7-Day Surf & Yoga Wellness Escape in Costa Rica's Marine National Park

The week follows a rhythm that balances activity with downtime. Each day includes one surf lesson and one yoga class, usually spread across the morning and afternoon. On the first full day, you'll get a feel for the ocean at Playa Colonia, a beach inside the marine national park, with gentle waves that suit beginners. Progress is steady—Travis gives clear, practical instruction, and by day three or four, most people are catching waves on their own. Yoga classes are vinyasa flow, taught by Pilar, who pays close attention to alignment and breath. She's taught for two decades and brings a calm, focused energy to the deck.

What makes Bodhi different from other surf camps is how much it weaves in the local community and environment. One afternoon you'll take a guided walk through Bahía Ballena, learning about the town's history and how it has balanced tourism with conservation. Another day, you'll visit a waterfall in the jungle, which involves a short hike and a swim in a freshwater pool. You'll also learn about the national park—it's the first marine national park in Costa Rica—and might spot dolphins or turtles from the beach. The owners are B Corp certified and donate to local initiatives; they're serious about responsible travel, and it shows in the way they run the week.

The accommodation is part of the experience. The lodge is a collection of simple, open-air buildings surrounded by gardens. You can stay in a private room or a bungalow with a kitchenette. Meals are served family-style in the dining area, which is a good opportunity to swap stories with other guests. Breakfasts are filling—think fresh fruit, eggs, gallo pinto—and you'll have three dinners together, with the night of the week you're on your own to explore the local restaurants. Lunches are not included, which the owners explain is deliberate: it gets you out into the community, supporting small businesses, and gives you a break from the group if you want one.

By the end of the week, you'll have had five surf lessons and five yoga classes, plus the cultural tour and waterfall visit. The owners call it a 'semi-inclusive' package because lunches and a few meals are left open. It strikes a nice balance—structured enough that you learn a lot, with room to do your own thing. Expect to leave feeling physically tired in a good way, with a few new skills, and probably a bit more relaxed than when you arrived.

What's included

- Airport Pickup & Drop-off (from San Jose SJO) - 5 nights accommodation at Bodhi lodge - 1 night accommodation at Adventure Inn Hotel in San Jose - 5 surf lessons - 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners - Snacks at surf lessons - 5 yoga classes - Yoga mats and props - Guided cultural walking tour of Bahía Ballena - Waterfall visit - Round trip transportation from San Jose and back - Shuttle service from San Jose hotel to airport - National park entrance fees for surf lessons - Travelers' Philanthropy donation - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Free WiFi - Parking

What's not included

- Airfare - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunches (most meals not listed as included) - 4 dinners - Additional activities not in the itinerary - Cost of optional activities - Friday night hotel in San Jose