FAQ’s

Travel CR Includes:

- *Airfare to CR (with free extensions up to 6 months, prior to departure)
- 15 days in Costa Rica (the trip total is 16 days including travel time)
- Exclusive accommodations
- Transportation around Costa Rica
- Intro surfing and Spanish Lessons
- Zipline jungle trek in the cloudforest
- Tortuga Island boat trip
- White-water rafting
- All Inclusive sunset boat cruise on an 80ft catamaran
- Membership to the Surfrider Foundation
- 3 days at each location
- Fun and experienced trip leaders

CR Surf Camps Include:

- *Airfare to CR (with free extensions up to 6 months, prior to departure)
- Exclusive accommodations
- Transportation around Costa Rica
- 2-3 amazing locations (13day includes 3)
- Surboard rentals
- 1 on 1 Surf Coaching; morning progression lessons, afternoon freestyle clinics
- Technical review sessions
- Several isolated surf spots, waves for all levels of surfing.
- Introductory Spanish lessons
- Membership to the Surfrider Foundation
- 2 fun, responsible coaches to surf, explore and travel with.

Our Costa Rica surf camps are designed for beginner and intermediate surfers.  For those who want to focus on surfing and to take their current surfing ability to the next level, this is the trip for you. We stay on the coast for the duration of the trip, and we offer lessons and surf sessions with coaches every day.  Whether total beginner or intermediate, make the effort and you will see results, guaranteed.
There are also many other activities available in each location we visit, however they are not included in the trip price.

Travel CR is designed for those wanting to experience a variety of different places and activities that Costa Rica has to offer.  Jungles, mountains, rivers, wildlife, cloud-forests, beaches, and a ton of activities, this is THE Costa Rica adventure experience.  Most of the spots we will be visiting have surfing available, and the guides will be happy to give you some lessons.

During our surf camps we visit 2-3 locations, and during our Travel CR adventure trips we visit 5+ locations. We have done lots of research to bring you to the absolute best places that Costa Rica has to offer.

We ensure our leaders are well trained and have more than adequate travel knowledge and experience to handle emergencies. All our leaders have the following skills, training and qualifications:

• Knowledge of the country in question
• Hospital locations
• Passport offices
• Police stations
• Emergency airports
• Speak the local language
• Ability to teach surfing basics
• Has obtained at least basic first aid, other courses are an asset
• Bronze Cross
• Bronze Medallion

We also ensure they have the following characteristics:

• Approachable
• Practical and responsible
• Healthy and in good physical shape
• Entertaining
• Has had past experience being a leader/guide

A 14-16 person maximum per trip keeps the groups small and personal, this is not a 40 person "bus tour". In fact we like to shy away from using the word “tour” at all. This is especially not a Contiki or GAP tour; we pride ourselves on offering something completely different. Think of it as backpacking without any hassles. We guarantee the absolute best hostels/ hotels/B&Bs/ bungalows, activities, and a degree of flexibility such that any activity that you have on your mind, your guides will help you make it happen. It's a completely unique way to travel.

We offer something new and exciting everyday, but it is your time and decision whether or not to join us. If you would like to; hang out on the beach or by the pool, go surfing or swimming, spend some time at the spa, go on a hike, go shopping or horseback riding instead, soccer or volleyball...chasing girls/ boys down the beach? No worries at all, it is your experience for you to make the most of.

As of 2010 we have had five amazing seasons in Costa Rica. We have been receiving great reviews for all of our trips and demand is increasing every year. Every season, trips are often sold out 120-180 days prior to departure. We try to accommodate everyone who is interested in travelling with us, but in order to keep our quality standard at its best, when a trip date is full (16pax) we cannot accommodate anymore people for that specific date. That being said, we recommend securing a spot on your desired trip date to ensure that it does not become fully booked.

You definitely will not be the only solo traveller on the group. We have quite a few people who come alone. It gives them the opportunity to travel with 10-14 others from across Canada and the freedom to go off on their own whenever they want to go exploring

We provide trips for anyone ages 18-30. We have had a few exceptions to the rule, just ask.

The average trip breaks down into the following.
Solo 40%
Friends (2-3) 40%
Couples 20%

The ratio for guys to girls vary on every trip so it would be hard to give you an exact answer. If we were to make a rough estimate based on past trips, we would have to say 60: 40.

Definitely not.  A little common sense and repellent go a long way

All of our accommodations are clean, well maintained and always in the greatest possible locations. We never stay in rustic hotels or run-down hostels.  Our past travellers have all been very impressed with our chosen accommodations.  In each destination you will always have clean bathrooms, clean sheets and comfy beds. Every place we stay in is close to all the hotspots around that location. Depending on the location, our accommodation style ranges from beachside bungalows to hotels with A/C. We have explored every town thoroughly to ensure we are staying in the most exclusive accommodations possible.

Never fear, the comforts of home are here. All of our accommodations have flush toilets and a most of them have hot showers. Now that’s living large (although really, hot showers are so unnecessary in the tropics).

Yup, you will be sharing a room but don’t fret, we give everyone the option of selecting their roomies of preference at the time of registration. Most rooms sleep between 2 and 4 people, and you will only share a room with other Beach Travellers, no strangers. If you prefer your own room throughout the trip, please contact us and we can price it out for you.

Every location we visit has access to the internet, usually high speed ADSL. It is also very affordable @ 10-15 cents a minute.

Most grocery stores sell international phone cards and it is possible to use them from any payphone. The come in $2, $5, $10 and $20 cards, we recommend buying a $5 which will last 15-20 minutes when calling Canada. We can help you with the language barrier on the cards but they are pretty straight forward.

Bell Mobility, Rogers and TELUS and Fido offer some voice, text messaging, and data services in Costa Rica, depending on your plan. We recommend you check with your service provider and confirm your available roaming areas and rates.

Travel days should be fun, scenic, and comfortable, not sweaty and stressful.  We travel in comfortable minivans with A/C, rental SUVs and private boat charters, so you can kick back, grab a drink, and enjoy the ride.

We try to have something for the group to do every day, whether it is an activity included in the trip or something we recommend. However, please remember that this is your vacation and you should always feel free to explore this exotic country on your own at any time, no worries.

Trips are filling up faster and faster every year. To ensure the quality of each trip there is a maximum of only 14 spots available. In the past, trips have filled 4-8 months prior to departure.

No! You do not need to know how to surf to partake in any of the trips we provide. These trips are designed with beginner surfers in mind. If one of your goals is to learn to surf during your time spent in CR, with a little determination we can ensure we will have you on your feet and riding waves by the end of the trip.  If you are looking to get your fix on some head high – overhead slabs, we have everytype of wave available for those who can surf.

We keep travel days to a minimum so you can enjoy your time seeing and experiencing the country instead of being stuck on a hot local bus. On a typical travel day we will be departing around 9-10am so we can arrive in our next location in the early afternoon. The maximum time spent travelling from location to location is 6 hours, and we always have A/C and good music along the way.  Just look out the window,  the scenery is unreal!

Although we cannot guarantee perfect sunshine every day, for a majority of the trip that is what you can expect. It is sunny 90% of the mornings and if it is going rain, it is going happen in the afternoon or at night. Often a storm will come to shore with a warm tropical rain, rain hard for about for about an hour or two and shortly after that the sun will be out shining again.  These tropical downpours are actually very enjoyable.  Sit back in a hammock and enjoy.

At many of the locations we visit English is very prevalent and so is some French. However in some situations, such a ordering meal or bartering with locals it is good to know a little Spanish.  Your guides will teach you the basics.

We recommend that if you would like to learn to surf you should know how to swim, at least a little bit. It will really help you learn faster, but it isn’t completely necessary.

Cuisine in Costa Rica is unlike anywhere in the world, and there is every type of food imaginable. Fresh seafood, amazing tropical fruit, French, Italian, Japanese, you name it. The traditional Costa Rican dish is rice and beans served with either chicken, fish, eggs, beef, or pork. Trust us, it’s tasty. 

Costa Ricans are very proud of their food and take great consideration into making each and every meal as authentic and delicious as possible.  Dining out is a great experience in itself down here, and by the end of your trip you will be ordering your meal like a local. The cool breeze, the sunset and the sounds of the waves crashing up onto the beach genuinely make you appreciate your meal even more!

Its really simple, just follow these two steps:
1. Complete the Online Reservation Form. Once that is complete you will be sent a reservation confirmation.

2. Now its time for payment. First things first, we need an initial$200 deposit to hold your spot. Once we have that all sorted out we will send out your  info package outlining your payment schedule, our newsletter, waiver, health advisories and a recommended packing list via email.

A flight confirmation will be issued 45 days prior to departure, outlining all the details for your specific trip and covering everything you need prior to heading out

Your sure do! You will receive our fancy Beach Travellers Guidebook approximately 30-60 days before departure.  Now this is no ordinary book, oh no, this is a book that we have been building for years and it contains all of the information, tips and details that you will need to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime. If you would like to see something before that date just email us and we’ll fire over a digital version!

Topics covered include:

• A complete schedule of the trip from start to finish;
• Comprehensive details on what is included and options that are available to you;
• A description and history of each town we will be visiting, along with detailed maps showing restaurants, grocery stores, nearby beaches, ATMs & banks, nightclubs & bars, yoga sanctuaries, cafes, surf shops & surf breaks and much, much more.
• A section of useful local phrases, details on the local currency exchange rate and a feature on a few regional dishes.

Don’t sweat it. A recommended packing list will be sent out to you with your pre-trip package. If you would like to see something earlier just email us and we’ll fire over a digital version!

We strongly recommend a 50-70litre-travel backpack. Travelling with a suitcase can become a bit of a pain when moving around all of the locations we visit throughout the country, such as travelling from boats to beaches.

Everyone departing out of the same city will be on the same flight schedule, unless you are booking your own flights. The main hub airports for flights to and from Costa Rica are Houston, Atlanta, and Miami. We’ll have a Facebook discussion group setup for each trip, so you can get to know the other travellers before departing, and usually groups will arrange to meet up in one of the hub airports.  The real meeting point is at the airport in Costa Rica, where your trip leaders will be awaiting you.

All of our accommodations have been well sought out and we can assure you that your valuables are safe in your rooms. That being said, we cannot protect you from theft at all times and again, this is where some common sense goes a long way. If you are worried about something being lost or taken, simply leave it with the front desk where they will can secure it in their safe until you come back to retrieve it.

There are several steps to the process, from the time of booking until you step off the plane.

1. Online Reservation - You will receive a reservation confirmation. Please fill out all of the necessary deposit and spot security information.
2. Initial Deposit - A deposit confirmation and account info containing; a payment schedule, health advisories and a recommended packing is free to download on your account. Just use your username/ password to log in.
3. The next few steps pertain to the Payment Plan if you haven't already taken care of your balance in full.
   All our trips are set up the same way:
• Initial Deposit due on sign up ($200)
• Payment #1 due 120 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Payment #2 due 105 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Payment #3 due 75 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Final Payment due 60 days prior to departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
4. Final Payment - You will receive a final email 55 days prior to departure that will contain a zero balance. Unless you have an additional amount owing for location/ departure date changes.
5. Flight Confirmation - A flight confirmation will be issued 50 days prior to departure that will contain all of the flight arrangements for your specific trip. It will also contain all of the information you will need prior to departure.
6. Airfare Difference (If Applicable) A difference in airfare will be sent out to you via email containing the additional balance. We would prefer if that balance were taken care of within 3-5 business days so we can close the file in our record. A final email containing a zero balance will be sent to you upon completion of the payment.

If you enjoy running/ jogging, then yes, we would highly recommend bringing your shoes.

The plug outlets are the same as traditional North American outlets. The voltage is also the same with the exception of the electric razor plug in found in most bathrooms -  It has fried a few hair dryers in the past, please do not use it.

A free extension is possible for up to 3 months in Costa Rica, some people never come back! 60 days prior to departure, a request for an extension is free of charge. Some specific dates such as weekends and holidays may cause an addition to the traveller's original airfare. Please be sure to inform us of the date you wish to return in your online reservation or via email.

Sure, but it’s up to you to make those arrangements with the airline directly. And don’t forget, there are usually fees associated with making changes and these again are up to you to pay out of pocket.

100%!! We don’t exclude globetrotters who may be coming to hang with us after being on the on the road for days, weeks or even months. For all of our trips you can meet up with us from anywhere in the world, but again, it’s up to you to make all your flight arrangements. If you are joining us from somewhere outside of North America you will pay for only the LAND ONLY portion of the tour, and book your own flights.

If you plan on departing out of another city/country just let us know 60 days prior to departure and we will be able to help you arrange this. Please keep in mind that there may be additional fees associated with creating a special itinerary.

Airfare differences vary from city to city across the country. Anyone can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 in additional airfare depending on their departure city.

Complete details on your payment options are listed under the PAYMENT INFO tab. We accept any of the following:

• * PayPal (Credit Card)
• Interact Email Money Transfer
• TD Bank Deposit
• In person

*Please be aware paypal has a credit card processing fee associated with it for payments. Deposits are FREE of charges.

The easiest way to make payments for the trip is definitely by using an Interact Email Money Transfer. It’s simple and easy for anyone that has online banking to make a secure online transfer. Just follow the steps below

1. Sign in to your online banking
2. Click Transfers
3. Select Interac Email Money Transfer or Send Money
4. Fill out the required information
• Recipient Name: Beach Travellers Inc.
• Recipient Email: payment@beachtravellers.com
• Amount: Fill in Required amount
5. Create one of the following Security Questions and Answers:
• Q: What country do currently I live in?
• A: Canada


• Q: What is used to unlock a door?
• A: Key


• Q: What is my last name?
• A: Your last name

Yes, please see the paypal option on our “payment info” page.

If you got em’ use em! You’ll have to make these arrangements on your own and you will pay for the LAND only portion of the tour.

All deposits are non-refundable. The reason for this is to protect against losses from trip cancellations and to ensure fairness to our travellers who are on waitlists.  Sometimes when travellers are on a waitlist they make the choice to move on and join us in the following season or they opt to go on another date. Then when a confirmed traveller has to make a cancellation for whatever reason we are at a loss because the spot that was once in high demand is now empty.

We have set up a Payment Plan to help you in making your travel dreams become a reality, By breaking up the total cost of the trip you can stress less and plan more.
All our trips are set up the same way:

• Initial Deposit due on sign up ($200)
• Payment #1 due 120 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Payment #2 due 105 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Payment #3 due 75 days before departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)
• Final Payment due 60 days prior to departure (1/4 of your trip total including taxes)

 

We will send you a final invoice 60 days prior to departure, showing your zero balance, unless of course you have any outstanding amounts owing. Any airfare changes must be paid within 3-5 business days of receiving your invoice.

All of the 'differences in airfare', will be issued and emailed 55days prior to departure, Typically 5 business days after the flight confirmation has been issued.

We strongly recommend that everyone on the trip bring a debit card to make withdrawals from ATMs. Every bank machine in Costa Rica distributes both Costa Rican Colones and US Dollars, both are widely accepted forms of currency.

Credit cards are accepted in very few restaurants, typically the more expensive restaurants. However, credit cards are always good to have in case of emergency.
Travellers’ cheques are becoming history and are difficult to get exchanged. So although this may have been a user-friendly way in the past we would recommend the debit and credit card option.

The local currency is called the Costa Rican Colone and one Canadian dollar is equal to 500 Colones. The American dollar is widely used and accepted throughout the country and trades at 520 Colones per US dollar.

All banks are different and have different service charges.  We recommend you check with your bank on its withdrawal and conversion charges before you head abroad.  When you do decide to hit the bank we recommend withdrawing enough to last you at least 5-7 days.  It’s totally safe to carry $200-$500 US on you so long as you’re not flashing it around.  Keep your cash stored in a safe place, such as your room.

We recommend $20-30 a day for the average person. This amount varies depending on your food, shopping and nightlife activities.

Sadly, this has happened before in the past and the reality is that it can become quite a mission for you to get a new one. If your passport is lost or stolen you must travel to the Canadian embassy in San Jose to get a replacement one, and the process takes about 48 hours.  None of this is fun or easy and can truly be avoided by using some simple common sense and organization. We strongly recommend you guard your passport with your life!

Second-hand surfboards range from $100-$400 depending on size, age, shaper, condition and quality of the board. An average second-hand board will cost around $250. Brand new boards range from $500-$900.  Your guides can help you pick out the right board for you if you are shopping for one.

If surfing is something you plan on continuing to do at home or on your next trip, then we would recommend purchasing a board. When you are at the initial stages of learning to surf you will not notice too much of a difference between boards, but as you progress changes can cause you to fall back a few steps. It is like switching your stance on a snowboard, it is a noticeable change and it takes a few days of getting used to, which in turn may slow your progress. However, it is nice to be able to switch it up everyday for new shapes and sizes until you find something that suits you and your ability.

We fly with two different airlines to CR, Continental and Delta. Continental charges a standard $150US each way and Delta charges $300US each way. You can see how this might effect your decision to rent vs purchase a board down there.

Surf lessons are free. Beach Travellers CR Surf Camps provides lessons throughout each day for the duration of the trip. During Travel CR we provide surf lessons at specific times during the trip as a group. If you would like to have a 1 on 1 surf lesson with one of your trip leaders please feel free to ask at anytime.

The only way to ensure a spot on our trips is to complete the Online Reservation Form and slam down that $200 deposit.  It’s power in numbers, once you receive your deposit confirmation forward it onward to them and they’ll see this time you’re serious.  99% of the time, they’ll follow suit.

YES! When you signed up and submitted your liability release you agreed to get valid travel medical coverage for the duration of your trip. You will be turned away from the trip without it. WE DO NOT ACCEPT travellers without out it. Proof of insurance is required prior to departure and again at the beginning of the trip.

We also recommend trip cancelation and interruption insurance.

Contact us and we can recommend a few.
Required: Valid Medical Coverage

Suggested: Trip Interruption/ Cancelation Insurance

Yes, it definitely is. Costa Rica has great infrastructure and proper water treatment systems.  However, the tap water does not taste like the tap water at home. Bottled water is available everywhere and is very cheap.

We recommend that all of your vaccinations have been received at least 21 days prior to departure. Please check with you nearest travel clinic for vaccinations.
Below are a few recommendations for your health and awareness.

• Hepatitis A & B (Recommended)
• Typhoid (Recommended)
• Tetanus (Optional)
• Rabies (Optional)

While we have NEVER had a traveller get ill while with us, we do recommend that you take all the proper precautions.