I have been asked this question over 100 times – Should I rent a car or hire private transportation? Well the answer is not that easy and there are a few things to consider. The first is how many people are traveling in your group. The second is how much it is going to cost. The third is where are you going. The fourth is when are you going. And most importantly is how much you like driving. How many people are in your group? If it’s just 2 to 4 people there are SUVs that fit you comfortably and can be rented fairly cheaply depending on the season (see consideration #4). If you have 5 or more ..read more

Each year CR Surf Travel Company gives back to local community and environmental groups and last year was no different. In fact, due to our success we were able to donate well over $1000 to these non-profit organizations. These donations ensure a healthier and safer environment for all travelers coming to Costa Rica. Costa Ballena Lifeguards https://lifeguardscostaballena.com  For the last three years I have volunteered as the President of the board of directors for the Asociacion de Guardavidas de Costa Ballena. This group pays for four full time lifeguards to patrol the beaches of Play ..read more

Over the years of planning surf trips, dozens of travelers have asked for a camper van to enjoy staying right on the beach. Often the cost for these vehicles are lower than staying in a beachfront hotel. And nothing beats watching the sunset (or sunrise if you are on the Caribbean coast) from a beach chair and sleeping to the sounds of the surf. Here are five great options for fully equipped overland vehicles, from retrofitted Hightop vans to SUVs with tents on the roof and cooking equipment in the trunk.  NOMAD AMERICA The most recognized company offering overland vehicles would be Nomad ..read more

Welcome to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, where stunning beaches and powerful waves collide to create a surfer’s dream. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to ride the waves, Costa Rica offers an unrivaled surfing experience. In this blog post, we’ll dive into five compelling reasons why Costa Rica is considered the best surf destination in the world. Get ready to pack your board or join a surf school and embark on an unforgettable adventure! 1. World-Class Waves for All Skill Levels: Costa Rica boasts an impressive variety of surf breaks suitable for surfers of all skill leve ..read more

Costa Rica Non-Profit Groups We Supported in 2022 I review which groups I donated money to every year. I want to be sure I am fulfilling the benefit mission statement of my business – “To help surfers unite their communities by promoting sustainable tourism and protecting coastal ecosystems.” Each year I pay dues to be a 1% for the Planet member. They encourage partnerships between businesses and non-profits globally and facilitate donations and do marketing for those non-profit organizations. The group I support with my 1% of my profits is called CREMA – Conservación, protección y Restaurac ..read more

What does this have to do with surfing in Costa Rica? A lot, since when you are planning a vacation it is one of the most important decisions to make. You have decided to rent a SUV with 4wd and now you have to decide which insurance option to take – A. Full collision coverage with a $0 deductible and a very low deposit (usually $100) B. Basic collision coverage with a $1000 deductible and a higher deposit (usually $500-1000) C. Use the collision coverage on your credit card and just get the minimum insurance required, called third party liability, which covers the other person’s vehicle and i ..read more

In my 50+ trips to Costa Rica I would always be concerned with how much money to bring and then exchange once I’m there. These are my recommendations. I would take down $300 in USD in twenties and some ones for tips when you get there. Then I use the cash and get change in colones. Be advised that it is 687.50 colones to one dollar (on July 6, 2022), but a restaurant or store may give you only 650. That is still better than the currency exchange at the airport. When I run out I would get more colones out of the ATM. The best exchange rate will be with the bank (you need your passport for that ..read more

You see them on the beach, sitting between rows of surfboards on the beach, dark tan, with a small sign offering surf lessons. You have always wanted to learn to surf, but not sure which instructor is going to be the best for you. Well there are some important things to consider for your safety and ability to learn. The first thing you should ask is what are their qualifications to teach. Just because they have surfed their whole life (if they are 20 years old that may be only 6 or 7 years) does not make them an instructor. In Costa Rica there is a specific certification an instructor must hol ..read more

We have been partnering with local businesses in Costa Rica since 1998. In that time we have collected a number of discounts and coupon codes for hotels, surf camps, surf shops, and tours just for our visitors to the website. Here are our latest offerings: New! Use code – CR-Surf-Travel – for 5% off Jungle ATV in Uvita 10% off with code – CRSURF – for a Costa Rica Brew Pass 5-20% off at Alamo, Adobe, or Vamos Car Rental. Alamo also gives a free extra driver and with collision coverage only a $500 deductible. Vamos offers a free extra driver. Adobe offers free drop off for rentals over thr ..read more

UPDATED August 31st, 2021 ALL U.S. STATES AND ALL COUNTRIES ARE ALLOWED ENTRY TO COSTA RICA. Here is the latest post from the US Embassy in San Jose: COVID 19 In Costa Rica: Costa Rica has confirmed 461,145 cases of COVID-19 as of August 31, 2021.  1,154 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, 447 of them in intensive care.  Costa Rica has reported 5,492 COVID-19-related deaths since March 2, 2020.  Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative Covid-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of fl ..read more