The ultimate adventure to reconnect with yourself, guided by the ocean, movement, and community.

If you’ve been craving something different—maybe a getaway with your best friend, a solo adventure that stirs your soul, or just a week of warm sun, good waves, and belly laughs—you’re in the right place.

At Pura Vida Adventures, we’ve spent the last 20+ years hosting life-changing surf and yoga retreats in the tropical haven of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. What began as a dream for our founder, Tierza Eichner, has become a reality for thousands of guests seeking transformation, adventure, and deep personal renewal.

More than two decades ago, Tierza paddled out for the first time—and everything changed.
She fell in love with the feeling of catching a wave—the wind in her hair, the salt on her skin, the thrill of standing up and riding something wild and beautiful. She fell in love with sitting on her board, quietly watching the sets roll in, the coastline shimmering in the sun, and the way the ocean seemed to speak to her in a language beyond words.

Surfing cracked her heart open.

It showed her how to stop controlling and start trusting. How to meet fear and move through it. How to let the ocean be her teacher in surrender, resilience, and joy.

That same invitation—to play, to feel, to fall in love with life again—now lives in every retreat we offer.

If you’re wondering what really happens on our surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica, here’s a look inside.

“Pura Vida! You guys rock! I didn’t really know what to expect… you completely catered to my needs and went above and beyond… The instruction was absolutely great, and the week… was really relaxing, enjoyable & a great learning experience!” – Amy B. – Australia

A Day in the Life: Surf, Yoga, and Soul

Every day brings its own rhythm, but here’s a glimpse into your week in paradise:

7:00 AM – Morning yoga in our open-air jungle shala with the sound of waves
8:00 AM – Tropical breakfast: think fresh mango, Gallo Pinto, smoothies, and strong Costa Rican coffee
9:00 AM – Surf lesson: paddle out with your coach for personalized guidance
12:30 PM — Lunch and free time: lounge, journal, explore town or nap
3:30 PM — Optional workshops, excursions, or spa treatments
6:00 PM — Sunset restorative yoga or beach meditation
7:00 PM — Communal dinner: fresh, healthy, locally sourced cuisine
8:30 PM — Stars, sea breeze, reflection… and maybe an early night

Surfing for All Levels (Yes, Even You!)

Whether you’re standing up for the first time or perfecting your turns, surfing with us is about more than learning a skill—it’s about feeling something awaken inside you.

Our expert coaches tailor each session to your ability level, with no more than 2–3 students per instructor. You’ll get personalized attention, gentle encouragement, and plenty of stoke. And before you know it, something shifts:

You start breathing more deeply.
You start laughing louder.
You start living in the now.

Surfing: The Ultimate Metaphor for Life

Surfing teaches you how to let go.
To feel fear and paddle out anyway.
To stop fighting the current and instead flow with it.

It invites you to fall, rise, and try again—on and off the board. And when you finally feel the glide across a wave… you understand why we keep coming back.

Santa Teresa is one of the best surf destinations in Costa Rica, with warm water year-round and waves that are perfect for beginners and intermediates alike. Depending on the tides and your level, we surf at Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa, Playa Santa Teresa, or Cabuya—each offering its own beauty and challenge.

“I came to surf camp never having been on a board. I left seven days later hanging 10, meeting lifelong friends… the best experience of my life.”
– Arlene B., San Francisco

Want a peek at where you might paddle out?

👉 Curious about our surf lessons?

👉 Read: Santa Teresa’s 5 Best Places to Surf in Costa Rica

Yoga That Grounds, Restores, and Awakens

This isn’t a yoga bootcamp. It’s an invitation.

An invitation to breathe again. To feel your feet on the earth. To soften the noise of daily life and remember what it feels like to move from the inside out.

Our daily yoga classes are held in an open-air shala overlooking the Pacific—where the soundtrack is crashing waves and rustling palms. Led by Karen—our intuitive, certified yoga instructor and fellow surfer—each class blends Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin styles, thoughtfully designed to meet you exactly where you are, whether you’re brand new to the mat or a lifelong yogi.

Yoga becomes your anchor in the rhythm of retreat life. A chance to integrate what you’ve felt in the surf, reflect on what’s rising inside, and reconnect to your breath, body, and soul.

Some days it energizes you. Other days, it holds you.
Always, it brings you back to yourself.

Because when you give your body space to move and your spirit space to breathe, something beautiful happens:

You return to the you that’s been there all along—strong, calm, present, and fully alive.

👉 Read about our yoga classes

 Surf + Yoga + Costa Rica = The Ultimate Mind-Body-Soul Reset

Why do surfing and yoga go so beautifully together? Because both are practices of presence.

Surfing pulls you into the moment with every wave.
Yoga brings you back to your breath, your balance, your body.
Together, they create a rhythm—of challenge and surrender strength and softness, motion and stillness.

Surfing asks you to trust the ocean.
Yoga teaches you to trust yourself.

Yoga lengthens and strengthens the muscles you’ll use to paddle, pop up, and ride with more ease. It deepens your breath, so you stay calm in the water. It grounds your nervous system and sharpens your focus, so that each surf session becomes more intuitive and empowering.

And Costa Rica?

It wraps the whole experience in wild beauty—sunlight on the waves, barefoot walks to yoga, tropical breezes on your skin. It reminds you that joy and peace aren’t luxuries… they’re your natural state.

Whether you come here to laugh with friends, to play and push your limits, or to reconnect with something you’ve been missing—this sacred blend of surf, yoga, and nature meets you exactly where you are.

“This retreat cracked me open in the most beautiful way. I laughed, I cried, I surfed waves I was terrified of—and I remembered who I am.” ~ Gina

Real Connection. Real Community. Real Fun.

This isn’t just a retreat—it’s a reunion with the best version of yourself, surrounded by people you didn’t know you were missing.

Over the last 21 years, we’ve seen something extraordinary happen week after week: strangers become soul sisters, friends become family, and every guest—whether they came solo, with a partner, or their best friend—leaves with a heart full of joy and a circle of humans who just get them.

You don’t need to be anyone but yourself here.
Come as you are—tired, excited, shy, bold—and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Between surf sessions and sunset yoga, shared dinners and spontaneous dance parties in the sand, walls come down. Laughter flows. Stories are shared. Tears might come (the good kind). You remember what it feels like to feel it all—and to not do it alone.

This is the cornerstone of what we do.
Yes, we surf. Yes, we stretch.
But mostly, we connect. We play. We let go.

Because when people gather in a space designed for fun, freedom, and depth, something magical unfolds: belonging.

“I booked solo and was nervous. I left with a whole new family. And I stood up on a wave for the first time at 52!” – Sharon T.

“It exceeded my expectations in every way. The hotel was awesome. The instructors and hosts were caring, funny, knowledgeable… the food was excellent… I have talked non-stop about it since I got back! Thank you again for such an incredible trip—it was transformative.” – Annie Levitt – Los Angeles, CA

👉 See more guest reviews

What’s Included

This isn’t your average vacation—it’s a full-body, soul-shaking experience in paradise.
Every detail is taken care of. All you have to do is say yes.

• 7 days / 6 nights at our oceanfront oasis, Tropico Latino
• Daily surf coaching, personalized for your level (2–3 guests per instructor)
• Daily yoga in our dreamy, open-air shala overlooking the waves
• All gourmet meals—fresh, local, and soul-nourishing—plus a welcome cocktail to kick things off
• One luxurious massage to release what you’ve been holding
• Video analysis of your surf sessions—watch your progress and keep the footage forever
• A goodie bag with a custom rash guard and other surprises to take the stoke home
• Optional workshops, curated excursions, and jungle adventures to stir your sense of wonder
• A whole week of freedom, laughter, movement, and unforgettable connection

This is not just a trip.
It’s a reset, a reminder, and a rebirth.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

You don’t need much for paradise—just what makes you feel comfortable, free, and ready to play.

Surf + Yoga Essentials:

• Swimsuits (bring at least 2—you’ll live in them)
• Surf leggings or boardshorts
• Lightweight yoga clothes
• Reef-safe sunscreen & natural bug spray
• Reusable water bottle
• Journal for reflections and breakthroughs
• A beach bag or daypack for adventures

For Evenings + Outings:

• Sundresses or casual outfits for nights out in town
• Flip flops or water shoes
• Shorts and tank tops for laid-back lounging
• Something fun or flowy for our sunset dinners and dance nights
• A sunhat or baseball cap for mid-day exploring

What to Leave Behind:

• Expectations. Perfection. Your to-do list.
• The pressure to be anyone but your vibrant, real self.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need surf or yoga experience?
Not at all. Total beginners are not just welcomed—they’re celebrated.

Is this a good fit for solo travelers?
Yes. Most of our guests come solo and leave with lifelong friends (and new group chats).

Can I come with my partner or friends?
Absolutely. Whether you’re bringing your crew or flying solo, you’ll be part of something unforgettable.

What if I have dietary needs?
You’ll be nourished and cared for. Vegan, vegetarian, and GF options are always available.

Will there be WiFi?
Yes—but you may find yourself forgetting to check it (and loving it).

This Is Your Moment

You’ve read this far because something in you is already whispering go.

So let this be the moment you listen.
To the pull for more play.
To the craving for real connection.
To the voice inside that knows you deserve this.

Join us. We’ll be waiting with warm waves, open hearts, and the most unforgettable week of your life.

👉 Explore Retreat Dates

👉 Book Your Spot Now

Don’t wait for someday. This is the sign. This is your time.
Let the ocean carry you home. 🌊