What You Need to Know

HOW TO GET TO OUR SCHOOL

Upon arriving in San Jose or Liberia, you will have three options to get to our school.

OPTION 1: Sansa Flights
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
You are traveling on NATURE AIR. Take a taxi to PAVAS Airport. Taxis are located right outside the airport. Please allow 25 minutes just to be safe. The taxi will cost around $10-$15 (you can use US$$) you will also need $2 to board the plane.

OPTION 3: Overnight in San Jose
If you are staying at the Buena Vista a driver will be waiting for you outside the airport w/ your name on a sign. They will also take you to the airport the next morning to catch your SANSA flight to the beach. If you are staying w/ another hotel in San Jose please make sure you have made the arrangements to get to your hotel and to your charter flight the next day. You may make your reservations online.

OPTION 4: Costa Rica International Connections (CRIC)
You are traveling w/ CRIC. You will be picked up, either at the airport (LIBERIA or SAN JOSE) or at the Buena Vista Hotel. The van will be waiting for you "outside" of the airport or in front of your hotel. The driver will have a sign w/ your name.

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: Please keep in mind there are NO readily available ATM machines and the Surf School does not accept credit cards for bar tabs or souvenirs (towels, DVDs). Many activities that are outside the Surf School also only accept cash. Tipping for Surf School Staff is up to you. 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 PLEASE USE THEM! There is an airport tax of $26.00 when you depart from San Jose International airport. CASH ONLY! 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
  • VHS videotape (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.