Woman Surfing during her Costa Rican Surf Camp Vacation

SURF & YOGA
RETREATS IN

COSTA RICA

WOMEN'S
5.0
Rated 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars (based on 174 reviews)
(via TripAdvisor and Google)
COED

SURF & YOGA
RETREATS IN

COSTA RICA

WOMEN'S
5.0
Rated 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars (based on 174 reviews)
(via TripAdvisor and Google)
COED

Costa Rica Surf Camp

SURF & YOGA
RETREATS IN

COSTA RICA

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"An Unforgettable

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The Pura Vida Experience

Since 2004, our all-inclusive Costa Rica surf camps and yoga retreats are truly the perfect place for women of all ages and abilities to experience the luxury, fun, warmth, and adventure of this beautiful country.

From our expert instructors with decades of experience to the perfectly-crafted meals made from local ingredients to beachfront luxury at one of the world’s most beautiful coasts, our retreats combine the thrill of travel with the comfort of having every need met.

We’ve made it our mission to spread our love of surfing, love of yoga, love of Costa Rica, and love of life with the world!

Come for a week, become part of a community for life!

Our guests agree that Pura Vida Adventures isn’t just a week-long retreat, it’s a life-changing vacation. Find out why 30% of our guests come back year after year in our Guest Reviews.

We are overjoyed to create a truly special surf and yoga camp where paradise vacation meets life transformation meets laughing like crazy with the best friends you never knew you could have.

If you’re looking for a surf and yoga retreat with substance AND soul…you found us.

Costa Rica Surf Camps &
Yoga Retreats for Women

Treat and transform yourself with our all-inclusive Costa Rica surf camps and yoga retreats. Practice yoga in our oceanfront studio, surf in warm water, laugh your heart out with like-minded women, and reset your body and soul with a beach-side massage.

Paradise is closer than you think!

Women's surf and yoga retreat

Jump into adventure with daily surf lessons from Costa Rica’s best instructors! No more than 3 to 1 student/teacher ratio, hands-on care, and comprehensive surf method have helped surfers of all levels and ages find incredible success (and fun!) in the waves.

Pura Vida Adventure Yoga Surf Retreat

Connect to your body and soul with daily yoga classes in our beachfront, open-air studio. Enjoy a mix of approachable, rejuvenating practice styles designed to help beginner to advanced yoginis strengthen, energize, heal, and transform.

Beachfront Suite Top 4 Costa Rica Pura Vida Surf and Yoga Retreat

Our surf and yoga retreats are located steps from the water at a beautiful beachfront resort rated as one of the top hotels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Come experience luxury amenities, world-class cuisine, and absolute paradise in the place where rest and adventure meet!

Coed Surf and Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

COED SURF CAMP Pura Vida Adventures

Our coed all-inclusive surf camps offer all the same luxury and adventure as our famous women’s retreats: surf, yoga, tons of laughs, gourmet food, and an adventure of a lifetime.

Costa Rica Surf Camp Guests on Beach

Start the New Year by making your soul smile... dancing barefoot on the beach, surfing warm waves, eating tropical cuisine, laughing your heart out, and partaking in an epic New Year’s beach party!

Surf camp and Yoga retreat

Fill your heart with gratitude by coming to our weeklong Surfsgiving celebration!  Paddle out, surf with friends, make new memories…what could be better than Thanksgiving in paradise?

WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING

“I just had to write and tell you how this trip has just completely affected me. First of all, it reminded me how to LIVE, what it felt like to live, love the world. It was Malpais and everyone at surf camp… just reminding me what life really is all about, and the ocean and surfing of course. Truly – it’s so awesome that you have Pura Vida and know that everything you’ve created really touches people (me) in more ways than just a “surfing adventure”…

Tammy Chang

Sarah LaRocca
Sarah LaRocca
Pura Vida Adventures surf camp was an incredible experience, and I can't recommend it more highly. I am tough with reviews, and five stars in my mind means near perfection and that I can't imagine anything much better. Every aspect of Pura Vida Adventures surf camp was worthy of 5 stars: surf instruction, yoga instruction, accomodations, food, ambience/location, coordination, and fellow campers. I would go back in a heartbeat (and plan to)! Some reasons you should go: The surf instructors are not only technically adept, they are also some of the best humans I've ever met. Davide, Michelle, and Nikki are kind, patient, funny, and passionate. They met each of us exactly where we were skill-wise and mentally, and made every day both fun and challenging. I came to camp having only surfed once before, and while I was probably still the worst person in the group at the end, I made a huge amount of progress and now feel ready to take what I learned and practice on my own. Most importantly, Davide, Michelle, and Nikki helped me feel more comfortable and confident in the water—and Davide's surfing philosophy (such as reframing negative thoughts to see the positive) is something that's equally valuable both in and out of the water. The yoga was a perfect way to unwind at the end of the day. I haven't had much of a yoga practice of late, and was worried that I'd struggle to keep up with intense classes, but Karen tailored the classes to how the group was feeling each day, and provided lots of options so that each person could take things at their own pace and level. Karen's classes reminded me of why I love yoga, and motivated me to start regularly practicing again. I also really appreciated that she didn't take herself too seriously—while she clearly knows her stuff, she also kept things lighthearted and we found ourselves laughing in more than one class. Hotel Tropico Latino was fantastic. It's not five stars in the "five star hotel" kind of way, but it was exactly what I wanted and expected for this type of camp. I had a private room with private bathroom and it was spacious, clean, had a nice view (I could see the beach!), and a great beachy vibe with high ceilings. The proximity to the beach is incredible—the restaurant is beachside and there are lots of hammocks and chairs for lounging with amazing views of the waves, fellow surfers, and sunsets. There are even monkeys that hang out in the trees near the yoga pavilions and rooms! The food was consistently delicious. The majority of meals (all breakfasts, most lunches, and half the dinners) were at Shambala, the hotel restaurant, and I wouldn't have complained if they'd all been there. I had the awesome smoothie bowls (e.g., acai) every day for breakfast but the savory dishes looked incredible too (I regret not ever getting the veggie, avocado, and egg toast). Lunches & dinners were equally good—some highlights included the superfood salad with shrimp/fish, the whole fried snapper, and fish tacos. For outside meals we ate at Asian fusion, Israeli, & French-style bakery/cafe restaurants, as well as another beachside restaurant. All were delicious (Zula & The Bakery in particular). The amazing thing was that I didn't feel gross at the end of the week like I often do after eating three restaurant meals a day— there were tons of healthy/light options mixed in with the more indulgent meals so it felt really balanced. Finally, everything ran super smoothly thanks to the hostess, Pri. She was on top of everything, coordinating cabs for each of us to match our flight schedules, sending daily schedules and updates via WhatsApp, ordering our meals ahead of time so we never had to wait for our orders, & even providing shopping tips. When a few people in our group expressed interest in a trip to see bioluminescence, she arranged everything and we all ended up going and having a blast. In summary, my week at Pura Vida surf camp was one of the best things I've ever done. I feel like a new person—refreshed, relaxed, and ready to tackle new challenges. I can't wait to go back!
Mary Ann Hopkins
Mary Ann Hopkins
Pura Vida has created an experience that blends the natural beauty and strength of the ocean with the spirit of learning together in a safe and supportive environment. Everyone from the surf instructors, hostess, yoga lead and the staff at Hotel Tropico make you feel welcome and special from the moment you arrive. I highly recommend this camp to anyone looking to try something that will get them out of their comfort zone or to hone their surfing skills. There is something for everyone and you will leave a better person!
Amanda Coombs
Amanda Coombs
I absolutely LOVED my trip with Pura Vida. The team makes it so easy and the whole week was so fun and relaxing. The surf, yoga, and food is an amazing, but the people are what make it so special.
Stephanie Lopez
Stephanie Lopez
Pura Vida adventure was such an amazing time. I came here as a solo traveler and I can begin to explain how great it was. I felt safe and supported by the pura vida staff. I can’t thank them enough. Thank you!
Jessica Barlow
Jessica Barlow
I recently had the most amazing experience at the surfing camp in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica! I can't say enough good things about this place. First and foremost, the organization of the camp was top-notch thank you o our local Host - Pri! From the moment I arrived, everything was seamless and well-planned. The instructors David, Michelle, Nikki, and Ricardo, were outstanding. They were not only skilled surfers but also had the best teaching methods I've ever encountered. Their patience, attention to detail, and ability to break down complex techniques made it the first time I could catch a bunch of waves! I felt safe and confident in the water under their guidance. Santa Teresa itself is a breathtakingly beautiful place. The beaches are pristine, the waves are perfect for surfing, and the surrounding nature is simply stunning. I couldn't have asked for a better location to learn and practice surfing. The group of people I met at the camp was fantastic as well. We quickly became a tight-knit community, sharing laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments together. It was a pleasure getting to know everyone and sharing the joy of catching waves. Last but not least, the yoga teacher Karen was incredible. The daily yoga sessions were a perfect complement to our surfing adventure, helping us relax, stretch, and find balance in our bodies and minds. Overall, my experience at this surfing camp was beyond my expectations. Great organization, great instructors with the best teaching methods, a beautiful location, an amazing group of people, and a fantastic yoga teacher – what more could you ask for? I highly recommend this camp to anyone looking for an unforgettable surfing and wellness retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. I can't wait to go back! 🏄‍♂️🌴🧘‍♀️
justin barlow
justin barlow
We love this place. It was my second trip and I truly enjoy everything about this experience. This was my second trip, and the quality of the instruction, the serenity of the setting, and the warmth of the Pura Vida family made me want to hurry back. I recommend this to anyone regardless of their surfing experience, yoga experience, or travel experience. The resort, the beach, the food, and the family are truly unique, and I have been to Bali, Sayulita, Hawaii, and other surf spots. This one is my favorite.
Emily Fan & Binh Lam
Emily Fan & Binh Lam
We are wrapping up an amazing weeklong camp. What a fantastic way to ring in a new year. Santa Teresa is a beautiful area—picture perfect beach & good waves for both beginners and advanced. The instructors are all incredibly supportive, technical, and clear. They clearly love their work and surfing and are wonderful coaches. Everyone learned a lot and improved. All beginners were able to not only stand up but also pick our own waves and ride out on our own by the end of the week. The program is well organized and is run smoothly by Pri. The yoga helped balance out the surfing and the hotel spa has great body workers. The food was also super fresh and tasty. We are grateful for making new friends with the PVA staff and other participants. This experience exceeded expectations.
Mish Fletcher
Mish Fletcher
What an incredible experience! Great surfing instruction, beautiful venue, delicious food, wonderful organization and new best friends forever! I am a PVA convert and will definitely be back. Thank you Pri and all the crew for an unforgettable time in Santa Teresa ❤️
Megan Norris
Megan Norris
Pura Vida Adventures creates a special experience. I don’t know how to explain it other than that they have a magic formula - the instructors and manager are 5-star human beings, the location is paradise, and surf/yoga exercises your mind and body in the most beautiful, life-changing way. Gracias y PURA VIDA!
amber frymier
amber frymier
Surfing off-on for years in Santa Cruz California but never had any formal instruction and felt "stuck" in the "beginner" tier of my ability. I was looking for a place that could help me make the transition from beginner to intermediate-surfer without being subjected to the "manspIaining" you can get in the line-up in SC. But moreover -I happened to be in a place of "personal" transition and struggle and was looking for a retreat with a purpose. I researched SEVERAL other surf-retreats, Nicaragua, Portugal, Hawaii, and had trouble deciding on which, but kept feeling a "nudge" when reading up on Pura Vida Adventures. Took the leap and I'm so glad I did. Shout outs: Thank you Nikki--I turtle roll without loosing my board --thank you--"push the ...." ! Thank you Mark for keepin it real --Yo Jersey--I'm surfin here !!!!! Thank you Lalo for not leaving my side -even when I was in the way of my fellow companeros, Davide and Michi; my gratitude and love for you is kept in a special place in my heart, you can stay at my house when you come to SC !!! Pri--you are a queen, can I take care of YOU please ? --She works 24/7 on your happiness people---yummy Birthday cake : ) Karen, you are an angel from heaven and you walk with us mortals, I still feel your hug, and Tierza,..wise grasshoppa---thank you for those talks at the table. Forever grateful for each of you. Thank you. Blessed.
justin b
justin b
I Can't Wait to Come Back! We love this place. It was my second trip and I truly enjoy everything about this experience. This was my second trip, and the quality of the instruction, the serenity of the setting, and the warmth of the Pura Vida family made me want to hurry back. I recommend this to anyone regardless of their surfing experience, yoga experience, or travel experience. The resort, the beach, the food, and the family are truly unique, and I have been to Bali, Sayulita, Hawaii, and other surf spots. This one is my favorite.
Megan N
Megan N
Magic, pure magic. If you’re looking for a surf and yoga retreat with pure heart, look no further! PVA assembles an itinerary and group of people so special, the only way I can describe it is magic. I had never laid a hand on a surf board before I got there and felt so empowered so quickly. Everyone involved is so special, so talented, and such beautiful souls. 10/10
amber f
amber f
When can I come back? Surfing off-on for years in Santa Cruz California but never had any formal instruction and felt "stuck" in the "beginner" tier of my ability. I was looking for a place that could help me make the transition from beginner to intermediate-surfer without being subjected to the "manspIaining" you can get in the line-up in SC. But moreover -I happened to be in a place of "personal" transition and struggle and was looking for a retreat with a purpose. I researched SEVERAL other surf-retreats, Nicaragua, Portugal, Hawaii, and had trouble deciding on which, but kept feeling a "nudge" when reading up on Pura Vida Adventures. Took the leap and I'm so glad I did. Shout outs: Thank you Nikki--I turtle roll without loosing my board --thank you--"push the ...." ! Thank you Mark for keepin it real --Yo Jersey--I'm surfin here !!!!! Thank you Lalo for not leaving my side -even when I was in the way of my fellow companeros, Davide and Michi; my gratitude and love for you is kept in a special place in my heart, you can stay at my house when you come to SC !!! Pri--you are a queen, can I take care of YOU please ? --She works 24/7 on your happiness people---yummy Birthday cake : ) Karen, you are an angel from heaven and you walk with us mortals, I still feel your hug, and Tierza,..wise grasshoppa---thank you for those talks at the table. Forever grateful for each of you. Thank you. Blessed.
Departure32645646549
Departure32645646549
SURF HERE!!!!!!! If you are looking for one of the greatest adventures of your life, Pura Vida is it!!! The first time I went, I had never touched a surf board - and 3 trips later, I hate to leave!!! The instructors are amazing - crazy fun, kind, and so good at getting you up on your board. The accommodations and food are great. Santa Teresa is just really cool. And the friends you make… true friends for life. If you love adventure, great people, and plenty of natural beauty, come surf here!
melvet10
melvet10
A surf retreat like no other! I've surfed in costa rica five times in the last six years and each time, I come back to my Pura Vida family. Sure the waves are great, the beach is beautiful, the hotel is authentic and the food is delicious - but I keep coming back for the people. The surf instructors truly care about their craft and are committed to developing you into an independent surfer. The experience can be very immersive if you wish - you will have "classroom" time to learn how to read the waves and learn about surf etiquette, pool time to break down paddling techniques and of course - plenty of time catching some epic waves! They even provide video analysis after multiple surf sessions to provide more structured feedback out of the water. Nikki, the head surf instructor, is an absolute wizard at reading the waves and Davide is the best coach someone can wish for to perfect your pop up! Your time out of the water is just as enjoyable. Diane, pura vida's mother goose, is a wonderful hostess and ensures everyone's needs are met no matter how great or small. And Pri makes sure everyone is stretched out after the epic surf sessions with some much needed restorative yoga while listening to the waves crash on the beach. Something I've particularly enjoyed as I have progressed in my surfing is Pura Vida's ability to adapt. In the beginning, you may be practicing pop-ups in the white water on Hermosa beach, but once your progress to reliably catching green waves, they may take you to Cabuya to practice turning or take you out to the line up on Santa Teresa for some heart pumping drop ins! They will cater your experience to whatever you want it to be and they will support you every step of the way! It's always difficult to say your good byes at the end of the week and I find it increasingly easy to find reasons to go back! Pura Vida!
smackdanie360
smackdanie360
Simply the best way I know of to spend a week in Costa Rica! Hands down this is my favorite trip every single time I sign up. I've been four times, and have my next visit in sight. The accommodations are awesome, right on the beach with a very attentive staff, a lovely pool and awesome cocktails. The food is terrific, varied and flexible for any dietary restriction. The surf instructors are just the best, very skilled, encouraging, and just so fun to be around. The whole atmosphere at this surf school is one of support and welcome, and you can rest assured you WILL be rising waves before the end of the week! Big shout out to Tierza for founding this business and nurturing into such an absolute beast of surf school!
Jennifer S
Jennifer S
This surfer girl can't wait to go back for the 4th time!! It is my pleasure to give this incredible surf experience all five stars! All my life I've wanted to go to an all-girls surf camp. Living in Toronto I used to save ads from the back of Surfer Girl magazine dreaming of doing something like this! I finally convinced a friend to ditch our kids and go for a week and now we're heading back this winter for our FOURTH time!! So many things go into making this an amazing experience. Surfing: OMG they get this right! Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned surfer, Pura Vida will get you on the right waves at the right time, often with 1-2 or occasionally 1-3 instructor/surfer ratio. They take the guesswork out of it. Instruction is excellent and geared towards keeping you safe and happy. Whitewater guests have a blast and always get up on the board during the week, and for those of us working on green waves the instructors will help with wave selection and paddle out techniques to ensure you catch as many waves as you can! There are turtle roll clinics in the pool, refresher lessons on the beach for those who are a bit rusty, video instruction and if you're hardcore the instructors will take you out in the big waves and cheer you on. There is a photographer there most days on the beach or in the water to get you some great shots of you surfing as well as group shots to remember your fellow surf divas on the beach! If the waves aren't firing at the beach in Playa Carmen there are countless other locations that they can take you on their literal little yellow surf bus, and the away trips come with bonuses like getting to see the countryside, fresh coconuts on the beach or a visit to "the bakery" for the BEST chocolate cake you've ever had! Location: Gorgeous Playa Carmen/Santa Teresa has consistan waves in all levels ALL the time. Not to mention hands down the best sunsets EVER! The hotel is sweet and tropical with a small pool and outdoor spa and feels "authentic" (surrounded by vegetation and the sound of the waves). The outdoor restaurant is excellent and the staff (especially Mama at the bar!) are all kind and attentive. And if you're into yoga I dare you to find a prettier platform by the sea than here! Cute little shops in both towns are just a walk away. Small warning: it is kind of rough terrain when walking from town to town with no sidewalks most of the way and dirt roads with cars flying by so don't bring heels and don't bother with your prettiest shoes - the vibe is super beach and casual anyway so let loose and enjoy! Food: The food is included and the staff will take you to different restaurants as part of the package that are favourites in the area which are somehow excellent given the somewhat rough terrain. This gives nice variety to the also excellent traditional and massive Costa Rican dishes at Tropico Latino. 🙂 Every single meal at "home" comes with a different smoothie to enjoy too! Staff: Here is where Pura Vida really excels. Tierza the owner takes the time to get to know every client, often driving the little yellow bus to different breaks herself. She is warm and fun and her Pura Vida spirit and stoke is contagious! Diane the "cruise director" is always organized, present and cheerful and I've seen her get a girl's tooth fixed in about 5 hours after a surfing accident - she knows the area well and is there to help 24/7! And the surf instructors are AMAZING!! Fun, funny, kind, SUPER invested in helping you catch the waves - Michelle greets us every morning with "Good morning beautiful girls!" and Davide was instrumental in helping me get over my fear of paddling way out and catching the bigger waves! They are all amazing in their own way and Tierza has done such a great job of surrounding herself with the best people possible. Opening night's get to know you circle is so welcoming and within a day I promise you'll have made lifelong friends! We are returning with a bestie we made on our first trip and are so grateful for the friendships we've forged. Extra excursions are possible like visits to mountain top pools for sunset, water falls , zip line adventures, and even horseback riding on the beach! If you've been dreaming of the coolest surf vacay of your life, I can't recommend Pura Vida highly enough!
Hollydolly31
Hollydolly31
Surf camp for fun I wanted to try surfing my whole life and never did so I came to Pura Vida by myself for my 38th birthday and I have come back multiple times. The environment is safe, friendly, fun AF, and Paradise. The adventure is a well oiled machine, Santa Teresa, the pura vida people who teach you, Tierza and the instructors and Diane, they are all people you are lucky to meet in real life. The food is delicious, the beach is fantastic and there are plenty of things to do, you won’t be lonely. This is surf camp and the magic is in the people. Tierza had managed to make some kind of vibe in this camp that cannot be duplicated anywhere with anything else except this camp. That energy has also attracted people from all over the world who you would never meet otherwise and they become your tribe. It happens every single year. Surf camp friends are my favorite and the surf team are friends too. It’s so much fun you will actually be a happier person because of it and overcome self doubt. The ocean has a funny way of teaching you and bringing you together.
Steph P
Steph P
Surfing fun in the Pura Vida Adventures Costa Rica Surf Camp in Santa Teresa This review is about 3 amazing coed camps my wife and I attended with Pura Vida in Santa Teresa in 3 separate January’s of 2016,2017 and 2018 ( FYI I tried to write reviews with my old i-phone 4 and it did not work) . Tierza owns this all-encompassing surf-lesson camp. The surfing instructors on staff are incredibly attentive to the surfers . They filmed the 15 -person class surfing in a very competent fashion (long-boards and short-boards) so that they could later sit and review each persons technique with the surfer. THESE VIDEO REVIEW SESSIONS OF OURSELVES SURFING WERE SO INFORMATIVE AS THE EXPERT FEEDBACK ALLOWED US RECREATIONAL SURFERS TO REALLY UP OUR LEVEL OF SURFING! The accommodations and food were excellent as well- I focused on the incredible fresh fish selections, but others had good meat dishes as well. This surf camp is well worth the trip. Tierza and Pura Vida Adventures deliver EXACTLY what they promise - and the instructors were SO focused on improving your surfing skills. PS they are great for first time surfers to learn as well.
Mark H
Mark H
Surf, food, relax, repeat... March 18th I was able to go on my 2nd adventure with PVA! Last year my wife and I went on our 1st trip and had a great time! So much so I returned this year with my son to celebrate his b-day and we had another fabulous week. The weather is incredible, the water inviting, the food delicious and the PVA staff are awesome! The instructors (surf and yoga) are the best - knowledgeable and personable. My skills and confidence in water has grown, while also enjoying an incredibly re-energizing week!! Destination is the best, while the PVA team bring it all together. Can't wait for the next trip!

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