Travel Guide: Costa Rica & Rica Freedivers
Everything you need to know about your travels to train with us.
Facilities at Rica Freedivers:
Office & Retail Store
Located in the center of Quepos. We have a full retail store, classroom with A/C, and a big open area to practice yoga, breathwork, ect…
Pool
The pool we use is just a short 7 minute drive from our office. It is 25m long and has 6 lanes with varying depth from 1.5m to 2.2m. There are bathrooms, showers and a covered staging area.
Marina Pez Vela
After we return back from our training session. You can use the showers in the marina or stay for an amazing lunch with an even better view. They often have activities like movie night, live music, competitions, and more. Don’t forget to come back for the sunset and happy hour!
Our Boat: Munchies
“Munchies” is located in Marina Pez Vela. She is a 7.5m long panga style boat with seating for 12 people on board. Equipped with a 250hp yamaha she gets us to our dive spot quickly to optimize time in the water. She also has a low transom with rear-facing seats to get in and out of the water easily.
Best Time to Visit:
Dry Season (December - May)
- Consistent conditions, but more tourists.
- Water Temperature: Surface 29C – Depth 26C (March & April can go below 20C)
- Visability: 15m – 25m (50ft-80ft)
- Currents: Mild
- Waves: Mild
Spearfishing: Reef, Tuna, and offshore pinnacle are best options
Rainy Season (June - August & November)
- Afternoon rains, fewer tourists, but variable water conditions.
- Water Temperature: Surface 29C
- Visability: 10m – 25m (33ft-80ft)
- Currents: Mild to moderate
- Waves: Mild to moderate
Spearfishing: Blue water hunting for Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi
Transportation
International Flights:
Fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) airport
Tips for Booking Flights:
● Some airlines use dynamic pricing; clear cookies and search history or use an incognito browser.
● Consider flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for cheaper and less busy
flights.
● Avoid holidays in Costa Rica and the country your flying from
● Most American and European passport holder can receive a 180 day tourist visa upon arrival
● If you taking a domestic flight from San Jose to Quepos we recommend 3 hours in between flights
Domestic Flights (San Jose to Quepos):
Sansa: One way flights from $91-$118 | 1 checked back with 30 or 40 lbs |
complex canceling policies
CostaRica Green Airway: One way flights $130 | 1 checked bag with 50lbs |
can cancel up top 24 hour before flight
Ground Transportation
Ground Transportation (San Jose to Quepos):
● Taxis ($150-$180)
● Uber($150)
● Shared Shuttle Busses ($65)- Interbus
● Public Buses ($10)- Tracopa
● Rental Cars (starting at $40/day).
Getting around Quepos & Manuel Antonio:
● Walking is feasible in Quepos
● Taxis cost around $2 – $5 within Quepos
● $10 to Manuel Antonio Beach
● Public buses to Manuel Antonio beach for ~$0.60. and they leave every 20 minutes
Accommodation
Short Term Rentals
There are tons of great options, just check them out for yourself.
Hostels
Hotels
Long Term Rentals
Homestay
We work with a local family who has a couple extra rooms in their house in Quepos. You have a private room with a shared bathroom and kitchen. Some rooms have A/C and some have fans. There is wifi and warm water. Price starts at $130/week
Apartments
An average 1-2 bedroom in Quepos will go for $500 -$650/month
Recommended Activates
Our friends at Freediving Uvita would love to take you to explore the breathtaking cano island. We even have special promotions that you can only get while booking through us. Ask us what special bonuses they offer for our students.
You cannot come to Costa Rica and not explore the lush rainforest that it offers. A unique way to experience that is actually at night! We have done this tour numerous times and can say it does not disappoint. Each time was an unforgettable unique experience.
You not only get to learn about the process of making chocolate but you get to make your own and each as much as you want. They also explain the process for coffee and sugar cane and offer some samples. You will definitely have a great caffeine, cacao, and sugar high after this. So we recommend this on a non-training day
Manuel Antonio has some great waves for learning. If you are more advanced there are great beaches along the coast for bigger wave surfing.
You cannot come to Costa Rica and not explore the lush rainforest that it offers. You have the opportunity to explore the most famous national park in Costa Rica.
Hiking
There is a great hike that starts 500m from our office and takes you along the coast through 5 different beaches.
Restaurants
Local restaurants are called “sodas” and generally the best budgeting option
There are a couple vegan restaurants and most restaurants have a least a couple vegan options
Restaurants to not miss while your in Quepos/ Manuel Antonio
- Emilio’s Cafe
- Agua Azul
- De la Finca
- Coffee Stop
- Bon Bonete
- Falafel Bar
- Koky’s
Local “Sodas” will average around $6 for a meal while the “gourmet” options would be around $10-$12
Safety:
- Quepos is generally safe, but avoid walking alone late at night.
- Petty theft is common, so keep belongings secure.
Traveling on a Budget:
- Consider visiting during the rainy season for cheaper accommodations.
- Use public transportation and stay with a local host family to save on costs.
- Book a training package with Rica Freedivers
- Eat at local “sodas” or prepare your food at your accommodation
- Enjoy the free activities around Quepos like the beaches or hiking