Wellness Surf & Yoga Escape in Costa Rica's Marino Ballena National Park

The structure is straightforward: five mornings or afternoons on the water, five yoga sessions, a community walk, a waterfall trip, and the rest of your time free. Travis, who has been surfing since age fourteen and teaching for over a decade, leads the surf lessons on Playa Colonia, a beach inside the Marino Ballena National Park. Because it's a marine park, the water is clean and protected, which makes it an ideal spot for beginners while still offering something for more experienced surfers. Pilar, a certified Ashtanga-based Vinyasa teacher who has trained in Costa Rica, India, and Mexico, handles the yoga.

What sets this apart from a standard surf camp is the community focus. The owners live in Bahía Ballena and have spent over a decade building relationships in the town. The guided culture walk isn't a tourist spiel — it's a look at how the community has developed, the challenges it faces, and how tourism fits in. They also run the business as a B Corporation, meaning sustainability and social responsibility are woven into how the lodge operates, not just marketing language.

The lodge itself is a reflection of that ethos. It's a small, owner-run property rather than a big resort, with a garden, pool, and yoga deck. Rooms range from simple private doubles to studio bungalows with kitchenettes, some of which are on the upper floor above the dining area. Meals — breakfast and three dinners — are served family-style, which naturally gets people talking and sharing stories from the day's surf session.

The schedule leaves room to breathe. Afternoons might be free for a nap, a bike ride into town, or joining an optional excursion like SUP or hiking. The goal is that you leave fitter and more relaxed, with a few new skills and a genuine connection to the place and the people you met.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off - 5 nights accommodation at the Bodhi lodge - 1 night accommodation at the Adventure Inn Hotel near San José airport - 5 surf lessons - 5 yoga classes - 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners - Snacks at surf lessons - Yoga mats and props - Guided Costa Rica culture walking tour of Bahía Ballena - Waterfall visit - Round trip transportation from San José and back - Shuttle service from San José hotel to airport - National park entrance fees for surf lessons - Travelers' Philanthropy donation - Group excursions/activities - WiFi connection - Pre and post retreat support - Parking

What's not included

- Airfare - Cost of optional activities - Transportation to optional activities - Lunches (other than snacks at surf lessons) - 1 breakfast and 4 dinners - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary