Air Travel Within Costa Rica
SANSA and NatureAir are the two domestic airlines that operate within Costa Rica. A short flight to your surf destination can make a lot of sense and is pretty inexpensive. Both airlines are basically comparable with a few subtle differences which we will explain.
SANSA and NatureAir fly from two different airports near San José to many different locations around the country. Their respective rates, equipment, routes and schedules are virtually the same, and we’ve had reasonably good experiences with both. You may benefit from better customer service (en Inglesa) from NatureAir, and conversely you might save a buck or two with SANSA.
Short-haul domestic flight fares are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $40-$90 each way plus airport taxes and fuel surcharges- additional $8-$18. Either of the two airlines will get you to the same outlying destination, originating from San José. However, NatureAir now also offers flights leaving from Tamarindo and Quepos to some of the outlying areas.
SANSA primarily use new 14 passenger Cessna 208-B Grand Caravans. The SANSA fleet is air-conditioned and has comfortable leather seats. One consideration is the surfboard allowance; each flight can handle a maximum (per flight) of 2 surfboards under 6’9” for $10 each way. Luggage allowance is 27lbs per passenger including carry-ons and you will be charged $1/lb if you go over. The Airline has the right to refuse luggage if they feel there is a safety concern.
NatureAir primarily flies 19 passenger Twin Otter DHC6 300 Vistaliner aircraft, but also have other planes which can accommodate up to 46 passengers. Each passenger is allowed 25 pounds of baggage, including carry-ons. Surfboards are subject to space availability and you may be asked to pay an additional service charge.
Both SANSA and NatureAir also offer charter services to all of the airports they normally serve plus others smaller airports that operate without regularly scheduled flights. SANSA offers lockers in their terminal at Juan Santamaría airport, a service that the main international terminal doesn’t provide.
