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Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Logistics

How do I get to Costa Dulce?

There are a few ways to get to Costa Dulce. Learn more about your optioins and how we can help arrange taxis once you arrive on our travel page here.

How can we get around once on site?

You will likely find yourself in a happy place with little desire to go anywhere outside of our scheduled excursions. But if you want to travel further than your feet can take you, we offer transportation services to most locations throughout the country which can be easily arranged with our reception, or for the more adventurous souls there is the local bus.

Is ground transportation included?

Transportation is not included but we do have a team of drivers we can help coordinate for you. Get more info about transportation here.

Do I need a passport/visa to visit Nicaragua?

You will need a passport with 6 months validity. Visas are available upon arrival for $10.

Please check out the site about Getting Here for all the current COVID-19 information!

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing the following:

  1. Natural sunscreen or sun protection
  2. Natural bug repellent for the evenings
  3. Refillable water bottle
  4. Rain jacket only from May to November
  5. Hiking shoes or sandals
  6. Camera or smartphone
  7. Flip flops and swimwear of course
  8. Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries or smartphone 🙂
  9. You can bring your own Yoga Mat if you like, but we do provide high-quality mats, straps, blocks, and other props.
  10. Personal pharmaceuticals: Any allergy or anti-itch cream if you wish and any prescription medication that you need
  11. Health care items and/or feminine products
  12. Earplugs (in case you have trouble adjusting to the sounds of the waves and monkeys)
  13. Eyemask (if you are in a shared room)
  14. Passport (you need a valid passport for at least 6 months before the expiration date to enter Nicaragua. No special visa is required.)
Are the any COVID travel restrictions?

Nicaragua has lifted all COVID restrictions.

The experience and activities

Will I see baby Turtles during my stay?

The busiest season for turtles hatching is May-Feb, however, it is most likely that you will have the opportunity to see baby turtles regardless of when you visit.

Can I rent a room only with no food?

No, for the consistency of our program and kitchen all our stays include meals.

What’s Included in the base experience?

Your base rate includes your accommodations, three gourmet organic meals per day, a morning snack, tea & coffee, fruit, WiFi (but remember we’re in the jungle so our internet can sometimes promote unplugging), workshops, and the use of numerous common areas around the resort. Yoga, excursions, arrival and departure transportation to and from the hotel is not included.

What can we do while at Costa Dulce?

Whether on land or sea, there are many things to do right here at Costa Dulce, including hiking local trails, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, and of course, yoga, spa, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming, body surfing and just relaxing on a hammock with a book.

In addition, we can help arrange a variety of off-site adventures to various tourist attractions such as a nearby zip-line canopy tour, catamaran tour, the colonial city of Granada, the tropical island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, the Masaya Volcano and Artisan Market and the village of San Juan del Sur.

Is there surfing, fishing, snorkeling in the area?

There are surf instructors and board rentals based right on our beach, Playa Escameca. You can also venture out straight from our beach for snorkeling, or we can arrange a boat trip so you can check out various places along the neighboring shores to enjoy the underwater world. Please bring your gear from home. Additionally, we can arrange both on and offshore fishing expeditions.

What’s included during retreats?

We have taken great care in creating all of our retreat packages. For more information on what’s included with each retreat, please check our retreats page.

Services

Do you offer Room Service?

No, we do not offer room service and in fact, we discourage our guests from eating anything in the rooms. It attracts the local critters.

Is there laundry service available?

Yes, we offer a laundry service at an additional charge.

Do you supply shampoo and soap?

We provide both shampoo and soap in each room, but we encourage you to bring your own if you are particular about your cosmetics.

Is there WiFi?

Yes, highspeed WiFi is available on site and it’s free. As our entire retreat is powered by solar panels there are no power cuts. With that said we hope you still find the time to unplug and indulge in the serenity of our beautiful beach and the surrounding nature. 🙂

Can I get photos or video of my visit?

Absolutely! Our neighbour Brent is a professional photographer who specializes in surf photography.

Do you offer alcohol on the property?

Yes, we have a variety of alcoholic beverages available for purchase onsite

Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?

Yes. We want you to thoroughly enjoy your stay with us, and that includes dining experiences. Please let us know your specific needs prior to arrival so we can best accommodate you.

Do the staff speak English?

We always have multiple fluent English speakers available on-site including the reception team. Part of our Nicaraguan community team speaks only little to no English, so if you wish to practice your Spanish then there is plenty of opportunity.

The Area

How far is the beach?

We are on the beach, with most of our facility a literal stone through to the sand.

Are there hiking and running trails?

Yes. We have a great trail network around the property perfect for hiking and jogging.

What's the surf like on the beach? Can I walk to other breaks? Where else can I surf?

We have a beach break in front of our resort which is typically best from mid to high tide. Playa Yankee is a 15-minute walk and offers peaky A-frames and more barrels. Playa Hermosa, Romanso, and Tamarindo are all within 20 minutes drive.

Is the surf crowded?

Our break is typically not crowded. The crowds at other breaks in the are vary depending on the time of year and the swell conditions.

How far is a town with stores?

Costa Dulce is located on a secluded beach 25 minutes from the busy tourist town of San Juan del Sur. The neighbouring villages of Escamequita and Coco offer some basic shopping 10 minutes away.

Our Infrastructure

What’s included in the rooms?

We have organic cotton sheets on all the beds, with pillows, blankets, etc. We have organic artisanally made soap + shampoo and conditioner..

Is the water potable?

We provide purified water for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full.

Are there lounge chairs on the beach?

At Costa Dulce we offer lounge chairs and hammocks on the beach for your enjoyment.

Do you have a swimming pool?

Our resort features a beautiful saltwater pool with views of the beach and the Pacific Ocean.

Are there fans or air-conditioning in the rooms?

We want our guests to be as comfortable as possible; however we are mindful of our electricity use. All of our cabins are situated and designed to take full advantage of the near constant breezes on our hilltop. They each have a powerful ceiling fan as well which makes a great alternative to air conditioning and keeps everyone comfortably cool.

Are the electrical outlets 120 Volts the same as in Canada or the US?

Yes, we have three-prong 110-volt outlets all over the resort. Europeans will need to bring an adapter.

Can I bring a hairdryer?

We are on a solar power system so we ask that you do not use a hairdryer during you stay at Costa Dulce.

Payment etc.

If I want to tip the staff, how should I do so?

Our hardworking staff always appreciates knowing they’ve helped make your vacation that much more special. Gratuities are not included in your package stay, so if you wish to leave a tip, you can do so at check out and leave it with management so it can be distributed evenly.

Do I need to bring Cordobas (the local currency) Is there an ATM close by?

The USD is readily accepted in most parts of Nicaragua. Costa Dulce and most other establishments in our area accept dollars but will give you change back in the local currency. Please note that all of Costa Dulce’s prices are in US dollars. The closest ATM, which dispenses both cordobas and US dollars, is located in the village of San Juan del Sur which is a 25 minute drive.

Policy

What time is check in and check out?

Officially check in is at 3:00 pm and check out is at 11:00 am. You are welcome to arrive earlier and leave later however we can not guarantee access to your room before or after our established check in/out times.

Are families with children allowed at the resort?

Yes we welcome responsible parents with their children to share our space.

Do I have to stay for a 7 night retreat? Do you have a minimum stay?

Our minimum stay is 3 nights, however we encourage our guests to stay longer if possible. We are happy to have you stay with us for as long as you wish. Check out custom packages and create the vacation of a lifetime!

Booking Policy

Credit cards can be used for payments of your deposit through our website or PayPal; we require a 25% deposit per guest upon booking. The remainder of your booking payment is due 7 days prior to your arrival. Any incidentals will be settled during check out. There is tax rate of 17% for all our services that is included in all our website pricing.

Flexible Date Change Policy

Guests are allowed one free date change for their booking. The new check-in date can be advanced, as early as desired, or deferred, up to 2 weeks from the original check-in date, but is subject to availability.

No additional fees will be incurred as long as a room from the same pricing tier is chosen. If guests choose dates during which any previously-applied discounts are no longer applicable or the only available rooms are from different pricing tiers, they will be responsible for paying any increases in price. If a less expensive room is chosen than that from the original dates, the original rates will still apply.

Guests are not allowed to change their booking more than once. If a guest needs to change their booking more than once, they will be subject to the cancellation policy.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel within 24 hours of making your booking to receive a 100% refund. (minus 3% to 5% payment processing fee if applicable)

After that, we offer a 50% credit for the amount paid to the date. Transferable amount will be held as credit on account.

Credit can only be applied to full priced items only. Credit is not combinable with other offers or specials and cannot be used for deposits, but can be transferred to a friend or family member.

We only offer credit if the payments are up to date.

We strongly recommend you look into travel insurance policies to cover any expenses you may incur if forced to cancel your trip.

Note: Being a social enterprise we do not keep a large cash reserve and therefor we can not offer cash refunds.

Weather/Seasons

What’s the weather like?

The temperature ranges from a very minimum of 70 degrees to the low nineties.

September and October are the rainiest months, on average.

Generally speaking, even in the rainy season (May-Nov) it’s generally nice every day. There are beautiful puffy white clouds and sunshine on and off, the jungle is at its lushest, the flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and the waterfalls are full.

A few times a year, large storms come in and it can rain all day for a few days
 usually, these “temporals” last 2-3 days and then it’s clear again
 but this can happen anywhere. Nicaragua does NOT get hurricanes.

What to expect during Dry Season (December through May)?

The mix of a consistent off shore breeze and dry heat make for a very enjoyable climate with virtually no flying critters. You will Experience little to no rainfall each day leaving you feeling sun-kissed and refreshed by the cool ocean waters.

What to expect during the Green Season (June through November)?

During this season you can expect sunshine on and off with scattered rain showers and puffy white clouds. For the most part, it is generally very nice out every day. When large storms move in, you can expect rain all day for a few days.

Usually these “temporals” last two to three days and happen a few times a year, but quickly clear and the weather is nice once again. Some of the advantages of visiting at this time of year is seeing the surrounding jungle is at its lushest, the surf is still up, whale watching is very rewarding, and you can witness the hatching of thousands of baby sea turtles.

Is the ocean water warm or cold?

The water temperature changes with the seasons and global conditions. The water is quite warm from May to December. Starting in January and through March, when the temperature on land begins to rise, the Humboldt Current passes the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast which makes the water cooler.

Depending on what you are used to and the activities you do before diving in, the water can feel either very refreshing or perhaps a bit chilly during these months, but never too cold to enjoy. As a rule of thumb, once water temperatures drop, the fishing season begins to take off. So, the water might be a little cooler in the winter months, but fresh fish is more plentiful.

What is the best season to visit?

Every season has it’s unique magic!

Health and Safety

What are the safety features of your property?

We have staff on throughout the day and night including guards who roam the property from sundown ‘til sun up. Our cabins have lock boxes where you can stash your valuables if you don’t want to worry about locking your front door when you’re out. Your belongings will be safe, but we don’t recommend bringing valuable jewels and the like to Nicaragua.

Is Costa Dulce a safe place for a Single woman to visit?

Yes. We are a popular destination for single (female + male) travelers!

Is Nicaragua a safe place?

Yes, Nicaragua is safe to travel. Statistically, it is the safest country in Central America. Nicaragua is a peaceful and safe country; however, theft and other occasional criminal activity can occur. We always remind visitors to use good judgment to prevent unfortunate situations.

Simple things to avoid include riding with an unknown taxi driver (best to set up private transportation or rent your own vehicle), walking alone on isolated beaches, leaving valuables unattended in a vehicle (especially computers, smartphones, tablets, etc), leaving doors unlocked, leaving belongings outside at night, etc.

Nicaragua has come a long way in the last several decades. Since the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1978-1979, it has become the safest country in the region, outdoing both Costa Rica and Panama on this front. Although this developing nation is one of the poorest in the Western hemisphere, it is a beautifully diverse and culturally rich country that is remarkably safe, with low crime rates. Tourists should use normal, common sense when traveling around Nicaragua.

Should I take anti-malaria meds?

Mosquitos and other insects are present within Nicaragua but are not much of an issue in our area. The entire Southern Pacific side of Nicaragua where we are located has no malaria transmission. Since we are in this no-risk area, we do not provide bed-nets. For more information about recommended vaccines and medications, please visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.

How close is the nearest hospital?

There is a hospital located in San Juan del Sur (20-25 minutes away) and a hospital in Rivas 45 minutes away that can deal with more serious injuries or illnesses. The largest and most sophisticated hospital is in Managua, 2.5 hours away.

Do I need insurance?

We always recommend making sure you have the insurance coverage you feel comfortable with.

General

What is eco-tourism? What is an eco-resort?

Our interpetation of being “eco” is be mindful of our whole impact on our enviroment and society, and to constantly look for ways to create positive impacts and mitigate negative ones. 

We invite all guests who come to visit Costa Dulce to join us with this intention.

Are there bugs in Costa Dulce?

Yes, we are in the jungle and have a variety of bugs around. The bugs typically keep to themselves, but we recommend you bring repellent and for those who are extra sensitive we offer mosquito nets.

Is the resort accessible to those with physical disabilities?

Costa Dulce is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us prior to arrival so we can ensure the most optimal arrangements are made to make the most of your vacation.

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Get in Touch

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North America +1 â€Ș(707) 505-9009‬

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Nicaragua +505-8277-8009

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Costa Dulce Surf & Yoga Retreat

Escameca Eco-Lodge
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Check out our Wellness, Surf and Yoga Retreats

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