Traveling to Costa Rica: Entry Protocols, Policy Changes, Easy Testing & More (April 2021)

Joe Walsh • April 19, 2021

Eager to plan your first international surf trip since the pandemic? Can’t stop daydreaming about catching World Class Waves in a warm-water paradise? Now that vaccines are being rolled out on a massive scale and covid protocols feel second nature to everyone, travel anxiety is being replaced with travel excitement! When choosing your next destination, our region of Guanacaste, Costa Rica should stand out because sunshine and social distancing are baked into our tourism recipe. Plus, traveling to Costa Rica is remarkably easy compared to similar destinations.

Protocols Before Entering Costa Rica:

  • All travelers (unless vaccinated*) must purchase travel insurance which covers medical expenses and hotel accommodations in the event that you become infected while on vacation. We’ve been recommending the pre-approved Costa Rican companies, SAGICOR or Anthem Blue Cross , since this became a requirement. These companies have user-friendly websites (in English) and different insurance packages to accommodate single travelers, families, long-term stays, etc.
  •  Vaccinated travelers must prove they’ve received an approved vaccine: Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson. They must also prove the last dose of the schedule must have been administered at least 14 days before entering Costa Rica. Finally proof must be demonstrated with a document that includes the person’s full name, date of each dose, formula, and lot number.
  • All travelers must fill out a Health Pass within 72-hours of your first departure flight. This is basically a health questionnaire that asks questions about your current state of health, if you’ve been vaccinated, if you’ve had the virus, etc. These form must be completed by all travelers, even minors, without exception.
  • Costa Rica does not require a negative coronavirus test to enter or exit the country.
 

Costa Rica’s Nationwide Covid Measures

  • Beaches and National Parks OPEN
  • All outdoor tourism activities permitted
  • Vast majority of restaurants and bars can operate (with some capacity restrictions) from 5am – 11pm
  • Nationwide driving restriction from 11pm – 5am (rental cars / tourism transportation exempt)
  • Masks are required in all indoor settings except when eating, while alone, or in a private residence. You can be denied entry into an establishment if you are not wearing a mask

 

Witch’s Rock Surf Camp’s Covid Measures

  • 50% van occupancy for surf tours and airport transportation
  • Mandatory mask in van for everyone (Large, 15 passenger Mercedes vans)
  • Restaurant staff, maintenance, surf shop employees with masks 100% of the time without exception
  • Mandatory mask for guests while in surf shop and other closed areas
  • Seminars being held in open air restaurant (mask optional).
  • Hand washing and sanitizing stations throughout camp.
  • Temperature checks daily and frequent testing for Witch’s Rock staff.
  • Social distancing (please use your best judgment).
 

Witch’s Rock Policy Change – Less is More

Since we’ve opened back up to international travelers in November 2020, we’ve made some policy changes that have been beneficial to our guests and business alike. The major change you’ll notice is less people in our surf programs. In fact, we’ve reduced the surf program numbers by about 50%. We’ve done this by requiring that all surf program guests stay at our main site. In other words, in order to participate in one of our surf programs, you now must stay at our beachfront hotel, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp.  This policy change has made a noticeable difference in our guest experience as you can see in our latest  TripAdvisor Reviews. 

We’re utilizing our sister location, Pueblo Dorado Surf Hotel , as an accommodations-only option which has been ideal for long-term digital nomads working remotely or guests that simply want to explore Costa Rica on their own terms (while still receiving daily breakfast and board rental).
 

 

Getting Back Home (Covid Free)

The overwhelming majority of tourists have come from the United States.  In fact, we Costa Rica is starting to overpass 2019 pre-COVID entry numbers

The (CDC) has announced that all vaccinated travelers flying back to the United States must show proof of a negative Covid-19 result taken within 3 days before boarding their return flight. Unvaccinated travelers returning to the US need to complete this test within 24 hours and produce a negative result. Policy has been in effect since January 26, 2021 and it’s gone very smoothly at camp.  Witch’s Rock has a doctor coming onsite on Thursdays to administer a PCR test for our Saturday – Saturday guests.  For those not doing Saturday – Saturday trips, there are several clinics in Tamarindo that also offer this test as well and we’ll help you schedule the test at check-in. There is also new laboratory at the Liberia (LIR) airport where you can take the test on your departure day (must arrive 4 hours before flight).

Ready to Get on Board?

Costa Rica is an excellent option to travel again. We spend most of our days outside, our food is fresh and local, there is no shortage of Vitamin-D, and our low stress, Pura Vida attitude is just what you need during these crazy times.

Furthermore, several airlines are also opening new routes to Costa Rica from the USA.

United Airlines will operate more flights to Costa Rica than it did in 2019. This includes flights from Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco.

American Airlines will “unground” remaining planes and operate all of its aircraft for the first time since the pandemic started.

Starting in July, low-cost carrier Frontier will initiate routes from Orlando and Miami, representing new flights from an airline that hadn’t served Costa Rica in several years.

Contact us Toll Free  at 1-888-318-7873 or email us at reservations@witchsrocksurfcamp.com if you’d like to start planning.

Is Tamarindo Safe? A Clear, Data-Driven Guide to Visiting Costa Rica

By Witch Rocks Surf Camp • August 5, 2026
Yes — Tamarindo is considered one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica for tourists. Most incidents involve petty theft, while violent crime affecting visitors is rare. With basic precautions, it’s a very safe destination for surfers, families, and solo travelers. Costa Rica has long been known as one of the most stable, welcoming countries in Latin America. Yet online discussions, headlines, and occasional embassy alerts often raise the same question for travelers: Is Costa Rica safe — and is Tamarindo safe to visit? This guide separates facts from perception , explains why safety concerns are often misunderstood , and looks specifically at Tamarindo through the lens that actually matters: the real experience of travelers on the ground . At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, we’ve hosted thousands of travelers, families, and solo surfers in Tamarindo since 2001 — giving us a real, on-the-ground perspective of what safety actually looks like here. Understanding Safety the Right Way: Tourist Reality vs Headlines When people search “Is Costa Rica safe?”, they are often shown national crime statistics without context. This creates confusion. Here’s the key point: 👉 Tourist safety is not measured by national crime averages — it’s measured by what happens in tourist areas. National crime data includes: Drug-trafficking activity Gang-related violence Urban neighborhoods far from tourism Domestic and local disputes unrelated to visitors These factors do not reflect the reality of beach towns, surf destinations, or established tourist communities like Tamarindo. The same logic applies everywhere: Crime in parts of Los Angeles does not define safety in Malibu Crime in New York City does not define safety in the Hamptons Crime in Mexico City does not define safety in Cozumel Tamarindo must be evaluated as a tourist destination — not as a national statistic. Is Tamarindo Safe Compared to Other Popular Destinations? When Tamarindo is compared properly — city to city, destination to destination — the picture becomes clear.

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By Witch Rocks Surf Camp • August 5, 2026
If you’re searching for the best surf spots on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, then you’re in the right place. Picture this – warm sun, crystal-clear water, and world-class waves calling out to surfers from near and far. Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the best surf destinations in the world.
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Witch’s Rock, the wave from which we derive our namesake, popularized by The Endless Summer II most definitely lives up to the hype. If you’ve seen the movie, you know what this wave can do during a swell. Simply put, it’s a leg burning barrel. Witch’s Rock handles swell very well, it gets big, and it gets hollow. What

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By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • May 25, 2026
Most kids can start learning to surf between ages 4 and 7, depending on their comfort in the water, balance, confidence, and excitement about trying something new. At Witch’s Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, we’ve taught surfing to children as young as 5 years old using beginner-friendly waves, personalized instruction, and a safe […] The post At What Age Can Kids Start Surfing? appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.

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By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 23, 2026
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By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 19, 2026
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By Witch's Rock - Costa Rica Surf Camp • March 19, 2026
If you’ve ever traveled to Costa Rica — or even researched it — you’ve probably heard the phrase “Pura Vida.” But what does it actually mean? More than just a saying, “Pura Vida” is the heartbeat of Costa Rican culture. It reflects a way of life centered around positivity, simplicity, and appreciation. The Literal Meaning […]

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By Joe Walsh • March 17, 2026
Planning a surf trip to Costa Rica is exciting — but the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one comes down to preparation. From fitness and mindset to packing and expectations, arriving ready to surf will help you make the most of every session. 1. Understand What Surfing in Costa Rica Is Really […] The post How to Prepare for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica appeared first on Witch's Rock Surf Camp.