Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure, including simple hotels (3 nights) and hostels (4 nights, multi-share). Some nights may involve 4-6 group members sharing a room, and the majority of accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities. Rooming requests for multi-share hostels cannot be accommodated.

• Are international flights included in the trip price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You are responsible for booking your own flights.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required for Costa Rica, so it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Our leaders are prohibited from administering any drugs. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions must complete a medical questionnaire signed by their physician.

• Is there a departure tax for Costa Rica?

  Yes, there is a Costa Rica airport exit tax of $29 USD.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for unexpected circumstances.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the trip. Their role is to manage travel logistics, offer suggestions for activities and local dining, and provide general knowledge about the country.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 18 travelers, with an average of 14.

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Spending money requirements vary by individual habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. Please consider your own spending habits, keeping in mind that generally food is cheap.

• Is there an age limit for this tour?

  Yes, this trip has a minimum age requirement of 18 years, as it's designed for 18-to-Thirtysomethings.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  We believe single travelers should not have to pay more. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, meaning no single supplement.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage, repatriation, and emergency rescue, with a minimum coverage of USD 200,000. Your CEO will need to see proof of insurance.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  No, generally no meals are included in the trip price to give you maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat. Your CEO will be able to suggest favorite local restaurants.

• What is the local currency and what payment methods are accepted?

  The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). Credit and debit cards (Visa is widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, but a combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Avoid traveler's cheques as they are difficult to exchange. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than $100 USD.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include Ecotermales Hot Springs ($64 USD), La Fortuna Waterfall Swim ($20 USD), Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping ($125 USD), Whitewater Rafting ($61-86 USD), Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning ($99 USD), Kayak Lake Arenal ($65 USD), Arenal Volcano Park Hike ($53 USD), Hanging Bridges ($75 USD), Montezuma Day Tour ($55 USD), Santa Teresa Surf Lesson, and Tortuga Island Snorkelling Tour ($85 USD), as well as snorkeling and swimming in Malpais.

• Is tipping customary in Costa Rica?

  Yes, tipping service providers is customary. Recommendations for waiters are approximately 10%; for local guides and drivers, $5-10 USD per day; and for your Chief Experience Officer, $5-7 USD per person, per day.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  The tour uses local bus, ferry, taxi, and walking.

• What are the safety and security considerations for this trip?

  Be aware of petty theft in San Jose; it's recommended to travel in small groups and use taxis at night. Keep valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes and carry photocopies of your passport. Your CEO can amend itineraries for safety concerns. For optional activities, use your own judgment regarding safety. Avoid protests, and water-based activities are at your own risk or with a guide.

• What is Planeterra and how can I contribute?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for local communities through tourism. You can contribute by donating $1/day through the 'Dollar-a-day Program', with 100% of your donation directly supporting Planeterra projects.

• Are there any specific rules or codes of conduct for this trip?

  Yes, illegal drugs and the exploitation of prostitutes are strictly prohibited and will result in expulsion from the group without refund, in line with the company's philosophy of respect for local people and laws.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for handwashing, as you may need to do your own laundry at times.

• What is included in the tour price?

  The tour includes a Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and group, a First Night Out Moment to connect with new friends, Discover Moments in La Fortuna and beach time in Santa Teresa, and all transportation between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What is the travel style for this tour?

  This tour is designed for 18-to-Thirtysomethings, offering an exciting trip focused on volcanoes and beaches that is budget-friendly.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  Accommodation will be varied, including simple hotels (3 nights) and hostels (4 nights, multi-share). Some nights will be multi-share, potentially with 4-6 group members sharing a room, and most will have shared bathroom facilities. Rooming requests for multi-share hostels cannot be taken.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  No meals are included in the trip price. This allows for maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat, and also helps with budgeting.

• What is the minimum and maximum age for participants on this tour?

  The minimum age for this trip is 18 years, and the maximum age is 39 years.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 18 travellers, with an average group size of 14.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  All group trips are accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout. The CEO provides information, suggestions, and helps make the most of your time.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include trying adrenaline sports like whitewater rafting and surfing, taking in the stunning views of Arenal Volcano towering over La Fortuna, and chilling out by the Pacific Ocean.

• What are some of the optional activities available, and what are their estimated costs?

  In La Fortuna, optional activities include Ecotermales Hot Springs (64USD), La Fortuna Waterfall Swim (20USD), Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping (125USD), Whitewater Rafting (61-86USD), Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning (99USD), and Kayak Lake Arenal (65USD). In Arenal, you can do an Arenal Volcano Park Hike (53USD) or visit Hanging Bridges (75USD). In Montezuma, a Montezuma Day Tour (55USD) is available. In Santa Teresa, you can take a Santa Teresa Surf Lesson or a Tortuga Island Snorkelling Tour (85USD). Snorkelling and swimming in Malpais are also options, with swimming being free.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation during the tour involves local bus, ferry, taxi, and walking.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in this trip. You will need medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Proof of insurance must be shown to your CEO.

• What is the local currency, and what should I know about money exchange and credit cards?

  The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). Credit and debit cards (Visa widely accepted) are useful for cash advances, though it's best not to rely solely on them. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is recommended. Expect a 5-10% fee for credit card purchases. Avoid bringing travellers cheques as they are difficult to exchange. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD.

• Is there an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of before traveling?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. Note that leaders are prohibited from administering drugs, and you should assess your ability to cope with the travel style based on physical ratings.

• Is tipping customary in Costa Rica, and if so, what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is customary in Latin America. For service providers like waiters, approximately 10% is expected. For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from $5-10 USD per day. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person, per day.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws and risk the group. The exploitation of prostitutes is also contrary to the travel philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel individuals for these reasons.

• What about laundry facilities during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving for the tour?

  If you are unable to start your trip as scheduled, contact your starting point hotel to speak with or leave a message for your CEO. If you cannot reach your leader, use the emergency contact numbers provided. If you have a pre-booked airport transfer and your representative doesn't arrive within 30 minutes, take a taxi to your hotel and claim a refund from your travel agent later.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+, is a priority. Specific concerns and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers are available, including information about safety and security, which can be found on the provided LGBTQ+ page and tools like Equaldex.