Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Surf, dance & reconnect: A tropical immersion in Costa Rica’s wild coast
This isn’t your average retreat. Over seven days, travelers will surf Pacific waves, release baby turtles, learn salsa, and laugh around bonfires. It’s a full-on tropical immersion, with purpose. Reconnect to the real world through nature, people, and play. No filters, no scripts—just pura vida and wild-hearted fun.
- Eva Verkroost
- Worldpackers host since May/2025
Available group trips
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
Surf Trip to Costa Rica with Lou
Mary Lou is originally from the Netherlands, but after travelling to Costa Rica she completely fell in love with the lifestyle—surfing, good food, new friends, and meaningful experiences. 🌊✨ Now she’s inviting you to join her this October for a week of surfing, exploring, and living out your dreams in paradise. 🏄♀️☀️🌴
Starting from
US$ 1,324
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
Come experience an immersive stay in Costa Rica with Lexie!
Come along for a vibrant Costa Rica Surf Week—a journey where every sunrise brings fresh waves and every moment is shared. In this tropical paradise, we’ll grow together through surf lessons, yoga, and beachside adventures. From breathtaking sunsets to pura vida energy, it’s all about connection, laughter, and support. Ride the waves, build lifelong friendships, and return home with stories you’ll treasure forever.
Starting from
US$ 1,390
US$ 1,290
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
Come experience an immersive stay in Costa Rica with Eva!
Join our Costa Rica Surf Week—a week of waves, sunsets, and real connections. Together we’ll share surf lessons, yoga, beach bonfires, and pura vida moments that turn strangers into lifelong friends. It’s not just about catching waves, but about finding your people, lifting each other up, and creating stories you’ll carry forever. Come for the surf, stay for the community.
Starting from
US$ 1,364
US$ 1,214
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon
Introduction Circle
Get to know your group and what's ahead this epic week.
Arrival & Check-in
Get picked up from Manuel Antonio Bus Station, settle in, and get to know your group before the project's introduction circle.
Evening
Bonfire & Dinner
Enjoy your first sunset with a cozy bonfire and a shared meal.
Day 2
Morning
Breakfast
Surf Session
Catch your first waves with the crew.
Afternoon
Lunch & Free Time
Recharge and explore or relax on your own terms.
Sunset Cruise (Optional)
Join a chill cruise—good vibes and golden hour views.
Evening
Dinner
Day 3
Morning
Breakfast
Surf Session
Morning surf to level up your skills and confidence.
Afternoon
Lunch & Free Time
Chill, journal, nap, or discover local gems.
Evening
Dinner & Free Time
Enjoy a casual group dinner and downtime.
Salsa Dancing Outing
Hit the town for some Latin rhythm and local fun.
Day 4
Morning
Breakfast
Surf Session
Another wave-filled morning to boost your surf game.
Afternoon
Lunch & Free Time
Relax, read, or soak up the sun—your call.
Evening
Group Dinner
Reflect on the day over a delicious shared meal.
Day 5
Morning
Turtle Encounter
Learn about local sea turtles and support conservation.
Breakfast
Afternoon
Lunch
Sunset Surf Photoshoot
Catch waves during golden hour—photo-worthy moments included.
Evening
Dinner
Day 6
Morning
Breakfast
Final Surf Session
One last ride—soak in every second on the board.
Afternoon
Lunch Break
Savor a final relaxing midday meal.
Evening
Pizza Night & Club Outing
Wrap up the week with fun, dancing, and all the vibes.
Day 7
Morning
Departure Time
Pack up and take the memories with you.
Big Group Breakfast
One last shared table before goodbyes.
The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.
What's included
What's not included
Requirements
- Beginner English or Beginner Spanish
- Over 18 years old
Activities
See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.
Learning opportunities
Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.
Surfing Lessons
Daily surfing classes for all levels to improve your wave skills.
Turtle conservation walks
Guided beach walks to learn and help protect sea turtles.
From Jul - Dec
Immersion activities
Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.
Bonfire Welcome Dinner
Beach bonfire with dinner to start your trip relaxed and social.
Light hiking & beach walks
Easy hikes and strolls to enjoy nature and unwind.
Salsa Dancing
Fun salsa dance lessons to enjoy local culture and meet others.
Pizza Night & Club Outing
Pizza dinner followed by a night out dancing and socializing.
Extra activities
Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.
Sunset Cruise
Relaxing boat ride to watch the beautiful sunset
USD$85
Zip Lining
Thrilling zip line tour through the forest canopy.
USD$85
Park Tour
Guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park.
USD$50
Mangrove Night Tour
Night tour to see mangrove wildlife.
USD$50
ATV Tour
Adventure-filled ride exploring rugged terrain.
USD$120
Spanish Lessons
Five sessions to boost your Spanish skills.
USD$120
Accommodation options
Private Room
Travelers will stay in private rooms in a traveler-only building surrounded by nature. Rooms are equipped with comfy double beds, a private bathroom with hot showers, a kitchen, and a balcony ideal for morning coffee. There’s also a workspace and fast Wi-Fi. The vibe is cozy, social, and easygoing—perfect for those looking to connect, rest, or chill after surf sessions.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
Shared Room
Travelers will stay in shared rooms, with two bunk beds each, in a traveler-only building surrounded by nature. Rooms are equipped with comfy bunk beds, a private bathroom with hot showers, a kitchen, and a balcony ideal for morning coffee. There’s also workspace and fast Wi-Fi. The vibe is cozy, social, and easygoing—perfect for those looking to connect, rest, or chill after surf sessions.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
Double Room
Travelers will stay in double rooms, in a traveler-only building surrounded by nature. Rooms are equipped with comfy double beds, a private bathroom with hot showers, a kitchen, and a balcony ideal for morning coffee. There’s also a workspace and fast Wi-Fi. The vibe is cozy, social, and easygoing—perfect for those looking to connect, rest, or chill after surf sessions.
- Fixed-price laundry service
- Internet (over 100 Mbps)
- Use our equipped kitchen
- Dedicated Workspace
- Hot water showers
Meals
All meals are included and prepared by the local staff. Expect hearty local breakfasts like gallo pinto, eggs, fried cheese, and tortillas. Lunch includes pastas, salads, and vegetarian options, while dinner rotates between BBQs, burritos, and shared meals. Vegan, vegetarian, and lactose-free diets are welcome. It’s real food, made with love, and always shared with a side of laughter.
Arrival orientation
Travelers are picked up at the Manuel Antonio Bus Station and provided with detailed guidance on how to get there from San José Airport (SJO) via Uber and the Tracopa bus ($15 total). Upon arrival at the property, travelers are welcomed with an intro session and a bonfire party to kick things off, Costa Rica style.
Direct transportation from San José is also available for $50 each way, arranged with the host after booking the Epic Trips.
About the project
- Hosted by Eva Verkroost
Created by a global couple who traded city life for jungle sunsets, this project is run by a passionate crew of locals and long-time expats. Their mission? To help people ditch screens, reconnect to nature, and rediscover joy. With surf instructors, dance teachers, guides, and massage therapists, their team brings the pura vida lifestyle to life—through community, laughter, and shared adventures.
About the destination
Set near the vibrant Manuel Antonio region of Costa Rica, the experience unfolds between beaches, jungle trails, and wildlife-rich coastline. Just minutes from bars, markets, and national parks, the area offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s a lush escape where sloths chill in trees and howler monkeys soundtrack your mornings.
Impact & Purpose
This experience is all about real connection—with nature, with people, and with yourself. Travelers help protect sea turtles, support a local team, and swap screen time for soul time. It’s about feeling alive, giving back, and dancing barefoot under the stars.
This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals
Good health and well-being
Through healthy meals, physical activities like surfing and hiking, and a no-processed-food ethos, the experience promotes true well-being.
Responsible consumption and production
Meals are shared mindfully, leftovers are offered to the community, and nothing goes to waste—respecting the land and its resources.
Life below water
The group joins efforts to protect sea turtles and care for the ocean they surf in, raising awareness and supporting local conservation actions.
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FAQ
How do Worldpackers Group Trips work?
Worldpackers Group Trips offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful projects like eco-agriculture, wildlife conservation, and social activities, all while exploring new cultures. Upon successful sign-up, travelers secure their spot instantly — no waiting around for approvals to have their dream experience. To keep things smooth, they get a direct line to a Worldpackers Group Trips Coordinator and to the host, and a complete program guide, all set for travelers to immerse themselves in service projects while also having the best time for personal and cultural exploration with like-minded travelers.
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Worldpackers Group Trips have some special benefits that are not offered in any other Worldpackers’ plans:
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Can I travel with a friend or partner?
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