Before you go to Costa Rica
Since Costa Rica is in the tropics, you may want ensure you are up-to-date on all of your immunizations, as well as check your local health clinic to see if any additional shots or medicines are recommended. You can also check on your country's recommendations for foreign travel. American citizens can check the State Travel Department for the latest travel information, and the Traveler's Health section on the CDC website for health-specific recommendations.
Travelers must have passports to enter Costa Rica; however, visas are not required for travelers from Europe, North America, and select Latin American countries.
What to bring
Costa Rica is a tropical area, so it is best to bring light, breathable clothing. Keep in mind that during the rainy season it can get chilly at night and in the mountains so it's a good idea to bring a rain jacket and waterproof footwear. While temperatures can be comparable to North America and Northern Europe in the summertime, the sun is much stronger in Costa Rica. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. Shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, and bug repellent can be quite costly in Costa Rica, so you may want stock up before you leave home if you're checking a bag. Some other handy things to bring: travel sleeping bag, pillow, quick-dry towel, and all your electronic cords. Surf gear: a comfortable bathing suit, ear plugs, waterproof sunscreen or zinc cream, and rash guards / rash guard pants. If you're attending one of our surf and yoga camps, we have a packing list.
Helpful Costa Rica Travel Information
If you'll be visiting Costa Rica you will find the below information helpful, including basic airport information, getting around and what to expect in terms of food.
San Jose Airport
The main airport in Costa Rica is located on the outskirts of the country's capital, San Jose (airport code = SJO). This new and modern airport is very tourist friendly. Upon arrival, tourists are given a tourist card for 90 days that should be kept with their passport.
Where to get money
There are many banks throughout the country, as well as in the larger and more touristy areas, where visitors can withdraw money for a relatively small fee. Here in Bahia Ballena - Uvita, there are three distinctive banks. We recommend you travel with a nominal amount of American dollars (which are accepted everywhere) in case of emergency.
Getting around Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a fairly easy country to get around. First, within cities, the first option is to use the widely available and reasonably priced taxi system. Another reasonable option is to use buses, which are also easily accessible. You can also rent a car. There are many car rental companies operating within Costa Rica including National, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis. There are rental agencies within the airport itself, as well as around San Jose and in some of the larger cities.
Costa Rica's roads
If you decide to drive, there are some things that you should keep in mind. First, exercise caution when driving in Costa Rica during the rainy season (between May and November) as the country's mountainous terrain can present road hazards. Information on driving conditions is usually available in advance: talk to the car rental agency, listen to the radio (Costa Rica has many English stations), plan your route ahead of time and be sure to inquire.
The coastal highway ("La Costanera") down the Pacific Coast has been completed, making the drive from San Jose to the Costa Ballena region (including Dominical, Bahia Ballena, and Uvita) and further South a breeze.
Hospitals and healthcare
The hospital system of Costa Rica is quite good by Central American standards. It is advisable to travel with some sort of insurance; however, if you find yourself without insurance in Costa Rica, standard procedures are generally quite affordable. It is also a good idea to stock up on any medications that you need before you go, including over-the-counter medications such as pain-killers, allergy medicine, sleep aids, and any natural health supplements or vitamins.
Costa Rican food
There is a wide variation of cuisine available in Costa Rica. The typical dish, called "casado," consists of a type of protein (usually fried), rice, beans, salad, and a fried plantain. Costa Ricans themselves also eat numerous dishes that will be familiar to Westerners including pastas, pizzas, hamburgers, sandwiches, etc. There is also the fine dining option available, as Costa Rica caters to so many tourists; there are many gourmet chefs throughout the country and especially in touristy areas. Also, if you get sick of eating one genre of food, Costa Rica has many international options available, especially in the capital city.
Why Choose Us
When it comes to surf and yoga tourism, Bodhi Surf + Yoga is in a class of its own.
Get to know us to find out what sets us apart.
