# Bodhi Surf

> Bodhi Surf + Yoga is a small surf and yoga camp in Uvita, on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, with surf lessons in Marino Ballena National Park and yoga in an open-air jungle shala. It suits beginners and improving surfers, couples, solo travelers and families who want a structured week with no more than 10 guests.

Source: https://costarica-yoga-retreats.com/bodhi-surf/
Last checked: 2026-11-04

Bodhi Surf + Yoga is a small surf and yoga camp in Uvita, in the Costa Ballena area of the southern Pacific coast. Surf lessons take place inside Marino Ballena National Park, where the waves at Bahía Ballena are usually gentle enough for first-timers, and yoga happens in an open-air shala at their jungle lodge. Groups are capped at 10 guests a week, so it feels more like a guided week with friends than a resort.

![Person meditating outdoors](/static/img/old/2012-06-bodhi-surf.webp)

## The programs

Their site lists these current options:

- **7-day Surf + Yoga Camp:** the core week, with 5 surf lessons and 5 yoga classes.
- **14-day Bodhi Sessions:** two weeks of surf and yoga for people who want to make real progress.
- **7-day Adult Surf Camp:** more surf, less yoga.
- **7-day Family Surf Camp:** built for families learning together.
- **Surf lessons on their own:** group lessons, a 2-day surf clinic and private lessons if you're staying elsewhere in Uvita.

Weeks run Saturday to Saturday, and their availability page lists weekly dates into early 2027. Check their website for current rates and open spots.

## What the 7-day camp includes

According to their camp page, the week includes 5 nights at the Bodhi lodge plus 1 night at a hotel in San José on arrival, round-trip transfers between San José and the lodge, 5 surf lessons, 5 yoga classes, breakfasts on lodge days, some lunches, snacks at surf lessons, a guided walk around Bahía Ballena, a waterfall visit and the park entrance fees. Some meals are on your own, which gives you a chance to try Uvita's restaurants.

![Two people stretching on the beach](/static/img/old/2012-06-bodhi-surf2.webp)

## The yoga

Classes are taught in the lodge's open-air shala. Reviews describe them as steady, foundational classes that balance the surf sessions, and complete beginners are welcome. If you want two or three classes a day, a dedicated yoga retreat will suit you better; our guide to [choosing a yoga retreat in Costa Rica](/yoga-retreats-costa-rica/) can help.

## Rooms

The lodge has a small set of named rooms and bungalows for solo travelers, couples, friends and families. Ask which ones have private bathrooms when you book.

## The surf

Parts of Bahía Ballena are sheltered by the reef and the famous Whale's Tail sandbar, so it's one of the gentler places in the country to learn. The Pacific gets bigger swell from about April to October, which is the rainy season. If you're comparing coasts for [yoga and surf trips](/yoga-and-surf-costa-rica/), Uvita is quieter than Santa Teresa and Nosara, with fewer bars and more jungle.

## Getting there

Uvita is about 3.5 to 4 hours by road from San José airport, mostly on the paved coastal highway. The 7-day camp includes the transfer. For other places to practice on this coast, see our guide to [where to do yoga in Costa Rica](/where-to-do-yoga-in-costa-rica/).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bodhi Surf + Yoga good for complete beginners?

Yes. Their programs are built for people catching their first waves as well as those refining technique, and the waves inside Marino Ballena National Park are usually gentle.

### How many people are in a group?

No more than 10 guests per week, according to their site.

### Do they pick you up from the airport?

The 7-day camp includes round-trip transfers between San José and the lodge, with a first night in a San José hotel.

### When is the best time to surf in Uvita?

You can learn year-round. December to April has calmer, smaller waves and drier weather; the rainy months bring more swell, which suits improving surfers.