Common Questions

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel 61 days or more prior to the retreat start date: you can either apply a 100% credit towards another retreat date or cancel in full and be charged a cancellation fee of $600.

Cancel 60 – 30 days prior to the retreat start date: you can either apply a credit towards another retreat minus an office fee of 60% of your total retreat package or be charged a cancellation fee of 75% of your total retreat package.

Cancel 29 – 15 days prior to the retreat start date: you can either apply a credit towards another retreat minus an office fee of 70% of your total retreat package or be charged a cancellation fee of 85% of your total retreat package.

Cancel 14 days or fewer prior to the retreat start date: you will be charged a 100% cancellation fee.

No Exceptions to Cancellation Policy: There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy, including but not limited to weather, personal emergencies, flight cancellations, or delays. We highly recommend purchasing Travel Protection Insurance.

I will be traveling alone. Do you have many solo travelers?

YES! About 40% of our clients are solo travelers, so you’ll fit right in! We love the community aspect of our Costa Rica surf and yoga retreats and think they’re a great place to meet people and experience the awesome adventure of this beautiful country–whether you’re traveling alone or with friends! Check out our Solo Traveler page for more details.

If I come alone, can I share a room?

Sure! If you’re looking for more of that shared vibe, we can match you up with another surf chica who wants the same. Part of the fun of a surf and yoga retreat is to meet other travelers with similar interests, make new friends to bond over delicious meals, and generally share the “pura vida” of surfing with cool people.

Sometimes I need time to chill by myself. Are all the guests together 24/7?

Definitely not. While we do spend time together eating meals, doing downward dogs, hanging on the beach, and surfing those beautiful waves, you can always opt-out if you need some “me” time. Plus, each day includes plenty of downtime for you to take a solo spa trip, relax in a hammock with your book, or even go out for dinner on the town all by yourself.

What is the average age of your guests?

The average age of our guests lands around the 30-50 zone, but we get campers ranging in age from early 20s to 60s. Surfing is ageless!

Are there mainly couples in the coed retreats?

Nope. Our coed retreats are a pretty broad mixture of solo travelers, friends, families, community groups, and the occasional couple.

When should I arrive and leave for my surf retreat?

For the first day you can check-in at the resort at any time–but make sure you arrive in time to attend our 6pm “Welcome Dinner!” Our end-of-camp event will be a dawn-patrol surf session and breakfast brunch on the last morning, so plan enough time to have one last tropical smoothie and plate of local “gallo pinto” (breakfast rice and beans).

Is airfare included? What international airport should I fly into?

Transportation to and from our retreat is not included, as we have guests arriving from all over the world. However, we are more than happy to assist you with your travel arrangements. The international airport that you fly into is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), 17 km outside San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.  Please visit our “Traveling to Costa Rica” page for more detailed travel information for all the details, tips, and tricks to make your international travel easy as pie.

Do you recommend purchasing Travel Insurance?

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your surf adventure. A variety of companies sell travel insurance online, such as World Nomads and Allianz Travel, and some credit card companies automatically offer coverage. Be sure to check the policy and make sure it meets the needs of your trip.

Is it possible to book extra nights at the hotel?

Absolutely. If you’re able to plan a little extra time, coming a day early or staying a day later is a great way to transition in and out of your Costa Rica surf and yoga retreat. Who doesn’t love an extra spa trip or day on the beach? Make sure to contact us to check availability – we’d be happy to help you book extra nights for lodging.

How is the weather during the surf retreats?

There are two seasons in Costa Rica: the “dry” season (December through April) and the “green” season (May through November). During our “green” season surf camps, it is generally sunny throughout the day but occasionally rains in the mid-afternoon. For both seasons, the temperature is around 90° F and the water is very warm. So board shorts, rashguards, and bikinis are always the surfing attire… no wetsuit is needed!

I have never surfed. Is Pura Vida Adventures a good choice for a beginner?

Warm water, soft sand-bottom beaches, competent (and kind) instructors, and no need for the restriction of a wetsuit! We think Costa Rica isn’t just a good choice for beginning surfers–it’s the best! Our main surf break is a gently rolling wave that is perfect for beginner surf instruction, and it’s located right outside your doorstep at the hotel. You’ll be in great hands with our experienced surf instructors, who will guide you every step of the way to make you feel at ease in the water with your surfboard, while also supporting you as a mentor, friend, and personal cheerleader. Honestly, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you will be up and riding waves!

I have surfed for a few years, will I get the attention I need as a non-beginner?

Definitely. Our surf and yoga retreats cater to every level of surfing. With no more than a 1:3 instructor to student ratio, plus a comprehensive surf program, detailed video analysis, a quiver of 35 boards, and incredible coaches with decades of experience, we have everything you need to make breakthroughs in your surfing. Each week we place students into small groups ranging from beginner to advanced and work specifically with each surfer to pinpoint and achieve their surfing goals.

What type of surf breaks do you have?

The area of beach stretching from Playa Hermosa to Santa Teresa to Malpais is one of the most diverse surfing coasts in Costa Rica – and it’s right in our front yard! With around 5 different types of surf breaks in the area, including point, reef, and beach breaks, you’ll find a wide range of surf spots that cater to beginners, intermediate and advanced level surfers. Want a description of each of our different surf breaks in the area? Check out our blog “Santa Teresa’s 5 Best Places to Surf“.

Do I need to be a great swimmer to surf?

No need to be Michael Phelps. As long as you are comfortable swimming in the ocean, you will do just fine. Check out the amazing story of our past client Arpita who won a surf retreat and learned how to swim just weeks before her surf adventure.