect the local character of the region. On the coast, we utilize secure lodges with beach access and common areas for evening reflections; in the city, we stay in historic hotels located within the safe, pedestrian-friendly historic center.
With a high staff-to-student ratio, our directors are present for every activity, meal, and transfer. This high-support model allows us to manage the logistics of an adventure itinerary—such as highland hiking and boat excursions—with professional precision. Our directors are trained in wilderness and water safety protocols, and provide a direct line of communication with parents and Arcos headquarters throughout the journey.
Every student is covered by a premium international medical insurance policy with Cigna Global. We have established relationships with top-tier local medical facilities, such as Hospital Reforma in Oaxaca City and Hospital Ángel del Mar in Puerto Escondido, to ensure immediate, high-quality care is available if needed.
Our team provides a seamless transition at Oaxaca City (OAX). From the moment students land until their final departure, every transit is monitored in real-time by our experienced staff. We handle all ground transportation in private, vetted vehicles and drivers, ensuring that the group moves safely and comfortably between destinations.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Pamela’s life has been defined by an inquisitive spirit and a deep connection to the natural wonders of her home country. After years of studying Fine Arts and Italian in Florence, she dedicated herself to group leadership and therapeutic education. With a Master’s degree in Gestalt Therapy, Pamela specializes in guiding adolescents through transformative group experiences, blending her background in art therapy and meditation with a passion for high-energy outdoor exploration.
Since moving to Oaxaca in 2021, Pamela has become a local expert in the state’s diverse ecosystems—from the rugged Sierra Norte to the Pacific coast. As a veteran leader of high school groups and wilderness expeditions, she provides Arcos students with a safe, high-support gateway into the hidden corners of the Oaxacan landscape. Pamela’s goal is to help every student find their own sense of discovery and connection within the vibrant soul of Mexico.
"I came into this program having never touched a surfboard, and by the final week, I was catching waves on my own. The instructors were so patient and really helped me see what I was doing wrong to make it better. Puerto Escondido has this incredible energy—it was so cool to wake up, surf, and then spend the afternoon exploring lagoons or helping with the turtle release. It didn't feel like a trip; it felt like a total reset." — Marlowe, 11th Grade, Eastside High School, New York, NY
"The group bonding made the whole experience for me. One night we were kayaking in a bioluminescent lagoon under the stars, and the next we were surfing with local instructors. The transition from Oaxaca City to the beach was the perfect way to see two completely different sides of Mexico. Our directors knew everything about the local culture and kept us safe every step of the way." — Audrey, 10th Grade, Essex Street Academy, Brooklyn, NY
"If you’re looking for a program that is actually active, this is it. Surfing every morning is hard work, but it was so rewarding. I loved the balance of the physical challenge and the culture in Oaxaca. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for Mexico than I ever could have gotten as a regular tourist." — Noah, 12th Grade, Sacred Heart Cathedral, San Francisco, CA
Absolutely. Our program is designed for all skill levels, from total beginners to intermediate surfers. We maintain a high instructor-to-student ratio and utilize the Puerto Surf House, which specializes in teen-specific instruction. Lessons include ocean safety, paddling technique, and wave selection. For those with experience, our coaches provide advanced skill-building to help you reach the next level.
Students in the Pacific Surf Camp travel and reside together as a cohesive cohort. We stay in hand-picked, secure accommodations that reflect the local character, such as a Surf House on the coast, eco-cabins in Chacahua, and a charming hotel in the historic center of Oaxaca City. Our directors provide 24/7 supervision, fostering a tight-knit community while ensuring a safe, "staff-led" environment at all times.
Safety is our "Gold Standard." All activities, from surfing to lagoon boat trips, are led by certified professionals and supervised by Arcos directors. We utilize private, vetted transportation for the journey between the coast and the highlands. For medical peace of mind, students are covered by a premium Cigna Global policy, and we have established protocols for immediate care at Hospital Ángel del Mar in Puerto Escondido and Hospital Ángeles in Oaxaca City.
