Why Choose Bodhi Awaken Ocean Awareness, Bodysurfing, Surf and Yoga Retreat

There are many places to visit in this big world — sights to see, people to meet. As for activities, you could focus on one theme or try a bit of everything.

So why do we think that you should dedicate two whole weeks of your precious time off with us here in beautiful Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica? Getting very comfortable in the ocean through the activities of learning to both surf and bodysurf and deepening your yoga practice?

In the following blog, we have aimed to break down what to expect from this two-week experience and what to expect when you opt to do the Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat.

And if this is not sufficiently convincing, we encourage you to visit our TripAdvisor page, where over 200 of our beloved guests from over the years have shared their firsthand experience. You can also watch this video of first hand Bodhi Surf + Yoga guest testimonials!

What is Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat?

What exactly is our “Bodhi Awaken” vacation option? It is the most dynamic and diverse Bodhi Surf + Yoga camp: two weeks of bodysurfing, ocean awareness, surfing, and yoga.

It is a unique, ocean immersive two-week retreat that features experiential learning opportunities, laughter, fun, and sun, as well as tools and inspiration for personal growth.

In the first week, you will gain ocean awareness and comfort as you learn the “simplest” form of surfing — wave sliding or bodysurfing.

In week two, you’ll apply your newfound ocean awareness to your surf lessons: take your skills one step further, learning to navigate the waves on a surfboard.

Throughout the two weeks, you will stretch, breath, and move as you reconnect with yourself with the help of our invigorating yoga curriculum.

Here are a few fun facts about our Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat…

• Come when you can: unlike most other retreats, Bodhi Awaken can run at any time that we have two consecutive weeks of availability, making it easy to book.
• Small groups: we limit the number of guests who can join weekly to a maximum of 10 people to ensure that every person has an intimate experience and receives personalized instruction.
• Tried and tested: Bodhi Surf + yoga was founded in 2010, and we have been improving and modifying the experiences that we offer every single year since then.
• Educational classes: the goal of our bodysurf, surf, and yoga curricula are to really educate and create a sense of independence. All of our lessons feature verbal explanations, visual demonstrations, and ample practice time!
• Inclusive vacations: there are accomodation options for singles, couples, families, and groups of friends. We have also designed the experiences that we offer to accommodate these various groupings.
• Responsible tourism: our schedule offers plenty of time to venture out into the community and experience it in a myriad of different ways, which will foster cultural insight, connection, and provide various learning opportunities.
• Delicious food: food is one of the best parts of your stay! We are all food lovers and proud to offer a hearty, homemade, and healthy culinary experience. Check out our Bodhi Cookbook to see some of our most famous plates.

I stayed at Bodhi Surf + Yoga for two weeks for their first Body Awaken retreat. I’ve never before heard of bodysurfing. But from now on it will always stay with me. Hannah & Spencer taught me how to bodysurf with their own enthusiasm and fun. They caught me with their bodysurfing fever. It was so super with them! And an incredible experience. I learned so much about the waves, the ocean and how to feel much more comfortable in it.

Michaela, March 2020

Is Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat a good fit for you?

This experience would be appropriate for you if you are interested in the concept of immersion. For many who decide to take on the learning of a new skill, one a week is simply not enough time.

This retreat provides a true opportunity to disconnect from what you don’t need (work, phone, stressors) and reconnect with more of what you do need (yourself, nature, other lovely humans).

This two-week camp is a good choice if you:

• Want an engaging learning vacation: learn more about the ocean, bodysurfing, surfing, Costa Rican culture, animals and nature, and so much more.
• Have a desire to [re]connect: with yourself, other people you will meet (fellow guests, local staff, community members), nature, and purpose.
• Are open to immersing yourself into the community of Bahia Ballena: via the community walking tour, visiting local attractions and restaurants, and doing nature or culture tours.
• Enjoy being physically active and particularly in the great outdoors.
• Would like to improve your ocean skills and yoga practice, whether you fall anywhere between a complete novice to having some experience.

In order to provide more specific information about why people often join this retreat, we have consolidated some interesting travel facts below.

The Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf & Yoga Retreat experience

1. If you do want to learn how to surf, there’s no better way to start than with bodysurfing! When it comes to learning how to surf, the more ocean experience the better, and if you want to reduce your learning curve, then you should spend some time catching waves without a surfboard first. As ISA certified surf instructors, we understand the necessity for our students to have a solid foundation of ocean knowledge and awareness before surfing with a board. Learn more about this unique sport!
2. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind retreat. We are the first surf camp in the world to offer this kind of retreat, and are excited to link these core activities, and to really teach them. One of our goals here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is also to inspire: in this instance, we want our students to progress their bodysurfing, have a wider ocean experience, shorten the learning curve of surfing, and gain mind-body awareness with the yoga.
3. Community connection is built into the Bodhi Surf + Yoga experience. There is a community walking tour included on the first full day in Bahia Ballena, which highlights information about the community’s history, culture, as well as the flora and fauna of Costa Rica and our community. Read more about the community walking tour.
4. Guests enjoy spending two weeks at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, because most feel that one week is simply not enough! Many return guests opt to book the two week retreat after visiting, as once they realize that two weeks is far better for learning, disconnecting, and getting in tune with nature. There’s much that could be said about this, but we will let the guests speak for themselves in this “What is Bodhi” video.

the surfing (and surf instruction) were why i personally came to bodhi and it did not disappoint. walking onto that beautiful, empty beach the first time was incredible, it felt like a secret, special place. the instruction was the best i ever had! spencer’s attention to detail and emphasis on the fundamentals really paid off. starting with body surfing is really pretty brilliant, i’ve taken a few surf lessons before and everyone usually starts with the pop up, which is fine i guess, but what usually happens to me is that i can never figure out what waves to catch or when to commit to them. by body surfing first, i was able to literally feel it, and by the time i was standing up, i had a much better understanding of how.

jamie brim, February 2022

Why choose Bahia Ballena – Uvita

1. Bahia Ballena is a natural paradise. Visit this small, coastal community that is surrounded on all sides either by lush jungle, verdant mountains, or the Pacific Ocean. There truly aren’t many places left like this in the world! Check out this video to get a glimpse of the flora and fauna of the area.
2. Bahia Ballena is home to the stunning Marino Ballena National Park. The first marine park created in Central America, it’s main purpose is in the protection of the two visiting groups of humpback whales (yes, lots of opportunity for whale watching here) as well as the host of other marine flora and fauna. Bonus: if you learn to bodysurf/surf with Bodhi Surf + Yoga, it is within this very national park that you will be learning!
3. The people here are just so friendly. Whether you are patronizing a local business, enjoying a tour, or simply strolling the streets, you will find that the people in our local community are kind souls who are happy to welcome you into their home.

Why visit Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica is a wonderful place to learn to surf and gain ocean awareness. If you’re looking into the Bodhi Awaken retreat, this is something that is probably of interest to you! With its warm water, uncrowded lineups, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is the perfect place to build your foundation of ocean savvy. Read more!
2. This country is a global leader in conservation of nature and biodiversity. There is something so refreshing about how ostensibly passionate “Ticos” are about protecting the natural resources of their beautiful country. It is refreshing to see such high value placed on something so simple yet fundamental.
3. Costa Rica is a safe country to visit. While there are risks here like anywhere else in the world, we sincerely believe that if you prepare accordingly and practice common sense, the instances of trouble will drop drastically. Read more about common travel risks and how to avoid them.
4. Potable water in the majority of Costa Rica means there is a greatly reduced chance of getting sick. We’ve all heard of (or had personal experiences with) how horrible it can be to get sick in the tropics. Here are a few reasons why high water quality is correlated to the general health of residents and visitors in our community of Bahia Ballena.

Learn about our other vacation options aside from Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat, choose your dates based on our availability calendar, and book quickly as spaces are limited to a maximum of 10 special guests per week and fill up quickly!

What you can expect from your Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat

Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat is the two-week Costa Rica vacation option. Enjoy this unique, ocean immersive retreat in beautiful Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica.

It features experiential learning opportunities, laughter, fun, and sun, as well as tools and inspiration for personal growth. In the first week, you will gain ocean awareness and comfort as you learn the “simplest” form of surfing — wave sliding or bodysurfing.

In week two, you’ll apply your newfound ocean awareness to your surf lessons: take your skills one step further, learning to navigate the waves on a surfboard.

Throughout the two weeks, you will stretch, breath, and move as you reconnect with yourself with the help of our invigorating yoga curriculum.

Woven throughout the experience is time to learn about local culture and Costa Rican cuisine, and connect to the local community.

One of the main reasons that many Bodhi Surf + Yoga guests return again and again is that the trip is easy: Just give us your flight number, and our shuttle will be at the airport to pick you up.

Four hours later, you’ll be pulling into the Bodhi Lodge, in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica. It is at this point that your adventure really gets going!

(FYI: Likewise, we provide a shuttle back to the airport so you don’t have to worry about the back and forth).

The surf and yoga experience ended up being just what I needed in my life at the time. The yoga was so grounding and I felt so good in my body after Pillar’s classes. I’ve noticed myself focusing more on my breath after my time at Bodhi, both on and off my mat. The surf lessons allowed me to learn something new that was a little scary at first but so fun. I felt totally supported and safe as I worked through my fears.

Hilary A, May 2021

What’s included?

Our Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat starts Saturday and runs for 14 days. Each retreat includes the following:

• 12 night at the Bodhi Lodge
• 1 night in a San Jose hotel
• 5 surf lessons
• 5 bodysurf lessons
• 10 yoga classes
• 1 swim technique training
• 10 breakfasts
• 6 dinners
• Snacks at surf lessons
• Walking tour of Bahia Ballena
• Waterfall visit
• Round trip transportation between San Jose and Bodhi Lodge
• Shuttle service from San Jose airport to San Jose hotel
• National Park entrance fees for surf lessons
• Travelers’ Philanthropy donation

Also, you get the benefit of staying at a quaint lodge in Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica with a group of passionate individuals, many of whom have lived in the community for decades and who have lots of local knowledge to share.

Opportunities for independence

There is a great deal of flexibility in the Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat to allow you to do other activities while you’re in this amazing place.

Our ethos here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is one of responsible travel. We have opted to be semi-inclusive so that our visiting guests get out into the community and visit its shops, supermarkets, and restaurants.

We have a ton of recommendations for meals to eat out and activities to participate in. Moreover, we are here (literally onsite) to help. All you need to do is ask!

There is no better way to experience connection with a place than by immersing yourself in it!

The community of Bahia Ballena – Uvita is mostly comprised of small, family-owned and operated businesses. Guests provide a big economic benefit to our community by patronizing these businesses.

Offsite meals and activities

For any meals that are not included, options abound. If you opt to stay in one of the larger bungalows, you will have kitchenette access and can purchase ingredients at one of the several supermarkets which are walking distance away.

There are also many restaurants — some within walking distance, others which are accessible by taxi.

If you’re interested in squeezing the juice out of your vacation, note that there is ample time to do activities outside of the surf and yoga program. As mentioned above, there is plenty to choose from!

I first came to Bodhi last year for their classic one-week surf and yoga programme and really enjoyed it. It was then that I learnt about the existence of ‘bodysurfing’, which I found fascinating and really intrigued me. So, a month after my return home I decided to come back to Bodhi and join Hannah and Spencer on their first official ‘Bodhi Awaken’ sessions and booked this two-weeks programme including bodysurfing, board surfing and yoga. Everything that the Bodhi troop does is gold-standard (believe all the good stuff everyone says!). In this case, the ‘bodysurfing’ element was definitely the highlight. I feel a lot more equipped to go out in the ocean and safely play with the waves. Also, I cannot even begin to describe the experience of catching a wave’s energy and being propelled like a rocket to shore – there are literally no words for such fun and adrenaline!

Tom S, March 2020

Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat daily schedule

Note that this is a sample schedule, as exact times of activities are subject to change — as a surf / bodysurf school, we must operate around the tides!

Saturday (Day 1)

Guests may arrive to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica, at any time on the first Saturday of camp.

The first night of lodging (Saturday) is at a hotel near the airport, and is included in the camp. Transportation to the hotel is included, provided by the hotel itself.

Dinner on the first night is on your own. You can dine at the delicious hotel restaurant, or go to a nearby restaurant.

After your long day of travel, you will likely want to get to bed early to rest up and prepare for your first full day of Bodhi Awaken!

Sunday (Day 2)

You may your first breakfast in Costa Rica at the hotel restaurant whenever it opens. We recommend the traditional Tico or Costa Rican breakfast, called Gallo Pinto with a nice cup of coffee.

You and the other guests will be picked up by Bodhi Surf + Yoga’s private transportation service, Wali Rider, at 9am. Together, you will make the 4-4½ hour journey to Bahia Ballena – Uvita, Osa, Uvita, and the home of Bodhi Surf + Yoga.

You will arrive at Bodhi Surf + Yoga and be welcomed by members and receive a tour of the lodge and property, and see the schedule is for the week to come.

You may go out to a local restaurant for your first lunch, or go to the store to purchase some groceries to prepare food on your own.

Dinner the first night is included: guests and Bodhi staff will go out to a local restaurant and get further acquainted and chat with your fellow campers and staff about what you are most looking to get out of the week!

Monday (Day 3)

Mondays start with an early breakfast of locally sourced fresh fruit, coffee, banana bread, and eggs.

Following that, there will be a Community Walking Tour of Bahia Ballena with a trained local guide. This activity is a great way for guests to learn about the local community and get some insider perspectives, see some of the local flora and fauna, and learn the general “lay of the land”.

Expect to see some of the local flora (and maybe even fauna), and maybe even finish with a local snack or drink!

After returning to home base, there is a little break before the first yoga class at the onsite Bodhi Shambala Yoga studio. Next up, take a stroll to the local supermarket to stock up on snacks and meal stuff or go out for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will head down to the Marino Ballena National Park for your first bodysurf session. Once there, your instructors will provide you with some history and information about the park, including a brief discussion about where you are going to be spending the next few weeks!

You will learn some swim techniques to get you prepped for your week of bodysurfing. Then, you will dive in both literally and figuratively!

Monday night is unscheduled so everyone is welcome to do their own thing. Head to a local restaurant or make something simple to eat before relaxing in the hammock or playing some games before an early bed.

Tuesday (Day 4)

Tuesday is day two of bodysurfing! You will start the morning off right with some coffee and a banana before piling into the surf mobile to head down to Playa Chaman for your second bodysurf lesson.

After spending two hours frolicking in the warm, tropical waters, you will head back to Bodhi Surf + Yoga to satisfy your newfound appetite with a delicious home-cooked breakfast.

Whether snoozing in a hammock or cooling off by the pool, you will want to spend some time relaxing and digesting breakfast before heading to the local Uvita waterfall.

You can grab a cool beverage and some lunch at the restaurant located near the entrance of the waterfall before being transported back to the Bodhi Lodge in the late afternoon. Just before sunset, you will head up to the yoga platform to enjoy a much-needed yoga session.

After limbering up throughout the course of the yoga class, you will want to shower before another delicious Bodhi dinner. That evening, you will be enjoying a bodysurf movie to get further stoked about this delightful sport.

Wednesday (Day 5)

By Wednesday, you are going to be so into the way of life in the tropics that you rise, bright and early, with the sun and the sounds of local animals such as roosters, howler monkeys, and what Bodhi staff call “funky chickens”.

You know the drill by now: an invigorating yoga class is up next — much needed class after two days of physical activity!

After you float down the stairs of the yoga platform and over to the common area, enjoy some local coffee or fruit juice, a delicious home-cooked breakfast, and conversation with fellow guests and staff.

After breakfast, you will return to the beach for your third bodysurf lesson, where you will continue perfecting your wave-sliding abilities.

Post bodysurfing, another filling breakfast at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is in order. Have a nap, read a book, hang out in the pool. The world (and the afternoon) is your oyster.

After that, you are free to do your own thing for the rest of the day and night. Wednesday is also free, so guests are most often found going out for a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

Massages are an optional add-on for anyone who is feeling the burn of the last few days!

Thursday (Day 6)

A lovely morning yoga is the first activity of the day, an an opportunity to limber up for the events to follow.

You will enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast (fruit, coffee, and perhaps even the Costa Rican favorite, Gallo Pinto) followed by some chill time at the lodge.

Your bodysurf lesson of the day will be in the afternoon, so after learning and practicing your skills (perhaps even paddling out into the green waves if the conditions allow), enjoy a beautiful sunset on Playa Chaman.

It is the last dinner (and night!) at the Bodhi Lodge, so enjoy it up. Maybe even instigate a dance party with your fellow campers!

Or conversely, head to bed early to rest up, because your last bodysurf lesson is the following morning!

Friday (Day 7)

Today is the day that it all comes together! On your last morning, it’s not unlikely to have a “dawn patrol” bodysurf class where the aim is that everything comes together and you are able to catch green waves.

Following that session, a light and delicious breakfast along with a hefty cup of coffee is in order.

The final yoga class of the week where some of the threads of the week are woven together, and you have an intentional “yoga goodbye” with your instructor.

After packing, pool time, and lunch, this week’s guests and staff share one last activity of week one — the thoughtful and reflection-filled Bodhi Gratitude Ceremony. After that, you have another free evening and afternoon!

Saturday (Day 8)

Saturday is a free day — this is your only full free day, so be sure to have an activity scheduled ahead of time if you have something specific you want to do. Otherwise, perhaps some chilling and beach time are in order!

Sunday (Day 9)

In the early afternoon, the next crew of guests will be arriving for the late lunch/Bodhi premises if you want to join. If not, you are more than welcome to wait until the evening’s dinner at Bodhi to meet everyone!

Monday-Friday (Days 10-14)

Interested in what the second week of Bodhi Awaken will look like? Read on!

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, July 2021

We hope you will come see us!

Bodhi Surf + Yoga is a small family-owned and operated business that was founded in 2010. We feel blessed to be able to offer our multitude of passions to visiting guests from around the world, and do it in a responsible and community-centered way.

We sincerely believe that business can and should be conducted in a way that uplifts its workers, protects the environment, enriches its patrons, and benefits the community.

In our 12+ years of being operational, here are a few of the accolades that we are most proud of:

• We have been awarded with TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award multiple years running
• We’re a certified B Corporation, and a recipient of their “Best for the World” honor in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022
• We have been a proud 1% for the Planet member since 2018
• We’re a Transformational Tourism Council partner and a proud Platinum Sponsor of the Center for Responsible Travel

If you have any questions that have not been answered in this blog post, please feel free to email us at [email protected]! We are happy to speak to you directly as well.