Charter flights aren’t just about convenience—they’re about opening doors to places that scheduled airlines simply can’t reach. These remote airstrips connect you directly to Costa Rica’s most pristine destinations, where gravel runways carved from jungle clearings and grass strips perched above secluded coastlines become your gateway to extraordinary experiences.
Each destination requires experienced crews and certified aircraft from our fleet, but the reward is immediate: you land steps from world-class adventures while others spend hours navigating rough roads and ferry schedules.
1. Manzanillo, Santa Teresa (MRTS)
Our private coastal airstrip in Manzanillo puts you just ten minutes from Santa Teresa’s legendary surf breaks and the wellness retreats that have made this corner of the Nicoya Peninsula famous worldwide. This isn’t just convenient—it’s transformative.
Why Charter Only: No scheduled airlines serve Manzanillo, meaning while other travelers endure the five-hour drive-and-ferry combination from San José, you’re already checking into your beachfront villa or paddling out for your first surf session.
What Awaits: Surf at Playa Carmen, yoga studios, farm-to-table restaurants, and the laid-back energy of Costa Rica’s Blue Zone. Explore accommodations like Nantipa, Blue Mist, Selva Resort, Florblanca, and Blooma.
Tours are available through Zuma Tours, Iguana Divers, and Ario Horseback Riding. Reconnect at wellness centers like Florblanca Spa, Numu, and Horizon Yoga Hotel.
Savor local flavors at Manzú Restaurant, Satori, The Bakery, and Katana.
CarmonAir owns and operates this private landing strip—perfect for guests staying closer to Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo. For those staying in Montezuma or Mal País, nearby charter-friendly options like Tambor or Cóbano may be better suited.
2. Tortuguero (MRTR)
Landing in Tortuguero feels like arriving on a different planet. This jungle airstrip serves as your gateway to one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting sites and a canal system often called «Costa Rica’s Amazon.»
Why Charter Matters: The alternative involves a mix of ground transport and boat transfers that can take nearly a full day. Charter flight time? Just 35 minutes from San José.
What Awaits: Green sea turtles nesting (July to October), plus year-round canal safaris teeming with sloths, caimans, and over 300 bird species.
3. Drake Bay Beach Strip (MRDB)
This isn’t the commercial inland airport—this is the iconic beach strip. Pilots time landings with the tides, landing directly on the sand.
Why It’s Special: The experience itself is unforgettable. You land steps from dive boats heading to Caño Island, where world-class marine life awaits.
What Awaits: Caño Island diving, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and access to pristine rainforest lodges.
4. Punta Islita (MRIA)
This hillside airstrip offers dramatic approaches and access to a secluded crescent-shaped bay. Scarlet macaws often glide alongside on descent.
Why Charter Only: As a private airstrip, it serves guests at Hotel Punta Islita and nearby luxury residences. No commercial flights operate here.
What Awaits: Ocean-view villas, boutique hospitality, and serene beaches that blend luxury with nature.
5. Sirena, Corcovado National Park (MRSI)
Sirena is in the heart of the Osa Peninsula‘s wildest rainforest. This grass runway offers access to what National Geographic calls «the most biologically intense place on Earth.»
Why It’s Extraordinary: Getting here otherwise means a six-hour boat journey from Sierpe. Charter flights reduce the journey to 40 unforgettable minutes.
What Awaits: All four Costa Rican monkey species, tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, and untouched primary rainforest. Accommodations are rustic but deeply immersive.
6. Barra del Colorado (MRBR)
Located on the Caribbean coast near the Nicaragua border, this airstrip serves anglers and eco-tourists seeking remote river and wetland experiences.
Why Charter Makes Sense: Ground access takes a full day. A direct flight from San José gets you there in just under an hour.
What Awaits: Legendary tarpon fishing, manatees, and untouched wetland ecosystems in places like Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge.
7. Playa Coyote (MRCO)
This informal airstrip serves the lesser-known side of the Nicoya Peninsula, where long beaches and grassroots tourism define the vibe.
Why It Matters: Access by road is long and rough. Chartering supports local conservation and offers a peaceful arrival into one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets.
What Awaits: Secluded surf breaks, fresh seafood, and sunsets over quiet beaches. Landing fees help fund conservation and community development.
Flight Experience & What to Expect
Remote airstrip operations require certified crews and specialized aircraft. Our fleet offers comfortable seating, USB charging, and room for surfboards or expedition gear.
Expect:
- Daytime operations only (no runway lighting)
- Strict baggage limits (35–40 lbs per person in soft bags)
- Weather-adjusted plans and alternate routes when needed
Booking Your Remote Charter
Planning is simple. Contact us at +506 8821-6209 or info@carmonair.com with your destination and travel dates. We’ll confirm runway conditions, select the right aircraft, and arrange any transfers needed.
Once booked, our operations team handles all logistics—from permits to contingency plans. On departure day, arrive at San José’s General Aviation Terminal, and in minutes, you’re airborne toward Costa Rica’s hidden paradise.
Ready to reach Costa Rica’s most remote corners? Let CarmonAir take you there.
