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Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating self-drive adventure through Costa Rica with the "Surf Costa Rica, Self-drive" tour. Begin your journey in the vibrant capital of San José, exploring its museums and historic neighborhoods. Then, head to the renowned surf haven of Tamarindo Beach, where consistent waves and a lively nightlife await. Continue to Jaco Beach, famous for its surf spots and bustling activities, before venturing to the rugged and untamed beauty of Dominical. Enjoy the freedom of a rented 4x4 Toyota Fortuner, with unlimited mileage, as you traverse these stunning coastal destinations. With comfortable accommodations ranging from 3-star to 4-star hotels and daily breakfasts included, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. ...more ...less
Highlights
San Jose: Visit museums, the European-inspired National Theatre, and stroll through historic neighborhoods.
Tamarindo Beach: A hip nightlife and a variety of waves, hailed as one of the best surf destinations on the northern Pacific coast.
Jaco Beach: The most well-known destination for surfers from all across the country, with plenty of restaurants and activities.
Dominical: Rugged, wild, and untamed, ideal for the adventurous traveler with uncrowded beaches and beautiful landscapes.
The 2-kilometer stretch of brownish shoreline at Tamarindo offers wondrous breakers.
Consistent rides at Tamarindo keep travelers coming back throughout the year.
Explore the lush, gorgeous region of South Puntarenas for a more secluded and quiet vacation.
Your Costa Rican adventure begins on arrival to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José. Our representative will meet and greet you and then direct you to your transport, which will drop you off at your hotel in San Jose for your first night in Costa Rica.
Overnight in San José
Day 2
:
San José – Tamarindo (265 Km – 4.5 Hrs)
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo or Tamarindo Diría
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to start your tour today. Meet the car rental representatives at the lobby of your hotel in San José. Then drive your rental car to Tamarindo. Located in the North Pacific, the Tamarindo area is a destination that was made based on Surfing, after the publication of the film "Endless Summer" by Bruce Brown in 1966, this small town of Guanacaste become a beach destination in it is called Golden Coast of Costa Rica. Near Tamarindo you can find many nearby spots, such as Langosta beach, Playa Grande, Playa Negra, and Roca Bruja among others. The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 32º C, with two well-marked seasons, the dry season (November - April) is dry, hot and sunny, with very little humidity which makes the atmosphere very pleasant and the rainy season ( April - October), with a characteristic that the mornings are sunny and in the afternoon there are great downpours that come from the interior of the country towards the coast, many times these characteristics produce spectacular sunsets, in this season the forest is green and abundant. Check in your selected hotel in Tamarindo.
Overnight in Tamarindo
Day 3
:
Tamarindo
Location: Tamarindo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Tamarindo or Tamarindo Diría
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the Hotel. Leisure day in the Tamarindo to enjoy the beach, the waves and explore the area on your own.
Overnight in Tamarindo
Day 4
:
Tamarindo – Jacó (235 Km – 4 Hrs)
Location: Jacó
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terraza del Pacífico or Océano Boutique Hotel & Gallery
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure to Jacó. Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose and one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a strip of 2.5 miles (4 km), with world famous spots such as Playa Hermosa, which even hosted a Surfing World Championship organized by ISA in 2009. With waves suitable for beginners and experts, numerous services and an active nightlife, Jacó is an excellent option for the practice of this fantastic sport.
Overnight in Jacó.
Day 5
:
Jacó
Location: Jacó
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terraza del Pacífico or Océano Boutique Hotel & Gallery
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at the hotel and enjoy this day in Jaco surfing, resting or continuing to discover corners of Jaco as El Miro which is an access to the mountain where you will have a spectacular view of Jaco. But not only that, on the way you could find monkeys, frogs, toucans and barnacles in their natural environment, in addition to decorated walls and many graffiti, seriously, they are many, you can also enjoy a bike ride, but not just any Bike, the preferred one is "Banana" or just marvel at a sunset, look for the place you prefer, from the balcony of a hotel, from the mountain, from your table in a restaurant or just sitting on the sand, and enjoy this show Free nature offers you. There is no sunset like this and I assure you that the ones in Playa Jaco have a magical touch that you will love.
Overnight in Jacó.
Day 6
:
Jacó
Location: Jacó
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Terraza del Pacífico or Océano Boutique Hotel & Gallery
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take advantage of this last day in Jacó, after breakfast at the hotel, relax on the beach or surfing or drive to the Carara National Park. Here you can discover the natural wealth that this park hides, such as the variety of dry and wet forest species, since it is a transition type forest, or marshes that turn each landscape into an incomparable scenic beauty. You can also observe various species of reptiles, such as crocodiles that measure up to three meters long and that can be observed in the Grande de Tárcoles River, or water birds such as pink herons or needle ducks, among many others.
Overnight in Jacó
Day 7
:
Jacó – Dominical (110 Km – 1.5 Hrs)
Location: Dominical
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Diuwak or Villas Río Mar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure to your next destination, Playa Dominical in the exotic South Pacific. Dominical is a beach town in the South Pacific of the province of Puntarenas. It is surrounded by tropical forest and its population is extremely small. Its beach, characterized by its strong waves and open sea, measures around 2 kilometers and is on the banks of the mouth of the Barú River. It is famous for its great waves throughout the year and is well known by most surfers in Costa Rica. The town began as a small fishing village, but has grown to become a well-known Costa Rican tourist destination, especially for surfers.
Overnight in Dominical
Day 8
:
Dominical
Location: Dominical
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Diuwak or Villas Río Mar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the Hotel. Leisure days in Dominical to enjoy the beach, the waves and explore the area on your own.
Overnight in Dominical.
Day 9
:
Dominical
Location: Dominical
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Diuwak or Villas Río Mar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. If you need a break from the waves, the Dominical coasts also have dense tropical rain forests, which are excellent for hiking. Home of several waterfalls and caves where you will have an unforgettable experience.
Overnight in Dominical
Day 10
:
Dominical – San José (210 Km – 4 Hrs)
Location: San José
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy your last breakfast in Costa Rica and then check out and in advance drive to the point of return of the rental car, which we will indicate on the day of delivery of the rental car and take the flight to your next destination
What's Included
Meals
9 breakfasts are included during your stay.
Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transportation from the airport to your hotel on Day 1.
Car Hire
Rented 4x4 Toyota Fortuner with unlimited mileage, insurance, and emergency contact service from Day 2 to Day 10.
Meet and Greet
Meet and greet service on Day 1.
Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes are included.
What's Not Included
Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
Airport Taxes
Airport taxes are not included.
Airport Porterage
Airport porterage is not included.
Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
International Flights and Visa Fees
International flight tickets or visa fees and local taxes are not included.
Gratuities
Gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen, wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc), petrol deposit 100 USD; refunded when returning full. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transportation from the airport to your hotel on Day 1, and a rented 4x4 Toyota Fortuner with unlimited mileage, insurance, and emergency contact service from Day 2 to Day 10.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 3-star hotels like Park Inn in San José, Wyndham Tamarindo, Terraza del Pacífico, and Diuwak, to 4-star hotels like Presidente, Tamarindo Diría, Océano Boutique Hotel & Gallery, and Villas Río Mar.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.r> ...more ...less
Please Note
The minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years
All drivers must have a valid driver's license
The person who signs the contract must have an international credit card, Visa or Master Card, AMEX
Pick-up service at the San José Airport is 24 hours
Pick-up service at the Liberia Airport are from Monday to Sunday, 05:00 to 21:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times are subject to a surcharge.
Pick-up hours at other locations are from Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 17:00 hrs
All pick-up times at other locations will be set according to the office hours.
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 24 hours of incident
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
Deposit by credit card: Visa or Master Card only
Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice
For self-guided visits, you must pay your entrance fee directly at the front desk of each park or attraction
Recommended arrival before 14:00 hrs.
Recommended departure time after 15 hrs.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San José:
Standard Hotel Category = Park Inn or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Presidente or similar 4*
Day 2-3 Tamarindo:
Standard Hotel Category = Wyndham Tamarindo or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Tamarindo Diriá or similar 4*
Day 4-6 Jacó:
Standard Hotel Category = Terraza del Pacífico or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Océano Boutique Hotel & Gallery or similar 4*
Day 7-9 Dominical:
Standard Hotel Category = Diuwak or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Villas Río Mar or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group A = Toroya Fortuner Automatic w/o AC or similar
Check out our Q&As
What type of vehicle is provided for the self-drive tour?
A rented 4x4 Toyota Fortuner with unlimited mileage, insurance, and emergency contact service is provided from Day 2 to Day 10.
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, 9 breakfasts are included during your stay.
What kind of accommodation options are available during the tour?
Accommodation options range from 3-star hotels like Park Inn in San José, Wyndham Tamarindo, Terraza del Pacífico, and Diuwak, to 4-star hotels like Presidente, Tamarindo Diría, Océano Boutique Hotel & Gallery, and Villas Río Mar.
What activities can I do in Jaco?
In Jaco, you can enjoy surfing, resting, or exploring places like El Miro for spectacular views and wildlife. You can also enjoy a bike ride, marvel at the sunset, or visit Carara National Park to see various species of reptiles and birds.
What should I bring for the tour in Costa Rica?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent are also useful.
What are the requirements for renting a vehicle?
The minimum age to rent a vehicle or be a driver is 21 years. All drivers must have a valid driver's license and an international credit card (Visa, Master Card, or AMEX).
What is the pick-up service availability at the airports?
Pick-up service at the San José Airport is available 24 hours. At the Liberia Airport, it is available from Monday to Sunday, 05:00 to 21:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
What happens if I return the rental car earlier than the agreed drop-off date?
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
Are there any specific recommendations for arrival and departure times?
It is recommended to arrive before 14:00 hrs and to depart after 15:00 hrs.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
...more ...less
Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Surf Costa Rica, Self-drive (On Request)
10 Days Starting and ending in San José, Costa Rica
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Near Tamarindo you can find many nearby spots, such as Langosta beach, Playa Grande, Playa Negra, and Roca Bruja among others. The climate is tropical, with an average temperature of 32º C, with two well-marked seasons, the dry season (November - April) is dry, hot and sunny, with very little humidity which makes the atmosphere very pleasant and the rainy season ( April - October), with a characteristic that the mornings are sunny and in the afternoon there are great downpours that come from the interior of the country towards the coast, many times these characteristics produce spectacular sunsets, in this season the forest is green and abundant. Check in your selected hotel in Tamarindo. </p><p><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo</strong></p><p></p>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 3: TAMARINDO","name":"Tamarindo","description":"<p>Breakfast at the Hotel. Leisure day in the Tamarindo to enjoy the beach, the waves and explore the area on your own.</p><p><strong>Overnight in Tamarindo</strong></p><p></p>","lat":"10.297572","lng":"-85.841153"},{"title":"Day 4: TAMARINDO – JACÓ (235 Km – 4 hrs)","name":"Jacó","description":"<p>Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure to Jacó. Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose and one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a strip of 2.5 miles (4 km), with world famous spots such as Playa Hermosa, which even hosted a Surfing World Championship organized by ISA in 2009. 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But not only that, on the way you could find monkeys, frogs, toucans and barnacles in their natural environment, in addition to decorated walls and many graffiti, seriously, they are many, you can also enjoy a bike ride, but not just any Bike, the preferred one is \"Banana\" or just marvel at a sunset, look for the place you prefer, from the balcony of a hotel, from the mountain, from your table in a restaurant or just sitting on the sand, and enjoy this show Free nature offers you. There is no sunset like this and I assure you that the ones in Playa Jaco have a magical touch that you will love.</p><p><strong>Overnight in Jacó.</strong></p><p></p>","lat":"9.614184","lng":"-84.627848"},{"title":"Day 6: JACÓ","name":"Jacó","description":"<p>Take advantage of this last day in Jacó, after breakfast at the hotel, relax on the beach or surfing or drive to the Carara National Park. 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