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
Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026
Come Join Miah and Noah in Costa Rica!
CALLING ALL ADVENTURE SEEKERS! Come catch some waves with us in Costa Rica 🌊✨ Whether you’re brand new to surfing or ready to refine your skills, this trip is all about diving into the ocean lifestyle alongside an amazing group of like-minded, ocean loving humans. You’ll grow your confidence and ride Costa Rica's beautiful waves. You’ll leave feeling stronger in your body, more connected to yourself, and surrounded by new friends you’ll never forget. 💙
Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
Come to Costa Rica with us!
Join us on a vibrant Costa Rica Surf Week—a soul‑recharging journey where every sunrise brings a new wave, and every day is a chance to grow. Nestled in tropical paradise, immerse yourself in daily surf lessons, yoga, community bonds, breath taking sunsets, and pura vida energy. Come ride the waves, ignite your spirit, and return with epic stories, lifelong friends, and newfound confidence.
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.
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
Brielle
United States
Eva is an absolute angel, our group trip was changed last minute and she took care of everything. From the moment we got there it was an amazing experience. There were so many opportunities to do so many different things, from surf lessons to national parks to salsa dancing, etc. Truly loved my experience here and will hopefully be back soon!
about 1 month ago
Haley
Canada
This was my first solo trip and to say it was better than expected would be an understatement. All of the activities were so much fun, the space felt safe and welcoming, and the host eva went above and beyond to make us all feel taken care of
about 2 months ago
Jackie
Canada
A the surf camp full of adventure and meeting amazing people! Eva created an itinerary jam packed with excursions, from whale watching to zip lining, transportation was always provided to all the planned excursions. The surf instructors were informative in helping everyone level up their skills, and did I mention the adorable surfing dog named goofy? 💕 The boutique hotel creates a cozy ambiance, we enjoyed meals like authentic the surf camp Rican cuisine, pancake breakfasts, and pizza dinners. Eva even went above and beyond to get us a birthday cake as two of us in the trio shared a bday! Beyond memorable
about 2 months ago
Mark
United States
This was my 1st WP Epic Trip. I really enjoyed the locals, surf instructors, events, and group! Lots of fun memories! Unfortunately, I felt disappointed by the lack of engagement/leadership of the host, Eva. She was not physically present most of the time, even when there was a small electrical fire at the hotel. She communicated mostly via WhatsApp. Sometimes this lead to mixups with taxis or misunderstandings about events/costs and resulted in us paying more than planned. I hope it was unusual given her other high reviews. I recommend proactive communication to those thinking of staying here
4 days ago
Matilde
Italy
I wasn't a volunteer for Eva, I've just spend a the surf camp in her hotel ZenZaru, with 10 other people for a SurfTrip. It could have been better, since we had 2/3 board in 10, on a SURF TRIP. We've seen her only one time, I've talked with a girl who was volunteering for her and she explained to me that the host changed the plan for her and her job without really explaining anything, she should have stayed in her house with her and give her yoga lessons but she finished to stay in a room of one of her hotel and follow us to make some photo to make at the end of the surf camp a video of our trip.
10 days ago
Rezan
Netherlands
I joined the epic surf trip in Manuel Antonio, the surf camp to spend the surf camp improving my surfing, meeting people and exploring the area. We had an amazing group of people what made it a good trip and we did lots of fun activities! However, I would not recommend this trip to others the way it was carried out when I went. Communication before and during the trip about the dates of the trip, the cost of extra activities and what is and is not included was not clear. Some things including the sunset surf photoshoot did not happen. Also be aware that the daily surflessons are only 30 minutes.
10 days ago
Talk to those who have lived the experience
In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.
Connect with others who will also be there
Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.
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)
- Hot water showers
- Dedicated Workspace
- Use our equipped kitchen
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
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
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