Frequently Asked Questions

About the Rollin’ in Costa Rica Retreat

What is the GPS Location of the camp?

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How hard is it to get to camp?

There are 3 legs to this trip.

  • A flight to San Jose, Costa Rica from country of origin.

  • A flight to Tambor from San Jose Domestic Airport.

  • A cab ride from Tambor Airport to Santa Teresa.

Flying to Costa Rica is a straight flight from NJ/NY area (4.5 hours), but there are no direct flights to Santa Teresa (where the camp is held) from outside the country. A connection flight is needed from San Jose to Tambor, and a cab drive will take you down some bumpy dirt roads to get there, which is what helps the area retain its charm without becoming too "touristy." We have written a guide for traveling to camp that you can read here.

Are there other ways to Santa Teresa besides the small domestic flight?

The puddle jumper is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to get to Santa Teresa. It will also give you the view of a lifetime while flying over the Gulf of Nicoya. If for any reason you chose not to take the small domestic flight over from SJO to Tambor, there are other options. A private shuttle can be booked at Tropical Tour Shuttles from San Jose that will cross the Gulf via Ferry to Santa Teresa. This alternative can vary in prices and takes an extra 5 hours on top of your international flight. If you chose to rent a car, you can do the ferry trip yourself, by driving to the Naviera Tambor Ferry Terminal, and doing the rest of the drive once crossed over.

What is your return policy?

You can read our full Refund Policy here

What are the reasons behind your return policy?

  1. Housing for the busy season is limited especially close to our camp so we book housing 1 year to 6 months in Advance

  2. We offer large discounts for early birds so returning money would defeat that

  3. In order to put on the best camp possible, we need time to plan this camp (meals, instructors, etc). We are a small group working on this camp and once we close sales our attention is focused on the planning and running the retreat. .

Are there Covid-19 travel restrictions for Costa Rica?

As of 2/9/2022*

At this time, vaccinated travelers need to complete an epidemiological form prior to flying, showing proof of vaccination in order to enter Costa Rica. Unvaccinated travelers will need to show a negative Covid-19 test taken 24hrs before travel and are required by the Costa Rican law to purchase travel insurance to cover any Covid-19 related medical costs while in Costa Rica.

Everyone is required to take a Covid-19 test 24hrs to returning to the US.

Tests are available at health centers throughout the country, or can be done with a proctored online self-test such as BinaxNow + Lab Bundle by Abbott.

For more recent information, please visit the US Embassy in Costa Rica Covid-19 page for more information.

How will I get around when I am there ?

The camp lodging , mat space and breakfast are all within walking distance during the camp period. There are a few restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the camp area as well. Renting an ATV can facilitate being able to travel around to the some remote areas like waterfalls, downtown and other nearing towns. Below are our recommended ATV rental spots. Be sure to secure your rentals ahead of time (at least 3 weeks prior).

SAVANNAH ATV TOURS

PACIFIC DIRT ROAD ATVs

What should I pack for the trip?

We suggest you pack light, particularly if you are taking a Puddle Jumper. The temperature range during this time of year is mid of 70s to mid 90s

Training Sessions: We will have 5 training sessions (3 Gi, 2 NoGi).

  • 1 Gi*

  • 2 NoGi

*There is laundry for your Gi, we also will be accepting donations at the end of the camp for the local BJJ community if you would like to donate your Gi.

Other Suggested Items:

  • Swim Suit

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug Spray

  • Ski Googles & Bandana (For Dust when driving ATVs)

When can I check in/out?

Camp check in begins on Wednesday afternoon/evening and check out is on Sunday morning. The training days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You will be staying at either Honu Beach Apartments, Blue Surf Sanctuary or Villas Almendros (owned by camp operator Kevin Sheridan) which are beside each other and near the beach.

Will meals be provided?

The meals provided are:

  • Welcome BBQ Dinner on Wednesday Night

  • Breakfast every morning from Thursday - Sunday.

  • Coconut water, Juice and Ceviche after the morning training session as a refreshment and a snack.

Dinner and lunch aren’t included and are offered in many restaurants and cafes around. We recommend "sodas" (local mom and pop restaurant), which will provide you the local cuisine for a very reasonable price. Since Santa Teresa is now a very culturally diverse town, you can always explore the town’s gastronomy on your own, or shop at a local supermarket and use the fully equipped kitchens at your cabin.

What is the local currency and how much should I exchange?

The local currency of Costa Rica is the “Colon.” Although it is the preferred currency, local businesses in Santa Teresa will accept the US Dollar, and most of the times will return change to you in Colones at a rate of ₡600 per $1. The average exchange rate for the Colon varies from ₡500 to ₡600.

We recommend using your international Credit Card / Debit Card or US Dollars when in Costa Rica, as exchanging for money in town or at the airport can be pricey.

You should calculate your expenses based on your plans. Meals in the nearby restaurants can vary from ₡4,000 to ₡15,000. The sodas in Santa Teresa serve the local gastronomy for the most affordable prices.

Will there be laundry services?

There will be laundry services provided for your Gis after each training session. All training equipment are hung to dry, and there is a slight possibility some will not be fully dried by the next day. We ask everyone to pack 2 GIs just in case.

Do I need a power adapter?

Electric outlets are the same as the US. No adapter is needed.

Is camp worth coming to if I'm just a white belt?

Absolutely! Our instructors are very skilled at teaching and breaking down techniques to the absolute most basic concept so that everyone, no matter their rank, can learn and improve. That said, just coming to experience the unspoiled beauty of Santa Teresa alone is worth checking off your bucket list!

What else is there to do in Santa Teresa?

When you are not on that mats, you have endless activities in Costa Rica to choose from! Below are a few things worth checking out when in Santa Teresa.

  • Surfing and Surf lesson.

  • Montezuma Falls

  • Local Waterfalls (with help of local guide)

  • Yoga

  • Rainforest Canopy Tours

  • Quad Bikes Tours

  • Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

  • All Day Island Tours (Isla Tortuga & others)

  • Zip Lining

  • Bars, Cafes, Restaurants & Night Life

  • Beaches

  • Infinity Pool at Vista de Olas

When should I sign up?

The camp is heavily discounted for a few days after the camp is over. In case you missed that, we recommend booking by June to get $125 off the total price. The Rollin' in Costa Rica Retreat typically sells out by mid-October and the flights are typically sold out by November. The earlier you arrange your plans, the better!

Can I stay longer than the camp period?

Accommodations will only be provided for the duration of the camp. Official camp check-in is Wednesday afternoon, and camp check-out is Sunday morning. If you chose to arrive before or stay extra, please reach out to us for any inquiries, or feel free to extend your stay by booking a nearby location.

What if I want a private room for my family?

If you would like a private room for just you or you and your family, please contact us and we can accommodate.