Additional Resources

Current Weather in Mexico

Current Weather in Costa Rica

We’ve tried to make our FAQs as detailed and comprehensive as possible. If you have additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us:

info@solazadventures.com
415.397-7678


What if I have never surfed before? Is Costa Rica or Mexico better for beginners?

Our trips are designed to meet the needs of our clients. Either location can accommodate all levels of surfers. We choose our surf spots based upon your ability. Beginner waves are accessible in either location.

What’s the weather like?

The weather is tropical and warm. Days average 90 degrees and nights in the 70’s.

What if I don’t speak Spanish?

No problem. Our guides speak Spanish. But it may be fun for you try and learn a few phrases to practice on your trip.

Am I too old or out of shape to surf?

If you have the desire to learn, are in reasonably good shape and are comfortable in the water then you’re never too ANYTHING to learn to surf. No matter what your background we can teach you to surf. Surfing at any level is an amazing and sometimes life changing experience and we welcome you to try!

Do I have to be a good swimmer to be able to surf?

You don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer, but you must be comfortable in the water because panic is your worst enemy. You should be able to swim 4 lengths of a pool and tread water for at least 20 minutes. We don't recommend Solaz Adventures for people with existing injuries, major health problems, or who take medication that would impair good judgment or affect breathing. You must assess your own abilities and conditions before deciding to join us.

How big are your groups? How many students to each instructor?

We purposefully keep our groups small (4-8 people) to avoid crowding the places we’ve come to enjoy. Our maximum student to instructor ratio is 4 to 1.

Are your instructors certified?

Yes, our instructors are CPR and First-Aid certified and have years of surfing and teaching experience. Safety is our number one concern.

I’ve been surfing for a few years (or all of my life). Is a Solaz Adventure for me? Will I be stuck with the beginners?

Solaz Adventures are for surfers of all abilities. We will find a break suited for your abilities. If we have surfers of varying abilities, we often break into smaller groups and our guides will take each group to an appropriate place for their level.

Do you provide surfboards? Can I bring my own board(s)?

Yes, we provide surfboards. However, we encourage people with their own boards to bring them. Make sure you check with the airlines for size restrictions and surcharges.

Mexico: We recommend that you bring your own board if you have one. Longboards are especially useful for the easy pointbreaks in Mexico.
Costa Rica: If you are flying into Liberia you should have no problem bringing your board of any size. If you are flying into San Jose then taking a connecting flight with Sansa or Nature Air to Tamarindo they limit the size of the surfboards you can bring with you to 6’10”.

Do I need a wetsuit?

For Costa Rica you won’t need a wetsuit as the water is warm year round. In Mexico the water is also warm year round but occasional cold currents prompt some people to wear a spring suit or a neoprene surf shirt for the morning session. If you’re prone to cold bring a spring suit or a wetsuit jacket.

What types of break do we surf?

We surf a variety of breaks in order to accommodate different abilities. Long easy pointbreaks are the main attraction of our Mexico trip while Costa Rica is known for high quality beachbreaks, rivermouths, and reefs.

Do I need a passport? Visa?

A passport is required, and must have at least six months remaining before expiration at travel time. U.S. citizens don’t need visas to travel to Costa Rica or Mexico.

Is it safe to travel by myself? How do shared accommodations work for people traveling solo?

It is safe to travel by yourself. Someone will meet you at the airport when you arrive and drop you off when you leave. If you are traveling by yourself and want shared accommodations we can find you a suitable roommate.

Can I travel in a group?

Absolutely! Bring some friends, co-workers or family members. If you have a group of 4-8 people we can custom design your adventure and we will do our best to accommodate your dates.

Should I have travel insurance?

Yes, we strongly encourage people to get travel insurance. For a reasonable fee, travel insurance can cover many unforeseen circumstances.

I’ve never done yoga before and I’m a little intimidated by it. Is that ok?

No problem. Yoga is about doing your best each day and honoring where you are in that moment. It is non-competitive and our yoga and stretching sessions are low impact designed to limber the body up to surf.
Go here for a different side of yoga - Holistic Yoga.


What types of exercise can I do to prepare for my Solaz Adventure?

Swimming is a great way to prepare yourself, and yoga is excellent for developing flexibility, balance, and strength. Pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups are an easy and effective way to condition your upper body and develop core strength.

What is the best time of year to go on a Solaz Adventure?

While any time of year can be great for your adventure, the surf tends to be biggest during the late spring and summer, which is more appropriate for the intermediate to advanced surfer.

What is a typical day like with Solaz Adventures?

We keep our days flexible to accommodate surf conditions and group preferences. Most days will start off with yoga, breakfast, an instructional surf session, lunch, a siesta, followed by an afternoon or sunset guided surf session and a delicious dinner.

It sounds like it might be too much physical activity for me. Is there any down time?

We encourage people to push themselves to the next level but never at the expense of fun and enjoyment. Relaxation is built into each day and of course all of our activities are optional.

What time should I schedule my flight? What airport do I fly into?

Mexico: Fly into the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Int’l Airport.
Costa Rica: Fly direct from the U.S. to Liberia or fly into Tamarindo via San Jose.

For both locations plan to arrive between noon and 9:00 pm (local time) on day 1 of your adventure. Plan departures for day 7 from the morning to late afternoon.

What should and shouldn’t I bring?

We will send you a comprehensive checklist of what you need to bring (which is very little) after you have reserved your adventure. Don’t bring expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, computers or any other item you that you can’t lose.

Is the water safe to drink? Do you supply bottled water?

We recommend and supply bottled water for drinking in both Costa Rica and Mexico.

Do I need to get vaccinations? Or Malaria pills?

We suggest that you check with your doctor regarding current recommendations and guidelines for traveling to your destination. No vaccinations are required to enter either Costa Rica or Mexico. If you are going to get vaccinations we recommend getting the process started at least 6 weeks prior to travel. Malaria is currently not present in the coastal areas we are visiting.
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Can I do a longer or shorter adventure?

We may be able to accommodate longer or shorter stays. Contact us to find out more.

Should I rent my own car?

There is usually no need to do this. Transportation will be provided to and from the airport and for all adventure activities. There are plenty of places within walking distance. If you wish to rent a car, you might want to try Sixt Rent a Car or Service Car Rentals.

Is there an age minimum?

No, but participants less than 18 must be accompanied by an adult.