Luxury Family Adventure in Costa Rica
A Luxury Family Tour of Costa Rica's best destinations - the thrilling Pacuare Reserve, majestic Arenal and some quality time on the Guanacaste Coast's beaches
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Private canyoning and canopy tour at Pacuare Lodge
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Seeing the extraordinary birdlife around Costa Rica's rainforests
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Exciting hike around Arena's volcanic lava flows
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Kayaking and snorkelling in Tamarindo Bay
What's included
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Completely private Sky Tram and Sky Trek Canopy tours of Arenal
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
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Full support from your Travel Designer and Concierge before, during and after your trip
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Especially designed for families
At a glance
We have carefully selected some of the best regions in Costa Rica for adventure and activities for all the family to enjoy together, while travelling in style and luxury throughout.
Enjoy a rafting ride over the ferocious Pacuare River rapids and once there, experience the sweet sound of birdsong and explore the magical natural world of the Pacuare rainforest.
Arenal will satisfy those seeking out the thrill of adventure; from canopy tours, to zip lines, horse riding to volcano treks, there is much on offer.
Finally end with some relaxing beach time and water-based activities on the Guanacaste Coast, a tropical paradise fringed by rainforest and coconut palm trees.
All the carefully selected, exclusive and private tours allow you to take things at your own pace. There’s something in here for all members of the family!
Example trip itinerary
San Jose
Transfer
Private transfer from San Jose airport to San Jose hotel
Accommodation in San Jose
- 24 villas
- Three swimming pools
- Restaurant
- Spa
- TV and DVD room
- Library
Its innovative design and fun tropical decoration is what makes Xandari quite a one-off hotel in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.
Set in 40 acres of plantation gardens and only twenty minutes from San Jose international airport, this is an ideal hilltop hideaway if you’re just beginning or ending your trip. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the terraces offer spectacular views of the majestic Central Valley.
With an architect and artist for owners, Xandari has definitely felt the force of their creativity and the hotel is adorned with extraordinary sculptures, tropical colours that imitate the fiercely vivid flora, tapestries, mosaics, paintings and stained glass. Its 24 spacious terraced villas offer stylish seclusion, vibrant comfort, beautiful valley views, and come with kitchenettes and a small garden.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff immensely friendly. Xandari’s grounds have four kilometres of trails filled with native birds to watch, and there’s also an orchid house, greenhouse, orchards, and organic gardens supplying the hotel’s restaurant. The farm-to-table menu includes a variety of healthy choices from Costa Rician specialities to Mediterranean and Californian dishes.
Massages, facials and mud wraps are just some of the treatments on hand at the hotel’s well-appointed Spa village.
Guests are invited to plant native trees during their stay at Xandari. Trees, bushes and flowers which especially attract, feed and provide shelter to the various types of birds and butterflies are chosen to be added to the gardens.
- 40 rooms
- Restaurant
- Spa (massages only)
- Two Jacuzzis
- Rooftop terrace
This traditional and elaborate mansion in the city’s downtown district is surprisingly cosy, but naturally classy and luxurious.
Grano de Oro is a grand and tropical Victorian casona, very familial in feel with its heavily embellished interiors strewn with antiques, faded family photos, original art pieces, dark woods, deep carpets and stone tiles.
Lit by the warm glow of wall lanterns, its forty rooms are well equipped with TVs and internet. Choose a standard room for comfort and a more modern style. Both the views and decor improve with the category rank. The Vista de Oro suite is wonderfully decorated in period ceramic floor tiles, wood panelling, with rich rugs and throws. The Garden Suite is similarly adorned but also has its own private garden and patio.
On the ground floor is the restaurant with half its tables set in the hotel’s charming atrium circling a Spanish-tiled fountain surrounded by stained glass windows and the shuttered corridor balconies spilling over with vivid green plant life. The chef is French, the menu extensive, and its tables are often frequented by locals as well as guests. At night the rooftop terrace is a great place to relax, have a drink or try out the Jacuzzi.
Set in the heart of San Jose in the Barrio don Bosco neighbourhood, this is a delightful hotel; a great place for exploring the city or stopping over on your way further into Costa Rica or flying out.
Overnight in San Jose
Enjoy your evening in this metropolitan capital city, relaxing at your hotel before or after your flight. You'll also have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this lively city.
Pacuare Reserve
Transfer
Road and rafting transfer from San Jose to Pacuare Lodge
Accommodation in Pacuare Reserve
- 20 bungalows and suites
- Restaurant and bar
- Wine cellar
- Massages
- Private plunge pools
- Fishing
- Nature trails and hiking
- Bird-watching
- White water rafting
- Waterfalls and canopy tours
- Horseback riding
- Visits to Cabercar Indian community
It could be Pacaure’s remote setting in 740 acres of primary rainforest or its luxury cabins emerging from the thick milieu of foliage that makes this a great place to stay: but the combination is what transforms it into a truly unique one.
There is no road access to the Lodge so guests have the chance to arrive in style by raft or helicopter.
The Pacuare Reserve is home to toucans, howler monkeys, and a large variety of birds meaning your stay here brings you intimately close to nature. Located on the banks of the Pacuare River the lodge has the advantage of offering a wealth of activities, such as expert wildlife and jungle expeditions all right from your canopy threshold.
Simply but sumptuously furnished with polished wood floors, Costa Rican art and open-plan living, the 20 bungalows and suites are constructed with local timber frames and palm thatch roofs that expertly embrace the tropical habitat and jungle lifestyle. The choice of rooms and suites range from luxury garden bungalows and riverside suites to tree-top honeymoon and Linda Vista suites that look out onto unparalleled views of the river and jungle. Some have their own private infinity plunge pools.
At night the lodge is lit by candlelight, creating a magical honeycomb-like effect, and delicious food is served at the main restaurant along with wines from its own cellar. There is also a beautiful swimming pool, heated by special radiating tiles.
Three days at Pacuare Jungle Lodge
During your stay here you will be able to experience a range of different activities to experience the magical, natural environment of the Pacuare Reserve.
Birdwatching in the Pacuare Reserve
An expert naturalist guide will lead you from the Pacuare Lodge along a series of sites from which you can observe buzzing hummingbirds, dancing butterflies and exquisite tropical flowers. The area around the lodge is home to an extraordinary number of exotic bird species that include the Sun Bittern, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and a variety of colourful toucans.
Private canyoning and canopy tour at Pacuare Lodge
Head off on a private canyoning and canopy tour today. The canopy tour starts with a relaxed twenty minute trek through the tropical rainforest to the first platform. Rappel down towering trees and slide along cables through the jungle for a true adrenaline rush. A thorough safety briefing is given alongside secure equipment, ensuring a safe and thrilling adventure. The canyoning tour then combines hiking, climbing and rappelling. Explore El Tesorito Creek Canyon for a great introduction to rappelling, as it includes six short rappels of between 2 and 20 meters (6-65 feet) which will prepare you for a final rappel of more than 30 meters (90 feet). Then continue hiking through the creek and the forest back to the lodge.
Transfer
Rafting transfer from Pacuare Lodge
Arenal
Transfer
Private transfer from Siquirres to Arenal hotel
Accommodation in Arenal
- 103 rooms and suites
- Two restaurants
- Four bars
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Communal thermal springs
- Gym
Tabacon is a beautiful and serene luxury hotel, located at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. It is set within 900 acres of lush, tropical grounds through which Costa’s Rica’s largest network of hot springs flows.
This rainforest retreat is tucked away on a winding road that climbs up from the small village of La Fortuna. There are 103 rooms and suites that look out over the rainforest and gardens. Decor is contemporary and elegant and feature artwork and furnishings from Costa Rican artists.
The River Tabacon feeds into waterfalls and warm pools lined with soft, black sand and guests staying at Tabacon will enjoy full use of the thermal mineral springs. The water is heated by the volcano and the temperature in the pools ranges between 72 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Head upstream and you’ll find the Shangri-La Gardens, an adult-only hideaway with six pools, cocoon-shaped cabanas and bar. The open-air spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, made all the more relaxing by the idyllic surroundings and sounds of the rainforest.
There are two restaurants offering a mix of Costa Rican and international cuisine, as well as four bars.
- 50 rooms (mix of casitas and villas)
- Pool with three Jacuzzis
- Swim-up pool bar
- Wine and tapas bar
- Three restaurants
- Spa
Voted one of South America’s most romantic hotels, the Nayara is a fitting choice for those looking for a private getaway in the Arenal.
Nestled in the green valleys at the foot of the spectacular Arenal Volcano are Nayara’s 50 luxury rooms -29 casitas and 21 rainforest villas. Large screened windows open up allowing for plenty of natural light. The decor is simple, but but neat with lashings of tropical orange, the greens of encroaching foliage, fine bed linen, dark wood furniture and polished floors. The privacy of the cottages and their amenities, with terrace, Jacuzzi and garden, makes this an ideal hideaway for the newly hitched or those after a romantic retreat.
Even though Nayara is a resort, the staff make every effort to treat you in a very personal manner and the service is impeccable. Also if you feel like getting out of your casita and enjoying some of the area’s activities and adventures you will be spoilt for choice. For relaxation, however, head to the hotel’s spa for a massage, coffee scrub or a volcanic mud bath. Perched atop a cliff and overlooking the forest, it’s the ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate.
- Private hot springs plunge pool
- Air conditioning
- Over-sized tub
- Indoor bathroom with additional double-headed outdoor shower
- Restaurant
- Terrace
Set in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Tented Camp is one of the only luxury tented camps in Central America and the sister property to the nearby Nayara Springs. The immediate proximity to the surrounding rainforest and impressive views of the volcano make a stay here a one-of-a-kind experience.
There are a total of 18 luxuriously appointed tents (with a total of 29 complete by the end of 2020) within the camp, each blending harmoniously with nature. The camp is also designed with families in mind, with an en-suite master bedroom and the possibility to set up two single beds in the lounge space. 12 of the tents are also linked together with a covered walkway to accommodate two couples or a family of up to four children. Couples meanwhile, can experience utter privacy in standalone tents.
Every tent is air-conditioned, fitted with a decadent, over-sized tub and an indulgent four-poster bed. One of the greatest highlights is that each tent comes with a private plunge pool, with water fed from natural mineral hot springs. As if this wasn’t enough, each private tent is set high on a hill, offering uninterrupted views of the mighty Arenal Volcano.
The wider resort has plenty to do, with a swim-up bar, a welcome tent and a large family-friendly pool. The on-site, gourmet restaurant treats guests to a wide variety of local delicacies for breakfast and dinner. You can admire the breathtaking forest view from the terrace, or seek out the additional plunge pools, which are surrounded by dense forest and fed by the same mineral hot springs. For activities, guests can fill their day with whitewater rafting, canyoning, ziplining, canopy tours, volcano hikes or just spot the local sloths that call this area home.
Three days enjoying and exploring the Arenal
This beautiful and diverse region holds an abundance of incredible experiences for all to enjoy, from adrenalin adventure activities to more relaxed, leisurely walks and days at hot springs.
Arenal Sky Tram
Take a ride on a serene Sky Tram gondola as it soars smoothly through the rainforest, offering wonderful views of the Arenal volcano and the lake. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, the ride takes around 40 minutes with the possibility of short stops to take photographs or to spot a tropical birds.
Arenal's hanging bridges excursion
Embark on a private tour through the Arenal Reserve's suspension bridges and primary rainforest. This tour is both a fun and an educational way to get to know more about this and our natural environments. The trails you will be led through are designed for all levels of trekkers and cover about 3100m (10,170 feet) of the mountainous zone. The walking part of your tour is about 3km (1.9 miles) in length so you can admire the great diversity of flora and fauna found here.
Arenal Volcano Hike
The hike begins in one the trails close to the volcano, this trail will take you through the forest over recent lava flows and the area destroyed in 1968 now in the process of regeneration. The trail will give you the chance to spot the forest’s activity and unique flora whilst your guide points these out to you and explains about the reserve’s ecosystems, wildlife and the prominent effect of the volcano’s activity on the area.
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Tabacon Hot Springs
Relax in the natural and mineral-rich geothermal waters of Tabacon's hot springs.
Transfer
Private transfer from Arenal hotel to Guanacaste hotel
The Guanacaste Coast
Accommodation in The Guanacaste Coast
- 57 rooms, suites and casitas
- Infinity pool
- Restaurant and two bars
- Private beach
- Spa
- Gym
An impressive resort with a luxurious collection of accommodation categories, Punta Islita also has its own private beach and is well connected to the local villages.
Situated on the beautiful Guanacaste coast and western side of the Nicoya Peninsula this hotel comes with all the extensive facilities and modern amenities one expects yet avoids the insular feeling you sometimes get from other resorts. There are 57 rooms, suites and casitas to choose from. Deluxe rooms are spacious and have their own terrace with hammocks, the suites are similar but have their own deck with Jacuzzi and if you want an ocean view in either, you’ll have to specify this. The casitas are really quite charming and ideal for couples or for those looking for that extra bit of privacy with their own garden, plunge pool, and terrace.
As well as the choice of staying in the hotel’s casitas or villas, there is the private Islita beach with sun loungers and a frequent shuttle service to the Corozalato village and other local towns for guests who want to discover the region and perhaps indulge in some local artisanal shopping. The villas tend to be privately owned but rented out by the hotel with either two or three bedrooms, terraces, private plunge pool, garden and are a great option for families, groups or extended stays.
Stylish Pacifico Restaurant showcases the rich textures, vibrant colours, and flavours of Costa Rica, and the menu features fresh local ingredients reflecting the region’s diversity. For a laid-back meal, take a table at Los Cocos Beachfront Club.
There is a plentiful amount of local expeditions, adventure activities and workshops to enjoy and a spa, golf course and tennis courts to indulge in.
- 85 rooms
- Two Restaurants
- Spa and Gym
- Swimming pool
- Beach fronted
Even with 85 rooms El Mangroove still strikes a very boutique sort of style and atmosphere. Cool, contemporary design combined with a quiet position on the Papagayo Gulf, makes for a more personal alternative to the larger resorts of the area. It’s the epitome of relaxed barefoot chic.
The hotel’s range of suites have been decked out in a contemporary yet natural style, spread over three floors, affording every level a new tier of views of the surrounding mangrove trees. The property also fronts a dark-sand beach almost exclusively enjoyed by its guests, or you can take to relaxing on the sun loungers and cabanas surrounding its outdoor pool and lovely gardens.
There are a good variety of activities from fishing to yoga and surfing, and El Mangroove has two restaurants serving some excellent farm- and ocean-to-table dishes, ranging from Peruvian to Argentinean.
- 289 rooms and 21 suites
- Swimming pool
- Four restaurants and two bars
- Direct beach access
- Spa
- Fitness Centre
This spacious hacienda-style resort on the Guanacaste coast combines exclusive five-star luxury with beautiful seaside surroundings. Courtyards slung with hammocks, red brick and dark furniture give the hotel a local feel, and the 289 rooms and 21 suites have a typically “Tico” feel with marble bathrooms, and stunning views out over the beach and ocean.
With four restaurants, two bars and a coffee and ice cream shop, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining. Enjoy Italian-style dishes at Azul Grill, savour international cuisine made with local ingredients at Mansita Restaurant, satisfy your craving for something hearty at Sabanero Steak House, and treat yourself to contemporary Asian flavours at Tamarine. Azul Pool Bar specialises in refreshing natural cocktails and healthy light meals, and Nau Lobby Bar is the idea place to raise a glass at the end of a busy day. For a quick Costa Rican coffee or indulgent Italian ice cream, pop into Waves and Cream.
After a day of exploring, indulge in a treatment or two at the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool or stroll down to the beach. There are a variety of activity options for active guests. Head out into the countryside and go biking, hiking or horseriding, or spend your day at the beach jet skiing, kayaking, snorkelling sailing or surfing.
Three days enjoying the Guanacaste Coast
Pass the time relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches, or you may wish to indulge in some surf lessons, horse riding or other adventure activities for the thrill seekers. Your travel designer will be able to discuss with you the various tours available and book those best suited for you.
Snorkelling the Guanacaste Coast
Your guide will introduce you to the underwater world, where you'll discover the beauty that lies beneath the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the different creatures and species that inhabit these waters and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and turtles.
Surfing lesson
Costa Rica's long sandy beaches and warm water create an ideal environment for surf lessons. To learn how to surf all you need is the ability to swim and a good sense of humour.
The private lessons last two hours and include an introductory on-beach instruction, where you’ll learn the basic surfing techniques, as well as safety and etiquette. Once in the water, the instructor will guide you until you feel confident.
Transfer
Private transfer from Guanacaste hotel to San Jose airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
Get in touch
Luxury Family Adventure in Costa Rica
How we work
We have carefully selected some of the best regions in Costa Rica for adventure and activities for all the family to enjoy together, while travelling in style and luxury throughout. Enjoy a rafting ride over the ferocious Pacuare River rapids and once there, experience the sweet sound of birdsong and explore the magical natural world of the Pacuare rainforest. Arenal will satisfy those seeking out the thrill of adventure; from canopy tours, to zip lines, horse riding to volcano treks, there is much on offer. Finally end with some relaxing beach time and water-based activities on the Guanacaste Coast, a tropical paradise fringed by rainforest and coconut palm trees. All the carefully selected, exclusive and private tours allow you to take things at your own pace. There’s something in here for all members of the family! | Whats included?
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Days 1-2 |
San Jose |
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from San Jose airport to San Jose hotel |
|
|
Accommodation in San Jose
•
Xandari - $$$$$
Its innovative design and fun tropical decoration is what makes Xandari quite a one-off hotel...
•
Grano de Oro - $$$$$
This traditional and elaborate mansion in the city’s downtown district is surprisingly...
|
|
| Overnight in San Jose Enjoy your evening in this metropolitan capital city, relaxing at your hotel before or after your flight. You'll also have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this lively city. |
|
Days 2-5 |
Pacuare Reserve |
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Flights & transfers
Road and rafting transfer from San Jose to Pacuare Lodge |
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Accommodation in Pacuare Reserve
•
Pacuare Lodge - $$$$$
It could be the remote and unrivalled seclusion of Pacuare Lodge’s setting in 740 acres of...
|
|
| Three days at Pacuare Jungle Lodge During your stay here you will be able to experience a range of different activities to experience the magical, natural environment of the Pacuare Reserve. |
|
| Birdwatching in the Pacuare Reserve An expert naturalist guide will lead you from the Pacuare Lodge along a series of sites from which you can observe buzzing hummingbirds, dancing butterflies and exquisite tropical flowers. The area around the lodge is home to an extraordinary number of exotic bird species that include the Sun Bittern, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and a variety of colourful toucans. |
|
| Private canyoning and canopy tour at Pacuare Lodge Head off on a private canyoning and canopy tour today. The canopy tour starts with a relaxed twenty minute trek through the tropical rainforest to the first platform. Rappel down towering trees and slide along cables through the jungle for a true adrenaline rush. A thorough safety briefing is given alongside secure equipment, ensuring a safe and thrilling adventure. The canyoning tour then combines hiking, climbing and rappelling. Explore El Tesorito Creek Canyon for a great introduction to rappelling, as it includes six short rappels of between 2 and 20 meters (6-65 feet) which will prepare you for a final rappel of more than 30 meters (90 feet). Then continue hiking through the creek and the forest back to the lodge. |
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Flights & transfers
Rafting transfer from Pacuare Lodge |
|
Days 5-8 |
Arenal |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Siquirres to Arenal hotel |
|
|
Accommodation in Arenal
•
Tabacon - $$$$$
Tabacon is a beautiful and serene luxury hotel, located at the foot of the majestic Arenal...
•
Nayara Hotel and Gardens - $$$$$
Voted one of South America’s most romantic hotels, the Nayara is a fitting choice for those...
•
Nayara Tented Camp - $$$$$
Set in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Tented Camp is one of the only...
|
|
| Three days enjoying and exploring the Arenal This beautiful and diverse region holds an abundance of incredible experiences for all to enjoy, from adrenalin adventure activities to more relaxed, leisurely walks and days at hot springs. |
|
| Arenal Sky Tram Take a ride on a serene Sky Tram gondola as it soars smoothly through the rainforest, offering wonderful views of the Arenal volcano and the lake. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, the ride takes around 40 minutes with the possibility of short stops to take photographs or to spot a tropical birds. |
|
| Arenal's hanging bridges excursion Embark on a private tour through the Arenal Reserve's suspension bridges and primary rainforest. This tour is both a fun and an educational way to get to know more about this and our natural environments. The trails you will be led through are designed for all levels of trekkers and cover about 3100m (10,170 feet) of the mountainous zone. The walking part of your tour is about 3km (1.9 miles) in length so you can admire the great diversity of flora and fauna found here. |
|
| Arenal Volcano Hike The hike begins in one the trails close to the volcano, this trail will take you through the forest over recent lava flows and the area destroyed in 1968 now in the process of regeneration. The trail will give you the chance to spot the forest’s activity and unique flora whilst your guide points these out to you and explains about the reserve’s ecosystems, wildlife and the prominent effect of the volcano’s activity on the area. |
|
| Tabacon Hot Springs Relax in the natural and mineral-rich geothermal waters of Tabacon's hot springs. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Arenal hotel to Guanacaste hotel |
|
Days 8-11 |
The Guanacaste Coast |
|
Accommodation in The Guanacaste Coast
•
Hotel Punta Islita - $$$$$
An impressive resort with a luxurious collection of accommodation categories, Punta Islita...
•
El Mangroove - $$$$$
Even with 85 rooms El Mangroove still strikes a very boutique sort of style and atmosphere....
•
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa - $$$$$
This spacious hacienda-style resort on the Guanacaste coast combines exclusive five-star...
|
|
| Three days enjoying the Guanacaste Coast Pass the time relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches, or you may wish to indulge in some surf lessons, horse riding or other adventure activities for the thrill seekers. Your travel designer will be able to discuss with you the various tours available and book those best suited for you. |
|
| Snorkelling the Guanacaste Coast Your guide will introduce you to the underwater world, where you'll discover the beauty that lies beneath the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the different creatures and species that inhabit these waters and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and turtles. |
|
| Surfing lesson Costa Rica's long sandy beaches and warm water create an ideal environment for surf lessons. To learn how to surf all you need is the ability to swim and a good sense of humour. The private lessons last two hours and include an introductory on-beach instruction, where you’ll learn the basic surfing techniques, as well as safety and etiquette. Once in the water, the instructor will guide you until you feel confident. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Guanacaste hotel to San Jose airport |
