HOW TO GET TO OUR SCHOOL
Upon arriving in San Jose you will have three options to get to our surf resort. If arriving into Liberia, your option is the van service, a 2.5 hour drive to the surf resort.
OPTION 1: Sansa Flights 45 mins. from San Jose to Nosara Directions for all SANSA flights: After going through customs and baggage claim, exit the sliding doors and turn left following the sidewalk. (first and second photos) Once you see the chain-linked fence take the 1st left into the parking lot. (third photo) You will see a building w/ the SANSA sign. (last photo)
OPTION 2: NATURE AIR Flights 45 mins from PAVAS to Nosara
You are traveling on NATURE AIR. Take a taxi to PAVAS Airport. Taxis are located right outside the airport. Upon request we can arrange our van service to take you to PAVAS airport. The ride is 25 minutes. The ride will cost around $20-$25 (you can use US$$).
OPTION 3: Overnight in San Jose
If Kelsey has booked your charter flight on Sansa Airlines, the best hotel option would be the “Holiday Inn Express” www.gardencourtairporthotel.com or the “Hampton Inn” www.hamptoninn.hilton.com. Both hotels are within 5 minutes of the airport and provide internet access, complimentary breakfast and an outdoor pool, they run about $100+ per night. They provide a 24 hour free shuttle service to and from the airport. There is the “Fiesta Casino” located by both hotels, if you feel like an up-beat atmosphere for drinks and gambling. For convenient dining there is a local chain restaurant called “Rosti Pollo” and a “Denny’s” restaurant. Both hotels are very standard and are just an easy way to stay overnight in San Jose.
If Kelsey has booked your charter flight on Nature Air then the best hotel option would be “Casa Roland” www.casarolandsanjose.com. This hotel is located about 5 minutes away from Pavas Airport. We can book a van to pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel, for a 
fee of $15. Casa Roland is typically $95 per night and is located in a quiet neighborhood. Breakfast is included & they have internet access and the staff is extremely helpful. I personally stay at the Casa Roland when I am in San Jose.
OPTION 4: Costa Rica International Connections (C.R.I.C)
You are traveling w/ C.R.I.C. This is the private van service driving you to our surf resort. They will be waiting for your arrival in the airport or if staying in a hotel overnight Kelsey will arrange the pickup time upon your request. When arriving the San Jose airport they will greet you after you pass through immigration, before baggage claim. The C.R.I.C representative will have a sign with your name, he will then present you with a name tag, put this on, go to baggage claim and proceed through customs, after clearing customs walk outside and the C.R.I.C representative will be waiting to introduce you to your driver. In Liberia, the airport is much smaller, walk outside and look for the C.R.I.C. representative with a white sign with your name on it.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
- Please remember this is a 3rd world country. In some cases flight schedules change. Flights are limited to flying ONLY in the daytime. We do our best to get you to and from the beach in a timely matter. The sooner you give us your flight arrival/departure information, the sooner we can guarantee your flight to and from the beach. *If your flight from San Jose to Nosara does not land in Nosara, but lands in Samara due to high winds, take a taxi to the surf school in Nosara (distance is about 25 km)- we will pay for the taxi upon your arrival.
- This trip is not for everyone: While we think this is the vacation of a life time, we have discovered that people have come here with some misconception about our school. While we do try to cater your needs, we are not a luxury resort. Part of the service we provide is to integrate everyone into the existing local surf culture, Pura Vida - enjoying the simple things. There are many factors which are unpredictable such as mother nature, neighboring citizens, and your fellow students. For the week you will be down here, you will live a surfer’s life. Read some of the articles in the press and if the trip sounds appealing, book it immediately. If you are not sure, contact the office and they will give you contact information of previous surf school clients, who will give you candid answers to any of your questions.
- Weather: The weather varies with the months usually around 85- 90 degrees in the afternoon and 75 degrees in the evening. Bring appropriate attire.
- Leave valuables at home: jewelry, expensive equipment, etc. IT DOESN’T COME IN HANDY IN THE JUNGLE!
- Bring Small U.S. $$ bills: Make sure the bills are unmarked and not torn. Travelers checks can be used but CASH is best. We do have safes in the rooms for tickets, passports and cash. There is an airport tax of $26.00 when you depart from San Jose International airport.
- Laundry will be done on Wednesdays only.
- Electricity Outlets are standard United States outlets
- Suggested Items to Bring:
- Cash
- Swim Suit/ Board Shorts (2 pair)
- Camera
- Shorts (2 pair)
- Flashlight
- T-Shirt (3)
- Hat
- Beach Towel (1)
- Sunscreen
- Sandals (2),
- Tennis Shoes (1)
- Rash Guard
- blank DVD (if you want a copy of your surfing)
- Warm water wax
- Bug Spray (w/DEET is your best bet)
- Important Phone Numbers
- Surf School in U.S.: (714) 969-3959
- Surf School in Costa Rica: 011-506-682-0385 or 011-506-682-0384
- Buena Vista: 1-800-506-2304 or 011-506-442-859
Please call our U.S. office with any questions.
