Experience the Best Costa Rica Surf Camp 

Coed Surf and Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 161 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Christine Champe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My girlfriends and I had the BEST time with PVA! I 100% recommend them. The hotel and beach were beautiful but mostly it was our surf instructors Michi and Davide and our hostess Pri who made everything so memorable and spectacular. Pri took great care of us on land and Michi and Davide were incredibly skillful in teaching and helping us to embody their methods, while being so heartfelt and encouraging. All of us got up surfing on Day 1, even the one who had never even tried surfing before! By the end of the week I felt very confident and knowlegable about catching waves. They are all lovely people and I would come back again anytime. Do yourself a big favor and go.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Lisa Cliggett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
PVA has to be one of the most personalized / individualized surf schools in Costa Rica/ Santa Teresa CR. Davide and Michi took this ‘never surfed before’ 61 year old, from falling-off-the-board-just-lying-down, to feeling calm confident  and capable in 5 days. Looking at the other schools on the beach, I know that PVA offers the most tailored and specific-to-the-student learning in the region. Beyond surfing, the care, detailed planning, and recognition of individual needs from the PVA team, especially Pri, was beyond my expectations. Yoga with Karen was restorative and calming amidst the energy/ excitement of surfing. It was a magical week of personal transformation and pure fun. Thank you PVA.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Samantha Pearl 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I booked this retreat as a solo traveler, having never surfed before, and I’m SO glad that I did. What an incredible experience that I am forever grateful for and hope to do again. Everything was managed beautifully, the staff was wonderful, food amazing, and there’s nothing quite like the surfing. I can’t thank the instructors enough for all they did for us. PVA has created something really special here, I’ll be back!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mandy Breckbill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Hands down one of the best experiences of my life.  The retreat was amazing, it was great to be with other women over 50 seeking adventure!  The PuraVida team are incredible!  The surf instructors are top notch incorporating not just the mechanics of surfing but how you connect the mind, body and soul to the wave!  I absolutely loved each one.  The owner and manager of PuraVida are such extraordinary women that make the experience so fun and personal really connecting each person at the retreat while also fostering community amongst the group.  I really appreciated this as a solo traveler.  I highly recommend going to all the yoga sessions, as the breath work is so good and the yoga instructor customizes the program to help tight muscles from surfing.  The location of the retreat and accommodations were perfect.  I had the cutest bungalow with a porch, where I loved swinging in the hammock relaxing after a day of surfing.  The food at the resort is amazing and the restaurants in Santa Teresa are amazing!  Thank you to the Pura Vida team for such a beautiful experience!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Christine Mellon (Christine M) 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
A week ago I returned from the Pura Vida Adventures Women 50+ Surf and Yoga Retreat and it exceeded my expectations in every way!  The accommodations were lovely, our host managed the daily schedule like a magician, the food was outstanding, the yoga complemented the surf instruction, the women in my group were all amazing… adventurous and accomplished and the optional excursions were a blast (zipline and bioluminescence tour for me).  What really stood out were the surf coaches…so encouraging!  A motto I learned was "embrace the suck." It quickly became my mantra because I did suck! Surfing is far harder than I imagined.  What has surprised me most is that I actually want to come back and try again.  It blows my mind how difficult it was and how much there is to learn, but how satisfying it felt to keep trying anyway. I came home with sore muscles, wonderful memories, new friends, a healthy respect for the ocean, and a renewed appreciation for seeking out challenges. And yes...I'm already thinking about coming back:-)
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Christy McKenna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Don’t hesitate to book this retreat. Absolutely elite instruction from some of the kindest people we’ve ever worked with in any sport. Perfect for any age, any skill level. Everything was smoothly organized and taken care of, so it was an extremely relaxing week. Bonus: some of the best food we’ve had at a beach resort.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Anna Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My 8 year old daughter and I, our first surf retreat with Pura Vida Adventures. Awesome experience, excellent surf instruction, and wonderful first time in Costa Rica!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Lara Hollaway- Tap Tutorials 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
What an absolutely AMAZING week of surfing with Pura Vida Adventures in Santa Teresa! The surf instructors are fabulous and affirming, and the location is second to none. Just beautiful!!  We all had such a lovely time enjoying meals, waves, and adventures together!  I can not recommend this retreat enough. Stop thinking about it and just do it!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mia M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
A true adventure of the highest quality! The team is amazing - I highly recommend Pura Vida Adventures and I will come again for sure!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Edie Charron 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I came in very nervous about the ocean and surfing (also anxious in general about the unknown) after this week at Pura vida I feel more brave and confident in general! I found that I really love surfing. Everyone that works with you is also amazing.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 169 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Susie N 
 
 
 
 Verified 
PVA rocks !!! PVA is simply amazing . I cane here with my daughter 4 years ago and learned to surf and couldn't wait to come back. This time I came to the 50+ women's retreat solo and once again , had the experience of a lifetime . The surf and yoga instructors are superb , the food outstanding and our host just was incredible . We had many other experiences of a lifetime .
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Bettina S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
I N C R E D I B L E This is my second visit to Santa Teresa with Pura Vida Adventures. It is the most wonderful experience from the moment you arrive. The instructors are superior, the weather was perfect, the food is so delicious. It is five stars!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Jacob 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Incredible instructors, unique methods If you had asked me at 3 AM on Wednesday morning, how I would rate Pura Vida adventures, I was absolutely ready to give three stars out of five. I had a rough start. There were ants in my room and ant droppings on the pillow. Several hairs in the shower. There was a loud whine coming from the toilet. I was exhausted from taking three flights to get here including a redeye flight where I didn’t sleep much. I was so tired that I wasn’t up to surfing at all on Monday. And I got feasted on by mosquitoes in my room Monday afternoon, Monday night, and Tuesday night. To top it all off, my ego took a hit when I had practiced thousands of pop-ups and was then encouraged by the lead instructor Davide to rethink my whole approach and try something new. A new way of standing up, a new stance. When I went out and put it into practice on the water, I was wobbly, not confident, and struggled the first day. Needless to say, I was not a very happy camper. But a lot happened since then that made me bump this up to five stars. My one major complaint at the end was that I think it would’ve been better if they had two videographers because most of us didn’t get as many videos as we would’ve liked. But there were so many positives I would still give five stars. The food was incredible and the drinks were very good. They eventually sprayed my room when I complained about the mosquitoes and some combination of that and citronella incense and a strong fan gave me no more mosquito bites for the last several nights, which was a huge relief. Everyone was friendly and Pri was a great hostess. All of the other campers were friendly and kind and no one was a jerk. My instructors were all excellent. Adri and Michi were positive, supportive, and gave specific feedback after practically every wave. Nicki taught me how to paddle better, including keeping my arms straight for the entire stroke and how to turtle roll more efficiently. I ended up turtle rolling more this week than I had the rest of my life combined, and it went from being scary to being routine and I was much smoother at it by the end. Nikki is a wonderful teacher and gave great feedback after the rides and had very positive energy. But I think what clinched five stars for me was the lead instructor, Davide. I was fortunate to have him as my instructor the last several days and he is amazing. His method of teaching how to stand up on the board and the stance is unique. I have probably had six other instructors in my life and none of them taught this particular way. But my stance went from being hunched over to me being upright much more often and I think in the long run, this is a better way to stand up on the board and for the first time in my life, I was able to actually look where I was going on a number of waves. I had heard instructors suggest this to me, but how to actually do it had been elusive for years. Davide was positive, friendly, warm, and gave specific constructive feedback after every wave. It was my hope that I might be able to learn more about how to do a bottom turn and practice that and there were several waves where I played around with bottom turns, which was really fun and made me excited to practice this more at home when I get back. I feel like my surfing has improved substantially in the last several days and I also enjoyed the week. I appreciated that there was a good amount of downtime and availability to get massages. Overall, I definitely recommend this surf camp. Pura Vida!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Linda K 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Go, you'll love every minute! You'll want to go Back! I was determined to get out of my comfort zone and learn how to surf! This was only possible with the warm, loving and supportive staff of Pura Vida Adventures! I left with new friendships, confidence and an understanding and love of surfing! But wait there's more, way more! The accommodations were wonderful and spacious and the food and service top notch! The beautiful sunsets and wildlife kept my camera busy! After surfing, yoga and dinner there's still more, life music on the beach for some sultry dancing. It was pure pleasure, the Costa Rican Way!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Joy W 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Already thinking about my next trip to Pura Vida Adventures! I just returned from one of the best girls trips I've ever had, learning to surf and practicing yoga with Pura Vida Adventures! It was more than I ever could have expected. I signed up for a girls trip with my friends, not so much the surfing part as I've always had anxiety around being tossed in the water. But the team of instructors at Pura Vida Adventures helped ease all of my worries, made me feel prepared for what I was doing daily and most importantly, made me feel safe. I was standing up on day 1 when I really thought I'd just be taking pictures from the beach. Every instructor is patient, kind, encouraging and knowledgeable. Everything was truly perfect; the yoga from the beautiful yoga decks, the luxurious spa, the delicious and fresh food, the comfortable rooms and bungalows, and the spectacular beachfront property. We loved shopping and eating in Santa Teresa, walking the beach and tide pools and renting ATVs to explore out further, visiting a cowboy bar in the hills and ending at a cozy beachside restaurant and the most serene beach I've ever seen. I can't quit thinking about this trip and encourage anyone thinking about it to just do it! I hope my next trip to Pura Vida Adventures can be with my daughter.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Kimberlee S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Surf Camp- Costa Rica Amazing!!!! I did their all ladies surf camp and it exceeded my expectations in many ways. Location can’t be beat. The hotel, surf camp, and restaurant was right on the beach. Best way to start the day either surfing, walking the sandy beach, or eating breakfast with breath taking views. Soooo relaxing. The food was incredible. Large portion sizes with lots of options for all meals. I’m a foodie and was blown away by the yumminess and the plethora of healthy eating options!! I loved the ease of waking up from my really comfy bed and walking less than 1 minute to the beach. The surf camp was well organized with fun, skilled instructors who really took the time to get to know you. I felt seen, heard, and supported throughout my journey. Can’t thank all the instructors enough. The camp also includes restorative yoga. Best way to recover from surfing. The yoga studio is tucked into the trees with ocean views. Imagine doing yoga with the sound of ocean waves crashing in the background. I’ve been doing yoga for 20 plus years. Karen, the yoga instructor, is very skilled and knows the best way to help your body feel good after surfing. Amazing spa options with a spa included in the trip costs. Your body will thank you after your day of surfing. Lastly, the camp hostess and the owner went out of their way to make our week amazing. They coordinated for our group of 7 an ATV tour through the more remote area of Costa Rica. Sooo much fun! we all want to go back. You can’t go wrong picking Pura Vida Surf camp. You won’t regret it. You’ll want to go back over and over again. I do!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Cherith V 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Pura Vida surf retreat was awesome The Pura Vida Adventures surf and yoga retreat I attended was amazing. I went with a group of friends to celebrate one of the friend’s and my 50th birthday. It surpassed my expectations. The food was delicious and the portions huge. The bungalows were spacious and the beds so comfortable. The technical and spiritual advice given during surf instruction enabled me to get up and practice on the board every day and is still echoing in my being days later…I expect it to keep going for a while. The yoga was just what was needed to balance the physical and mental demands of stretching myself to try surfing which was scary and new to me. I left with less fear and some new skills and tools to continue to grow and improve. I highly recommend this retreat and want to bring my whole family next time.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Nichole D 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Great Surf Experience Pura Vida Adventures is the perfect place to spend New Years! Connecting with the spirit of Costa Rica through adventure, relaxation, surfing, and yoga! Pri was the best host and made everything easy and seamless. The surfing instructors were energetic, fun, and super knowledgeable. Forever changed my surfing game! So grateful for the tips and instruction they shared. Tropico Latino was an amazing place to stay centrally located with great food, spa, and service! Finally Karen’s yoga was the perfect touch to round out the experience. If you are looking to improve you’re surfing you won’t find a better experience!! Thank you for being so amazing!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Robert G 
 
 
 
 Verified 
We just returned to Philadelphia from a trip with Pura Vida Adventures in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Talk about blowing our expectations out of the water (or onto a wave!)! We just returned to Philadelphia from a trip with Pura Vida in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. From start to finish this trip was really enjoyable. Pura Vida (Tierza) was ultra responsive and helpful in the planning of our trip. Hotel Latino in Santa Teresa seamlessly interfaced with the tour provider to attend to all of our needs. The hotel's front desk (Andry and Guadalupe) was ultra attentive and helpful in navigating our excursions and attending to our requests. We took three surf lessons with Nicole during our seven day trip and the lessons were beyond what I could have hoped for. In three lessons, my partner went from zero experience to surfing. I caught more waves in three days than I had caught in my previous twenty years of attempting to surf. Nicole was perfectly suited to teach surf lessons to us. We rode horses down the beach, did morning yoga and even got a couple of tattoos (which have healed up nicely). The hotel is an absolutely dreamy location, on the beach, with a fantastic restaurant and a top notch spa. We both got sixty minute massages and were really impressed with the skill of the masseuses and the facility, given that the spa is on the beach and we were getting the massages in the middle of a raging thunderstorm at 7pm in the evening. We left for home feeling accomplished, yet rested. Thank you very much for all of your efforts to make our stay an enjoyable as it was. The few issues that we had were responded to immediately and addressed faster than I could have expected should they have occurred at a 5 star USA property. The level of politeness of everyone we encountered was really quite surprising and welcome. I would recommend our trip, with Pura Vida Adventures and Hotel Latino, to everyone! Thank you so much.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor  
 
  
 
 
 Karen H 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Do a thing. Now!! I am a returning guest at PVA. I met and have admired the owner for 18 years!! The hottie who was my bartender there in 2007 is now my landlord in Santa Teresa. I have been to several surf camps. I have life long friends from PVA. Do yourself a favor... sign up!! Go! Never go back home. That's what I did. Free dinner 🍽 at Muzza. On me. TRUST ME! Goooooo. Now!!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 

Read More Wave Reviews