A 35‑minute flight to Cóbano swaps San José traffic for surf breaks, yoga decks and hidden waterfalls on the tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Land at Cóbano Airstrip—exclusively served by Costa Rica Green Airways (CRGA)—and you’re ten minutes from Santa Teresa’s famous Playa Hermosa and 20 minutes from Montezuma’s cascades.
Why Choose a Flight to Cóbano?
Intro — Mountain switchbacks and ferry queues can turn a peninsula transfer into an all‑day affair. A direct flight makes “remote paradise” feel right next door.
- Zero ferry drama – skip the Paquera boat, step off the aircraft and into a 4×4 in under five minutes.
- Private approach views – sweep over Cabo Blanco’s protected forest and white‑sand coves no tour bus can reach.
- Surf‑ready timing – first CRGA arrival lands before the morning offshore winds fade, perfect for dawn patrol.
- ARGUS Gold safety – CRGA remains the nation’s only domestic carrier with this international safety audit.
Getting There: Flight Details & Baggage Basics
Intro — Daily departures pair neatly with hotel check‑ins and tide charts, giving you a head start on the waves—or the hammock.*
| From | To | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| San José (SJO) | Cóbano (ACO) | 0 h 35 m |
Baggage allowance: one checked bag 30 lb / 14 kg plus one carry‑on 10 lb / 4.5 kg (upgrade to 50 lb on the Full fare). Check the Baggage Policy for sports‑gear fees.
Check‑in closes 30 minutes before departure; arrive 45–60 minutes early to weigh bags and clear security.
Santa Teresa & Surroundings: Surf Capital of the Blue Zone
Intro — Warm Pacific swells meet Nicoya’s longevity‑fueled lifestyle. A quick flight drops you into a community where yoga mats, surfboards and fresh‑pressed juices outnumber cars.*
Playa Hermosa’s long, rolling waves suit beginners, while the reef break at La Lora challenges pros. Main street cafés blend smoothie bowls with creative plant‑based fare, all backdropped by fiery sunsets that stop time.
Pro tip: rent an ATV at the airstrip and cruise beachside backroads lined with almond trees and capuchin monkeys.
Beyond the Beach: Six Must‑Do Cóbano Adventures
Intro — Between tide checks you’ll find waterfalls, horseback rides and bioluminescent bays—most within a 30‑minute drive of the runway.*
- Montezuma Waterfalls – hike or zip‑line to triple‑tiered cascades for a refreshing plunge.
- Horseback at Sunset – trot the shoreline with Ario Horseback Riding and watch scarlet macaws overhead.
- Scuba Isla Tortuga – day‑trip via Zuma Tours for reef sharks and spotted rays.
- Bioluminescence paddle – night‑kayak in the Gulf of Nicoya and stir glowing plankton trails.
- Coffee & cacao farm visit – sample tree‑to‑bar chocolate and Blue Zone–grown beans in Las Delicias hills.
- Stand‑up paddle at Manzanillo – calm coves perfect for beginners—and a two‑minute ride from the strip.
Where to Stay
Intro — From barefoot luxury to surfer‑chic hostels, Cóbano’s lodging scene keeps you close to the sand and even closer to pura vida.*
| Style | Property | Why Book |
|---|---|---|
| Beachfront boutique | Nantipa | Private Ninta bungalows, walk‑out surf break. |
| Adults‑only luxury | Blue Mist | Vibrant beach club & ocean‑view suites. |
| Wellness retreat | Florblanca | Open‑air yoga shala, spa and famed Natu surf spot. |
| Eco‑hideaway | Selva Resort | Jungle villas, farm‑to‑table dining. |
| Lush garden cabinas | Blooma | Affordable, flora‑wrapped rooms near Playa Carmen. |
Add discounted 4×4 or shuttle transfers to any of these partners during CRGA checkout.
When to Visit Cóbano
Intro — The peninsula’s microclimate keeps waves rolling year‑round. Fly in for your favourite combination of swell size, crowd level and sunset hue.*
| Season | Months | Surf & Weather | Why Fly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Dec–Apr | Consistent offshores, waist‑to‑head high | Golden‑hour sunsets & buzzy nightlife |
| Shoulder | May–Jun & Nov | Glassy mornings, light showers | Lush jungle, fewer line‑ups |
| Green | Jul–Oct | Bigger south swells, afternoon rain | Bioluminescence & turtle nesting |
Morning flights maximise clean conditions before mid‑day winds.
Sustainability Takes Flight
Intro — Every CRGA ticket includes a Green Fee that funds conservation and community projects country‑wide—so your getaway gives back before you even land.*
- Built‑in Green Fee – supports turtle‑hatchery patrols in Cóbano, mangrove restoration in Quepos and cloud‑forest replanting in Monteverde.
- Fuel‑efficient fleet – modern turboprops burn up to 30 % less fuel than legacy aircraft.
- Optional top‑up – add extra dollars at checkout to plant additional coastal almond trees that feed endangered scarlet macaws.
Quick Tips Before You Fly
Intro — Pack smart, ride easy and you’ll be toes‑in‑the‑sand faster than a beach break can peel.*
- Swimwear doubles as boarding attire—no jet bridge, just tropical air.
- Withdraw cash in San José; ATMs in Santa Teresa run dry on weekends.
- Bring reef‑safe sunscreen; local rangers protect coral outcroppings.
- Rent an ATV at the strip for flexible beach‑to‑waterfall commuting.
- Reserve a post‑surf massage at Horizon Yoga ahead of high season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intro — A few final details to keep your journey smooth and sandy.*
How far is Cóbano Airstrip from Santa Teresa?
About 10 km / 15 minutes by 4×4 taxi.
Can I check my surfboard?
Yes—reserve as sports equipment; max length 7 ft 6 in / 2.3 m and a flat gear fee applies.
Is there Wi‑Fi at the airstrip?
Yes—free terminal Wi‑Fi to arrange rides or share first‑look photos.
Ready to Ride the Swell?
Outro — One domestic flight turns half‑a‑day’s transit into half‑a‑day’s surfers’ delight.*
Book your flight to Cóbano now at costaricagreenair.com/en/book or call +506 4000‑2030—your Santa Teresa session starts the moment the wheels leave the runway.