COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adjusted our operations based on advice from industry leaders and health professionals.  Luckily, our yoga classes are held in open air shalas along with the majority of our scheduled activities like surfing and hiking that take place outside where risk of possible transmission is quite low.  According to a recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Disease less than 10% of reported cases of COVID-19 can be attributed to outdoor spread. 

All participants at WOW undergo a multi-step screening process, prior to and at the start of our events.  Masks are mandatory indoors and whenever physical distancing is not possible and all rental gear like surfboard, bicycles, saddles etc are quarantined and sanitized between individual uses. Staff are equipped with hand sanitizer to be used when moving from one activity to the next and participants are encouraged to bring their own.

We require that everyone get tested for COVID one week prior to our events. Rooms are shared, usually between two people. All lodging facilities will be equipped with hand sanitizing/washing stations and any food is prepared by proper food handling standards.  Vehicles used for transportation are large enough so that we can accommodate ample distancing in addition to mask wearing and open windows.

While we cannot control the policies and procedures of airports and airlines, here is a helpful article that details the risks of air travel in light of COVID-19.

We are happy to address any specific questions or concerns, and look forward to sharing retreat and sharing life (sans COVID) with you!

Our main concern is making sure your surf camp experience in Costa Rica is excellent from beginning to end—including your preparation! We understand that there’s a lot of travel information out there about COVID, so we’ve gathered the information in one place so you don’t have to worry about searching the internet for the most up to date information.

Please note: this information was last updated on 9/1/21

Entering Costa Rica

 General

  • Entry by air to Costa Rica is currently open for all countries via flights landing in Juan Santamaría International Airport or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport.

  • Costa Rica does not require a coronavirus test as a requirement to enter the country, nor has it issued quarantine orders for those entering the country.

  • Tourists visiting Costa Rica are requested to comply with the applicable public health protocols for all tourism activities in the country.

Countries    

  • Costa Rica does not have any COVID-related country bans or restrictions. All nations that could enter Costa Rica before COVID are once again permitted to enter under regular visa requirements.

  • Most nations visiting Costa Rica do not need to apply for a visa beforehand and can visit visa-free for 90 days, while travelers from many other countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival. Visa-free countries include: USA, Canada, UK, Mexico, Australia, and many more.



All visitors must complete an online Epidemiological Form (Health Pass)

  • The Health Pass can only be completed within the 48 hours prior to departure.

  • It will require you to enter your personal information, flight information, as well as details regarding your mandatory insurance policy.

  • You will also be asked to make declarations regarding your health ie you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms as well as agree to quarantine should you get COVID-19 during your stay.

  • Once the form is completed online it will generate a QR code you can then use to show on your mobile phone.



Medical Travel Insurance

  • As of 8/1/21 medical insurance is no longer required for travelers entering Costa Rica, however we highly recommend that guests from countries requiring a negative COVID test for re-entry, purchase a policy that covers 14 days of lodging in the event of quarantine as well as medical expenses due to contracting COVID-19 while traveling.

  • You have the option of choosing a policy from an international provider or one preapproved by the Costa Rican government.

  • Policies range in price from approx. $10 -$25 per day depending on the policy provider and the holder.

  • The cost of traveler’s medical insurance is not included in the price of WOW Yoga retreats and must be purchased separately.

Please note: If this is too much to digest at once, don’t worry about it. As our guests, we will personally walk you through each step whether it’s completing the health pass or selecting the appropriate insurance, well in advance of your departure date. More detailed information and instructions will also be presented to you in a welcome package upon booking your trip with us.

During Your Stay

WOW Yoga Procedures

WOW Yoga operates in open-air spaces with the majority of our activities, gatherings, and meetings held outdoors. That said, we have implemented some extra measures to ensure you feel extra safe during your stay:

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be set up in key areas around the lodging grounds. All guests are required to sanitize upon arrival, and each time they exit from their rooms.

  • Greater distance in lounge and dining areas, yoga space, and during surf classes and video feedback sessions will be implemented—observing the 6ft distance rule when possible. Dining will take place in open air space and only plated meals will be served.

  • We will assign guests a personal yoga mat, block, and strap to use throughout the week. You are welcome to bring your own.

  • All our vehicles for airport transfers, activity transport, and surf trips will be disinfected before and after every trip. Drivers will wear masks at all times.

Staff

  • All team members will be monitored closely and anyone with any flu-like symptoms will be sent home or isolated immediately.

  • All the staff in contact with guests will wear masks when the 6ft rule cannot be observed.

  • Hand washing will take place regularly —washing of hands will be mandatory upon each entry to the kitchen.

Cleaning

  • There will be an increased disinfection of common spaces.

  • Masks and gloves will be worn by housekeeping staff at all times.

  • We will verify daily if guests would like their room to be cleaned or not.

Guests

  • We ask guests to be respectful of other guests and our staff and keep a safe distance— please consider your group/room your bubble.

  • Masks are required in enclosed areas, and we ask that when unable to safely distance from others outdoors, guests use their discretion. This also applies when out and about in the communities of Nosara and Guiones.

  • Once onsite if you present symptoms or feel sick then we will ask you to self-isolate and we will provide all the help we can, to get you a PCR test, treatment, and transfer to San Jose if necessary.

  • We ask that guests bring their own masks.

Leaving Costa Rica

Some countries require a negative COVID-19 test prior to re-entry/returning home

  • There are currently two options available for COVID testing: a PCR test and Rapid Antigen test, both of which are accepted for this purpose.

  • The tests must be completed no more than 72 hours prior to your departing flight for the PCR test and at least 24 hours prior to departure for the Rapid Antigen test.

  • The costs for each test are approx. $150 USD and $100 USD respectively and can be done either on site where you are staying or at the local testing facility a short walk or drive from your accommodations.

  • We will assist guests in any way we can to ensure that everyone has the results required to return home according to schedule.

COVID Cancellation Policy

  • All deposits/ payments are -non-refundable but can be used towards a future experience through December 31st, 2022 with a 10 days notice via email of COVID-related issue.

  • In case of last minute cancellation (within a week ) related to COVID, WOW Yoga will make an effort to make your deposit valid until 2022. Every case will be evaluated individually.

  • WOW Yoga requires all guests to confirm a lack of COVID symptoms 48 hours from arrival via email.

  • WOW Yoga cannot offer any COVID related refunds once a guest has arrived.

  • We strongly recommend purchasing refundable airline tickets for travel to Costa Rica and also travel insurance that covers all possible issues related to travel including delays or change of schedules.

Read more on our Booking and Cancelation Policies

These procedures are subject to change as new measures may be imposed by the Costa Rica Ministry of Health.

We ask our guests to check in with us regularly for updates that you will find here on this section of our website. If you have any additional questions or concerns you can always reach out to us by email or phone.