TRAVEL TIPS & ON ROUTE INFO
PASSPORT and RETURN TICKET REQUIREMENTS
Visitors from most countries receive a three month tourist visa upon arrival. For visa requirements per country, please visit: Visa Requirements by Country >
To enter Costa Rica, you will be required to present the following
- A valid passport; that won’t expire for at least 6 months after your scheduled departure date.
- Proof of onward travel in the form of an outbound ticket or confirmed reservation, by air or by land.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Each guest is recommended to purchase Travel and Emergency Medical Insurance.
- Covers trip cancellations or interruptions
- Inquiry when purchasing your airline ticket, some airlines offer Travel Insurance
- Your credit card provider may offer Travel Insurance options
- The following are recommended providers:
* DAN - Divers Alert Network
VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS
- There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Costa Rica
- Unless you are arriving from the following countries: Most countries in Africa, tropical regions of South America, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela, a Yellow Fever Vaccine certificate is required.
- Furthermore, the yellow fever vaccine card must have been issued at least 10 days prior to entering Costa Rica.
- For specific info if you are coming from Africa or South America please visit this site: Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements >
SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is the principal airport in Costa Rica, near the capital of San Jose. The Domestic Terminal has daily flights to Drake Bay. Plan at least 2 ½ ~ 3 hours between your arrival and local flight to allow sufficient time for customs and immigration. To arrive at the Domestic Terminal you must exit the International Terminal and walk to the left. For this approx 10 minute walk, the airport provides free luggage carts.
- For recommended Hotel and Transportation providers: Helpful Contacts
- For San Jose Information click here: San Jose Info
- To see Juan Santamaria International Airports’ website click here: SJO
ATMS & MONEY
- Costa Rica’s currency is Colones, US dollars are also received at most places
- There are no ATMs near Ocean Forest, Sierpe, or Drake Bay, please bring enough cash to cover expenses including boat transfers and taxis.
- We recommend bringing cash from home, as finding an ATM can be a nuisance
- ATM machines can be found in San Jose; the larger beach towns on route, if you are coming by land, such as Quepos, Dominical and Palmar Norte.
- At OFE you can pay services on-line using Paypal
THE BEACH WALK TO AND FROM OCEAN FOREST
The absolute beauty of our location is our pristine and remote setting. For all guests, regardless of which route you choose, arrival to the lodge is after a 20-minute nature walk along San Josecito Beach. Being that the last leg of the journey is by foot, we suggest you pack light and bring a backpack.
PORTER SERVICE
If you would like to be met by our staff upon arrival, please select Porter Service on your reservation form.
- Our staff will meet you, and help you with your luggage
- Horseback or motorized quad transfer to the lodge can be arranged
- For groups we use a horse and buggy to transport groups luggage
WHAT TO PACK
Please review the What to Pack list to ensure you don’t overpack. If you will be traveling to other destinations, we recommend you leave the gear you may not be needing on the beach, such as colder climate clothes, etc., at your San Jose hotel, as most hotels offer a bodega service. Remember you are arriving in a tropical setting.
Considerations
- Local flights allow 25-lbs.; each pound overweight is charged $1 per pound
- Use rechargeable batteries and/or rechargeable flashlight
- Remember the last leg of the journey is by foot, best to use a backpack rather than a suitcase
- You may request porter service on your reservation form
- San Jose is subtropical and can be chilly at night, some warm clothes are recommended
What to Pack list
- head lamp or flashlight
- sunhat, beach towel & flip flops
- suntan lotion, sunscreen & bug repellant
- day pack & water bottle
- bathing suit & lightweight quick dry cloths
- toothpaste, toothbrush, biodegradable toiletries, etc.
- portable fold up umbrella or lightweight rain poncho (May through December)
- Pullover or light sweater for San Jose arrival
- hiking shoes
Optional items
- sun glasses
- water shoes for getting on and off boats
- lightweight windbreaker or long sleeve cotton shirt for boat rides
- camera / binoculars
- snorkel, mask and flippers
- journal, coloring pens and pencils
- There are remarkably few bugs here, non the less if you are prone to bug bites bring repellant!
AMAZON LINK
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
Temperatures on the Osa Peninsula range from mid 90’s by day and mid to lower 70’s by night. Humidity averages between 68% and as high as 90% at times, depending on weather conditions and time of the year.
- For in depth seasonal temperatures, rainfall and humidity levels on the Osa visit:
- Costa Rica is a diverse country with mountains, valleys and beaches, for a country wide weather forecast visit: Climate in Costa Rica
DRY AND WET SEASON
The Osa Peninsula is characterised predominantly by its dry season and wet seasons.
Dry season occurs December through April, with March and April being the hottest months, when average high and low temperature reaches between, 34° (94 F) by day, and 23° (73.5 F) by night.
Wet season is from May through December, with highest rainfall during September and October. The coolest months in Osa Peninsula are December and January, at the end of the rainy season and beginning of the dry season, when the average temperatures range between 31° (88 F) by day and 22° (72 F) by night.