Question 1

Do you recommend travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend travel insurance. This insurance should cover travel cancellation, delays, and medical coverage in the case of an accident or injury. If you use your health insurer at home check to see if it will cover you while away and taking part in surfing and other adventure activities.

Question 2

What airport is best to fly into, and do you provide a shuttle service?"

Accepted Answer

All our packages include round-trip transportation to and from Liberia International Airport (LIR).
 
If you are not coming as part of a package, we can assist you with arranging safe and reliable transportation.

Question 3

What should we bring?

Accepted Answer

Valid passport
Boardshorts or bikini
Rashgaurd (wetsuit top if you get cold easy)
Small backpack for day trips
Sunblock and zinc – the best you can find!
Sunglasses
Hat
Sarong
Insect repellant
Toiletries(Toothpaste, toothbrush
Beach towel
Surfboard (if you have your own)
Sandals
Camera 
If you bring a GoPro we recommended to have floaty accessories
Spending money for outside activities, souvenirs, snacks, tips, etc.
Shampoo and conditioner – we highly recommend you bring all natural products if possible as our water ultimately runs back in to the ground water
Water bottle – clean filtered water is always available and having your own bottle will reduce our use of cups and plastic bottles. 
Waterproof jacket for any adventures on a rainy day (only from May to Mid-November)  
Basic first aid (Band-Aids, gauze, Aspirin, Neosporin, Imodium, anti-allergy)
Flashlight or headlamp
Light long pants
Light long sleeve shirt
One pair of sneakers or walking boots for outdoor activities 
Evening attire – bring along an outfit for going out in case you want to hit the nightlife in Tamarindo
Any medication you may require
A good book for down time

Question 4

Can I bring my own equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own equipment, especially for those Intermediate/Advanced surfers. For those who need equipment we do provide beginner surfboards and a small selection of short boards on hand.  if you can't find the one you like of are slection, you can rent one from a local surf shop.

Question 5

Where will we stay?

Accepted Answer

We will be staying at Playa Negra Surf Lodge.The surf lodge has 3 double stuido's with AC, Fan, small kitchens, safe ,Private bathrooms and TV with large movie selection( no cable or satellite TV).  The 2 other rooms that can accommodate 4 people in one and 5 people in the other these rooms have A/C, fan, private bathroom, TV with large movie selection( no cable or satellite TV), and a patio with full kitchen for the two rooms. The Property is within walking distance to the beach 9 min. WIFI is available on property.

Question 6

How big of a group can you accommodate?

Accepted Answer

We will cater to personalized groups of 1 – 15 people. This enables us to offer you a unique Pura Vida Costa Rican Experience, mixing in surfing with tours of the local area mingling with the amazing Costa Rican’s (Ticos) and their amazing local cultural attractions.

Question 7

What type of food is available, whats included?"

Accepted Answer

All your 3 meals are included in our package.We will be able to meet all your dietary needs. Breakfast, fresh fruit,and local typical breakfast consisting of eggs, gallo pinto(rice and beans), tortillas. Followed by brunch or lunch depending on activities. Dinners will be mixed between food at our lodge designed by our in house chef and eating out at local restaurants. Snacks are not included so bring some extra spending money to pick up some local snacks at the store.

Question 8

Are you able to cater for vegans, vegetarians or anyone with food allegies?"

Accepted Answer

We are able to cater to most dietary requirements as long as we have prior notice. Please specify any dietary requirements you may have when makeing reservation.

Question 9

Are all taxes included in the package price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we include all taxes in the price of our packages.

Question 10

What electric outlets are in the room?

Accepted Answer

The electrical outlets in the rooms are US and run on 110v

Question 11

Do we offer child rates?

Accepted Answer

Children under 12 pay 25% less. Under 3 years old 50% less.

Question 12

Where can I get a copy of my receipt after departure?

Accepted Answer

Please let the management team know when you are on site and then we will email you a copy of your receipt.

Question 13

What gratuity or tip do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a 10 -15% tip.

Question 14

What time is check in and Check out?

Accepted Answer

Check-in is at 3pm.
Check-out is at 11am.

Question 15

Directions from Airports

Accepted Answer

•Driving from San Jose airport to Playa Negra
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The shortest route: Start towards San Ramon until the Dos Pinos factory and turn left to get to route 27. Follow route 27 until Puntarenas (be careful there are speed camaras), then follow route 1 until the Delta gas station (at km 128 from the airport) then turn left on the road that will take you across the bridge on the Tempisque river. Then follow indications towards Nicoya and Santa Cruz.
 
Just after the traffic light in Santa Cruz you pass a metal bridge turn immediately to the left after the bridge following the signs to Playa Junquillal, Paraiso and others. After 17 km on a paved road, you will cross a bridge. Take the first turn to the left after the bridge and then the first turn to the right following signs to Paraiso and Playa Junquillal (you should see the first signs to Playa Negra too). After another 17 km on a paved road, you will reach Paraiso. At Paraiso's soccer fiels, turn right following the sign to Playa Negra, and after 4.5 km, on a smaller dirt road, you will arrive. We are right on the main street Playa Negra Surf Lodge.
 
•Driving from Liberia airport to Playa Negra 
 
Drive towards Santa Cruz. Just before the bridge at the entrance of Santa Cruz, turn right and follow the signs to Playa Junquillal, Paraiso and others. After 17 km on a paved road, you will cross a bridge. Take the first turn to the left after the bridge and then the first turn to the right following signs to Paraiso and Playa Junquillal (you should see the first signs to Playa Negra too).After another 17 km on a paved road, you will reach Paraiso. At Paraiso's soccer field, turn right following the sign to Playa Negra, and after 4.5 km, on a smaller dirt road, you will arrive. We are right on the main street, Playa Negra Surf Lodge.
 
•Driving from Tamarindo to Playa Negra 
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It will take you about 35 minutes through Villareal, San Jose de Pinilla and Playa Avellanas.

Question 16

What are my options of transportation to hotel, if I don't purchase a package?"

Accepted Answer

Airports in Costa Rica 
 
Liberia International Airport (LIB)
It is only 1h30 drive to our lodge. You can either rent a car at the airport or we can arrange a taxi pick up for $100 one way.
 
San Jose International Airport (SJO)
The drive from there to our lodge takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. You can rent a car at the airport or we can also arrange a taxi pick up to Playa Negra surf lodge for $250 one way.
 
Renta Car
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Renting a car gives you the freedom to make day trips to other beaches and to National Parks.
 4×4 is not a necessity but it makes travel more comfortable especially during the rainy season, from June to November. Car rental agencies are in San Jose (by the airport), Liberia and Tamarindo. Be Prepared to pay more of the amount you expect for insurance.
 
By Bus 
 
Two local bus lines leave San Jose to Santa Cruz. ALFARO and TRALAPA . They have almost an hourly schedule. Fare is about $ 12 and it takes approximately 4 hours.
Alfaro number is +(506)2222-2666 and Tralapa number is +(506)2221-7202.
 
From Santa Cruz a Taxi brings you for in 45 Minutes $40 (Don’t pay more) or we can also arrange taxi transportation for $40
There is one bus (folklorica) Santa Cruz to Playa Negra Monday to Saturday 11:30AM and 6PM / Sunday 11:30am
Grayline:  San Jose to Tamarindo $50, WIFi and AC on the bus +(506) 2220-2126 /+(506) 2291-2222
 
By Airplane
 
Sansa and Nature air flies daily to Tamarindo. 17 km north of Playa Negra. Fare is $115 per person phone number is +(506)2233-0397 or +(506)2233-3258 Call us to arrange transfer ($30) from Tamarindo.

If you do not find an answer to your specific question, Please send us an email

We are Happy to Help You!

If you do not find an answer to your specific question, Please send us an email

We are Happy to Help You!

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