Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for Travel
As of December 31, 2002, all Canadian, US, and EU citizens who travel to Costa Rica for tourism and pleasure need a valid passport.
Please check your passport to ensure you have at least 6 months of validity from the time you enter Costa Rica. If not, you should get a new passport before traveling.
A visa is not required.
The most direct route to Puerto Jimenez from San Jose is to use one of the trusted air carriers Costa Rica has to offer.
These air carriers offer numerous flights from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez daily, with the one-way trip taking approximately 40 minutes.
It should be noted, however, that there are no late afternoon or evening flights with either air carrier. The last flight into Jimenez is at approximately 3 in the afternoon in the high season. In the green season, the final flight is usually around 12/1 pm. Visitors arriving to the country in the late afternoon or evening should consider this.
Check out this article for our suggestions on what to pack for your trip to Blue Osa.
Additionally, keep these things in mind as you select what items to bring:
- We are in the jungle/rainforest — expect humidity and frequent rain if you visit during the green season.
- The Osa Peninsula is characterized by warm, breezy days, with highs between 82 and 92 degrees and lows in the range of 70-80.
- Wet items can take longer than expected to dry, especially during the green season and/or if the sky is overcast (we do offer laundry service for a fee of $29/load if you need to have your clothes washed and dried).
- Blue Osa offers a guest drying area for clothes and towels.
- Moisture-wicking clothes will dry quickly and keep you coolest during our hot, sunny days.
- If you plan to go on excursions, it is recommended that you bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and that have a good grip. A waterproof or dry bag can also be helpful if you wish to bring your phone/camera along with you while out exploring.
- We do have ants, mosquitos, and other small bugs that can occasionally be an annoyance — pack bug spray!
- We have a small store on-site with some essentials available to purchase, and there is a grocery store and pharmacy in town where you can find anything you forgot to pack.
- Blue Osa DOES provide soap, shampoo, beach and shower towels, and bed sheets. You do not need to bring these items.
Please Do NOT Bring:
- We do not allow hair dryers, flat irons, etc. We are an OFF-Grid resort and do not have the energy to provide energy to these devices. Using these devices will cause damage to our sensitive system. (If you are interested in learning more, please click here.)
- Open Snacks that are left out in the open. Any food you bring will attract animals. If you do bring any snacks, please double-bag them in zip locks.
You do not need any shots or vaccines before visiting Costa Rica. However, we always suggest speaking with your Doctor and referring to the World Health Organization’s website before traveling.
Driving to Blue Osa from San Jose is a beautiful way to view and experience the beautiful Costa Rican countryside.
With the use of Waze or Google Maps, navigation is easy.
The drive takes about five to seven hours. We highly recommend it.
This depends upon the carrier you fly. The general rule is a 30-pound baggage limit enforced on the “in-country” flight to/from Blue Osa. Baggage over 30 pounds will incur a surcharge, so pack light! Besides, how much clothing does a person really need in the tropics?
If you need more clarity, please double-check with airlines to determine exactly how much weight your baggage can be.
Safety
Generally, Costa Rica is quite safe. Like any place, normal precautions and care should be taken depending on where you visit.
Violent crime is rare in Costa Rica. Petty crime tends to be more common.
Big cities, beach resorts, and any place with a concentration of tourists are more likely to draw thieves.
Since Blue Osa is located in the middle of the rainforest, we are lucky that we don’t have encounters like this.
Blue Osa is a remote jungle beach paradise. Often you will not see anyone on our beach. At night we have watchmen. And a safe in your room to protect your valuables.
We do not have problems with mosquitos here at Blue Osa. Since we are located on the beach, we enjoy a lot of sea breezes. There are no concerns about malaria or other diseases on the Osa.
A 24-hour medical clinic in Puerto Jimenez is only 20 minutes away from Blue Osa. Additionally, Puerto Jimenez has a 24-hour flight service that transports patients to the nearby hospital in Golfito (an eight-minute flight) or San Jose (a forty-minute flight).
Medical care standards in Costa Rica are high. They are considered to be the best in Central America. San Jose has excellent hospitals, medical facilities, and doctors that attend almost exclusively to foreign residents and travelers.
Our emergency contact information is [email protected]. We do not have a phone number at which to be reached. We check our email regularly.
Our water is constantly tested to ensure your safety. Additionally, we provide filtered water in the dining area. As we do not allow open cups on our yoga deck, we do invite our guests to bring a water bottle, or they may purchase one in the Blue Osa store.
Location - Osa Peninsula
Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural places—a commitment to conserving the environment and the sustainability of the well-being of the local people.
Blue Osa practices sustainable tourism through recycling, water conservation, low-impact tourism, organic gardening, and education to our guests through awareness on and off the property.
We ask all guests visiting Blue Osa and the Osa Peninsula to help us keep this beautiful environment pristine.
Blue Osa is situated right on the beach, with tropical rainforest surrounding us on every other side. The beach is a 30-second walk from Blue Osa. This makes it easy for guests to wake up in the morning at sunrise and stroll down to the ocean for a morning swim as the jungle awakens.
The beach is usually quite deserted, very scenic, and serene, providing opportunities for walks and exploration. There are no rip tides or undercurrents, which makes for some comfortable swimming.
We do not have any lifeguards on the beach.
The beach is tranquil and typically deserted. You will see the occasional fisherman or family strolling by, usually on Sundays or holidays. If you decide to sunbathe nude, we ask that you be sensitive to anyone walking by. Please respect the country's local Catholic customs. We invite any guests wanting to sunbathe nude to practice “conscious nudity.”
We have world-class surfing right in front of our property. In town, you may rent a surfboard and bring it to Blue Osa, and from here, explore. We can even arrange for you to take surf lessons if you want to learn.
Weather
Costa Rica is a tropical country located between 8 and 11 degrees north of the equator. It has twelve micro-climates, three different rainfall regimes, and many microclimates.
Costa Rica has a stable climate year-round.
There are two well-defined seasons: the green season (Invierno) and the dry/summer season (Verano). The one main difference is rainfall averages.
The dry season runs from December to April, and the green season from May to November. Rainfall averages for the country may reach the highest point during September and October — approximately 650 mm per month. Seasonal changes don’t bring significant changes in temperatures. However, the nights may be fresher during the rainy season in some areas. Mornings are usually sunny all year round.
The Osa Peninsula (where Blue Osa is located) is characterized by warm, breezy days, with highs between 82 – 92 degrees and lows between 75 – 85. Please take note, however, that the Osa Peninsula IS part of the rainforest and is surrounded by jungle.
See our weather report here.
We strongly encourage you NOT to check the weather report for Blue Osa (or Costa Rica, for that matter) on the internet. It is usually wrong and does not give an accurate picture of what to expect.
Furthermore, as we have said in the other FAQ answers, Blue Osa is in its own microclimate, and there is no accurate reporting on what to expect.
Seriously, we are not kidding.
If you need some historical reference, please see our weather report page.
Because the Osa Peninsula is blessed with fantastic weather year-round, there really isn’t a “best” time to visit. Most guidebooks list the ideal time to travel to Costa Rica as December through May. However, we enjoy a stable climate of 75-85 degrees relatively year-round.
Of course, don’t try looking for that information via online weather reports. Our private oasis is so off the map, Google has yet to find us. FUN FACT: The 19,730 miles (about the size of West Virginia) that make up Costa Rica actually houses 20 different climate zones! The bottom line?
The time to visit is whenever you want! Please take a moment to check out our weekly weather report and see for yourself!
When is the best time to visit South Pacific Costa Rica? Each month is exceptional in its own way. Here’s what you can expect when you visit:
December marks the beginning of the tourist season in Costa Rica. The temperature is nearly perfect, and everything is green and vibrant from the refreshing rains in September, October, and November. As a transitional month, December involves some rain (although lately, with climate change, we have had almost no rain in December over the past few years). Visit during the first couple of weeks when there are fewer people but all of the benefits.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
January through April is summertime in Costa Rica.
Average High Temperature: 30°C/86°F
May and June transitions South Pacific Costa Rica from the dry season to the green season. The weather changes, and we are blessed with the occasional 20-minute cooling shower during the days. The moisture cools the air, creating comfortable temperatures. Everything’s bigger in May and June. Waves are larger for surfing; orchids are at their peak; sail fishing starts, and sport fishing gains traction. Now the rivers are really flowing, so it’s a great time for whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling. Fewer people visit Costa Rica during this time, so you can avoid crowds.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
July, August, and even September are the best-kept secrets in South Pacific Costa Rica. Warm, sunny mornings and rain-cooled evenings are a welcome break from summer in the United States and Southern Europe. This is also a popular time for Costa Ricans to vacation in the South Pacific region, and it’s your opportunity to mix with the locals. July marks the start of sea turtle season—from July to December—and the region’s Tortuga Beach is one of their favorite nesting spots. You may experience the unexpected pleasure of witnessing a baby turtle release.
You may also enjoy seeing Humpbacks up really close.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
October is a little rainier but still very pleasant. With more torrential rainfalls at night, the mornings in the afternoons are often filled with beautiful crips, and clear skies, leading us into a beautiful, refreshing rain in the late afternoon. Some foreign locals take great pleasure in being here during October due to the lack of tourists and crowds. It is one of the best times for whitewater rafting, river and waterfall swimming, and sea turtle viewing. This time is ideal for spotting other animals as well. The animals descend the mountains to take advantage of the fresh vegetation. You can see monkeys, sloths, frogs, coatis, butterflies, and many birds.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
November starts the transition from the rainy months. Everything is lush and green. There is still some rainfall, but less than half the average rainfall in October. The last few weeks of November are a great time to visit Costa Rica. The waves are moderate, sport fishing is good, and the beaches are breathtaking.
Average High Temperature: 28°C/82°F
Reservations
Rooms here at Blue Osa tend to fill up two to six months in advance, sometimes even earlier. If you know the dates you would like to stay at Blue Osa, inquire now to ensure space availability. Make your reservation as soon as possible to guarantee the dates you want.
We would like all our prospective guests and clients to know that we do not recommend staying for less than five nights here if you are leaving or arriving by plane.
From our experience, a minimum of five nights is needed to experience all that there is to do and see while staying at Blue Osa.
Yes, we do. Please email us and tell us about the nature of your group, how many people you would like to bring, and when. We offer a special discount to those who would like to bring a group of 10 or more and can happily send you our group information package.
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
All Blue Osa services are unavailable on the day of check-in or check-out. This includes yoga classes, spa services, bar/juice services, etc. For guests leaving later than 10:00 AM or arriving earlier than 2:00 PM, we are more than happy to keep your luggage secure and safe as you wait for your room to be ready.
Being an all-inclusive retreat, Meals are included in your stay: Dinner on the day of arrival; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on each full day; and breakfast on the day of departure.
Mealtimes are typically:
7:30 breakfast
12:30 lunch
6:30 dinner
Our kitchen is not available for special meals.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at Blue Osa.
Should you require cash, the Banco Nacional (BN) and Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) in Puerto Jimenez have ATM cash machines. However, we suggest bringing whatever money you need with you, as all of our rooms are equipped with secure safes for your valuables. Canadians or internationals should also be aware that the ATM at the Banco Nacional in Jimenez sometimes does not recognize international debit cards.
Please be aware that we ONLY accept cash TIPS. It is not possible to use your credit card for cash TIPS.
Yes, we accept U.S. Dollars. We do not accept any other cash currency at Blue Osa.
Any and all deposits or payments made to hold reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Any deposits or full payments made for specific retreats or events are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tipping
Blue Osa’s hardworking staff very much appreciates tips for services rendered.
At the end of the week, you may leave a cash tip in our tip box. All tips will be pooled and divided evenly among our staff of about 21 people who work in the kitchen, garden, office, and housekeeping staff. If you would like to tip individually, you may do that also at check-out.
As a guide, we suggest a tip of $20 -$40/day. So, if your stay is for one week, a suggested tip would be $140 to $280. Please note that we only accept cash tips. We are unable to process tips through your credit card.
Likewise, tips for individually booked spa treatments and eco-tours are left to your discretion.
Please note that we only accept cash tips.
We are unable to process tips through your credit card. We suggest bringing enough cash for any tips or extra services/shopping you may do outside of Blue Osa.
Because we do not accept credit cards for tips, we encourage you to bring some cash with you. We occasionally have outside vendors come for a farmers market at Blue Osa, and there are others in the area. Our suggested cash amount is $250 to $500 for the week.
Other FAQs
We are a low-impact beachfront eco-hotel. Blue Osa works rigorously to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the surrounding environment. Thus, each of our rooms is equipped with a ceiling fan. The architectural design of Blue Osa allows for the constant flow of air through screen walls, creating a fresh and breezy environment.
To help some of our guests adjust to this tropical environment, four rooms offer air conditioning – Om, Karma, Balance, and Namaste.
For our other rooms that do not offer AC, we have found that most guests are quite comfortable using the ceiling fan alone.
Please Contact Us to arrange a Blue Osa shuttle to and from the Puerto Jimenez Airport. Include your full name, arrival date/time, and departure day/time on Nature Air or Sansa.
If you are visiting Blue Osa with a group retreat, give this information to your group leader to schedule with Blue Osa as soon as it’s available.
Once we receive the shuttle request form, a shuttle confirmation will be emailed to you.
We suggest NOT converting ANY money!
It is not necessary to convert any money to local currency (colones) as all businesses happily accept U.S. dollars (however, expect your change to be in colones).
We do suggest bringing many small bills so you do not have to receive any change in colones. The current exchange rate fluctuates and is around 600 colones for every 1 US dollar.
We have a gift shop available that provides yoga clothes, t-shirts, local artwork and jewelry, suntan lotion, bug repellant, etc.
Additionally, during our high season or when we have large groups, Blue Osa will typically host a “Farmers Market” for our guests.
Yes, we have yoga mats available.
Our yoga studio is fully equipped with yoga props: chairs, blankets, sandbags, and blocks.
We do allow children. But only during these activities:
1. During yoga teacher trainings immersions with Yogi Aaron, he does allow mothers to bring their children during the training. Please keep in mind that we do not have any babysitting services on the property or children’s daycare. Nor do we provide for them.
2. You may bring your children to group retreats with permission from the group leader.
Blue Osa offers a free WiFi service. This service is available in the main lounge area as well as the dining area. Since we practice mindfulness and silence in the mornings, the internet is turned off until 7:30 am.
The internet is also turned off again at dinner from 6:30 until 7:15 pm. We do not have any computers available for use.
While there are no phones in the rooms, guests are more than welcome to make calls at our office. The fee for this service is $2.00/min
International cell phone service here on the Osa can be sketchy at best. Sometimes some phones will work, sometimes they won’t. We suggest you check with your service provider and ask them specifically about service in Costa Rica.
We invite you to leave your cell phones and laptops at home and “unplug” them from your life while you are on your vacation or retreat. We suggest you take full advantage of this remote paradise to concentrate on the peace and wilderness experience.
Come to disconnect and decompress!
The “Osa” comes from the name of the Peninsula where we are located- the Osa Peninsula. Osa, in Spanish, means “female bear.”
Pura Vida (POO-rah VEE-dah), used by Costa Ricans since 1956, literally translated means “Pure Life.” Contextually, it means “full of life,” “purified life,” “this is living!” “going great.” It is used as a greeting, a farewell, and to express satisfaction.
The phrase has become widely known in the United States and Europe. Some foreigners view the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle and a disregard for time. However, Costa Ricans use the phrase to express a philosophy of strong community, perseverance, good spirits, enjoying life slowly, and celebrating good fortune, whether small or large.
Pura Vida also means “I am doing alright”, “I am doing perfect” and “thank you”.
Expats who adopt the expression properly get a big smile in return. It is an acknowledgment of the Costa Rican attitude towards life.
The Hawaiian equivalent of Pura Vida is “Aloha!”
Laundry service is available at Blue Osa. The cost for this service is $29/load. Please expect your laundry to be returned within 24 – 48 hours.
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local farmers. With this in mind, Blue Osa offers a variety of fresh, farm-to-table vegan/vegetarian meals.
Our typical healthy and delicious Blue Osa cuisine sample menu can be found here.
In catering to the needs of a variety of guests, we do offer eggs for breakfast as well as animal protein three times per week, as well as some recipes with
Blue Osa has a skilled, local culinary team that uses seasonal ingredients to offer a wide assortment of dishes, including traditional and international fare.
Please note that while we do our best to accommodate the individual needs of our guests (including gluten-free options), we cannot customize individual meal requests or Kosher options. Additionally, we are not gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free kitchen.
Finally, while our portions are large if you’re concerned about hunger, we encourage you to purchase extra snacks for your stay.
Additional Details About Meals:
- We offer mostly vegan/vegetarian meals but serve chicken 3 times/week and eggs at most breakfasts.
- We ask you to clear your plates and dispose of any leftover food in the labeled compost bin.
- If you are going on an excursion and/or receiving a spa treatment and will not be on time for one of your meals, let our front desk manager know, and our kitchen staff will hold your plate.
- Coffee, tea, purified water, and snacks (apples, bananas, and house-made breads) are free all day.
- Our Buddha Bar offers smoothies, fresh juices, kombucha, soda, beer, wine, and cocktails for a fee (charged directly to your room).
Because of the difficulties in maintaining a minibar service at Blue Osa, we cannot provide for the consumption of outside food, drinks, or alcohol.
Our bar is open throughout the day, and we offer a selection of beer, wine, and refreshing specialty drinks.
Please remember that we are in the jungle and that open bottles of alcohol and packages of food will attract unwanted visitors to your room. These include snakes, ants, and pizotes (no kidding!). If you still choose to consume privately bought alcohol, please do so in the privacy of your room or on the beach. We do not allow privately bought alcohol in the dining room or pool. We thank you for your understanding and compliance.
At Blue Osa, we focus on rest & relaxation, and peace & tranquility by communing with nature and getting back in touch with one’s inner self.
For this reason, we do not have TVs at Blue Osa.
As an eco-resort operated by solar power, hairdryers are NOT allowed at Blue Osa.
Blue Osa has standard North American power outlets to recharge your camera battery.
Four rooms offer air conditioning – Om, Karma, Harmony, and Namaste.
Everyone is welcome at Blue Osa. Additionally, there are many ways to practice yoga. Quietly sitting on a chair and watching the morning sunrise in silence is a form of yoga practice.
