By: Mikael and Thrillism
By: Mikael and Thrillism
19 minute read
Last updated June 1, 2020
For some people, planning a vacay means surfing the best breaks in the world. For others, it’s all about powering up with a challenging vinyasa flow every morning. But what if you want both? Well, you’re in luck, because there are tons of options for surf and yoga retreats.
In our guide to the best surf camps around the world, we focused only on retreats that were geared towards surfers only. This time, we’ve compiled a complete list of options, not only for surfers but also for yogis.
With these retreats in Bali, Fiji, Panama, Morocco, and more, you won’t be forced to choose between surfing and yoga – you can have it all.
Continue reading and learn what to think about before you go. Or just choose your dream destination and find some of the best surf and yoga retreats around.
| 1. Bali | 6. Fiji |
| 2. Morocco | 7. Costa Rica |
| 3. Portugal | 8. Maldives |
| 4. Puerto Rico | 9. Panama |
| 5. Sri Lanka | 10. Mexico |
The best yoga surf retreats will do most of the planning for you, but there is still a lot to think about before landing on the one that’s right for you. Of course, the first step is deciding on your location, and even that can be challenging for all you indecisive travelers out there.
After choosing a destination, the work is far from over. You also need to think about the reputation of the retreat provider, yoga styles offered, surfing experience required, and your budget. After that comes all the little details, like group size, what’s included, duration, overall retreat vibes, etc.
Before you even start browsing surf and yoga retreats, there’s a good chance you already have an idea of where you want to go. Maybe you’ve always had your heart set on Bali, or perhaps the raw culture of Morocco is more appealing to you.
If you have absolutely no idea where you want to spend your time surfing and getting in touch with your inner yogi, the easiest way to make your decision is to check out flight prices. Hop on Skyscanner and hit the search option for “Everywhere” to see where the cheapest flights are heading.
Once you’ve decided on the destination, the next step is to start browsing the retreat options in the area. Just as you would read reviews and ratings of hostels and hotels, the same needs to be done for the retreat provider.
You need to do some serious digging to make sure that the person/group of people running the retreat has a good reputation among their previous guests. This is easy enough – just read reviews and check out the website to make sure it’s legit.
For some people, the type of yoga offered doesn’t matter too much, but for others, it’s a game-changer. There’s a huge range of styles – Yin, Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga… this list could go on for a while. If you have a specific style that suits you best, check the retreat to see if that’s the one offered (or at least one of the options).
A lot of surf/yoga schools cater to all surf levels. For complete beginners, they’ll offer lessons and surf theory classes, and for more advanced surfers they’ll offer some type of surf “guiding” instead. But it’s still a good idea to check into the level of expertise required; there are some surf camps out there that require you to have at least some experience.
If you’ve never surfed in your life, you’ll want to pay especially close attention to the reviews. You can learn a lot from previous visitors to the retreat, especially in terms of teaching style.
This is obviously a major factor to consider, especially since surf and yoga retreats around the world are all over the board in terms of how much they cost. There’s a good chance that some of them will be wildly out of your budget, especially if you’re looking for something affordable.
The good news is that there are a lot of surfing + yoga packages that are budget-friendly and cater to the backpacker style of living. This is even more true if you’ve chosen a destination with a low cost of living, like Sri Lanka or Morocco.
Now it’s time to get to the fun stuff – the retreats themselves. We’ve covered the best yoga and surf retreats in the best destinations around the world for surf and yoga, including Bali, Morocco, Portugal, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a surf and yoga retreat in Canguu or one in Uluwatu, Bali is the perfect place to unwind with yoga and recharge with surf.
Out of all the Bali destinations, Canggu is by far the best spot on the Island of the Gods for a beginner-friendly surf/yoga adventure, but you’ll also want to consider Uluwatu, especially if you’re a more advanced surfer. As of right now, here are the top 3 surf and yoga retreats in Bali:
Don’t be surprised if you never want to leave The Chillhouse. This tropical lifestyle retreat is located in Bali’s hip and trendy Canggu neighborhood right next to the waves of Echo Beach, Batu Balong, Berawa Beach, and more.
All surf levels are welcome, and their lessons never have a ratio of more than 1:2 (coach to students). They believe in offering all types of yoga, so every day the schedule offers a different style. You’ll get to try out Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and even Kundalini.
Pelan Pelan is all about calming the mind and body through daily surf and yoga sessions. It’s located near Canggu but instead of trendy coffee shops and lively bars, this retreat is surrounded only by nature. This is a great choice for surfing yogis who want to check out Canggu but aren’t interested in staying in the heart of the action.
The packages at Pelan Pelan include everything – 7 nights accommodation, airport transfers, 5 surf lessons (or surfboard hire), 3 yoga classes (and 1 meditation session), daily breakfast and lunch, and even 3 Balinese-style massages.
Although this next one is called a “surf camp”, Padang Padang is more than just that. Yes, the main priority here is surfing (which isn’t that surprising since it’s located near the famous Uluwatu break), but they also have an onsite open-air yoga studio that you’ll be able to put to good use.
Next up on the list of epic spots for surfing yogis is Morocco. Not only does Morocco have plenty of wave-riding opportunities, but it’s the perfect place to embrace the local culture, eat some delicious couscous, and get in touch with your inner zen through yoga.
Looking for the best surf and yoga retreat Morocco has to offer? You can’t go wrong with one of these 3 choices:
Pro Surf has a lot of surf-only packages, but they also have a Surf and Yoga option that is a wildly popular choice for anyone traveling to Tamraght. Sunset yoga classes are held on the ocean rooftop terrace where you’ll have stunning views of the waves you were riding just hours before.
Out of all the yoga surf camps in Morocco, Surf Star is probably the most well-known. This provider has been offering surf yoga holidays since 2011, and since then, they’ve been #1 on TripAdvisor. This says a lot about a retreat, and the Surf Star family is continuing to do whatever it takes to keep that #1 spot.
Zen Surf prides itself on being the only Moroccan surf/yoga retreat that’s located right on the beach. This provider wants nothing more than to offer a completely relaxing and stress-free surf and yoga holiday for every skill level while also giving guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in the country’s culture.
Surfing in Ericeira should be on every traveler’s bucket list, and every yoga-loving surfer heading to Ericeira should check out Surf Yoga. Not only does this retreat center offer an all-inclusive surf yoga package, but they also provide guests with organic healthy meals and optional massage therapy sessions.
Soul & Surf Portugal
Soul & Surf has made a name for itself, and not just for its Portuguese retreat, but also the ones it offers in India and Sri Lanka. The Portuguese S&S is located in the prime spot for a surfing holiday – the Algarve – but it’s also in the prime spot for practicing yoga over sunkissed cliff sides.
This retreat isn’t technically all-inclusive, but it’s pretty darn close. With every package comes a week of accommodation (or longer if you’d like to extend), almost all meals, daily surf coaching and yoga classes, guided meditation, and more.
There are plenty of reasons to start searching for a surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica – this is the land of adventure, but it’s also the perfect place to unwind and relax. Whether you’ve got your sights set on Santa Teresa or Tamarindo, it’s easy to fall in love with one of these Costa Rica surf + yoga retreats:
Pura Vida offers a retreat for all, including women’s only and coed retreats as well as retreats to celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s. This provider has been running since 2004 and they’ve created a surf and yoga camp where paradise vacation meets life transformation.
The all-inclusive package at Pura Vida adventures includes pretty much everything so that you can just sit back and relax while the coordinators do all the planning. In addition to 6 nights of accommodation, you’ll get surfing, yoga, dining, adventure activities, and even massages.
Santa Teresa is the place to be for surf and yoga in Costa, and Believe is the place to be in Santa Teresa if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience. Out of all the yoga and
surf camps in Santa Teresa, Believe is the most customizable. Here they understand that every traveler is different, so it’s up to you to customize your perfect getaway.
Bodhi is a community-engaged surf and yoga camp that strongly believes that surfing and yoga are better when they’re paired together. They offer adult-only and family-oriented surf camps as well as ocean awareness retreats and women’s only options.
Surfing in Puerto Rico is an adventure that’s worthy of any bucket list, especially if you focus on finding a place to stay in Rincon. Most of the retreats/camps here are focused solely on surfing, but there are a few that give you a chance to work on your downward dog as well.
All the retreats at Water & Yoga are completely customizable based on the preferences, skill level, and interests of the travelers attending. The only thing that’s not included is your airfare to the island – everything else is taken care of. This one is also located in Rincon, but they’ve also got an option in Nosara, Costa Rica.
As the name suggests, Rincon Surf Resort is all about surfing, but they do offer a few yoga retreats, too. You can either host your own retreat or join one that’s already happening – whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed. RSR is completely dedicated to making your ideal surf yoga vacay a reality.
If you’re looking to spice up your life with your next adventure, why not head to Sri Lanka? This beautiful island located to the southwest of India is a great place to learn the ropes of surfing. That mixed with the stunning scenery and colorful culture makes this an ideal surf + yoga destination, especially if you book a week at one of these retreats:
We’ve already mentioned one Soul & Surf location in Portugal, but this retreat provider has an even more well-known option in Sri Lanka. They based the surf and yoga retreat Sri Lanka location after the famously-popular (and original) S&S India location, so if you have time try to check out both. But if not, the Sri Lanka retreat is an amazing choice.
Sunshinestories doesn’t just view itself as a week filled with yoga classes and surf sessions. It’s not only a surf camp and yoga retreat, but an entire experience shared with strangers who will soon become lifelong friends. This retreat places a huge emphasis on sustainability, so it’s a great choice for environmentally-conscious travelers.
Just like Soul & Surf, The Salty Pelican is another repeat retreat on this list. Not only does The Salty Pelican have an option in Portugal, but also one in Sri Lanka. This location is all about beautiful beaches, flavorful food, rich culture, and stunning landscape.
When it’s time for a break from yoga and surf, you’ll have plenty of chances to experience the island’s wildlife with the nearby national parks. The Pelican headquarters are located about 200 meters from the beach, and the nearby waves are gentle enough for brand new surfers.
If blue skies, constant sunshine, and crystal clear waters sound like the perfect way to spend a vacay, booking a surf and yoga retreat in Fiji will definitely not disappoint. Although Fiji isn’t the most budget-friendly option for a surf-yoga trip, it’ll be worth every penny if you choose one of these retreats:
Matanivusi is the perfect choice for travelers who want nothing more than surf, seclusion, service, and satisfaction. There are several reef breaks right in front of the resort and onsite yoga classes in a studio that’s surrounded by greenery on all sides.
The All-Inclusive Resort package is the most popular, mostly because it includes all meals, accommodation, and onsite activities (which basically means you’ll be able to spend all of your time surfing and yoga-ing if that’s your idea of the perfect Fiji getaway).
Waidroka is similar to Matanivusi, except that this one puts a huge emphasis on SCUBA diving as well. If you want to dive while you’re in Fiji (which you should), this is a great place to do it. In addition to yoga/wellness, surfing, and diving, Waidroka offers everything you need to make the island your home away from home.
This resort has received a certificate of excellence every year for the past decade, which will make complete sense as soon as you set eyes on the accommodations and nearby beaches.
Booking a surf and yoga retreat in the Maldives is the epitome of a dream vacation. This island chain is surrounded by waters that are almost too stunning to believe. There’s a common misconception that traveling to the Maldives is only for the rich, but it’s actually possible to find affordable vacation packages that offer both surfing and yoga.
Most surf yoga retreats here take place on Himmafushi Island, which is famous for surf spots like Honkys, Sultans, Ninjas, and Full Moon. If you choose to spend your trip on Himmafushi, here are the best-rated surf yoga retreats to consider:
The name for this one says it all; it’s a retreat that’s completely dedicated to surfing it up with frequent yoga breaks in the beautiful Maldives. The retreat doors are located just 200 meters from Bikini Beach and a 10-minute walk from the world-class Jailbreak wave.
Not only does the retreat’s private boat take guests out 2x per day to the best surf spots in the area, but it also offers daily yoga classes, snorkeling trips, dolphin watching, and diving for those who are interested. Basically everything you could ever need for a memorable Maldivian holiday.
This next one is for female travelers who want nothing more to spend a week in paradise with their girlfriends. World Safaris is a well-known provider of yoga and surf retreats with several options in the Maldives, but the one at Hudhuranfushi Resort is the most popular by far.
This resort is situated right in front of the break known as Lohis Left, which is a picturesque left-hand point break that’s easy to access from the beach. After riding Lohis, you’ll head straight to the yoga deck that overlooks the ocean.
The surf yoga retreat organized by Surf’inn is completely all-inclusive with everything organized from 2x daily boat trips sunset and sunrise yoga sessions. The boat can access 6 different surf spots, so you’ll get the chance to change it up every day depending on the conditions. It’s a great choice for groups and family travelers.
Traveling to Panama might not seem like the obvious choice for surf and yoga, but it’s actually one of the greatest destinations for catching waves and de-stressing. From the modern skyscrapers of Panama City to the perfect beaches of Bocas, there’s a lot to do in this country. And one of the best ways to experience it is by booking one of these retreats:
Located in the beautiful Santa Catalina, Las Olas is the perfect choice if you’ve never surfed a day in your life. The surfing here is catered towards beginners with personalized coaching and surf-enhancing yoga sessions, and you’ll never have more than 2 other surfers sharing the same instructor.
Sansara Surf and Yoga Retreat in Panama offers guests with an intimate experience in a beachfront oasis. Their goal is “to inspire and be inspired” and encourage travelers to tap into their full potential and explore new heights. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time in an untouched tropical oasis so that you can leave feeling completely rested and rejuvenated.
With 6 unique yoga studios onsite, the main focus at Xinalani Retreat is definitely yoga, but guests still have plenty of opportunities for surfing and other water sports. Located just 12 miles from Puerto Vallarta, it’s easy to get here – and once you arrive, don’t be surprised if you never want to leave.
Hamara has been described as the place “where Robinson Crusoe meets Architectural Digest”. It’s set in the idyllic jungles and beaches of Sayulita on 12 acres of completely private property. Sayulita is known for it’s gentle and consistent waves, making this a great beginner surfing spot.
In addition to consistent swells, Hamara has an open-air spa facility, an intimate seaside yoga studio, a pool and terrace, and its own private beach.
We’ve covered a lot of options in 10 different countries, but this list barely scratches the surface of all the surf yoga retreats around the world. If you’re interested in another destination, you might also consider one of these providers:
When all is said and done, the thing to remember when planning your next epic adventure is that you never have to settle. There are plenty of providers that combine surfing and yoga in an all-in-one package, and a lot of them even offer other activities on the side – like zip-lining, horseback riding, SCUBA diving, you name it.
There’s a surf and yoga retreat out there that’s calling your name, you just have to find it. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to get one step closer to finding that perfect surf and yoga-filled adventure.
