If you’re reading this, it’s because you are going to be vacationing with us here in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica. We are so excited, and we hope that you are as well.
Still undecided? Read the following blog to see if Bodhi Awaken is right for you!
Now it’s time to get ready, and that is where this Ultimate Guide comes in handy. Get ready for your upcoming, epic adventure: Bodhi Awaken 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat.
This guide is a consolidation of the relevant resources we have created over the years. In it, we have endeavored to answer all of the commonly asked questions to facilitate your visit to Bodhi Surf + Yoga.
Note that if it’s not answered here, you can also check our FAQ.
We hope that you are ready for two weeks of fun and laughter, physical engagement, great conversation, and nature immersion in this beautiful and wild corner of Costa Rica.
What you can expect on your Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat
We first started offering Bodhi Awaken in 2020 and it has become the most comprehensive ocean and nature immersion retreat option that we offer.
The first week of the program is designed to empower you to feel safe and confident in the ocean, to help you understand how it moves, and to impart you with skills and knowledge in the most simple form of catching a wave — wave sliding.
On the second week of the retreat, guests transition into Bodhi’s pinnacle surf and yoga camp — Bodhi Sessions.
One of the main reasons that many Bodhi Surf + Yoga guests return more than once is that they quickly learn how low-maintenance the trip is for them. The other of course, is that they fall in love with the experience and our special little community!
You probably know that we are not an all-inclusive retreat, but you may not know why. It is intentional, as we want to allow our visiting guests the opportunity to be independent and interact with the local community.
Not only is this an important part of travel, for us it is also the more socially responsible option. It allows the economic benefits of your visit to extend beyond just our business, and allows you to have a more well-rounded, culturally enriching experience in our lovely little town here in Costa Rica.
So what is included in our bodysurf, surf, and yoga retreat?
Bodhi Awaken retreats begin on a Saturday and run for two weeks. Each retreat includes the following:
Also, you get the benefit of staying at a quaint lodge with a group of passionate individuals, some of whom have lived in the community of Bahia Ballena for decades and who have a ton of local knowledge to share.
We are here (and stoked) to facilitate logistical details, to offer local knowledge and suggestions — and honestly, just to chat!
Other meals, tours, and transportation
You will notice that our program is not all inclusive. Yet never fear, there are a ton of options for both eating and keeping yourself busy in our little community.
Meals
Whether you’re buying groceries or eating out, there are many small, family-owned and operated businesses in our area.
Preparing food on your own
If you are staying in either of the private bungalows (Gratitud or Espiritu), you can buy ingredients at one of the three walking-distance supermarkets and prepare meals in your respective kitchenette.
As you will see with our sample schedule below, the structure of most days is to have a bigger brunch-style breakfast after the daily bodysurfing/surfing or yoga session.
Many opt to have a snack (such as a fruit smoothie) or a light meal (like a salad, chips and bean dip, or yogurt and fruit) in the afternoon when temperatures reach their peak. After the afternoon activity is done and the sun goes down, they go out for a bigger dinner.
Going out for meals
We are blessed to have a wide variety of great restaurants in our community. There are options for all budgets and most cravings. This is actually a pretty unexpectedly great place to stumble upon if you’re a foodie!
There are a whole host of restaurants in the Costa Ballena area which range in distance. There are approximately 20-25 restaurants in the immediate walking distance (20 minutes or under) from the Bodhi Surf + Yoga lodge.
If you opt to take a taxi anywhere (in 20 minutes or under), the number of restaurants available goes up greatly.
You can read more about some of our and guests’ favorite restaurants in our restaurant guide, here.
Tours, activities, and transportation
Tours and activities
If you’re an active traveler and the five bodysurf lessons, five surf lessons, ten yoga sessions, community walk, and waterfall outing are not enough action for you, you’ll be happy to know that there is both time and options for other activities.
For more information about what is available and recommended, refer to this handy “Things to Do in Uvita” blog.
If you already know what you want to do, we recommend that you book it ahead of time as many activities fill up in advance (especially during high season dates like US Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s week, and spring break season).
Getting around
Transportation is included to all included activities (bodysurfing/surfing, waterfall visit, and community walking tour).
There are a few options for getting around in Bahia Ballena. We are located quite centrally in the community, and are within walking distance to restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and banks.
Walking to anywhere you may need to go is perfectly appropriate and safe — 90% of our guests opt to do just that.
However, if exploring via foot is not your jam, you can also do any of the following options:
- Rent a bike at Bodhi Surf + Yoga
- Take taxis to the place and activities that are too far (or you are too knackered) to reach on foot
- Rent a car at one of the various car rental locations (Enterprise, National, Adobe, to name a few)
Bodhi Awaken: 14 Day Bodysurfing, Ocean Awareness, Surf and Yoga Retreat daily schedule
The following breakdown is designed to give you an idea of what to expect!
Note that this is a sample schedule, as exact times of activities are subject to change. The ocean component of our schedule requires us to change it weekly, around the tides and wave conditions.
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!
Preparing for your bodysurf, surf, and yoga retreat
Bodhi Awaken Bodysurf, Surf, and Yoga Retreat packing list
Depending on what time of year you come, your list of what to pack may change a little. Refer to our article which breaks down the weather here by month.
Note that this is the tropics and the weather is ever-changing, so this is not a guarantee rather something to give you an idea!
Mandatory
- A few sturdy, comfortable bathing suits. For guys, you’ll want to bring at least two pairs of board shorts, and note that some stretch is good. For women, there is a lot to be said about finding a good surf/bodysurf bathing suit. Read more about this subject here.
- Hats. The sun here is much stronger than in other parts of the world, and being diligent about wearing a hat while out in the sun will help to prevent sunburns, heatstroke, and dehydration. We also recommend you bring a surf hat (with a strap) that can be worn during lessons. Read more about this subject here.
- Personal rash guard. Bodhi Surf + Yoga has rash guards in a wide variety of sizes, but oftentimes people like to bring their own to ensure a good fit.
- Sunglasses. The sun and brightness are very hard on the eyes, so bring your sunglasses! If your eyes are sensitive, polarized sunglasses are recommended for optimal protection. If you are worried about losing or damaging your sunglasses, it’s a good idea to bring a less valuable pair for the beach and other activities.
- Sandals. Flip flops or strap-on sandals are everyone’s favorites for going to the beach. Sturdy, good quality sandals with a hard sole and straps that are sewn on are recommended.
- Shirts. Bring a variety of t-shirts and tank tops. Cotton or other natural fabrics such as linen are preferable. If you are visiting between June-November, you may want to bring a light sweatshirt or jacket as well, as it can cool off at night.
- Shorts. Bring several pairs. Again, if you’re coming between June-November, you may also want to bring light pants.
- Waterproof sunscreen. While it is available to purchase down here, it is significantly more expensive and there is significantly less selection than in your home country. We recommend mineral sunscreen both for you and the planet’s health — read more about it!
- Reusable water bottle. The water here is both potable and delicious! We at Bodhi Surf + Yoga care greatly about the environment and thus try to reduce our plastic consumption. We hope you will join us in this effort!
- Some cash. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are several ATMs in town, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand at the beginning of your trip.
Suggested
- Rash guard pants. These are a new addition to the list, but a great one, and we recommend them especially for women. These prevent both burning and rashes on the knees, two issues that come up quite frequently!
- Running or hiking shoes. There are many worthwhile places to see in the area which involve walking or hiking. Paths can be anywhere from in perfect condition to mildly treacherous, therefore we highly recommend a closed-toe shoe with good grip.
- Day backpack. Great for going to the beach, on hikes, walks, or other tours.
- Natural insect repellent. Bugs aren’t a huge problem here, but sometimes it’s nice to have repellent if you’re out during the evenings or early morning.
- Personal toiletries and medications. Again, most items can be found here but just in case, it’s best to bring your own!
- Earplugs and eyemask. These are suggested only if you have issues sleeping. As we are located within the community, there are certain sounds associated with that: birds, dogs, music, weed whackers, etc. Also, keep in mind that it gets light around 5am.
- Dressy outfit. There is no dress code here at the beach in Costa Rica but you may feel like getting dressy for a night out at least once during your stay! [Note: “dressy” here in our beach town is pretty casual, i.e. sun-dresses for girls, short-sleeved button up shirts and khaki shorts for guys.]
- A few good books or magazines. The Bodhi Lodge does not have any televisions on premises, but there are plenty of comfy areas to lounge around and read! We have a small library here, but you may want to use this time to power through your personal reading list.
- Games. We have several games at the Bodhi Lodge (as well as painting and drawing supplies), but if you have personal faves, this is a good opportunity to get some quality game time in.
We are excited to see you soon!
Bodhi Surf + Yoga was founded in 2010, and our vacation offerings are designed to facilitate connection: to self, to nature, to community, and to purpose.
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
- We are a proud Platinum Sponsor of the Center for Responsible Travel
We are so excited for your upcoming trip and look forward to meeting you. In the meantime, if you want more material to get you stoked and ready for your upcoming stay, be sure to check out the following resources:
- Our entire surf lesson video series: get ahead and study up for your week of surf lessons
- A surf fitness video: start getting in shape early
- The Bodhi Wave documentary: you’re going to be staying an entire week (or maybe two!) with us, so learn a bit more about our sustainability measures and company ethos
See you soon!
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