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Ocean Boat

You’re officially invited to step aboard the Modoc Mission Retreat

A once-in-a-lifetime week of movement, mindfulness,
and ocean conservation in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula.

March 20 – 25, 2026 | Aboard the 110-foot M/Y Modoc| docked off the wild coast of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

This Is More Than a Retreat 

It’s a Mission to Protect What You Love

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Aurielle Vendemmia

yoga teacher & movement guide

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Captain Pete Bethune (plus his heroic tracking dog, Appa)

legendary marine defender

Aboard the conservation vessel Modoc, join yoga teacher and movement guide Emily Vendemmia and legendary marine defender Captain Pete Bethune (plus his heroic tracking dog, Appa) for a transformational experience that blends movement, purpose, and ocean conservation.

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Every dollar from the Modoc Mission Retreat goes directly to Earthrace Conservation, a registered non-profit devoted to safeguarding our oceans and the incredible wildlife that call them home. By joining us, you’re nurturing your own healing and growth—while also becoming part of a global movement to protect the planet we all share.

You’ll move your body. You’ll serve the planet. You’ll never be the same.

Spots are extremely limited for this intimate, mission-driven retreat.

Event Details & Travel Information

Retreat Dates: March 20th – 25th, 2026

Vessel: Aboard the 110-foot M/Y Modoc, docked off the wild coast of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

Please plan to arrive in Puerto Jiménez (PJM) no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20th. Departures on March 25th are flexible.

Fly from San José (SJO) to Puerto Jiménez (PJM) — a quick 40-minute flight on Fly Sansa. Multiple daily flights are available.

Modoc Retreat Itinerary

March 20–25

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Arrival Day

Friday, March 20

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Arrive in Puerto Jiménez by 4:30 pm

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Guests welcomed aboard while the ship is at anchor

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Evening fire at the stern

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Dinner served on the aft deck

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Settle in, orient to the ship, and unwind

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Ocean + Beach Immersion

Saturday, March 21

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Morning training on the flight deck

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Breakfast served while underway

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Voyage to Abraham’s Beach

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Snorkel or dive (Widowmaker / Coral Garden)

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Coconut tree climbing lesson

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Field workout on the beach

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Beach fire & BBQ dinner

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Bioluminescence tour

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Conservation + Exploration

Sunday, March 22

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Morning workout on the flight deck

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Voyage to Piedras Blancas National Park

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Ship projects & conservation work

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Lunch on board

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Beach cleanup

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Optional afternoon workout

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Dinner on the aft deck

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Squid light show

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Jungle Transition

Monday, March 23

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Morning workout on the flight deck

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Ship projects & downtime

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Voyage to Golfito

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Lunch on board

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Hike to Zamia

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Overnight jungle cabinas overlooking the gulf

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Mangroves + Waterfalls

Tuesday, March 24

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Early morning hike to the beach

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Pickup at 6:30 am

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Morning workout on the flight deck

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Breakfast underway

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Kayak through mangroves

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Beach swim

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Lunch on the beach

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Waterfall visit

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Early evening gym workout

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Dinner at Botánika

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Pool & spa time

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Return to the ship

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Departure + Optional Extension

Wednesday, March 25

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Morning workout on the flight deck

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Breakfast served on board

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Breakfast served on board

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Guests may depart or stay for relaxed breakfast & lunch

Optional Extended Stay

For those who feel called to remain longer, there is an opportunity to stay aboard Modoc for an additional week as a volunteer crew member. This extended stay offers deeper immersion into daily ship life and the conservation mission, at a reduced contribution of $750.

Availability is limited and based on interest and crew needs.

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This Isn’t Just Another Yoga Retreat

This is for the ones who feel the call

the ones who want to rise, restore, and do something that truly matters.​

Every day aboard Modoc, we’ll wake with the sun and move with the sea. We’ll strengthen the body through yoga, mobility, and conditioning, then head to shore to do the work that matters:

  • Cleaning beaches

  • Supporting local conservation teams

  • Assisting with wildlife protection patrols

Learning from Captain Pete Bethune and the EarthRace crew on the front lines of marine defense. This is movement with meaning. This is service with soul.

What's Included

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5 nights / 6 Days aboard M/Y Modoc 

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3 meals + snacks, coffee & tea

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Daily yoga, sculpt, mindful movement 

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 Adventure excursions (snorkeling, beach cleanups, jungle walks)

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Earthrace Conservation immersion with Captain Pete & crew

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Evening circles, beach BBQ, campfires, stargazing

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Ground transportation from Puerto Jiménez to Modoc dock

What's Not Included

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International flights to Costa Rica (SJO) 

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Domestic flights to PJM  

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Travel insurance 

Why Costa Rica?

Why Now?

Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline is one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth — but it’s under siege.

  • Sea turtles are poached for their eggs.

  • Sharks are finned and discarded.

  • Beaches are suffocating in plastic waste.

We can’t look away — so we’re showing up. And we’re inviting you to do the same.

What You’ll Experience on The Modoc Mission Retreat

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Daily yoga, mobility, and

conditioning sessions led by

Aurielle Vendemmia (True Moon Yoga)

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Hands-on conservation work with

Captain Pete Bethune and the EarthRace team

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Aboard Modoc

a real working conservation vessel

The presence of Appa, Captain Pete’s legendary tracking dog trained to sniff out illegal wildlife trade

Sacred sunrise rituals and silent sea meditations Deep connection, movement, and service in one of the world’s most threatened ocean ecosystems

Why This Retreat

This isn't a luxury cruise adventure where you'll live simply, move daily, and become part of the Earthrace story - helping protect the oceans while reconnecting to yourself. it's something far richer. It's a week of connection, purpose, and Space aboard the Modoc is extremely limited only a handful of cabins are available for this voyage.

Meet Your Guides

Aurielle Vendemmia

Founder of True Moon Yoga in Annapolis, Maryland, movement teacher, and soul-led leader with a passion for protecting the planet.

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Captain Pete Bethune

Global marine conservationist, captain, and founder of EarthRace.

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Appa

A loyal, trained tracking dog saving lives in the wild — and your four-legged teammate in this mission.

Space Is Extremely Limited. This is not a resort retreat.

It’s a life-changing journey aboard a conservation vessel with a small, like-hearted group.

You’ll live, move, and serve with purpose, surrounded by sea, mission, and meaning.

If your heart is pulling you here, answer it now.

Want to Help But Can’t Attend?

You can still support our mission.

Donate to our GoFundMe

Every dollar helps protect endangered marine life and support conservation efforts in Costa Rica.

Questions?

Media?

Partnerships?

We’re open to collaborations, sponsorships, and sharing this mission far and wide.

Move with purpose.

Protect what you love.

Let your body and heart be part of something greater.

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With love, magic, and moonlight,

Aurielle Vendemmia

True Moon Yoga & Fitness

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