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One of the world’s premier surfing destinations, Costa Rica’s warm water, consistent year-round surf and famous international surfing competitions make it a top notch choice for surfers in the know. Experience a variety of wave action including tubes, point breaks, reef breaks, shore breaks, walls, left and right breaking waves and more. In the past, chasing the good waves from beach to beach was challenging and often frustrating. Now you can follow
world class breaks
aboard our brand new boat,
Espiritu de Costa Rica
. Spend more of your trip catching waves, not buses.
We’ll be moving up and down the coast, stopping in protected anchorages near great wave spots. Using our 24 ft. panga, we take you to and from the breaks. Our Captain and on-board local surfing guide receive updated wind and wave height reports daily. The anchorages are selected based on the wave reports. This is truly the only way to hit the best and most secluded Costa Rica breaks. The more remote, the better! We promise you will not be spending a lot of time in a rental car missing the waves. And you won't have to worry about leaving valuables in the car you had to leave a mile from the beach.
The Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is generally the best from December through April. The Central and Southern Pacific Coasts are generally best from May through November. If this isn't the case, no worries. You won’t be locked into the wrong coastline during your visit.
Espiritu
will travel to the north or south Pacific coasts any time of year.
The boat has eight individually air conditioned guest cabins with three bunks in each. Each has a private bathroom with fresh water shower.
Espiritu
has plenty of room to store extra gear, including extra boards. There are heaps of 110v power outlets available for charging batteries, etc. We operate with a minimum crew of six who have separate quarters.
The trip includes:
"Chasing The Waves"
7 Days / 6 Nights on the brand new Espiritu de Costa Rica
Day 2 - Jaco, First Break
We pick you up at your hotel by 8:00 am and deliver you to the
Espiritu de Costa Rica
in Jaco. This is a relaxing scenic drive (less than three hours) in an air-conditioned shuttle. Jaco is a surfing town. If you need to rent one or more surf boards, one of the many surf shops in Jaco will have what you need. Our surf guide is always with you to assist or make recommendations. Join us for a BBQ on the observation deck before the boat sails around 1:00 pm. If we travel down the south Pacific coast, the first good break is about an hour away. If up the north Pacific coast, we will anchor at Caru National Park.
Day 3 through 5 - Break to Break to Break
We’ll be hanging off the coast of Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean, cruising to the best breaks each day. With 400 miles (639 kilometers) of Pacific coastline, the
Costa Rica surfing spots
have the country ranked #7 in the world as a surfing destination. Our Captain and surf guide receive updated wind, swell and surf reports daily. There is no fixed itinerary. Our position will change depending on surf conditions and our surfers’ experience level. As we move along the coast, we might find some totally unexpected rad waves. Since you are already offshore, it’s easy to catch one!
You can surf from sun up to sun down. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and snacks between meals. See our
sample menu
for more details. Complementary beer and wine is served with dinner.
The last day on the boat finds us surfing up to the last minute. We will set sail for home and have you back at the dock around 3:00 pm. There will be a shuttle waiting to take you back to your hotel near the San Jose airport. You’re on your own for dinner at one of the many restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
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San Jose pickup and return.
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Great meals throughout the week. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner.
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Snorkeling: Gear is aboard to take a dive over at anytime.
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Fishing Gear
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Local Surfing Guide.
A local surfer is aboard who knows each surf break. The guide's only concern is your surfing experience. He (or she) will explain the dangers and take-offs of each location and be in the water with you most of the time. Our guides are surf instructor-trained and surf-rescue trained.
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Park Entrance Fees. The Costa Rican ministry of national parks and conservation (MINAE) regulates access to the waters around national parks, whether for a personal trip or a commercial operator. Every passenger on every boat must have a prepaid ticket. Every commercial boat entering these waters must also have a current MINAE permit. Santa Rosa National Park (home of Witch's Rock & Ollie's Point) charges $15 per person aboard, whether they surf or not. Each park has different fees. Should we go to a beach within a National Park, we cover the entrance fees.
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Hammocks on the upper deck to veg out.
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Outdoor movies! Yep, we watch movies on the upper deck on our giant 12 foot movie screen. The crew will even pop popcorn if you ask.
Not included:
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Board rentals. For those not bringing their own, local
Jaco surf shops
have a wide selection of the latest board designs. Before boarding
Espiritu
, you can visit the surf shops, inspect your boards and make any last minute changes or additions.
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In-water photography. We meet up with a local photographer who is in the water capturing your action. These photographs are completely optional, but you will probably want them when you see them.
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Extra drinks. We provide an unlimited amount of water to drink, along with four soft drinks a day and either wine or beer with dinner. Beer, wine and mixed drinks (the frozen margaritas are excellent!) are available at the bar and will be put on your tab payable at the end of the trip. (A cold beer is 1 thousand colon, which is about $1.75 US).
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Shore excursions. Hey, there is actually more to do than surf in Costa Rica. There are National Parks full of birds, monkeys, sloths and crocs. How about zip lining through a rain forest on one of the many "canopy tours"? White water rafting and horseback riding outfits are readily available as well. Many of these attractions are located along the coast. We will coordinate with tour operators to get you to and from these destinations.
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Any food or drink you eat ashore. (But we would be happy to prepare a sack lunch upon request.)
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Airfare in and out of Costa Rica (duh!)
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Trip insurance. Not required, but recommended.
You Deserve A Big Break Today!
Day 7 - San Jose (departure)
Last free morning (depending on your return flight) to enjoy fabulous Costa Rica. Buy some presents for your loved ones at home. Breakfast is served on the hotel’s spacious outdoor patio. You can take the free shuttle service to San Jose International Airport for your flight home. The airport is only 10 minutes away, so traffic is never a problem.
Day 1 - Arrive in San Jose.
Bienvendio a Costa Rica
!
At Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), look for our driver who will be holding a sign for EcoQuest Tours. We head directly to the hotel, a refurbished 1920s mansion located in the tranquil city of Alajuela.
We think you will love this place as much as we do. With its polished wainscoting and old-style heavy wood doors, this historic landmark is a refreshing change from international chains with carbon copy rooms. Restaurants, shopping, banks and ATMs are an easy walk. Spend the afternoon shopping, visit the Juan Santamaria Museum and the theater (located just across the street) or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the Costa Rican hospitality.
You’re on your own for dinner tonight. Take in the Caribbean ambience and rich cultural heritage of Alajuela.
Day 6 - Puntarenas, San Jose