About Us

Our Story

In 2010, four friends from various corners of the world joined forces to create a responsible tourism company whose primary purpose was to facilitate high quality surf and yoga instruction within the relatively undeveloped confines of Bahia Ballena-Uvita, Costa Rica. Given the pristine state of their surroundings and their collective, pre-existing ethos, the co-founders decided their business should be used as a vehicle to facilitate positive social and environmental change in both their local and global communities. Over the years, this business has grown and developed into what it is today: a B Corporation certified and 1% for the Planet member surf and yoga camp.

Bodhi Surf + Yoga's mission? Educating, inspiring, and empowering our stakeholders to live more sustainably through surfing, yoga, nature immersion, and community engagement. In fact, the physical pursuits of surfing and yoga are simply the low-hanging fruit of Bodhi Surf + Yoga's mission. Ultimately, these activities function synergistically in the cultivation of awareness - which, quite deliberately, is the meaning of the Sanskrit word Bodhi.

Doing things differently

Here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, we offer a different kind of vacation than is considered typical: one that promotes responsible tourism, embraces the concept of community, and brings guests closer to nature. This model has proven to work quite well, as Bodhi Surf + Yoga has been recognized as a "Best for the World" B Corporation in the Community category three years running. Furthermore, we are proud members of 1% for the Planet, voluntarily donating one percent of our gross annual sales to support environmental non-profits.

As for our surf and yoga camps, both curricula incorporate ample time for theory and questions, instructor demonstrations, practice sessions, and instructor feedback, allowing guests to greatly improve their skills. Back at the lodge, guests enjoy the comfortable and laid-back accommodations, delicious and homemade meals, and the sense of camaraderie formed with staff and other retreat-goers. This is what we at Bodhi Surf + Yoga are most proud of having created a space that facilitates:

The community that forms every week
The fun and laughter shared
The cultural exchange and learning that occur

As owners and operators of Bodhi Surf + Yoga, we are stoked to run a truly international business, and are always excited to learn from our guests through their stories, experiences, opinions, and suggestions. More than anything, we are exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to make a living doing what we love, and to utilize our business as a force for positive change in the world.

A Certified B Corporation

Bodhi Surf + Yoga has had a strong tradition of Corporate Responsibility since our inception, and that was further solidified in 2016 when we became an official Certified B Corporation. B Corps are companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, and harness the potential of their businesses to find solutions to social and environmental problems in their communities, both local and global. Since 2010, we have worked to build it into more than just a business that sustains its owners and employees, and have been guided by our own principles, initiatives, and the great examples that have been set before us. We believe that the standard of doing business is changing, and we are excited to be a part of this movement.

More about B Corps

What Guests have to say

My wife and I have stayed at Bodhi for three weeks over two trips. It was magical. It is a small and intimate retreat venue with great people that you will get to know and love. The surf instruction is excellent. During our first trip I went from never having surfed to riding green waves in the first week and have since spent all my time outside the white wash. That was very gratifying. Pilar's yoga instruction is excellent as well.

BERNIE G.

British Columbia, CANADA

The Bodhi camp has been one of my favorite surf and yoga camps to attend. I first visited for two weeks in February and then again for three weeks in July 2021. The surf team members are attuned to participants' different surfing levels and are able to adjust their coaching style to support overall progress. As an intermediate surfer, my favorite part was it felt like I was just out surfing with friends but could immediately tell that my skills kept improving week after week.

CAM G.

USA

The beach break at La Colonia beach is an ideal place to learn to surf. Most of the time the waves are perfect for beginners learning to surf--not too big, not too fast. During my week of surf camp I learned how to connect with the Ocean, with myself, and with a wonderfully warm group of people. Every morning I woke up looking forward to meeting with my instructors and the other classmates. The meals at Bodhi were so delicious and healthy. After a week at Bodhi Surf and Yoga I only wished I could have stayed longer. This was my second year at the surf camp, and there will be more.

RICHARD S.

California, USA

We went to Bodhi for a week in February and had an immersive, incredible experience! We felt connected to mother earth and to the community. Bodhi isn't just a vacation. It's a lifestyle. It's a community. It's where life is slow and the friendships are fast. My only regret is that we didn't stay longer! We'll be back soon.

HILARY LOUDON

British Columbia, CANADA

More about Bodhi Surf + Yoga

Curious to learn more about Bodhi, what we do, why we do it, and why you should consider visiting on your next vacation to Costa Rica? Get started with any of the sections below.