As surfers, we feel we must be as environmentally conscious as possible in all facets of life, including our business. Sustainability, however, goes beyond just one’s environmental impact. Sustainability in travel and tourism means not only being eco-conscious and reducing waste but ensuring our existence as a business doesn’t displace, diminish, or damage the local culture and economy. 2020 was a rocky year for travel, but we used that time to reflect on our core values as a business in Costa Rica and as surfers. This year, we aim to continue our sustainable mission through a commitment to preserving, protecting, and improving the natural environment of Nosara, its culture, and its people. To find out more about our sustainability goals for 2021, continue reading below.
Continue readingHave you tried surfing Nicaragua yet?
10% OFF ALL PACKAGES…INCLUDING CUSTOM TRIPS
It’s no secret that this time of year is one of the most popular for surf trips. Most of us have time off work, want to celebrate the season and head down to the tropical waters to catch some solid sets. There is also no bigger bummer than hearing the dreaded “we’re all booked up”. We hate saying it…you hate hearing it. And, unfortunately, unless you book super early…this time of year is notorious for that very phrase.
But fret not, fellow surfers…we’re here to help! We are so stoked to announce that our Nicaragua location is finished renovations and is back online and ready for business.
Nicaragua has recently experienced a resurgence amount surf travelers because it offers some of the best surf in the world, is fairly easily traveled and frankly, is just a damn good time.
Headed up by one of our head coaches, Nicolas “Nico” Almeida, our Nicaragua location offers incredible top-notch instruction, amazing cultural adventures, and perfect surf conditions. Located at La Jolla de Guasacate, the Safari Surf Resort is perched upon a gorgeous landscaped hill with majestic ocean and mountain views. Pristine beaches and world-class waves for every level of surfer are just a short hop away. With a stylish clubhouse, restaurant, 2 pools, 18 room boutique hotel, with a luxurious spa, yoga center, and a 4 bedroom luxury rental home, Safari Surf Resort is the hottest new full-service lodging facility in the Tola and Playa Popoyo area.
We are also providing an incredible array of other activities, like deep sea fishing, SUP, yoga, horseback riding, golf (Guacalito de la Isla Golf Course & Hacienda Iguana Club), day trips to Granada, Ometepe, or other towns close by.
Just like our Costa Rica program, we provide an array of packages in Nicaragua…including completely customized trips (currently at 10% off). This is the place to book your next surf vacation.
Assignment: Describe Surfing in THREE Words
“Fun, Not Fun, So Fun!”
This was my assignment for a group of students who spent a busy March week with us here in Nosara. Group coordinator Jason Roderick, an administrator and school counselor at Providence County Day School in Rhode Island brought 15 lucky students on his annual ‘Spring Break Surf/Yoga Retreat’ at Safari Surf School. This was Roderick’s SEVENTH annual trip!
Jason believes that surfing can offer students a positive alternative stress reliever and explains, “as the PCD Wellness Coordinator, my goal is to offer students the opportunity to experience healthy and organic ways to reduce and manage stress. Furthermore I want kids to push themselves (in a safe environment) to experience a different place and people; to respect the local community and culture, and to learn self-sufficiency, as important tools to be utilized throughout high school, college and the rest of their lives”.
This year’s Surf/Yoga group was kept busy with surf lessons, zip-lining adventures, daily yoga and meditation sessions, a beach walk clean-up, and a spirited soccer game verse the Safari Surf instructors on the village soccer field. At the end of the day sleep came easily!
Needless to say everyone had a solid time…but, it wouldn’t be school without an assignment, right?
So we decided to come up with one…
Without exception surfing has a profound impact on one’s psyche – it’s fast and beautiful and fluid and dangerous all in one. A good time to register the impact surfing can imprint on someone’s demeanor is to catch them immediately upon exiting the ocean. This is when we asked students to pause and describe surfing in three words. The answers were awesome…here are some responses:
Whenever I meet a new guest I give them the ‘Safari Surf School Guarantee’:
The Bermuda-Costa Rica Connection
What comes to mind when one thinks about Bermuda? For sure the Bermuda Triangle pops up, but anything else? I venture that most of us (like myself) knows very little about this fascinating island.
Bermuda is the most northerly group of coral islands in the world, lying just beyond the Gulf Stream some 650 miles off the coast of the Carolinas. Although very small and isolated in its part of the ocean, it offers a wide variety of places to see, people to meet, and things to do. With an economy based on tourism and international business, Bermudians enjoy a high standard of living with almost no unemployment, no national debt, and no income tax. Sounds like paradise to me! Google Bermuda and your senses are bombarded by a panorama of dreamy blue seascapes – every shade of blue imaginable! One of the great joys of living in Nosara and working at Safari Surf is that it opens a portal to the big wide world we live in. The Bermuda-Nosara connection was spawned five years ago by long time Bermudians the Hammond family. “We were looking for a vacation where the boys could learn to surf, at least stand up” Sharon Hammond reflects. “Richard did a lot of research on the internet and found Safari Surf and signed us up”. “Everything about that first trip just resonated, says Richard, we all loved it; the waves, the food, the spirited people, and we kept returning for more”. As is likely to happen, it’s hard to keep a good secret, and as the Hammonds relayed their surf stories to close friends, the connection grew. “I reckon we are now up to around thirty-five fellow Bermudians that love the place and return every year”. And you have never met more affable, gentle, lovely slice humanity anywhere. It dawned on me that this is how Nosara continues to grow, with these kinds of good hearted, fun-loving families tuning into the Pura Vida. It’s magical, really!
Meet the Hammonds – Richard, Rudi, Louie, Sharon
We always love when Team Bermuda is in da house! Talk about energy, they are all buzzing with stoke and can’t wait to get wet. I reflect on my past trips here when we lived in Florida. I was absolutely rabid to catch as many waves as possible, and bottle it all up to get me through the flat spells. The beauty of this place is that there are always waves breaking out there, it is a constant, a defining gift that Nosara proudly offers. Bermuda is ringed by a coral barrier reef which results in beautiful calm swimming beaches, but also prevents consistent rideable surfing waves from forming. Nosara’s ever-reliable consistency can take care of our surf-starved friends in no time!
Bermudas Barrier Reefs “consume” Incoming Wave Energy
Here a kite surfer rides the wind!
Rudi and Louie
Serious Q & A with my new bros
Over the years I have watched Rudi (12) and Louie (11) not just become better surfers, but also turn into solid people. Surfing does that, it immerses you in something larger and very powerful, what I like to call Big Blue. They are easy going and fun-loving. They love the food here and are always hungry! “Fish, plantains, and Britt chocolates” the lads enthusiastically exclaim. They already have monikers or nicknames, perhaps to keep in pace with instructors Chumi, Gato, Hellboy, and Pio!
‘Tsumani Rudi Gabas’ on a Screamer!
‘Big Wave Louie’ Sets up a nice Bottom Turn
Richard and Sharon
It is interesting how many doctors come to Safari Surf. Richard and Sharon are M.D.s in Bermuda.
I asked them what fuels the economy there: “tourism has been overtaking by the reinsurance industry” explains Richard. What is that I asked? “Reinsurance is insurance issued for Insurance Companies, and Bermuda is a leading hub for this”. When asked about Bermudas beaches, Sharon says “oh we have many lovely beaches here, perfect for snorkeling and swimming, but few waves”.
Richard Backdoors a Nice Section
Sharon Pulling in at the Boca
Beautiful Seascapes but No Waves!
The Bermuda Triangle
The real Bermuda Triangle in my book is the connection to Nosara spawned by the Hammonds’ sharing with their friends via the Coconut Telegraph. Richard says “we would come back after these fabulous surfing vacations and spread the word to our best friends. They would look at the photos of the whole family surfing together and one by one more families joined the next trip.” “Let’s see” says Sharon, “We have the Pecketts, Outerbridges, Skinners, Betts, Kendalls, and Wojo’s, that’s nearly 40 people!”. Many thanks to all of our Bermuda families for coming – our house is yours!
Sharon and Rudi spending Quality Time
Our House is Your House
Team Bermuda – April 2015
Nosara News- New Stuff!- Inside Peak
Nosara News
INSIDE PEAK- March 17, 2015
New Stuff in Nosara!
Every season here in Nosara ushers in a wave of new businesses and this year is no exception. So from us to you, here is Nosara News- New Stuff!
From restaurants, to retail, to recreation, Nosara is continuing to grow in support of our already well established active/surf/wellness reputation. Despite this inevitable growth Nosara still retains its charm and “mom/pop” feeling. This I attribute to the enormous impact of our beachfront protection, which has steered big time developers and chain hotels further north. Here is a sampling of some of Nosara’s new offerings this season.
Food and Beverage
Every new season brings a new wave of eateries to town. Some “make it’, but others disappear once the rainy season arrives. This season has seen quite a few new eateries. We haven’t tried them all, but did seek some reviews from visitors.
Al Chile
Located in the former Casa Tucan restaurant (Safari’s old digs), Al Chile opened at the end of July with a menu of tacos and burritos. All ingredients are fresh and prepared to order, including the corn tortillas used for tacos and the wheat tortillas used for burritos. Jeffrey loves the place!
Tibidabo
Mediterranean restaurant with a chef from Barcelona offers authentic tapas, montaditos, paellas, sangria and desserts. Very positive reviews on Facebook page – looks worth a try! Tim is stoked about this one!
Fusion
Located within the 506 Townhome community, Fusion is upscale, serving cuisine from celebrated Chef Jairo “specializing in the fusion of culinary tastes”. The Wednesday “Sushi Night” gets great reviews.
Solo Bueno
Converted from an old surf hostel, Solo Bueno is a restaurant/water park featuring inside and outside dining, an 8 jet jacuzzi for adults and a small step in pool for children. There are 4 pools in total, on 4 different levels, overlooking 3 patios, 8 waterfalls, and a multitude of exotic gardens. The menu varies from salads, burgers, and wraps on the pool deck to gourmet dinner entrées and custom cocktails.
Go Juice Smoothie and Juice Bar
All natural fresh fruit and vegetable smoothies, fresh pressed juice, iced coffee, fresh ceviche, poke, and nutritious snacks. Super healthy juice concoctions such as ‘beetnick’ (for detox), hydro blast (for hydration),‘ginger kale’ (for blood circulation’, and ‘Eye Opener’ (for immune system), had me totally perplexed! My daughter loves this place.
El Chivo
Located in Playa Pelada on the site of the former Panchos, El Chivo is a beautiful new restaurant with made from scratch Mexican cuisine and specialty margaritas. The burritos are amazing. Thumbs up!
La Luna Breakfast/Brunch
Super popular and trendy beachfront restaurant La Luna in Playa Pelada now serves daily breakfast. The very interesting and eclectic international menu features such specialties as the mediterranean feast, breakfast pizza, shakshuka, balkan, full English breakfast, and muesli. Their brand new espresso machine rocks!
Pipa Fria
Undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town these days is ‘Pipa Fria’, or chilled coconut water served in the shell. Vendors have popped up on every corner this season, and there is nothing better than grabbing a cold pipa right after surfing – plus it’s just plain hip, everyone’s doing it!
Retail
Love Nosara
Open air women’s clothing boutique created by Susanna and Manolo. Offering distinctive and original clothing, jewelry, and leather goods sourced from small independent artisan clothing manufacturers. May not be open on rainy days as they are completely exposed to the elements!
Hot Tamale
New recycled and vintage fashion located on main street Guiones.
Recreation
Tennis Club Colibri
Beautiful red clay tennis courts on main street Guiones
Climb Nosara
A unique freestanding climbing wall offering 36 roped routes and other bouldering options. Designer/climber Steve Way proclaims “Climbing helps to build confidence, with great lessons in teamwork, trust and leadership skills. It also helps to develop core strength, balance & co-ordination, and develops muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition and flexibility!”
Eskina Skate Park
Skate Park – Skate Pool – Hostel – Skate Shop – Skate School – Bar – Restaurant – Event Center. Eskina Skate Park. Open daily to the public and available for private bookings, birthdays, etc. On-site full service Yums Restaurant overlooks the skating action. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest events and promotions including live music, fashion shows, and professional exhibitions.
Cheap Advertising – Nosara Style!
Safari Photos
As some of you may know, Jeffrey added to his plate this year by agreeing to take on the photography aspect of Safari. Initially, he was met with some challenges: lenses breaking, computer not uploading, basic learning curves… but, he has overcome and is taking some superb photos of our guests! We have also hired local photographer, Bryan Espinoza, to come in on his off hours to take some additional photos for us and give Jeffrey some pointers. Between the 2 of them, we are adding some fantastic shots to our growing gallery.
Newest Photos from Jeffrey
Newest Photos from Bryan
Inside Peak- Join Our Family
JOIN OUR FAMILY
Safari Surf recently had the privilege of welcoming Stan and Olga into our family. They stayed with us for a month, and the idea was that they would trade out breakfast and room at the Safari House in exchange for a couple of promo videos, to be posted on the Safari Surf website, Facebook page, and other social media sites. Stan and Olga are from Germany, where it is very, very cold right now so, they were happy to take a break from the cold in Nosara. Their “assignment” was to soak up the “Safari Vibe” and translate this to video. Having founded the adventure travel blog website http://www.epiclist.com, they were no strangers to “extreme adrenaline sports”, and were familiar with surfing, but in their time here, they fully embraced the essence of surfing and pura vida, which is captured brilliantly in their video creations. At the end of their 1st published video they encourage us to “join the family”, which is exactly what we are. I feel like we are in the 1970’s again! Check it out here: https://vimeo.com/119782826.
Stay tuned to Safari Surf for more from Stan and Olga. And muchas gracias for the stoke lift you two!
Stan and Olga at work
Family Vacations at Safari Surf
Traveling to Costa Rica with your family is an enriching experience for everyone. You will be immersed in a culture and adventure that takes place outside of your iPhone! When I fly Northbound from San Jose to Orlando, Florida to visit my daughter, the planes are full of excited Costa Rican families heading to Disney World; but the Southbound flights are full of Americanos headed to paradise for surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, zip lining, and yoga. Surfing brings people together and creates a memorable bonding experience for families. Meal times are generally long, leisurely affairs around a happy table where people actually talk to one another. It is definitely quality time!
Strong Family Unit
Bill Curley and family love surfing so much that they bought a vacation home here
One Big Happy Family
Whether you come as a single solo-traveler or bring your husband/wife and kiddos along, everyone becomes part of the family. You surf together, zipline, kayak, ride horses……you get to know everyone in town.
Safari welcomes a huge amount of return clients, we call them our alumni.
Family Horseback Tour
Families that Zipline together, stay together!
Sam & Jeff Chandler – football bonding
Around the Table
Safari Surf guests share breakfast and dinners together every day. The conversation is lively and spirited and the television is turned off!
Sam’s Birthday Celebration!
Three Generations of Lewis Girls!
The Wagner Family dining under the stars
JOIN THE SAFARI FAMILY TODAY!
Sure it sounds like the old cliché, but down here ‘Lo Que Hay’ (it is what it is!).
Come on down to Safari Surf for Spring break, its way better than Ft. Lauderdale!
Student group from Guilford College in North Carolina
All-Girls Surf Clinic for Local Nosara Families