Promoting Responsible Travel

As a travel business, we are in an industry that is very influential, but one that hasn't historically been the greatest for local culture, society, or the environment. We have learned that "with great power, comes great responsibility" - this is why we believe in a travel industry model that doesn't blindly seek profit, but considers people and planet as well.

How We Do This

Bodhi Surf + Yoga is proud to provide community-engaged vacations. Historically, both the surf and yoga tourism industries have tended to isolate their guests from the local community; however, we believe that if you are traveling all the way to our awesome little corner of the world, it would be a disservice to you to hinder your exposure to the wonderful place that we call home! We also believe that sharing the socio-economic benefits of your visit with our local community will lead to prolonged and durable prosperity for all.

Travelers' Philanthropy Program

We donates $20 on behalf of each full paying surf and yoga camp guest, and we offer our guests the opportunity to make matching or additional donations to our Travelers' Philanthropy Program, which goes to the community foundation, Fundación SOMOS.

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Opting Out of the All-Inclusive Model

We are not an all-inclusive resort, rather we encourage our guests to patronize local markets, restaurants, and shops. This has the twofold benefit of contributing to the local economy and promoting cross-cultural interaction! Learn more about why Bodhi Sessions are not all-inclusive.

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Community Walking Tour

We include a community walking tour led by a trained local guide in all of our surf and yoga vacations. This provides guests with a sense of where they are, both in terms of physical location and historical significance, and gets them acquainted with the local flora and fauna.

community engaged experience

Our Location

Bodhi Surf + Yoga is located smack dab in the middle of Bahia Ballena. Guests need only step outside the gate and see the Pura Vida way of life in action, and can walk or rent bikes to local shops, eateries, or the beach. Moreover, from inside the property you can enjoy some typical sounds of a Tico community: collective cheers when the sele (Costa Rican national soccer team) plays, cumbia music, and rooster calls.

about our community

The Impact Beyond Our Shores

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Other ways we promote responsible travel

Supporting conservation

Our town is footsteps from the Marino Ballena National Park, a gem of a protected area, and part of your vacation cost goes directly to conservation in Costa Rica via the daily park entrance fees.

Responsible partners

We choose to partner with service providers that are also responsible local tourism operators, and we recommend individuals and businesses that take social and environmental responsibility into account.

Promoting environmental awareness

We utilize what we offer (surfing, yoga, travel) to promote environmental awareness and encourage positive behavioral change in our guests, our partner organizations, and fellow businesses.

Staying Up-to-Date in Our Industry

We are proud to continue our own education, connecting with other responsible tourism businesses with groups such as B Tourism, and networks such as the Transformational Tourism Council.

Corporate Responsibility Measures

Bodhi Surf + Yoga is built on an ethos of social and environmental responsibility, and our business a tool by which we forge a better world. Read on to see the various ways how.