Vacations In Costa Rica – Make The Most Out Of This Surfer’s Paradise

If you’re into surf and you’re not so sure where to go on your next holiday, you might want to keep reading and discover our Costa Rica vacation packages. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert wave rider, Costa Rica is the ultimate surfers’ paradise in Central America.

Costa Rica is known for its progressive environmental policies and that reflects very obviously on its stunning landscapes. With the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, beautiful beaches are not scarce. In fact, ecotourism is one of the booming sectors of Costa Rica’s overall flourishing economy. It is the only country to meet all five UNDP criteria established to measure environmental sustainability.

Since 1847 when Costa Rica formally declared sovereignty it has remained one of the most stable, prosperous, and progressive nations in Latin America. It has consistently received positive scores in terms of Human Development Index (HDI), and it has been cited by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for attaining much higher human development than other countries at the same income level, showing better records on human development and inequality than the median of the region. Its rapidly developing economy, once heavily dependent on agriculture, has diversified to include sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

Choosing one of our Costa Rica vacation packages will allow you to enjoy the best of this natural paradise for surfers who visit its beaches from all over the world. Costa Rica has a tropical climate all year, hence being perfect for a surfer’s getaway any time of the year. One of the reasons that make Costa Rica such an attractive destiny -besides its geographic proximity– is the high quality of its medical services, and lower medical costs. Just keep in mind that since 2012, Costa Rica is subject to some of the most restrictive regulations in the world for smokers.

So Which Are The Best Beaches For Surfing In Costa Rica?

In no particular order, here are some of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica:

Playa Pavones

This beach is the real deal, it’s prestige comes from its left point break, which offers one of the longest and most epic rides of the world, making it a favourite for the most serious surfers since it demands strength and plenty of skills to stay on your feet as the bottom is rather rocky. Experts say the best time to surf at Pavones is from May to October.

Playa Hermosa (near Jacó)

Playa Jacó is a famous beginner spot and five minutes away from it, is Playa Hermosa. Depending on the weather and the conditions the waves can be huge or just big enough for a fun ride. However, conditions may change faster than you think. If you’re looking for powerful, hollow and fast waves, you might want to visit this spot as part of our Costa Rica vacation packages.

Playa Guiones

If you are up for some surfing lessons, this is your spot. There are lots of surfing schools in Guiones and the waves in this beach drop rather easily, these consistent and somewhat gentle waves are perfect for beginners and intermediates. Nevertheless, more experimented surfers are also well acquainted for. This beach offers a perfect place to practice cutbacks and other advanced tricks.
Swell and tides may vary but this still remains a daily favourite for surfers of all levels.

Playa Tamarindo

This is probably the country’s top surf and party spot. It has the most bars, hotels, restaurants and of course, tourists. However, it’s still a good place to catch some waves. In spite of being known mostly for the party, it’s a great surfing beach. It also belongs to the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste, making the beach attractive to all ages.

Salsa Brava

This beach is located on the Caribbean Coast in Puerto Viejo, and it offers real hardcore surfing. Massive waves that break extremely large and powerful over a floor of sharp coral reef. A real jewel for the most daring and dauntless amongst the pros.

If you want to learn more about Costa Rica, choose one of our Costa Rica vacation packages. For more information, check our contact page or call us at 916 688 3700. We are available 24/7 to assist you.

9 Things To Do In Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful beach resort on the western coast of Mexico. You can find Cabo San Lucas at the end of the Baja peninsula, and its popularity is always on the rise. So much so, it is officially the fastest growing destination in the whole of Mexico. Here at Only Travel Group, we have an exciting array of options when it comes to Cabo San Lucas vacation packages. We cater for all budgets, and we are sure we can make your vacation to Cabo San Lucas, the best vacation you’ve ever had!

In this short article we will focus on the ten top things to do when you’re next in Cabo San Lucas. If this doesn’t make you want to book your next trip, we don’t know what will.

El Arco de Cabo San Lucas & Land’s End

Within Cabo San Lucas, El Arco is the most famous landmark, and Land’s End marks the end of the Baja Peninsula. Offering stunning rock formations and a completely natural arc, it really is a beautiful sight. The locals suggest that every four years or so, the tide changes, meaning the beach emerges and it’s possible for you to walk underneath the Arch.

Scuba Diving

The oceans off of Cabo San Lucas, have earned the justified reputation of “aquarium of the world.” This is because it plays home to more than three hundred varieties of fish. The varieties are just mesmerizing with all the colors, shapes and sizes you can imagine. If you’re searching for Nemo, there’s a good chances he’s in Cabo San Lucas.

Snorkeling

If scuba diving isn’t really your thing, snorkeling offers the same opportunities, at a fraction of the price. It also offers you a little more freedom, from the point of view you won’t have a huge air tank strapped to your back. As with scuba diving there’s a massive plethora of fish, whilst the ocean offers incredible visibility. Typically speaking, the visibility of the water in Cabo San Lucas is fifty feet.

Eat Fresh Fruits & Seafood

When it comes to fresh fruit, Cabo San Lucas does things a little differently. Of course you can ask for your fruit plain, however the locals like to spice things up with some fresh herbs and seasonings. The locals consider it to be the perfect blend of sweet, spicy and savory.

The Principal Marina

With a real variety of shops, delicious restaurants, welcoming bars, and brilliant opportunities for people-watching, the principal marina really has something for everyone. There are also a number of local vendors selling local cuisine and their recreational services. Recreational activities you can sign-up for in the marina include kayaking, scuba diving, boat trips, glass bottom tours etc. There really is something for everyone. If you are looking for a more authentic experience involving less tourists, you will have to wander further into town.

Shopping

Buy all the souvenirs for friends and families back home, or just enjoy the sunshine as you amble through town. Engaging the senses, you can admire colorful displays, taste delicious food, barter with locals, and most of all have lots of fun. You might even find yourself a bargain! Generally speaking, the souvenirs can be a little expensive but obviously act as a great remembrance from your incredible vacation!

Zip-Line

Mexico’s largest zip-wire can be found in Cabo San Lucas. This is fantastic day out for any adrenaline-junkie, and is located just a short drive from the main town. It is currently the fastest, highest and longest zip-line in Mexico, and offers individuals a unique perspective of the beautiful landscape below.

Bars & Clubs

The bar and club scene is fairly seasonal in Cabo San Lucas. Lots of students and younger people will arrive for spring-break, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in the town. Whereas, seasonal drinkers and holiday-makers are more likely to be found in a nice beach-front bar, enjoying the view. Whether you’re here to truly let your hair down, or just want to chill out with a rum cocktail, Cabo San Lucas will have a place for you! Some highlights include Giggling Marlin, Nowhere Bar, The Office, and perhaps the best of them all, Cabo Wabo Cantina.

Chill Out

Offering more than twenty miles of coast line, you are sure to find your perfect beach. The laid-back atmosphere of the coastal town also is difficult to break. Whether your idea of chilling out, is drinking cocktails on a beach-front bar, or kayaking to a nearby island, Cabo San Lucas caters for all. Make your dream vacation a reality, and get in touch with Only Travel Group now.

What Are You Waiting For? Contact Only Travel Group Now…

Cabo San Lucas really does have something for everyone, and there’s way more to see and do than listed above. With the help of Only Travel Group, and their incredible Cabo San Lucas vacation packages, we are sure that we can help your dream vacation become a reality.

What are you waiting for? Give Only Travel Group a call now on 916 688 3700.

The Pure Life Of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the known to be the “world’s happiest” country and I can truly say one of the “friendliest” as they have forbidden an army for over 60 years!  It is truly one of the most satisfying places to live with the average life expectancy at 79 years.  Ticos is a term widely used between Costa Rica natives.  You will hear the term PURA VIDA (meaning Pure Life) very frequently as this is usually said in place of hello and goodbye.  You will arrive here and the people and breathtaking scenery will make it very hard to leave!

I am an airplane fanatic and love staying in the retrofitted Boeing 727, a 2-Bedroom suite at the Costa Verde Resort where most of the time you find more monkeys hanging around than guests. Hotel Costa Verde is located on a coastal rainforest bluff overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, Costa Rica.

Explore the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest where you will find several bird species and the largest population of the country’s quetzal named for its splendor.  There are more than a dozen volcanos here, however Arenal is my favorite reaching over 5000 feet above sea level.  This volcano draws many visitors to the area as it is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park which is over 29,000 acres with many activities such as hiking, canoeing, waterfall rappelling and a must visit to the hot springs are just a few of the attractions in and around Arenal.

Costa Rica has something to offer for everyone, from the bustling streets of San Jose where you can enjoy the nightlife, explore the diverse gastronomy or just sit at a street-side café and people watch.  Or for the more discerning traveler, the luxury intimate setting from a boutique resort overlooking the beautiful rainforests.  Guanacaste located in Northwestern part of the country is widely known for its beaches and world class surfing and sport fishing.  A visit to the nearby town of Tamarindo where you can enjoy the small “beach town” ambiance is always my favorite when visiting Costa Rica.

Puerto Vallarta: The Most Exceptional Destination In Latin America

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most exceptional destinations in Latin America. With its biodiversity, exquisite food, romantic atmosphere, artistic paradise and the diverse and friendly community; Puerto Vallarta cannot be beat. The beauty of Puerto Vallarta can be found in its inhabitants who are friendly and very welcoming to everyone.

Explore Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful vegetation which blankets the mountains and shelters hundreds of species of birds, orchids and wildlife such as the ocelot, jaguar and the iguana. With its immense biodiversity, you can watch dolphins and hunchback whales leap in and out of the water. You could even go out and fish for marlin, tuna or sea bass. If you are a food enthusiast looking for a holiday destination, there is no better place than Puerto Vallarta. You will find traditional food in local restaurants and outdoor cafes or gourmet meals in international restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Mexico and has received a large variety of awards in numerous categories. This destination comes highly recommended for big occasions such as weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals and bachelor/bachelorette parties. Share experiences with that special someone such as a delicious romantic dinner or celebrate romance on your honeymoon. In addition to couples, Puerto Vallarta is also a great family destination with a number of family-friendly hotels to choose from.

Here, you will find a paradise of art and culture, home to culture fans and artists from all around the world. You will be inspired by the beauty and romance of the colonial town and the people in it. The artistic scene is reflected in the art galleries, public sculptures and cultural festivals. With one of the best LGBTQ communities, everyone is invited to enjoy the tolerant atmosphere, amazing climate, the great cuisine and the breathtaking beaches. In the malecon, or the pier, you will find the world-famous nightlife and shopping scenes.

El Dorado Maroma Beachfront: A Romantic Getaway

The El Dorado Maroma Beachfront Resort by Karisma sits right on one of the 10 best beaches in the world, according to Travel Channel, and is the perfect destination for couples traveling on a romantic getaway. It is just a short 25 minutes’ drive from the Cancun Airport. El Dorado Maroma is intimately scaled, so everything from the beach to the bars and world-class restaurants, is just a short walk away from your room. There are private, thatched-roof beach bungalows available where guests can enjoy a Sky Massage while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

The resort offers amazing accommodations, including 7 restaurants, 4 bars, 1 spa, well-appointed swim-up suites, studios, villas, infinity pool suites as well as the new Palafitos Overwater Bungalows. Normally, you would have to travel to the South Pacific to experience this kind of luxury. But now, you have the opportunity to experience a taste of the South Pacific in the Overwater Bungalows in Mexico, just South of Cancun!

The Palafitos Overwater Bungalows are perfect for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways. Guests get all the romantic seclusion they are looking for with luxurious amenities in every suite such as an overwater spa, several Gourmet Inclusive restaurants, romantic outdoor showers, an oversized deck, an indoor Jacuzzi for two and a full butler service that will meet all of your needs. With the full-service butler at your beck and call, you can fulfill every need from pre-arrival requests to refreshments and gourmet bites. For an unparalleled pampered experience- try the Elite Overwater Bungalows, which feature an awe-inspiring view of the turquoise waters of the Maroma Beach. Guests will get all the intimacy of a private hideaway. Watch the marine life right from your king-size bed through a glass-bottom floor or you can grab the snorkeling gear and join them. Guests will have exclusive access to the Overwater Grill & Wine Bar and the Overwater Naay Spa.

Los Cabos, California Has Something For Everyone

Los Cabos, also known as “Land’s End”, is located at the tip of the Southern Baja California Peninsula. It is partially known for its contrast of breathtaking seas to deserts and mountains. Its unparalleled beauty, range of amenities and biodiversity will appeal to every type of personality. Cabo San Lucas used to be nothing more than a fishing village with a few settlers from colonization time. However, it has now grown to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

We have special partnerships for local excursions such as ATV riding, ziplining, horseback riding on the beach and/or fishing. We also have our own fleet of boats offering private charters. Los Cabos is also a great destination for company incentive trips with good dining options, an amazing nightlife and fun group and team building activities.

Cabo San Lucas has some of the most luxurious resorts, a world-class marina and the biggest fishing tournament in the world. The fishing tournament, Bisbee’s Black and Blue Marlin tournament, is held in October and the participants have the chance to win millions. Even if you didn’t want to compete, you could just sit and watch the contestants weigh in their catch. Despite of all the tourists, Cabo manages to retain something of a small-town feel. Besides the full-service marina, Cabo San Lucas’s main attractions include an underwater nature preserve only a short boat ride away from the harbor and the infamous Land’s End rock formations at one end of the bay, with a pristine beach right around the corner.