Yoga and Surfing
Soul Surfers Yoga Retreat at Anamaya
Anamaya, a clifftop yoga retreat above Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula, runs all-inclusive yoga and surf weeks with daily yoga, guided surf lessons at nearby beaches and meals. They suit complete beginners as well as surfers who want to improve, with the mellow waves of Playa Grande close by and Santa Teresa's bigger breaks about 25 minutes away.
By Geoff McCabe · Published · Updated
Yoga and surfing go well together: the yoga stretches the shoulders and hips you use for paddling, and the surf gives a retreat week some adventure. Anamaya, a yoga retreat on a clifftop in the jungle above Montezuma, was already running yoga and surf weeks under the "Soul Surfer" name when we first wrote about it in 2012. Its website still lists a Yoga and Surf package and a Soul Surfer yoga retreat and surf camp.
What the week includes
Anamaya describes its Yoga and Surf package as all-inclusive. According to its website, that means:
- Daily yoga on the ocean-view deck, often at sunrise and sunset
- Guided surf lessons at nearby beaches, for beginners and for surfers who want to improve
- Organic meals, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options
- Your room (Anamaya has several room types at different price points)
The saltwater infinity pool sits on the edge of the cliff, next to the yoga deck. Spa treatments, an infrared sauna and ice baths are available, though some cost extra. Tours such as Tortuga Island, a canopy tour or horseback riding can be booked at reception.
When you compare retreats, check what a "week" means: some count 6 nights, and some leave out meals, which adds up quickly in a beach town. Our guide to choosing a yoga retreat in Costa Rica lists the questions to ask. Check Anamaya's website for current dates and rates.
Where you'll surf
Anamaya says it sits between two kinds of wave. Playa Grande, reached on jungle trails from Montezuma, has mellow waves that suit first-timers. The beaches around Santa Teresa and Mal País, about 25 minutes' drive away, have bigger and more consistent breaks for surfers with some experience. For more on the local surf scene, see Montezuma Surfing.
On the southern Nicoya Peninsula, the dry months from December to April usually bring smaller waves that suit beginners, while south swells bring bigger surf from about May to September. Our yoga and surf guide compares the seasons on every coast.
Getting there
Most people fly into San José and come across the Gulf of Nicoya on the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry, then drive through Cóbano to Montezuma; with the ferry, Anamaya's travel page says to allow about 5.5 hours from San José. From Liberia airport it's about 4 to 4.5 hours by road. Anamaya sits in the hills above the village; ask about transfers when you book.
Anamaya video
Frequently asked questions
Can complete beginners join a yoga and surf week at Anamaya?
Yes. Anamaya says its lessons suit first-timers as well as surfers who want to improve, and Playa Grande nearby has gentle waves for learning.
Where do Anamaya guests surf?
At nearby beaches, mainly Playa Grande near Montezuma for beginners and the Santa Teresa and Mal País area, about 25 minutes away, for bigger waves.
What's included in the yoga and surf package?
Daily yoga, guided surf lessons, meals and your room, according to Anamaya's website. Some spa treatments and tours cost extra.
How do I get to Montezuma?
Usually from San José with the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry, about 5.5 hours in total, or by road from Liberia in about 4 to 4.5 hours.
[Updated on: 4 November 2026]
