Swim Retreats Costa Rica partners with Vamos Ocean Racers, a local adult swim team in the Tamarindo area, operating under the Vamos Youth umbrella.
Founded in 2016 as an affiliate of The Royal Life Saving Society, Vamos Youth is dedicated to improving ocean safety and swim training for children and adults across Guanacaste.
Our curated swim retreat blends open-water sessions, race preparation, technique clinics, and restorative bonus activities. Expect guided workouts, small-group coaching, and personalized feedback to sharpen sighting, drafting, pacing, and race-day strategy.
All sessions are led by certified ocean lifeguards and experienced coaches who prioritize safety, skill development, and a fun, supportive atmosphere. Curated accommodations, wellness experiences, and select local excursions deliver a balanced, enjoyable stay.
Vamos Youth also runs group classes and private lessons in swimming, water safety, and lifesaving across Guanacaste. We offer weekly training with Vamos Ocean Racers — contact us if you’re visiting the region — and can arrange bespoke training camps or retreats for teams and coaches.
Meet Your Coaches
Aude Lemaire-Hamel
Founder, Vamos Youth
Aude inspires confidence in the ocean by teaching people to move safely, skillfully, and joyfully in open water. She is head coach of the Vamos Ocean Racers swim club and founder of Vamos Youth and Swim Retreats Costa Rica. Her athletic journey began racing triathlons at seven and evolved into a decade as a professional lifeguard in Montreal, Myrtle Beach, and Ocean City. She has worked and competed internationally with Canadian and U.S. teams and brings 17+ years of coaching experience in education and drowning prevention.
In 2016 she founded Vamos Youth, a swim and lifesaving academy for all ages, from babies to adults, that promotes ocean awareness, provides lessons, and gives back through community programs for local children across Costa Rica. She also leads fundraisers, school outreach, and public-safety workshops. Her mission is to share her passion for open water in a safe, fun environment while educating youth and supporting coastal communities.
An avid surfer, scuba diver, and swimmer, Aude designs unique swim retreats and swim holidays that combine expert safety training, hands-on ocean skills, and immersive adventure experiences.
Antoine Paré
Program Director, Vamos Youth
As Program Director at Vamos Youth, Antoine Paré leads the development of the Lifesaving Academy. With over eight years of professional coaching experience, he is a certified trainer in swimming, lifesaving, and first aid, known for his clear, effective, and confidence-building teaching style. During the retreat, Aude and Antoine will guide the full experience, leading all open-water swim sessions with the highest level of expertise and safety. Antoine brings extensive real-world ocean experience, shaped by his EMT training in the United States and three seasons as an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard in the Outer Banks. Working daily in challenging surf and responding to emergencies has given him a deep understanding of ocean dynamics, swimmer safety, and rescue techniques, ensuring participants are always in exceptionally capable hands.
He is also a competitive surf lifesaving athlete with multiple national-level achievements, further reflecting his strong athletic foundation and commitment to excellence.
Ocean Racers Swim Club
Our local swim club Vamos Ocean Racers offer weekly training opportunity to locals and to visitors. If you would like to train while you are traveling to Costa Rica, contact us to learn more about our group workout and private lessons opportunities.
Training Schedule
WEDNESDAYS 7:00 AM, Pool Session @Reserva Conchal
SATURDAYS 7:30 AM, Ocean Swim @Playa Conchal
Swim With Purpose
Be a part of our Community Outreach!
Each year Vamos Youth organizes fundraisers and partners with local nonprofits to fund Community Swim Programs that teach children of all ages — from babies to teens — to swim and stay safe in the ocean.
We believe education is the most effective way to reduce drowning, and that swimming should be accessible to everyone. With pool access extremely limited for many locals, our programs provide critical lessons, equipment, and outreach to keep coastal children safe while building confidence and a lifelong connection to the sea.
By registering for this retreat or donating directly, you help sustain work that changes lives. Join us: swim, support, and be part of a safer, stronger coastal future.
Our Partners
Don't wait, Register Now!
Early Bird Discount till Feb 28, 2026.
Founded in 2016, Vamos Youth is dedicated to elevating ocean safety and swim training for children and adults across Guanacaste.
© 2026 Vamos Ocean Racers, All Rights Reserved.