Why choose Sol Shine Surf & Yoga Retreats?
First and foremost, because we put our guests first. That is why we limit the number of guests on our surf retreats to a maximum of 8. With small groups our guests receive the highest personalized attention and instruction.

From the moment our guests step off the plane they are taken care of, so all they have to do is show up and enjoy. Most of our work is done before our guests even arrive, with every detail of the retreat carefully and lovingly planned so that our guests experience a remarkable get-away filled with memories they will cherish long after they return home.

We also believe that you don't have to rough it to be serious about your surfing and yoga. Our villas are charming personalized accommodations where you will find laid back island living with a touch of luxury. Our private cooks prepare meals daily with local produce and a menu that changes daily so our guests always have new taste sensation to look forward to each day. Couple all this with some of the best tropical surf in the world and you have a surf retreat fit for a goddess!

What is your reservation process?
Please fill out the reservation form located on the "Reservations" page of our website. After you have completed your registration form and we have confirmed availability on your desired dates, we will send you a tentative reservation confirmation via email that is valid for 72 hours. Reservations require full payment of Retreat package within 72 hours of the time the reservation is made or tentative booking is automatically release

How do I pay for my Retreat?
We accept PayPal, personal checks, money orders and bank transfers. To secure your reservation, full payment is required within 72 hours of receiving your tentative booking confirmation from us. Payment details will be provided once we have received your registration form and Retreat availability has been confirmed.

What is the average age of your guests on the surf camp?
We welcome surfers of every age, with the usual age of guests being women in their late 20's to 30's & 40's.

Can I travel by myself to your surf camp?
Absolutely! About 80% of the women on the retreats are solo travelers and are trying surfing for the first time! We have created Sol Shine Retreats so you can have a great vacation whether you are traveling alone or with others. Costa Rica is a very safe place for women travelers on the whole and many of our guests enjoy staying longer in the area after the retreat either by themselves or with the new friends they have made at our surf and yoga retreat.

Can I travel with a group?
Certainly! Sol Shine Retreats are a great way to enjoy an adventure with friends and family members. We offer group discounts for groups of 4 or more. For groups of 8 or more, a private Retreat may be arranged, great for bridal parties, corporate retreats and family vacations. Private retreats can be customized to suit your vacation desires. Please inquire about special group pricing.

How far in advance should I book my retreat?
Retreat dates can become sold out between 2 - 3 months in advance, and up to 6 months in advance for popular dates. As we only have 8 guests per retreat spaces often fill up fast so it is always best to reserve your place as soon you are sure you would like to attend that retreat.

Do I have to participate in all the activities and meals?
All Retreats feature our complete surf & yoga program and delicious meals. All of our Retreat activities are optional and guests who do not wish to participate are invited to follow their bliss and enjoy any of the other nearby activities available such as canopy tours, relaxing on the beach, getting spa treatments, amazing shopping, gourmet dining or experiencing the local culture of Costa Rica (with the understanding that these are done at your own expense). We do not offer any refunds or "catch ups" for activities missed.

What if I have never surfed before? Is Costa Rica a good place to learn?
The majority of our guests are absolute beginners and Playa Grande is the perfect place to learn. The surf breaks where our surf lessons are held is a great beginner's spots, the water is warm (about 80F) and they are friendly sand bottom breaks where you are able to stay close to the shore. With our professional lessons, you'll be standing up on your board by the end of the first day!

What type of surf break is it?
Our beginner surf spot is a sandy beach break at our local beach, Playa Grande. The break is close to shore, and lessons usually begin in about waist-deep water. All the spots we surf at are chosen because they are uncrowded and level appropriate so that our guests can get the most out of their surfing. For intermediate or advanced surfers, excursions can be arranged to some local world-class surf breaks, including Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock. Please note that these excursion will require and additional fee to cover boat transportation to these incredible spots.

Are your surf instructors certified?
Yes, all of our instructors are certified, insured and experienced with instructing surf students of all levels.

What is included in the surf instruction?
~Transportation for all surfing activities
~Modern surfing equipment - Performance fiberglass boards, Epoxy or soft starter Malibu board (9, 8 & 7 ft.), all with leg ropes.
~Rash guards and towels.
~Waterproof sunscreen and zinc
~Sealed drinking water during entire session.

Do I have to be a good swimmer?
Beginner lessons are done in about waist deep water, so you don't have to be a great swimmer to learn to surf. For a positive surf experience, we require that our guests be in relatively good physical condition and feel comfortable in the ocean. Each guest is required to assess her own abilities and conditions when deciding to join the retreat.

Don't I need to be young, or at least very fit to surf?
The only thing you need is to be able to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean. Our guests come in all body types, ages and backgrounds. Surfing is a self-paced activity and our surf lessons are designed so that you can develop your own surf style in a no pressure and totally supportive environment.

I'm an experienced surfer. Will I get coached on intermediate to advanced surfing skills?
Absolutely! If we have surfers of varying abilities, we often break into smaller groups and our instructors will take each group to an appropriate break for their level. Our surf schools modularized program allows students to be coached on intermediate to advanced maneuvers and ocean experience. For more our advanced surfers, special excursions can be arranged to world-class surf breaks nearby, such as Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock.

What is the typical amount of time spent surfing?
We typically spend around 2 hours per day surfing during our formal surf lessons, either in the morning or afternoon depending on the best tides for the surf break. And of course you have open access to equipment and the waves to surf any other time in the day!

Do I need a wet suit?
Not at all! We love Playa Grande for its warm waters! Water temperature is usually around 80 - 85F.

Can I bring my own surfboard?
Of course! We know the special bond a surfer has with her board. If you prefer not to bring a board, 'Soft Top' malibu boards are provided in your surf retreat package.

What exercises can I do to prepare for my Retreat?
Upper body and core strength is most used in surfing; as you need to be able to lift your body weight from a lying down position to stand up on the surfboard. So push ups, sit ups and 'downward facing dog' & 'the plank' yoga asanas are very helpful exercises and of course swimming.

Do I have to be good at yoga?
Our classes are suitable for everyone. Our instructors are able to personalize the yoga positions to suit all levels. Also, attendance to sessions is optional and we ask each guest to assess her own abilities and conditions when deciding to join a class.

Are your yoga instructors certified?
Beth, our resident yoga instructor, has been trained and certified by the prestigious White Lotus Foundation based in Santa Barbara, California. She is experienced with the many disciplines of yoga and can modify all of her yoga sessions to fit your personal needs and experience.

Where can I get a good airline ticket?
We recommend www.mavericktravel.net to connect you with a great flight at a great price.

What should I pack to come on your surf and yoga retreat?
Basically in the tropics you live in your swim suit, shorts, t-shirt, flip flops and a hat! You will be most comfortable in lightweight yoga attire as our yoga sessions are held outdoors. A complete travel guide & packing list is included with your informational travel packet to help your prepare for your adventure.

What is the currency and exchange rate in Costa Rica?
The monetary unit in Costa Rica is the Colon, however the U.S. dollar has long been the second currency in Costa Rica. Almost all shops, restaurants, hotels, groceries and other businesses accept the U.S. dollar. Due to widespread counterfeiting of the U.S. 100 dollar bill, many businesses are wary of accepting them; therefore traveling with bill denominations of $50.00 or less is highly recommended.

Most banks and exchange bureaus will cash travelers checks at a commission of 1% to 3%. Many hotels will accept them as payment, but check policies carefully as some hotels do not. US dollar travelers checks are preferred. It may be difficult or impossible to change checks of other currencies. Amex checks are the easiest and quickest to replace in Costa Rica.

All banks will exchange US dollars, and some will exchange euros; other currencies are more difficult. Most banks have excruciatingly long lines, especially at state-run institutions (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Popular). However, they don't charge commissions on cash exchanges. Private banks (Banex, Banco Interfin, Scotiabank) tend to be faster. Make sure your dollar bills are in good condition or they may be refused.

Changing money at hotels and travel agencies is faster and more convenient, though many charge hefty commissions.

Non-US travelers should buy US dollars before they arrive in Costa Rica. Carry your passport when exchanging currency and try not to leave the country with excess colones; it's difficult to buy back more than US$50.00 at the border or airport.

Money Tips
You can pay for tours, parks, hotel rooms and large-ticket items with US dollars. Meals, bus fares and small items should all be paid with colones.

It's increasingly easy to find cajeros automáticos (ATMs). The Visa Plus network is the standard, but machines on the Cirrus network, which accept most foreign ATM cards, can be found in San José and in larger towns. Some ATM machines will dispense US dollars. Note that some machines, such as Banco Nacional, will only accept cards held by their own customers.

Holders of credit and debit cards can buy colones and sometimes US dollars in some banks. Cards are accepted at most mid-range and top-end hotels, as well as at top-end restaurants and some travel agencies. All car-rental agencies accept credit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted, MasterCard less so and Amex rarely. Some hotels might charge a 7% fee for using credit cards, in addition to government and service taxes. 

For up-to-date exchange rates of the U.S. dollar to Colones, please follow this link:
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=CRC&submit=Convert

What is a typical day in the life of a surfer girl on your surf camps?
Your day usually starts with an early morning yoga session overlooking the garden and pool. By breakfast time you will be feeling supple and energized and ready for breakfast. An excellent kick-start for another day in paradise.

We then head out for a morning of surf lessons on the waves at Playa Grande, experiencing the exhilaration of riding tropical waves. All our activities will invigorate your body and stimulate your mind and are tailored to all levels of fitness so everyone can join in at their own pace; we always make sure our lessons are fun and informative with structured classes that build on your surfing knowledge and skills each day.

After lunch, the afternoons are varied and allow for personal time in which you can explore the local offerings as you wish or soak up the sun by the swimming pool. With the exception of your luxury spa day, your afternoons are free to do whatever your heart desires.

The day winds down with enjoying dinners which showcase delicious Central American cuisine.

The Sol Shine team will ensure you have a blissful, unforgettable week.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is right on the equator so it has warm, sunny days (85F / 30C) and balmy nights all year. Tropical heat and lots of sun is what its all about! By virtue of our geographic location, Costa Rica offers fantastic year round surfing. Generally speaking, the "official" rainy season begins sometime in May and continues through October.

How many guests come on your surf camps?
We keep our retreats exclusive with group maximum of 8 guests, so you will always receive the highest level of personal attention & individual instruction.

Where can I get travel insurance?
World Nomads - Affordable travel insurance for the smart adventurer!

Are there reliable medical facilities nearby?
Yes, we have access to dependable, quality medical facilities. Dr. Mendez is our local physician who can help with many types of medical issues. For other medical emergencies, there is Pacific Emergencies with facilities in Huacas (653-8785) and Tamarindo (653-0908).

What is the tipping etiquette in Costa Rica?
Tipping at restaurants, bars and coffee shops is optional. A ten percent service charge is already added to the bill. If you feel like service was great, you may leave an extra tip of your choice.

Our surf instructors are generally tipped between $5 and $10 per day, per person, as are most tour guides for various other activities you may participate in.