Costa Rica Exploration

Costa Rice Exploration is meant for the adventure surfer that is ready to hop in an off-road vehicle, drive away from the crowded breaks and search for empty perfection. We will be flying into the region known for its many left-hand point breaks. Plus, we'll hitch a boat ride over to a right-hand wave when it's time to switch it up. Warm water waves, good food and the ultimate surf expedition... yeah, this is for you. Read on...

June 8-15

June 15-22

Price: $TBD USD / Person / Individual Room
(Couples Discount Available)

Available Spots: 3-6
Location: Southern Costa Rica
Duration: Saturday to Saturday
Wave Riding Vehicle: All Boards Welcome. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details on airline limitations.
*Airfare And Alcohol Not Included
Couples Discount: Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today and get the details.

The price of your trip covers all the essentials:
-Full-Time CPR/First Aid Certified Surf Guide/Instructor (Former California State Lifeguard)
-Individual Rooms - Accommodations Minutes From The Beach
-Airport Shuttles - To/From Golfito Airport
-3 Meals A Day / Fruit, Coffee, Toast, Snacks At House
-Ground Transportation To Surf Spots And Adventures
-Full-Time Photographer (Land And/Or Water)
-After-Surf Instructional Video Sessions
-End Of Trip Awards
-Filtered Water While On “Surf Patrol” - Bring Your Own Water Bottle
-All High-Resolution Photos, 4K Drone Footage And HD Video Clips

Costa Rica's coastline is like no other. You're going to discover the southern region's beautiful left-hand point breaks of Pavones. Of course, the goofy footers are going to be stoked but not to worry regular footers... we will be looking for rights as well. In fact, we're going to wait for the best day to take the ponga across the channel to surf the right-point break on the peninsula. No need to bring your wetsuits. The warm waters of the Pacific will flow over your body and bring all your senses to a special place on the planet. 

Manny V has been to central Costa Rica several times with groups so driving through the jungles and concrete roads in the (C-RAM) Costa Rica Adventure Mobile will come naturally. And you need someone in the driver's seat that takes safety as the number priority. With that, expect to see some cool things that most people don't see when they travel to other retreats or resorts. Real, raw, and epic adventures await.

Plus, Manny V has contracted a local guide and photographer to document the morning sessions each day. That way, he'll be able to surf with you and help line you up in the right spots for the best waves. And he's fun to surf with :)

Now, here's a sample itinerary of your week in the tropics:

Saturday
Arrive at Golfito Airport
I Pick You Up From Airport In Our 4x4 SUV Costa Rica Adventure Mobile (C-RAM)
Settle Into Base Camp

Monday - Friday
Check Forecast, Make Calls To The Locals To Determine Where We Ride With The Least Amount Of People
Hop In The C-RAM (Costa Rica Adventure Mobile)
Surf Our Brains Out
Come Back To Hotel For Lunch And Rest
Head Out For Afternoon Surf Session
Photo Slide Show / Video tutorials
Dinner & Rest
Awards Dinner (Friday Night)
*Exploration & Optional Adventures (Zipline, ATV, Etc.) Will Be Made As A Group

Saturday
Airport drop off

The Accommodations
What can we say...? Manny V went all out with finding and booking one of the coolest properties in the area. He was immediately drawn to the Indonesia-themed decor, spacious feel, and of course... the pool with a view. Here's the information pulled from the Air BnB webpage for this home:

Perched 150 feet above sea level, the views of ocean, sky, and jungle from this Bali-style house are mesmerizing.

From the living room it is a 5-minute walk to the beach and just a 5 minute drive to Pavones Point, one of the best surf spots in Central America and home of the second longest left hander on the planet.

A perfect place to disconnect, we also offer the best internet service in the area--and a backup secondary satellite network, just in case.

The Property
Set on 5 acres of lush jungle just 200 meters from the beach, this property has a gated entrance that opens onto a brick driveway that leads to the main house. Visitors are stunned by the natural beauty, ocean and jungle views, and sightings of the jungle wildlife (like monkeys and toucans), and by the brilliant house design that integrates seamlessly with the surrounds, giving an open, breezy feeling to the house and lending privacy to all guests in a group.

The House
Known to the locals by the name “La Veranda” or "El Capitan" this 3 bedroom house is made up of 3 separate wings, and each wing is its own, independent structure — and all are connected by lovely covered wooden walkways.

Amenities Include:
— WIFI in each room.
— Best internet service in the area plus a separate backup satellite internet service.
— Air conditioning and ceiling fans in each room.
— Secure safe in each bedroom.
— Sonos wireless sound system.
— Saltwater pool.
— Indoor and outdoor living room and dining areas, and multiple lounge areas.
— Laundry room with new washing machine and dryer.
— Drinkable water: the house has its own well and the kitchen also has a reverse Osmosis water filter system installed as well.
— Well-equipped kitchen with good quality appliances and cookware.
— Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom.
— Alarm that allows you to alarm each room individually.
— Outside security cameras.
— Great water pressure and plenty of hot water.
— Spacious mosquito nets on all beds.

The Central Wing
The central wing of the house contains an open-plan integrated living room, dining room, and kitchen with high vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and panoramic views of the ocean and jungle. Large glass sliding doors open onto an elevated, covered deck with outdoor couches that overlook the saltwater pool and sun deck with lounge chairs below—a great place to take a dip, and enjoy the sightings and sounds of the birds and wildlife that frequent the property, or just relax and allow yourself to be entertained by the often present monkeys as they swing from branch to branch in the mango trees.
- The Kitchen is a dream for those who like to cook—stocked with good quality cookware and chef's knives, new stainless appliances (including a Viking gas stove top, Samsung dishwasher, Frigidaire side-by-side refrigerator, and Breville espresso & cappuccino machine), as well as a drip coffee maker, blender, toaster, small food processor, Pyrex, and other basics needed for cooking and dining.
- The Living Room, with a comfortable seating area and a large wall of sliding glass doors opening onto a large deck, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the view of the ocean and the famed Osa peninsula beyond and the spectacular sunsets.

The Main Bedroom Wing
Just to the left of the central wing is the wing that houses Bedroom #1, the largest of the 3 bedrooms — about 400 square feet. This bedroom offers awe-inspiring panoramic views, an en suite full bathroom, a huge walk-in closet, a king-size bed, desk, comfy lounge chairs, a dining table with seating for 4 (perfect for a private breakfast!), and both air conditioning and ceiling fans. The 2 glass walls are also windows that slide open. This room also overlooks the pool, sun deck, and garden below. The spacious bathroom features a shower with a full-length sliding window that opens fully so you can also enjoy showering at one with nature.

Bedroom #2 & #3 Wing
The third structure, to the right of the central wing, contains two spacious bedrooms, each with its own en suite full bathroom. Both bedrooms adjoin a wide covered deck area where guests can enjoy the lovely setting in an outdoor living room and dining area or take a siesta in the hammock.
- Bedroom #2: Includes an en suite full bathroom, a queen size bed, café style table with seating for 2, a dresser, and bookshelves with an abundant and eclectic collection of books to browse—including a few must-reads on Costa Rica.
- Bedroom #3: Includes an en suite full bathroom, a king-size bed, desk, dresser, comfy reading chair, and both ceiling fans and an air conditioner.

The Grounds
Set in a lush jungle, wildlife abounds here… there are 3 different types of monkeys (howler, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys), toucans, sloths, scarlet macaws, iguanas, anteaters, kinkajous, and so many other animals. There are various types of tropical fruit trees, including mango, avocado, banana, pineapple, papaya, coconut, and lime trees. And so many lovely varieties of flowers.

Location
From La Veranda, it’s just a 200-meter walk to the beach where guests will find miles and miles of uninhabited shoreline to explore. The quaint little village town of Pavones—where guests can find restaurants and groceries and buy fresh seafood directly from the fisherman who caught them—is also just a 5-minute drive from the house.

Guest Access
Guests will have access to the entire 3-bedroom house. It's a 5-minute walk to the beach and a 5-minute drive (or about a 15-20 minute walk) to the quaint little village town of Pavones. In town, guests can find restaurants, surf shops, gift shops, grocery stores, and even buy fresh seafood directly from the fisherman who caught them.

Getting There
It's going to be a little bit of a mission to get to paradise. It's the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Pavones is via flying to Golfito Airport. You're going fly out and arrive to San Jose, Costa Rica on Friday. Book a room at a hotel near the airport that has a shuttle. Then, you'll return to the airport the next day to take an early flight to Golfito. 

Coming Back To Your Home
If you can find a flight in the late afternoon from San Jose, Costa Rica to your home destination, you should be able to make the Saturday departure a one day flight back home.

Airport Transfers In San Jose, Costa Rica
You're going to stay the night near the airport. And I'll help you book the early flights to Golfito for the following day.

BOOKING FLIGHTS
Arriving: You're going to fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport. The airport code is SJO. To get an idea of pricing, use www.Kayak.comwww.Expedia.com and others. As soon as you make your flights plans, email them to me. Then, Manny V is going to want to call Sansa Airlines to book your flight from SJO to Golfito. 

Departing: If we can get you to San Jose early enough to take a later afternoon flight from SJO to your destination, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information and help booking your flights.

For more info or have questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 619-788-2456.

 


Trip Date Available Registered Cost BOOK
Costa Rica Exploration 2024 06-08-2024 - 06-15-2024 3 0 Price To Be Determined

Baja Deep South

New to the list of epic Baja surf tours. This is real Baja... empty surf, empty dirt roads and full adventure.

Baja Weekender

Recharge With A Worry-Free And Safe Weekend Escape To Northern Baja!

NEW FOR 2023 -> Now we depart midday on Friday which opens up a possible sunset surf plus you're getting an amazing real authentic taco dinner at one of Manny's go-to spots.

Safety Is Priority -> Captain Manny V takes his job seriously when it comes to ensuring your safety. He's been traveling the world his entire life and has put his heart and soul into these trips. You get to take advantage of his 35 years of Baja experience, 20 years of surf tour guiding, 10 years of Baja Weekender experience and the best part... you get to experience the Aloha family vibe with his solid community of friends in this area.

Your amazing home for the weekend is located right at one of the most favorite surf spots... Secret Spot R. This surf break has a hint of San Onofre with a touch of San Elijo. Best part... we can walk to the break from our home for the weekend! Read on for more epicness.

Location: Northern Baja
Accommodations: Safe, Secure, and Steps To The Surf
Duration: Meet 1pm Friday In Imperial Beach. Return midday Sunday.
Wave Riding Vehicle: All
Group Size: Up To 5 Wave Riders *Minimum 3 Persons

If you have your own group or want your own private Baja Weekender, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Don't see the dates you want? Please contact Manny V and let's see if we can make it happen.

After 20 years of operating surf tours, you should know that Epic Surf Tours warrants and agrees to take all reasonable and necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the tour. We want you to have the best experience possible. That's the goal. Okay... let's keep going.

The Price Covers All The Essentials:
-Baja Experienced Bilingual Surf Guide/Instructor
-Ground Transportation (Fully Mexico Insured Vehicle - Chevrolet Suburban)
-Accommodations (Four bedroom home On The Bluff)
-Authentic Baja Tacos Dinner (Friday)
-Light Breakfast - Water, Juice, Breakfast Burritos, Fruit, Coffee, Snacks (Saturday/Sunday)
-Epic Shrimp Chipotle Cheese Tacos from Tacho's Or Chicken Fajitas at Encanto (Saturday)
-Lobster Dinner At The Infamous Puerto Nuevo Village (Saturday)
-Authentic Mexican-Style Brunch (Sunday)
-Water While On “Surf Patrol” - Bring Your Own Water Bottle To Be Filled
-All Photos (web-sized), All Drone Footage, And All HD Video Clips
-Option To Buy Discounted Merchandise From MannyVPhoto.com
-All Tips Included At Restaurants
-Photographer/Tour Guide Tip Not Expected But Humbly Accepted

This is it. Your own personal bilingual surf guide/instructor in Northern Baja is ready to show you how awesome surfing in Baja can be. Manny V has been hitting the waves in Baja since the '80s. You'll be led to empty line-ups that are perfect for learning or improving your surfing skills. He'll take you to the best local food spots which will include a delicious lobster dinner on Saturday night. Plus, Manny V's decades of surf photography skills will document your entire getaway. All the photos (web-sized), all the epic drone footage and all HD videos will be yours at no additional cost! 

Here’s a sample of a two-day surf strike itinerary:


Friday 
Your two-night Baja Weekender trip begins when the group meets in Imperial Beach at 1pm on Friday. Our goal is to arrive at our surf house just in time to get in a sunset surf (conditions permitting, of course). Before crossing into Mexico, we stop to get our tourist cards at the immigration office right at the border. Then, we continue southbound. Once we get to our home for the weekend, I'll go over some house items and what's in store for the weekend. After rooms have been divided up, we suit and surf or chill and take in the sunset!

After frothing from a solid surf or feeling relaxed after a chill session, we'll freshen up and head up the road to one of Manny's favorite taco spots. You'll feast on tasty carne asada or adobada tacos, tortas or quesadillas. Gluten-free/vegetarian options include avocado tacos and quesadillas.

If we surfed this afternoon, we'll have a slideshow from the session before calling it a night.


Saturday
Dawn patrol. Coffee will be ready before the first person wakes up. Light snacks and bananas will be available for those that like to eat before surfing. Manny knows that not everyone is an early riser. That's the beauty of staying just steps from the surf break. You surf when you want. Once everyone has had their fair share of fun, we'll put in our breakfast order with our man, Freddy. Breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, and pancakes will be on tap from Freddy's Kitchen right next door. You'll have a few hours to chill or surf again. Then, we'll head for lunch to the Tacho's Fish Tacos for his infamous shrimp chipotle with cheese tacos! You will be right next door to K-38 Surf Shop if you want to pick up some surf souvenirs. 

After lunch, we'll check the conditions and get back out there if it's good. Each session will end with a slide show of the photos and videos taken of your surf. At sunset, we'll get ready and head out for a delicious lobster dinner at the cool village of Puerto Nuevo. If you still have energy after dinner, we'll watch your photos and video clips, go over tips to improve your surfing.

Sunday
You'll wake up to hot coffee/tea and check the surf. This will be our last surf session on the trip. We will have a light breakfast to hold us over 'til lunch. Once the car is loaded up and the house is clean, we're off to brunch.

Manny has a system in place to get you across the border in less than an hour. Of course, things may come up but it's been pretty consistent for crossing under an hour. To make this happen, we have to pack up and leave at 10am. Our goal is to be across the border by 1pm-2pm.

My ultimate goal with all my trips is to ensure a safe fun weekend. Please, by all means, email or call me back with any and all questions. I'm here for ya. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 619-788-2456.

Pack your bags... let's go to Baja!

 

Trip Date Available Registered Cost BOOK
Baja Weekender - October 13-15 10-13-2023 - 10-15-2023 3 3 $599.00
Baja Weekender - October 20-22 10-20-2023 - 10-22-2023 4 2 $599.00
Baja Weekender - October 27-29 10-27-2023 - 10-29-2023 4 2 $599.00
Baja Weekender - November 17-19 11-17-2023 - 11-19-2023 2 4 $599.00
Baja Weekender - November 24-26 11-24-2023 - 11-26-2023 5 1 $599.00
Baja Weekender - December 8-11 - Surf Societe 12-08-2023 - 12-11-2023 1 4 $1,099.00
Baja Weekender - December 15-17 12-15-2023 - 12-17-2023 6 0 $599.00

Cabo Exploration

Explore the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula on a week long surf adventure. Warm waters, empty surf and epic memories await.

San Diego 7-Day Surf Adventure

Your ultimate surf adventure awaits. You're going to be set up in some sweet accommodations in Cardiff-By-Sea. Just a minute drive to some of San Diego's best reef breaks and delicious eats. You won't be locked into just these waves. This is an adventure. We'll be searching for those empty or minimal crowded waves the entire time. Plus, I'll be documenting your trip with photos, videos, and drone footage the entire time. An Epic Boat Trip will be included as well!

Your epic surf trip to San Diego will start off with a welcome dinner and a briefing on your week in paradise. I'll lay out what we have on tap for your full week of exploration. We'll hunt down the empty peaks that do exist in this part of the world. Just like all my other surf trips, we are all about finding waves and surfing our brains out. Along with all the surfing and eating, I will show you the beautiful things that make San Diego "America's Finest City."

You're ready for an escape. Come to my hometown and let me show you the most fun you can have in the continental United States.