Costa Rica Surf & Yoga Retreat

It’s time to return to the wild! Immerse yourself in the rhythm of nature where lush rainforest meets the sparkling Pacific. Matapalo—on Costa Rica’s remote and magical Osa Peninsula—is pure paradise: a hidden surf haven with three uncrowded point breaks (easy paddle out), monkeys chattering in the canopy and sloths snoozing in the treetops, scarlet macaws overhead, and the heartbeat of Pura Vida in every wave. Each day invites you to reconnect—with the ocean, the jungle, and your own wild spirit. All ages and abilities welcome!! 

The Adventure Awaits

If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing i the beautiful Costa Rica, this is your adventure. Imagine yourself catching a wave and feeling the balance, grace, and joy of playing in a warm ocean. Our perfect recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation includes a blend of daily yoga and surfing, spiced with long walks in the jungle, a dollop of massage and free time, all complemented by outrageously fresh local cuisine and our expert staff. Perfect for first-timers and accomplished surfers alike, come experience the exhilaration of catching a wave and the peace that is nurtured from a daily yoga practice and reconnection with nature.

“Every woman deserves to treat herself to a Women’s Quest adventure. I work full time and raise three children; I wanted something where I could be me, and just me.  I signed up for Costa Rica and spent an amazing week seeing a beautiful country, eating delicious food, and spending time with awesome women. The surfing instructors were supportive and positive, and the yoga classes connected me to peace and relaxation. For the first time at 43m I learned that I love to play in the ocean. It was an experience I can’t explain, but I recommend it to everyone; thank you Colleen and Pia!” – Tania, Costa Rica 2017.

What to Expect

• Nature Immersion: Immerse yourself in unspoiled rainforest and long white sandy beaches. Encounter amazing wildlife, including four kinds of monkeys—howler, white-faced, squirrel, and spider monkeys—as well as macaws flying all day.

• Hiking & Waterfalls: Explore beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls. (Note: Water levels may be lower in April, but the scenery is still stunning!)

Encanta la Vida is our home for the week, where lush rainforest meets pristine beaches along the coast of the secluded Osa Peninsula. Just a two-minute walk to our beachfront yoga shala on Pan Dulce Bay, and a short jungle walk to several other beaches and surf breaks. National Geographic calls it “one of the most biodiverse places on the planet,” where you will find hundreds of bird species, four types of monkeys, two types of sloths, and 500-yard point breaks. This is where you disconnect to reconnect.

Ride Your First Wave!!!

Your Daily Flow

Awaken slowly to the sound of the ocean. Start the day with a vibrant gourmet breakfast, fresh-brewed Costa Rican coffee, and warm tropical breezes. We typically surf in the morning after our “Awakening the Senses” yoga. After a nourishing lunch, you’ll have time for exploring, reading, and relaxing. Afternoons are reserved for yoga, journaling, wellness talks, and free time. Evenings are filled with friendship and laughter.

Surfing with Confidence

We have three point breaks located within walking distance of Encanta la Vida: Pan Dulce, Backwash, and Matapalo. Our instructors from Matapalo Surf School have years of experience and are genuinely interested in your journey. They teach safety first, with a two-to-one student-to-instructor ratio to ensure you get thoughtful feedback. Women’s Quest is different—our first day includes “ground school” or “paddle school” to teach you the basics of surfing, including how to pop up, balance, and paddle efficiently. 

The Yoga Practice

Our yoga practice is about connecting with the environment. Balance, focus, and core strength are key components of surfing, so we begin most mornings with “Awakening the Senses” yoga. We also have restorative yoga sessions planned.  The practice is designed to be accessible for all levels, and our instructors will help you deepen your practice according to your individual needs and your muscle soreness from surfing.

Highlights:

• Five surfing sessions (all levels from beginner to advanced)
• Three afternoon restorative yoga sessions + more yoga as desired for sore muscles
• Delicious, fresh, organic meals, one lunch on the boat not included
• Six nights at Encanta la Vida Hotel
• Photos of your surfing are included
• Cacao ceremony 
• Snorkeling (Gear rental is not included in the price)
• Forest Bath called Shinrin-yoku in Japan – A deep connection walk in the jungle
• Spa services available for extra cost
• Kundalini Activation & Innerdance with Pia
• Afternoon activities include inspiring wellness lectures from Colleen (World Champion Triathlete), making prayer flags, mala bracelets , and watercolor cards
• Laughter, friendship and relaxation

What’s Included in This All-Inclusive Adventure:

• Seven days and six nights at Encanta la Vida Hotel
•  Five days of surfing with amazing, patient instructors—perfect for beginners or seasoned surfers ready to play in the green waves
•  Daily yoga and movement sessions to balance your body, mind, and energy
• Boat trip—watch whales and dolphins, snorkel in crystal waters, with Dolphin Quest
• Hike to a hidden waterfall
• Delicious, fresh, local meals prepared with love—nourishment straight from nature
• Secluded rainforest lodging at Encanta La Vida, steps from the surf and surrounded by exotic wildlife Wildlife everywhere—spot 4 playful monkey species, 2 kinds of sloths, and a kaleidoscope of tropical birds, including vibrant macaws and toucans.
•  Plenty of “Pura Vida” time to relax in hammocks, laugh with new friends, and remember what it feels like to be completely Alive!
• Memories and friendship to last a lifetime
• Also available locally are (optional and for an additional cost): Massage and spa treatmentsst): Massage and spa treatments

* Airfare and transportation to and from the retreat is not included in the cost. 1 lunch and 1 dinner are on your own. 

Deluxe Accommodations

Encanta la Vida is the only all-inclusive beachfront lodge in Matapalo where lush rainforest meets pristine beaches. It is completely solar-powered and offers rustic luxury bungalows with high-efficiency ceiling fans, a private terrace, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

For inquiries about room availability, please reach out to Colleen at colleen@womensquest.com.

Single rooms are available for $1500 extra

Gourmet Meals

Enjoy delicious, healthy meals, we will have something for every palate and are more than happy to accommodate special dietary needs or lifestyle choices. They strive to use natural, fresh ingredients by gathering ingredients harvested from nature, stimulating individual well-being at the ground level which allows one’s health to blossom.

The meals will include an array of hot, and refreshing cold soups; an excellent array of vegetables and salads; organic chicken, fresh fish, and vegan options.

FAQ

What airport do I fly into? 

You will fly into San Jose (SJO) and then take a small flight to Puerto Jimenez (PJM) with Sansa Airlines. A taxi will be picking us up after the boat trip and we will share the cost. 

When does the retreat begin and end? 

The retreat begins on April 19th at 9:00 am with our boat trip on Dolphin Quest  and officially ends on April 25th around 11. You should plan to fly into San Jose on April 18th and we can work out the departure flights for everyone based on your flight back to the US on the 25th.

What weather can I expect? 

Think tropical paradise! Pack sundresses, shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops and a light rain gear in case we have a few showers. Don’t forget bug spray and water shoes for hiking and surfing, as the surf break is rocky.

What if I am coming alone? 

The majority of women who attend our retreats come alone. Costa Rica is a safe country for solo female travelers, and although you may arrive alone, you will leave with new, lifelong friends.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule? 

You do not need to participate in everything. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you. The schedule is subject to change based on the group’s needs, weather, and ocean conditions.

Am I in good enough shape to do this retreat? 

Most Likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. Since we break into really small surfing groups (one instructor for two people, and many times one on one) we can accommodate just about any skill and fitness level. We have even taught people who did not know how to swim or were afraid of the ocean. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge herself. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out, play and be active several days a week.

Activities that will accelerate your learning are push-ups (hands underneath the shoulders, not wide), swimming, upper body exercises, and yoga for balance. Any physical exercise is beneficial. People of all shapes, sizes, skills and backgrounds surf. …and everyone who does, shares a common bond with the ocean and a permanent smile on their faces.

Should I get Travel Insurance?

We all know things happen. Whether it’s before your trip, in transit, or during your retreat so Women’s Quest strongly recommends you take out travel insurance. Travel insurance policies can vary on their coverage so please make sure you understand their coverage if you have to cancel, travel delays and cancellations, medical coverage, emergency situations and other areas of interest to you. This site has the “In’s and Out’s” of travel insurance.

What is the average age on this retreat?

We have a wide range of women who attend our women’s surf camp in Costa Rica. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat. We have had women as young as 13 learn to surf with us and as old as 75!

Payment Policy

To secure your spot on a retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required:

• $500 for domestic retreats
• $1,000 for international retreats

Single room reservations may require an additional $200 deposit. Reservations cannot be held without a deposit.

Full payment is due 90 days prior to the retreat. If payment is not received by this deadline, you may lose your reservation. For bookings made within 90 days of the retreat, payment in full is required at the time of registration.

Payment Options:

• Avoid fees by paying via check or Zelle.  
• Payments via PayPal or Stripe incur a 4% processing fee.  

Cancellation Policy

• 91+ days before the retreat: Refund of payments (minus your deposit).
• 90 or fewer days before the retreat: Payments are non-refundable.

Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel retreats with insufficient participant interest. In such cases, all payments will be refunded; however, Women’s Quest is not responsible for personal expenses, such as airline tickets, due to schedule changes or cancellations.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending or completing the retreat.

Travel insurance is particularly important in the event you:

• Need to cancel due to illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19).
• Require medical care during the retreat.
• Face trip interruptions, delays, or unexpected quarantine requirements.

We suggest a policy that covers:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical expenses
• Quarantine costs

For maximum flexibility, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy, which provides additional peace of mind. While this type of coverage is more expensive, it offers the most protection for unforeseen changes.

To compare and purchase travel insurance, we recommend using Squaremouth, a trusted platform to find the best policy for your needs. https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Before purchasing any policy, consult a travel insuran

Are you ready to join Women’s Quest on our Costa Rica surfing and yoga retreat? Sign up today!