When families start searching for a summer camp, two words appear almost every time: multi-adventure and surf. Both formats share the same philosophy (outdoors, group, activity leaders) but offer very different experiences. This is the guide to understanding what each one is and who it suits.
What Is a Multi-Adventure Camp?
A multi-adventure camp is one where the group rotates through a range of physical outdoor activities throughout the stay: climbing, archery, mountain hikes, natural pools, ropes courses, treasure hunts and themed evening events. The idea is that no two days are the same, and every participant tries disciplines they have most likely never done before.
What Is a Surf Camp?
A surf camp centres on learning to surf with an official school, typically with 4 to 5 days of structured lessons built into the stay. It is complemented by multi-adventure activities, beach time, excursions and evening events, but the flagship activity is the water. The location is usually coastal and the minimum age is slightly higher due to sea safety requirements.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Multi-Adventure | Surf |
|---|---|---|
| Core activity | Rotation of mountain and outdoor activities | Surf course with an official school |
| Typical location | Mountain range, valley, rural facility | Coast with surf beaches |
| Minimum age (guide) | 6–7 years old | 13 years old for 10-day format |
| Specialist equipment | Climbing wall, bows, targets | Board and wetsuit (included) |
| Managed risk | Heights and navigation | Sea, waves, currents |
Typical Activities in Each Format
Multi-Adventure
- Climbing wall
- Archery
- Mountain hikes and trekking
- Ropes course and zip line
- Natural pools and river swimming
- Humor Amarillo, treasure hunts and evening events
Surf
- 4–5 day surf course with official school
- Board and wetsuit included
- Beach and sand games
- Complementary multi-adventure activities
- Cultural excursions (Santillana, Santonña)
- Beach Olympics and evening events
Which Format Suits Which Profile?
Multi-Adventure
For children from age 6–7 who enjoy the countryside, varied physical activity and group living. It is the classic entry point into summer camps.
Surf
For pre-teens and teenagers (from age 13 in the 10-day format, age 7 in the family fortnight) who are independent and want to come away having learnt a specific skill.
Examples from the Natuaventura Catalogue
For multi-adventure we organise camps in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, Sierra de Gredos (Hoyos del Collado and Navarredonda), Cuenca (Casillas de Ranera), Alicante (Finca Daroca, Ibi) and Cantabria (Villar). For surf, we organise camps in Santander at the Albergue Montecorona (Calle Aviche 37, Santander), both in the 10-day format for ages 13–17 and in the fortnight format for ages 7–17. All programmes share a ratio of 1 activity leader per 8 participants, 4 home-cooked meals daily and maximum groups of 40–50 participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my 8-year-old go to a surf camp?
Yes, in the Santander fortnight format (from age 7). The surf course is adapted to age and ability.
Is swimming ability required for surf?
Yes. The surf school requires participants to swim independently. For multi-adventure, swimming ability is not required for all activities.
What should participants bring to a surf camp?
Board and wetsuit are provided by the organisers. Participants only need to bring swimwear, a towel and high-factor sun cream.
Is multi-adventure risky?
All activities are conducted with certified equipment and qualified activity leaders. Risk is managed, not entirely eliminated, but safety standards are very high.
Can surf be combined with English?
In the current Natuaventura catalogue, surf camps are run in Spanish. For English immersion, there are Sierra Madrid English and Navatormes English camps.
Ready to choose your format?
Browse Natuaventura’s multi-adventure and surf camps: locations, sessions, ages and prices.
We organise trips for primary, secondary and high school
School Trips
across Spain
alicante madrid barcelona more destinationsCamps from 6 to 17 years old, in different regions of Spain: Alicante, Madrid, Ávila, Cantabria and Cuenca.
summer camps
2026
multiadventure surf english immersion