Costa Rica Travel Information You Need to Know

Please read these items below as these are important things to have on hand or things to remember when traveling to Costa Rica or Panama.

Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport as you will need it to travel into Costa Rica.

Taxes: Upon leaving Costa Rica you will have to pay what is called a "Departure Tax". The current rate is $26.00 per person and must be paid in the form of US dollars.

Getting to Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula
You will fly into San Jose from your home country. Then you will fly from San Jose to Osa Peninsula. Direct flights from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez last right at 50 minutes and offers great scenery to view from low altitude which makes the short flight very enjoyable.
Flying is the fastest and easiest route to the Osa.
Note - Domestic Costa Rica flights have a carry on weight restriction of 25 lbs max that may be carried on per person. There is a small fee for extra weight.

Driving From San Jose to the Osa Peninsula: You can drive from San Jose to the Osa Peninsula on the Pan American Highway . The road has been recently paved except for a section of dirt road that lies between Quepos and Dominical. You will be driving in mountainous territory which can be tricky so take your time on the roads when they become steep or start winding. The drive to Osa is 9 hours and there is no need to ruch as you will miss the spectacular vista views on your way down. Plus if you are a lead foot you will get pulled for speeding and the tickets the Policia issue cost a fair amount of money.

We advise you to NOT Drive at night as you do not know the region, there are not modern street lights you are used to and any number of things could leave you stranded on the highway like large pot holes that are nothing but mud holes in the rain and you DO NOT want to be stuck on the highway road in the pitch black Costa Rica night.  Also if you are determined to drive then your preferred way of travel should be by 4 wheel drive if coming to the Osa Peninsula.

The summer season in Costa Rica runs from December to May and you can expect average daytime temperatures to reach a maximum of 90 degrees farenheit. Precipitation during this time is usually very low with calm winds so be prepared to get tons of sun whether you are on the beach or in the boat.

What To Bring For Costa Rica Fishing:

A sports bag is a good idea to bring for carrying your light rain jacket, hat, glasses etc and other personal items that you need on a saltwater charter fishing trip.	Even though we have a picture of full rain slickers you will be just fine if you pack a very light rain jacket. The summer is not the rainy season but you never know so bring a light rain jacket.
Bring sun glasses. Preferrably polarized fishing glasses to lessen the sun's glare that reflects up off the water.	Bring a camera to take snapshots of those big fish you catch or video of the beautiful Costa Rica rain forest. There are thousands of thing to see so get it on tape..
A hat or ball cap is a good idea, especially for you guys that are getting a bit thin on top. Protect your head from the sun's burning rays.	If you get sea sick or aren't sure if you get sea sick then it is a very wise idea to take your Dramamine before you leave the dock. Nothing can ruin a fishing trip worse than a guy named "RALPH".
The Costa Rica sun is very HIGH in the sky as you are near the equator and can get very hot. Make sure you bring sunscreen, especially if you easily burn. If you are burnt up you can't enjoy your Costa Rica charter fishing trip.	You probably already paid for the trip but you should make sure you have some cash in pocket so you can tip the First Mate. Being Mate on a charter boat is not easy work and these guys deserve every dime they get. Tip them well!

Do not over pack. Bring only what you are sure you will need. Bring fishing clothes and beach clothes. Bring tennis shoes, walking shoes, or hiking boots, or all of them. Wear light weight cotton clothing so you will be comfortable as possible. Also for fishing please make sure you bring your boat shoes, topsiders if you have them, or at least some soft soled shoes like a soft tennis shoe.

Port Jimenez is an ocean front town with 3100 residents. There is only one road in and out of town. There are some luxuries of home that are available for use.

• 5 restaurants
• 3 grocery stores
• 1 Bank
• many small sodas (bars
• Public telephones with phone cards available
• There is an Internet Cafe with 5 computers and online service. (We know you won't be messing with computers while on vacation will you?)
• There are also fax machines available if you must.