Wave Hunters
Surfer riding a turquoise board on a wave, with other surfers and a green island behind

Surf camp & hostel · Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio

Wake up close to the waves

A house with a garden, a pool and boards at the door, minutes from Pontal, Macumba and Prainha. All you need to bring is the urge to get in the water.

Book your staySee experiences

The house

Your backyard in Recreio

After your session, the day keeps going here: a tropical garden to unwind, a pool to cool off, a coworking space for remote workers and a mat for anyone with energy left.

  • Air conditioning in every room
  • Pool and garden
  • Coworking with Wi-Fi
  • Mat and training area
  • Post-surf changing room
  • Tropical garden lit at night with string lights and palm treesGarden
  • Pool lit at night with a stone deckPool
  • Lounge with a green wall, wooden chairs and a blue surfboardLounge
  • Coworking space with a lit counter, laptops and a round iron windowCoworking
  • Training area with a mat, wall bars, kettlebells and dumbbellsTraining & mat
  • Bathrooms with a wall in the wave pattern of the Copacabana promenadeBathrooms
  • Sinks with black and white wave tiles and a glass doorWashroom
  • Changing room with a wooden bench, hooks and an organic-shaped mirrorChanging room

Accommodation

Choose where to rest

Five rooms named after the beaches you'll get to know. All air-conditioned.

Shared room with wooden bunk beds and white and grey bedding

Shared rooms

Wooden bunks, white sheets and people from all over the world heading to the water with you.

Canto do Recreio Room

Up to 14 people

Mixed

Our most affordable option. Ideal if you want to save and hang out with other travelers.

  • Air conditioning
  • Bunk beds
  • Bed linen

Guaratiba Room

Up to 6 people

Mixed

For those who prefer sharing with a smaller group without losing the hostel vibe.

  • Air conditioning
  • Bunk beds
  • Bed linen

Praia da Macumba Room

Up to 6 people

Female only

A shared room exclusively for women, with the same camp facilities.

  • Air conditioning
  • Bunk beds
  • Bed linen
Private suite with a double bed, linen throw, desk and minibar

Private suites

A double bed, soft light and quiet to rest after a full day at sea.

Prainha Suite

Up to 4 people

Master suite

Our private master suite. Privacy for couples, families or groups of friends.

  • Air conditioning
  • TV
  • Wardrobe
  • Minibar

Praia da Reserva Suite

Up to 2 people

Private suite

Ideal for a more private stay, as a couple or on your own.

  • Air conditioning
  • TV
  • Wardrobe
  • Minibar

Activities & experiences

Way beyond the board

25 experiences to build your surf trip your way: in the water, on the mat, on the trails or exploring Rio.

Two students catching whitewater waves during a surf lesson
From your first whitewater to tow in.

  • Private surf lesson

    One-on-one coaching adapted to the student's level, to learn the basics or work on specific techniques.

  • Group surf lesson

    Learn together, with guidance on safety, positioning, paddling, catching waves and balance on the board.

  • Surf spotting & surf guide

    Help finding the best spot for the conditions and the group's level, with tips on access, currents and how the waves break.

  • Filmed surf session

    Footage of your waves to track your progress, review your technique and keep memories of the trip.

  • Surf video analysis

    Review of your footage with feedback on positioning, paddling, wave reading, stance and maneuvers.

  • Surf skate lesson

    Out-of-water training to build balance, stance, coordination and moves that carry over to surfing.

  • Tow-in or step-off surf session

    With jet ski support: in tow-in the surfer is towed into the wave; in step-off they jump off the jet ski with the board to surf. Each session takes into account the surfer's level and the sea conditions.

  • Photo & video

    Coverage of surf sessions, tours and moments of your time with Wave Hunters.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • Where is Wave Hunters and how far is it from the beach?

    We're in Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Rio de Janeiro, about five blocks from Praia da Macumba. A perfect location to enjoy the surf and the nature around us.

  • Do I need to know how to surf to stay with you?

    Not at all! We welcome beginners, experienced surfers and anyone who just wants to relax, get to know Rio and enjoy the surf camp vibe.

  • Can I book accommodation only?

    Yes! You can book just the accommodation and add experiences separately. We also offer packages that combine accommodation and activities.

  • I'm traveling solo. Is the surf camp a good fit for me?

    Absolutely! Our shared spaces and group activities make it easy to meet people and share experiences. We want Wave Hunters to be your home away from home.

  • Is breakfast included in the rate?

    We don't serve breakfast. You can use our shared kitchen to prepare your meals during your stay.

  • What are the check-in and check-out times?

    Check-in is from 2 pm and check-out is by 11 am. For early arrivals or arrivals outside reception hours, please contact us in advance to check the options.

  • How do I book and what payment methods do you accept?

    Message us on WhatsApp to check availability and complete your booking. We accept Pix, debit and credit cards, and PayPal.

    A 50% payment of the total is required to confirm the booking. The remaining 50% is paid at check-in.

  • Can I cancel or change my booking?

    Check the cancellation and change conditions provided when you book. If you booked through a platform, check the rules of the rate you chose. To request a change or ask any questions, get in touch with our team.

  • How do I get there? Do you offer an airport transfer?

    You can get here by ride-hailing app, taxi or public transport. We also offer airport transfers, booked separately and in advance. Tell us the airport, date, flight time and number of passengers to check availability and prices.

  • Do I need to bring a board or gear for the lessons?

    No! Lessons include all the gear you need, such as a board, leash and wax. To surf on your own, you can rent boards through our partnership with Surf’s Up Club, subject to availability and at an extra cost.

  • Can I use the kitchen to cook my meals?

    Yes! Our shared kitchen is spacious and fully equipped. After using it, wash your dishes, clean up and put everything back in its place. Label your food and respect other guests’ groceries.

  • Is there internet and places to work?

    Yes! We have ultra-fast internet and plenty of spots around the house where you can work or study while enjoying your stay.

  • Is there a place to store luggage, personal belongings and boards?

    We have space to store luggage and personal belongings, plus lockers. If you're planning to bring your board, let our team know in advance so we can arrange storage.

  • Does Wave Hunters have parties or quiet hours?

    Our place balances socializing and rest. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 8 am, out of respect for all guests. We also host events on specific dates; check the schedule during your stay.

  • What happens if the surf isn't good at Praia da Macumba?

    If the surf isn't good right out front, we go hunting for the best waves! That's the Wave Hunters spirit. Our team checks conditions at the spots around the region to pick the one that best suits the group's level, always putting safety first. Trips are organized according to the activity or package you booked.

Bookings

Ready to paddle out?

Tell us your dates and what you'd like to do in Rio. We'll get back to you with availability and plan the trip together.

Activities of interest

Optional · tick any that interest you and we'll include them in your enquiry.