The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Bodhi Sessions: 7 Day Adult Surf + Yoga Camp

If you’re reading this, it’s because you are going to doing a surf and yoga camp with us here in Bahia Ballena, Osa, Costa Rica. We are so excited, and we hope that you are as well.

Still undecided? Read the following blog to help you!

Now it’s time to get ready, and that is where this Ultimate Guide comes in handy. Get ready for your upcoming, epic adventure: the Bodhi Sessions 7 or 14 Day Adult Surf + Yoga Camp!

This guide is a consolidation of the relevant resources we have created over the years. In it, we have endeavored to answer all of the commonly asked questions to facilitate your visit to Bodhi Surf + Yoga.

Note that if it’s not answered here, you can also check our FAQ.

We hope that you are ready for a week (or two!) of fun and laughter, physical engagement, great conversation, and immersion into this beautiful and wild corner of Costa Rica.

What you can expect on your Bodhi Sessions: 7 Day Adult Surf + Yoga Camp

We first started offering Bodhi Sessions surf and yoga camps in 2015 and they have become our pinnacle vacation option for adults.

One of the main reasons that many Bodhi Surf + Yoga guests return more than once is that they quickly learn how low-maintenance the trip is for them. The other of course, is that they fall in love with the Sessions experience, and our special little community!

You probably know that we are not an all-inclusive retreat, but you may not know why. It is intentional, as we want to allow our visiting guests the opportunity to be independent and interact with the local community.

Not only is this an important part of travel, for us it is also the more socially responsible option. It allows the economic benefits of your visit to extend beyond just our business, and allows you to have a more well-rounded, culturally enriching experience in our lovely little town here in Costa Rica.

So what is included in our surf and yoga camps?

Bodhi Sessions Adult Surf + Yoga camps run from Saturday to Saturday, and each week includes the following:

• 5 night at the Bodhi Lodge
• 1 night in a San Jose hotel
• 5 surf lessons
• 5 yoga classes
• 5 breakfasts
• 3 dinners
• Snacks at surf lessons
• Walking tour of Bahia Ballena
• Waterfall visit
• Round trip transportation between San Jose and Bodhi Lodge
• Shuttle service from San Jose airport to San Jose hotel
• National Park entrance fees for surf lessons
• Travelers’ Philanthropy donation

Also, you get the benefit of staying at a quaint lodge with a group of passionate individuals, some of whom have lived in the community of Bahia Ballena for decades and who have a ton of local knowledge to share.

We are here (and stoked) to facilitate logistical details, to offer local knowledge and suggestions — and honestly, just to chat!

Other meals, tours, and transportation

You will notice that our program is not all inclusive. Yet never fear, there are a ton of options for both eating and keeping yourself busy in our little community.

Meals

Whether you’re buying groceries or eating out, there are many small, family-owned and operated businesses in our area.

Preparing food on your own

If you are staying in either of the private bungalows (Gratitud or Espiritu), you can buy ingredients at one of the three walking-distance supermarkets and prepare meals in your respective kitchenette.

As you will see with our sample schedule below, the structure of most days is to have a bigger brunch-style breakfast after the daily surfing or yoga session.

Many opt to have a snack (such as a fruit smoothie) or a light meal (like a salad, chips and bean dip, or yogurt and fruit) in the afternoon when temperatures reach their peak. After the afternoon activity is done and the sun goes down, they go out for a bigger dinner.

Going out for meals

We are blessed to have a wide variety of great restaurants in our community. There are options for all budgets and most cravings. This is actually a pretty unexpectedly great place to stumble upon if you’re a foodie!

There are a whole host of restaurants in the Costa Ballena area which range in distance. There are approximately 20-25 restaurants in the immediate walking distance (20 minutes or under) from the Bodhi Surf + Yoga lodge.

If you opt to take a taxi anywhere (in 20 minutes or under), the number of restaurants available goes up greatly.

You can read more about some of our and guests’ favorite restaurants in our restaurant guide, here.

Tours, activities, and transportation

Tours and activities

If you’re an active traveler and the five surf lessons, five yoga sessions, community walk, and waterfall outing are not enough action for you, you’ll be happy to know that there is both time and options for other activities.

For more information about what is available and recommended, refer to our handy “Things to Do in Uvita” blog.

If you already know what you want to do, we recommend that you book it ahead of time as many activities fill up in advance (especially during high season dates like U.S. Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s week, and spring break season).

Getting around

Transportation is included to all included activities (surfing, waterfall visit, and community walking tour).

There are a few options for getting around in Bahia Ballena. We are located quite centrally in the community, and are within walking distance to restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and banks.

Walking to anywhere you may need to go is perfectly appropriate and safe — 90% of our guests opt to do just that.

However, if exploring via foot is not your jam, you can also do any of the following options:

• Rent a bike at a nearby rental shop
• Take taxis to the place and activities that are too far (or you are too knackered) to reach on foot
• Rent a car at one of the various car rental locations (Enterprise, National, Adobe, to name a few)

Bodhi Sessions: Surf + Yoga Camp daily schedule

The following breakdown is designed to give you an idea of what to expect!

Note that this is a sample schedule, as exact times of activities are subject to change. The surfing component of our schedule requires us to change it weekly, around the tides and wave conditions.

Saturday (Day 1)

Guests may arrive to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica, at any time on the first Saturday of camp.

The first night of lodging (Saturday) is at a hotel near the airport, and is included in the camp. Transportation to the hotel is included, provided by the hotel itself.

Dinner on the first night is on your own. You can dine at the delicious hotel restaurant, or go to a nearby restaurant.

Sunday (Day 2)

You may your first breakfast in Costa Rica at the hotel restaurant whenever it opens. We recommend the traditional Tico or Costa Rican breakfast, called Gallo Pinto with a nice cup of coffee.

You and the other guests will be picked up by Bodhi Surf + Yoga’s private transportation service, Wali Rider, at 9am. Together, you will make the 4-4½ hour journey to Bahia Ballena – Uvita, Osa, Uvita, and the home of Bodhi Surf + Yoga.

You will arrive at Bodhi Surf + Yoga and be welcomed by members and receive a tour of the lodge and property, and see the schedule is for the week to come.

You may go out to a local restaurant for your first lunch, or go to the store to purchase some groceries to prepare food on your own.

Dinner the first night is included: guests and Bodhi staff will go out to a local restaurant and get further acquainted and chat with your fellow campers and staff about what you are most looking to get out of the week!

Monday (Day 3)

Mondays start with an early breakfast of locally sourced fresh fruit, coffee, banana bread, and eggs.

Following that, there will be a Community Walking Tour of Bahia Ballena with a trained local guide. This activity is a great way for guests to learn about the local community and get some insider perspectives, see some of the local flora and fauna, and learn the general “lay of the land”.

Expect to see some of the local flora (and maybe even fauna), and maybe even finish with a local snack or drink!

After returning to home base, there is a little break before the first yoga class at the onsite Bodhi Shambala Yoga studio. Next up, take a stroll to the local supermarket to stock up on snacks and meal stuff or go out for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, the whole crew will head down to the beach for the first surf lesson of the week where you’ll learn about where you’re surfing, equipment, and do some preliminary drills from a prone position.

Monday night is unscheduled so everyone is welcome to do their own thing. Head to a local restaurant or make something simple to eat before relaxing in the hammock or playing some games before an early bed.

Tuesday (Day 4)

By Tuesday morning, guests have an idea of the rhythms and flow of Bodhi Surf + Yoga, Bahia Ballena, and life in general in a quaint coastal Costa Rican community.

After a morning yoga class (usually consisting of a philosophy, breathing, meditation, and postural component) you will be physically and mentally limber for the day’s activities.

Next up: a leisurely, healthy, and filling breakfast at the Bodhi Lodge. Then guests head to a local waterfall to cool down from the mid-morning heat.

When you return to the lodge after this refreshing outing, there is a period of chill time prior to the sunset surf session where you will work on your pop up and surf stance.

Tuesday night is group dinner number two at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, an experience that consists of delicious local fare and many moments of laughter. Bodhi Surf + Yoga team members may prompt reflections of the day or a “High, Low, Ha!”!

Wednesday (Day 5)

By Wednesday, you are going to be so into the way of life in the tropics that you rise, bright and early, with the sun and the sounds of local animals such as roosters, howler monkeys, and what Bodhi staff call “funky chickens”.

You know the drill by now: an invigorating yoga class is up next — much needed class after two days of physical activity!

After you float down the stairs of the yoga platform and over to the common area, enjoy some local coffee or fruit juice, a delicious home-cooked breakfast, and conversation with fellow guests and staff.

After breakfast, everyone will head out for the first morning surf lesson of the week.

Post learning about waves and generating a surf report, as well as doing some shredding of your own, you will return to the lodge for some chill time in the pool or hammocks. Wednesday is a free night, so guests are most often found going out for a meal at one of the nearby restaurants.

Thursday (Day 6)

On Thursday, we start with a delicious and nutritious breakfast followed by a morning surf lesson in which we cover techniques for paddling out into the “lineup”.

Guests may opt to spend more time at the beach, perhaps even enjoying the views from a comfy position on the sand.

There is an evening yoga class in which you can listen to the birds chirp as the sun goes down on yet another wonderful day. Thursday night is the last group dinner at the Bodhi Lodge, and game night!

On this last evening together we share an epic meal, reflect on some of the experiences we have had both together and apart, and maybe even play a game.

Friday (Day 7)

On Friday morning, it’s not unlikely to have a “dawn patrol” sunrise surf session, where the aim is that everything “comes together” and if conditions allow, you have the opportunity to catch a green, unbroken wave.

Following that, a light and delicious breakfast along with a hefty cup of coffee is in order.

The final yoga class of the week where some of the threads of the week are woven together, and you have an intentional “yoga goodbye” with your instructor. After packing, pool time, and lunch, guests and staff share one last activity together: the thoughtful and reflection-filled Bodhi Gratitude Ceremony.

Finally, at 3:30pm, you are picked up at the Bodhi Lodge for your shuttle transfer to the Adventure Inn in San Jose. Friday night is not included in the program, so you are free to book your own hotel anywhere you’d like. Sometimes, guests even stay in the Uvita area.

A farewell, but not a goodbye. After all, you can always come see us again. We hope you do.

Saturday (Day 8)

On this day, guests typically fly out of San Jose back home, or embark on their next week of adventures in Costa Rica!

Preparing for your surf and yoga camp

Bodhi Sessions Surf + Yoga Camp packing list

Depending on what time of year you come, your list of what to pack may change a little. Refer to our article which breaks down the weather here by month.

Note that this is the tropics and the weather is ever-changing, so this is not a guarantee rather something to give you an idea!

Mandatory

• A few sturdy, comfortable bathing suits. For guys, you’ll want to bring at least two pairs of board shorts, and note that some stretch is good. For women, there is a lot to be said about finding a good surf bathing suit. Read more about this subject here.
• Hats. The sun here is much stronger than in other parts of the world, and being diligent about wearing a hat while out in the sun will help to prevent sunburns, heatstroke, and dehydration. We also recommend you bring a surf hat (with a strap) that can be worn during lessons. Read more about this subject here.
• Personal rash guard. Bodhi Surf + Yoga has rash guards in a wide variety of sizes, but oftentimes people like to bring their own to ensure a good fit.
• Sunglasses. The sun and brightness are very hard on the eyes, so bring your sunglasses! If your eyes are sensitive, polarized sunglasses are recommended for optimal protection. If you are worried about losing or damaging your sunglasses, it’s a good idea to bring a less valuable pair for the beach and other activities.
• Sandals. Flip flops or strap-on sandals are everyone’s favorites for going to the beach. Sturdy, good quality sandals with a hard sole and straps that are sewn on are recommended.
• Shirts. Bring a variety of t-shirts and tank tops. Cotton or other natural fabrics such as linen are preferable. If you are visiting between June-November, you may want to bring a light sweatshirt or jacket as well, as it can cool off at night.
• Shorts. Bring several pairs. Again, if you’re coming between June-November, you may also want to bring light pants.
• Waterproof sunscreen. While it is available to purchase down here, it is significantly more expensive and there is significantly less selection than in your home country. We recommend mineral sunscreen both for you and the planet’s health — read more about it!
• Reusable water bottle. The water here is both potable and delicious! We at Bodhi Surf + Yoga care greatly about the environment and thus try to reduce our plastic consumption. We hope you will join us in this effort!
• Some cash. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are several ATMs in town, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand at the beginning of your trip.

Suggested

• Rash guard pants. These are a new addition to the list, but a great one, and we recommend them especially for women. These prevent both burning and rashes on the knees, two issues that come up quite frequently!
• Running or hiking shoes. There are many worthwhile places to see in the area which involve walking or hiking. Paths can be anywhere from in perfect condition to mildly treacherous, therefore we highly recommend a closed-toe shoe with good grip.
• Day backpack. Great for going to the beach, on hikes, walks, or other tours.
• Natural insect repellent. Bugs aren’t a huge problem here, but sometimes it’s nice to have repellent if you’re out during the evenings or early morning.
• Personal toiletries and medications. Again, most items can be found here but just in case, it’s best to bring your own!
• Earplugs and eyemask. These are suggested only if you have issues sleeping. As we are located within the community, there are certain sounds associated with that: birds, dogs, music, weed whackers, etc. Also, keep in mind that it gets light around 5am.
• Dressy outfit. There is no dress code here at the beach in Costa Rica but you may feel like getting dressy for a night out at least once during your stay! [Note: “dressy” here in our beach town is pretty casual, i.e. sun-dresses for girls, short-sleeved button up shirts and khaki shorts for guys.]
• A few good books or magazines. The Bodhi Lodge does not have any televisions on premises, but there are plenty of comfy areas to lounge around and read! We have a small library here, but you may want to use this time to power through your personal reading list.
• Games. We have several games at the Bodhi Lodge (as well as painting and drawing supplies), but if you have personal faves, this is a good opportunity to get some quality game time in.

We are excited to see you soon!

Bodhi Surf + Yoga was founded in 2010, and our vacation offerings are designed to facilitate connection: to self, to nature, to community, and to purpose.

In our 12+ years of being operational, here are a few of the accolades that we are most proud of:

• We have been awarded with TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award multiple years running
• We’re a certified B Corporation, and a recipient of their “Best for the World” honor in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022
• We have been a proud 1% for the Planet member since 2018
• We’re a Transformational Tourism Council partner
• We are a proud Platinum Sponsor of the Center for Responsible Travel

We are so excited for your upcoming trip and look forward to meeting you. In the meantime, if you want more material to get you stoked and ready for your upcoming stay, be sure to check out the following resources:

• Our entire surf lesson video series: get ahead and study up for your week of surf lessons
• A surf fitness video: start getting in shape early
• The Bodhi Wave documentary: you’re going to be staying an entire week (or maybe two!) with us, so learn a bit more about the our sustainability measures and company ethos

See you soon!