Compare Del Mar Surf Camp by Waterways Travel vs Costa Rica: Family Volunteer Adventure by Discover Corps
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Trip |
2 | Disappointing
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 1,875 | $ 2,995 |
Price Per Day | $ 268 | $ 374 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Retreats | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A |
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
Description |
Jaco Beach is perfect for beginning surfers with its gentle surf and sandy beaches, while Playa Hermosa is more exposed to swell and the surf is better suited for intermediate and experienced surfers. This region has consistent swell and a variety of spots from beach breaks, reefs, river mouths and left points. Combine easy beach access with tropical weather, good surf, friendly people, quality accommodations and you understand what a surf trip to this region of Costa Rica is all about. |
Visit rainforests, pristine beaches, volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife rescue centers. A family vacation to Costa Rica that will inspire, delight and make a difference. Renowned for its world-class abundance of wildlife and for being the “happiest country on earth”, Costa Rica is unrivaled in its natural beauty. From the lush rainforests teeming with monkeys, sloths and toucans to its splendid palm-fringed beaches, there are many sides of Costa Rica to explore. |
Surf
This area has a wide variety of surf suitable for every level of ability from beginner to superstar. The variety is one of the major elements that attract surfers to Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa.
The spots from Jaco to Playa Hermosa face southwest and pick up every hint of south swell hitting Central America.
Playa Jaco is about 2.5 miles of beach breaks from north to south. Playa Jaco has accommodation from hostels to Five Star hotels, bars, restaurants, surf shops and a fun scene. The surf is generally bigger on the north end of the beach, but conditions vary with sandbars, tide, etc. One of two accommodation options provided by Del Mar Surf Camp, the Hotel Club del Mar is at the south end of Jaco Beach, and overlooks the whole scene.
Between Jaco and Playa Hermosa, Roca Loca is one of the most challenging waves in the area: A right breaking off a big rock, into more rocks. This place can handle big swells from the west, and is best on a low tide coming up.
Around the corner from Jaco and facing directly into the southern ocean, Playa Hermosa is three miles of beach, with a variety of beach breaks, reefs and even a river mouth.
From North to South, there is a hollow right called “Terraza”, a consistent sandbar called “Backyard”, a right and left peak named “Almendro”, a deep water peak called “Corners”, “Cabinas Las Olas”, “The Gate”, “Gullys”, “The Tree” and the river mouth break at Tulin.
Beyond Playa Hermosa, Del Mar Surf Camp will take guests as far south as Quepos. This area has a couple of known breaks such as “Esterillos” that is a beach break with lava rock fingers along the bottom that picks up even more swell than Hermosa. Further south, “Bejuco” is a very powerful and hollow beach break.
It is roughly 40 miles from Jaco Beach to Quepos, so this area offers a lot of surf spots and a lot of consistent swell in a few miles of readily accessible coastline.
Day 1:
Meals: Dinner
You’ll be met at the airport by your Discover Corps host who will accompany you to our hotel in the town of Ciudad Quesada, a cattle-raising town in the central highlands. (D)
Day 2:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Immerse yourself in a rural community and experience their typical way of life. Enjoy a dance presentation and demonstration of traditional agricultural methods. Spend some time assisting on a reforestation project, and then return to town to learn how to cook one of Costa Rica’s most famous dishes.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a hands-on program learning about the cacao bean - the source of chocolate and cocoa. This bean has played an important role in Costa Rican history. Learn the story of this crop - from harvesting, production, to savoring a delicious treat! After a delicious lunch, then soak in the natural thermal hot springs at the base of Arenal volcano. Overnight in Monteverde.
Day 4:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, head out to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve where we will hike along hanging bridges that skirt the rainforest canopy. This is one of the most biodiverse regions of Costa Rica with over 90% virgin rainforest. For adventurous travelers, you can continue on to an optional 15 cable zip line. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing night hike through the forest with a naturalist guide being on the lookout for nocturnal creatures.
Designed for Families
Children of all ages have a deep connection with nature, and Costa Rica is the perfect place to nurture this passion. This trip was designed especially for families and intergenerational groups. Our small groups of approximately 16 people ensure personalized service and intimate wildlife encounters. All activities have been designed to be interactive and engaging. To accommodate the whims of children, most hotels are located walking distance from shops and restaurants. To give families time alone, we schedule one free evening for them to dine independently.
Best Time to Visit
As in most tropical countries, Costa Rica has dry and green seasons. The green season lasts from May to November and the dry season runs between December to April. During the green season, a storm might roll through for an hour or two in the afternoon, a welcome relief from the warm weather! Temperature-wise, expect the weather to range from 75°-85°. As this is a tropical country not far from the equator, it can get quite hot, especially in the afternoons.
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Hit the road to Quepos, a fun coastal surf town. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch as we transition between the misty cloud forest to the warm Pacific beaches. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll make a visit to a nearby wildlife rescue center to see up close and personal Costa Rica’s array of wildlife including sloths, monkeys and toucans. Tonight, take some time to explore this quaint coastal town.
Day 6:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we’ll dedicate our time to a project at the wildlife rescue center. This is designed to not only help the wildlife of the center, but to also learn about the issues facing Costa Rica’s animal inhabitants. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Manuel Antonio National Park which encompasses stunning a stunning coastline, rugged rainforest and colorful reefs. Spend the late afternoon exploring the beaches before dinner together in town.
Day 7:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, those that opted for the adrenaline package will head over to the nearby Rio Savegre for a morning of whitewater rafting on Class II rapids. The rest of the group will continue on with a hike through Manuel Antonio spotting wildlife and birds along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a relaxing afternoon alongside the pristine beaches located inside the park. Tonight, enjoy a final farewell dinner together.
Day 8:
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Wake up early and travel back to San Jose to catch our flights back home. Depending on the time of your flight, we’ll share a final lunch before saying adios.
Our Lodging
During your time in Costa Rica, you will stay in several bed and breakfast style lodges walking distance to town and near many of the major sites we’ll be visiting. All accommodations offer single and double occupancy lodging with private bathrooms.