Experience the Best Costa Rica Surf Camp 

Coed Surf and Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 84 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Tamara Rodman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I just returned from my second PVA retreat - this time in Indonesia - and it was an adventure for the ages. The small group size, lux accommodations, highly individualized coaching, video analysis, professional photography of us riding a gorgeous reef break and curated non-surf experiences (including a magnificent high-speed drift snorkel on Nusa Lembongan) made for an unforgettable experience. I especially appreciate all the care Victoria, Tierza and the PVA crew put into everything - from arranging some of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent history to finding the perfect board for the conditions and my (admittedly modest) surfing ability. This is my 16th surf retreat and easily one of the very best. Thanks for creating an experience I'll never forget!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Mandy Resmondo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
An absolute EPIC week of surfing in Bali with Pura Vida! The entire experience was perfect! Fantastic accommodations, excellent food, epic surfing and snorkeling, and of course our PVA instructors Victoria & Max! There's not one thing I would change. Made new friends, overcame a fear, and experienced what the Bali life is all about. BIG thanks to the PVA team for an unforgettable trip!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Claire Paterson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Pura Vida Surf Camp exceeded my expectations in every possible way. The surf coaching is unparalleled and completely changed the way I look at the ocean, paddle into a wave and commit to a line. The progress I saw working with Davide in one week was more than I've had surfing for 4 years. The emphasis on functional, efficient form was a game changer. Every member of the hotel and restaurant staff was kind and helpful throughout my stay.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Linda Gilbert 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My husband and I both loved it. The surf instruction from Davide and Michelle was the best we have ever had. Pricilla was our hostess with the,mostess , on top of it, made all the logistics run smoothly. Everyone was so nice and friendly. Lovely yoga sessions by the ocean,The hotel has a fantastic location. It is on the beach but set back so very private feeling , almost like in the jungle. Nice rooms, great food, and monkeys! We  definitely want to return
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Nicole Sharer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Had an amazing time learning to surf with Pura Vida! The instructors, Davide, Michelle, and Nikki, were all fantastic. Super patient, knowledgeable, and they broke down the techniques perfectly. I felt safe and saw real extraordinary progress in my surfing thanks to their guidance.

In addition to incredible surf instruction, there was also Pri who coordinated all the meals and activities everyday seamlessly and made the entire experience incredibly smooth.  Couldn't recommend this camp enough!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Jen Lockrem 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
This is my second PVA experience, and I will be back again. The instruction has taken my surfing to the next level. The whole week is organized very well by the retreat hostess. The yoga is the perfect compliment. The photos and video are a great addition. The hotel is perfect! Thanks PVA crew!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Nicole Reumann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Wrapping up my Pura Vida surf camp and let me tell you, what a phenomenal learning experience.  It was the structured educational surf progression I was hoping for. The coaches are phenomenal (Thank you Davide, Michi, and Nikki!) and I’m leaving with more confidence and the foundation to progress and an awesome goal set. Pri, the host of the trip, was so accommodating, bubbly to be around, organized, and created a seamless itinerary. The lodging and food opportunities are top tier - I’m leaving well fed 😅.  10/10 would recommend as a surf camp that you will gain a lot of from, with all the creature comforts to make for a comfortable stay and vacation. Thank you guys! I’ll miss you all!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Bethany Rentz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My husband and I attended the co-ed camp to celebrate our milestone birthdays. We are new to surfing and loved how Davide broke down the progression so that we have a great foundation. The food was amazing and Pri did a great job making sure we were making the most of our week. The yoga classes with Karen were key to make sure that we could surf each day. If you are looking for a surf camp that makes sure you have a great surfing foundation - I highly recommend Pura Vida Adventures.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 LAUREL WERNER 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Second trip to Costa Rica with Pura Vida and they are wonderful on all accounts! Surfing instructors are very well trained and teach everyone from beginner to advanced. Hotel Trópico Latino is amazing food and staff. Will be back next year! 🫶
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 glenda branch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
This magical place has become dear to my ❤️ This is the second retreat for me and my sister and it won’t be the last!! From the detailed communications of the program director before arrival to the coordination of each day’s events, it has been flawless in every way. My sister and I didn’t surf, but the spa treatments were absolutely divine and the yoga classes were perfect for every level of skill. The entire experience is the perfect balance to strengthen body and soul. Highly recommend and already looking forward to next year’s visit! Pura Vida!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 

 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 143 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Tamara R 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Once-in-a-lifetime surf retreat in Bali!
I just returned from my second PVA retreat - this time in Indonesia - and it was an adventure for the ages. The small group size, lux accommodations, highly individualized coaching, video analysis, professional photography of us riding a gorgeous reef break and curated non-surf experiences (including a magnificent high-speed drift snorkel on Nusa Lembongan) made for an unforgettable experience. I especially appreciate all the care Victoria, Tierza and the PVA crew put into everything - from arranging some of the best meals I've enjoyed in recent history to finding the perfect board for the conditions and my (admittedly modest) surfing ability. This is my 16th surf retreat and easily one of the very best. Thanks for creating an experience I'll never forget!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Aaren T 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Fantastic instructors and good times
Pura Vida Adventures is an excellent surf camp. Whether you go to Costa Rica or Bali, the surf instructors are fantastic. You'll definitely improve your surf skills! PVA takes care of everything, so you don't have to second guess anything. Super chill and fun times will be had. I highly recommend PVA for a surf camp experience. You won't be disappointed and in fact, you'll have an experience you'll never forget. Bali was super amazing!! The snorkeling was all time!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Mandy R 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Surfing in BALI with Pura Vida
An absolute EPIC week of surfing in Bali with Pura Vida! The entire experience was perfect! Fantastic accommodations, excellent food, epic surfing and snorkeling, and of course our PVA instructors Victoria & Max! There's not one thing I would change. Made new friends, overcame a fear, and experienced what the Bali life is all about. BIG thanks to the PVA team for an unforgettable trip!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Linda G 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Best
The best surf instruction we have ever had. Davide and Michelle really know how to teach, imparting knowledge you can use We are beginners in our mid 70’s, so not easy grooms to teach. . Our hostess, Priscilla is gem. She made our trip and stay seamless . Karen was our yoga instructor and knew what we needed after a hard day. The people made our trip. And yes, the location is great, beautiful beaches, nice hotel, good food but it’s the staff at Pura Vida that differentiates them.
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Chris G 
 
 
 
 Verified 
In the market for a surf board!!!
Pura Vida Adventures was awesome (I Highly Recommend). My wife, friends and I, all surfed for the first time. The head surf coach (Who I now Love) and his team did a fantastic job teaching us the science and psychology of surfing, as well as, a basic understanding of the ocean. Safety always comes first at Pura Vida, so no need to worry. The accommodations were 1st class and the food was amazing. Yoga was also fantastic. Our instructor adjusted the practice each day to fit our needs and sore bodies. I literally have nothing bad to say about Pura Vida. Oh, one last thing, our surf camp coordinator and our lady surf instructors were, OMG, Gorgeous!!! If you don't think can get up on a board, think again, this team will teach you how. I've told all my friends and family, I'm in the market for a surf board! Pura Vida!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 LAUREL W 
 
 
 
 Verified 
The best surfing, yoga, and retreat in Costa Rica!
Pura Vida takes care of everything! Best surfing instructors and boards, yoga and food is outstanding! Our second trip and will be back again next year 🫶 Santa Teresa is one of the most amazing places on the planet and Pura Vida!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Ann M 
 
 
 
 Verified 
The best surf camp and best location
The best surf camp, with the best instructors in the best location. I’ve attended 6 times and each visit exceeded the previous one. You meet very cool fellow campers; You get extremely good instruction from the best and nicest surf teachers in the area; And did I mention that the restaurants within walking distance are fantastic
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 Sarah L 
 
 
 
 Verified 
A transformative experience in a beautiful place with beautiful people!
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. Nope. 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 have 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 and lots of wood (it looked just like the photos online). 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 asunsets. There are even monkeys that hang out in the trees near the yoga pavilions and rooms!The food was consistently delicious, both at the hotel restaurant (Shambala) and the outside restaurants we went to. The majority of meals (all breakfasts, most lunches, and half the dinners) were at Shambala, and I wouldn't have complained if they'd all been there. I had the yummy 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). For both breakfast and lunch, we had new special juices or teas every day. Lunches and dinners were equally good—some highlights included the superfood salad with either shrimp or fish, the whole fried snapper, and fish tacos. For outside meals we ate at Asian fusion, Israeli, and French-style bakery/cafe restaurants, as well as another beachside restaurant. All were fantastic (Zula and 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—though my appetite was certainly higher than usual given all the physical activity, there were also tons of healthy/light options mixed in with the more indulgent meals so it felt really balanced. Finally (though I've probably missed things), 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 sit and wait for our orders, and 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!
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 justin b 
 
 
 
 Verified 
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 
 
 
 
 Verified 
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
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 

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