Quepos is where the rainforest slides into the Pacific and your trip flips from “are we there yet?” to “we’re here.” Land at Quepos La Managua (XQP), breeze through VIP handling, and in minutes you’re unlocking the door to a cliff-top suite, rolling your bags into an ocean-view villa, or walking the docks at Marina Pez Vela with a coffee and a captain waiting. This guide gathers everything travelers love when they charter to Quepos with CarmonAir Charter—where to stay, what to do, when to go, and how to make every hour count.
Why fly private to Quepos?
Because your time is worth more than a transfer day. The flight from San José is roughly 20–30 minutes, and you set the schedule to match check-in, dinner, or lines-in at the marina. Our team meets you after immigration at SJO, escorts you to the General Aviation Terminal for a 15-minute check-in, and manages baggage all the way to your vehicle at XQP. Families avoid meltdowns, wedding parties arrive together, fishing crews make dawn departures, and retreat groups start centered instead of stressed. If you’re unsure which aircraft fits your group and luggage, start here: CarmonAir Fleet.
Boutique hotels: small-scale luxury with a wild backdrop
After wheels-down, the mood shifts from logistics to lifestyle. This coastline excels at intimate, design-forward stays—adults-only pools, wildlife right off the balcony, and teams who anticipate what you’ll want before you ask.
Makanda by the Sea — Jungle-canopy suites and infinity pools poured toward sunset; a favorite for honeymoons and anyone chasing a sophisticated, adults-only vibe close to beach and park access.
Kurà — A glass-and-stone aerie in the mountains south of Quepos with just eight suites and outrageous views over the Marino Ballena coastline. It’s a scenic drive from XQP; we’ll have your private transfer ready.
Rancho Pacifico — Forested slopes, treehouses and villas, spa days, and waterfall walks above Dominical’s beaches—cool breezes after coastal heat.
Arenas del Mar — Beachfront luxury with direct sand access and strong sustainability credentials—ideal if you want surf and service in the same day.
Tulemar — A beloved hillside community with private bungalows and villas, famous for sloth sightings and family-friendly amenities.
Parador Nature Resort & Spa — Classic Manuel Antonio views, manicured trails, and resort comforts without losing the jungle feel.
Private villas: gather everyone under one roof
If your trip is about connection—grandparents, cousins, best friends, or a wedding crew—then a private villa gives you space to live, not just stay. Think ocean-view kitchens begging for a chef’s tasting menu, terraces built for golden-hour photos, and bedrooms spread across levels so early risers and night owls both win. The best homes come with concierge teams who line up everything from provisioning to last-minute surf lessons.
Villa Punto de Vista — Ten suites of glass, steel, and rainforest drama overlooking the bay; sister property Villa La Islasits next door, perfect for split groups and wedding parties. We coordinate provisioning, private chefs, and all transfers.
Punta Gabriela — An ocean-view estate south of Quepos that hosts retreats and multi-family escapes. Quiet, spacious, and easy to pair with Dominical adventures.
Vista Hermosa Estate — Large, modern, and purpose-built for groups, with terraces aimed at sunset and the sort of kitchen a private chef dreams about.
Prefer a different vibe? Tell us group size and style—minimalist, barefoot-luxury, or event-ready—and we’ll shortlist options, then sync your flight with check-in and chef schedules.
Marina Pez Vela: fish by day, dine by the docks at night
Once you’ve dropped your bags, the water starts calling. Good thing the region’s most iconic marina is ten to twenty minutes from the runway. At Marina Pez Vela, crews chase sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, and tuna in season; back at the slips, dockside restaurants plate the catch and pour sunset cocktails. We’ll align your flight with your captain’s departure, arrange cooler pickups, and have box breakfasts ready for early runs offshore.
Retreats & intentional travel
Not every itinerary is about billfish. Many travelers come to exhale—swap alarms for breathwork, boardrooms for shalas, and reconnect with nature at a quieter pace. Arriving by charter keeps groups together and arrivals simple—no fragmented transfers, no late check-ins—just a smooth glide into your program.
Imiloa Institute — A forest campus designed for world-class programs with high-touch logistics and beautiful communal spaces. Facilitators love how seamless we make arrivals for international groups. Imiloa Institute
Vajra Jahra — Near the Diamante area, with open-air practice spaces, a pool, and villa accommodations that keep groups together. We’ll pair your charter with a private mountain transfer. Vajra Jahra
14 ways to spend your first 72 hours around Quepos
Walk the park before the crowds — Hit shaded trails and postcard beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park; wildlife guides turn a casual stroll into a biology class you’ll actually remember.
Catamaran & dolphins — Trade the trail for a half-day on the water: snorkel coves, watch for rays and dolphins, and sail back under a sunset you’ll end up framing.
Nauyaca Waterfalls — Cool off in turquoise pools—choose a 4×4 drop, a horseback ride, or a hike depending on the group’s energy.
Zip-line the canopy — Platforms, cables, and forest views: we’ll book reputable operators and sequence transfers to avoid midday heat.
Raft the Savegre — A family-friendly whitewater run with jungle stops; water levels vary by season, so we’ll pick the right window and outfitter.
Beach-hop & tide pools — Find your favorite stretch in Manuel Antonio or swing south to Dominicalito and the Whale Tail at low tide.
Sloth scouting & night walks — Guided wildlife tours (day or night) bring the forest to life: frogs, owls, kinkajous, and more.
Surf lessons — Gentle breaks make this an easy place to stand up for the first time; we’ll arrange boards, rash guards, and a patient coach.
Chef’s table or in-villa tasting — Whether at a villa or hotel, we’ll coordinate a chef who builds menus around local farms and the morning’s catch.
Sunset from a rooftop — Reserve a terrace in Manuel Antonio or let your chef handle it at home with a simple, elegant menu.
Massage & reset — After travel or a big fishing day, in-villa therapists make recovery part of the vacation.
Coffee & chocolate tours — Head into the hills for bean-to-bar tastings and a kid-approved look at how the magic happens.
Horseback to secluded beaches — Follow forest trails to empty sand; it’s pure movie-scene energy with zero crowds.
Photography session — Golden hour here is something else; a short photo session gives you frame-worthy memories without the selfie scramble.
When to go (and how to plan around seasons)
Dry season (roughly December to April) brings blue skies, busy docks, and high demand—reserve charters and boats early. The green season (May to November) swaps crowds for lush forests and great value; mornings are typically calm, with showers building later. Offshore fishing stays lively across seasons thanks to migrating billfish, with marlin peaks often in the latter half of the year. If you’re retreat-bound, shoulder months can be magic: quieter trails, cooler evenings, and the rainforest at full volume.
Aircraft choices: match the mission to the machine
Every traveler’s mission is different—wedding week, family reunion, retreat cohort, or a fast in-and-out fishing dash. We’ll recommend the right aircraft based on runway, payload, and schedule:
- Cessna Grand Caravan EX — The versatile favorite for groups up to 12 with boards or cases; short-field friendly and comfortable for coastal hops
- Daher Kodiak 100 — Extra short-field performance and a big cargo door—perfect when gear is bulky or the runway is soft
- King Air F90 — Pressurized turboprop speed for executive timing and longer legs
- Piper Seneca V — Nimble twin for couples or small teams
- Britten-Norman Islander — The island shuttle—boxy cabin, twin engines, and room for awkwardly shaped equipment
Explore specs and cabin photos here: CarmonAir Fleet
VIP meet-and-assist: seamless from plane to plan
Your charter includes VIP handling from the moment you land in San José: a meet-and-greet at the baggage belt after immigration, escort to the General Aviation Terminal, and a 15-minute check-in with security done the easy way. At Quepos, our team meets the aircraft, loads luggage, and coordinates ground transfers—plus special requests like child seats, fragile gear handling, pet care, or surprise amenities at check-in. If you’re heading straight to the marina or a retreat venue, we sync timing so you glide from wing to water (or shala) without a gap.
Sample three-day plan (customizable)
Day 1 — SJO arrival → VIP escort to GAT → Charter to XQP → Check-in at Makanda or your villa at Punto de Vista → Golden-hour photos and a chef’s dinner on the terrace
Day 2 — Dawn transfer to Marina Pez Vela → Offshore charter for sailfish/marlin in season → Dockside dinner and a night swim
Day 3 — Early park walk in Manuel Antonio → Afternoon zip-line or waterfall dip → Sunset rooftop cocktails and a private tasting menu
Prefer wellness over wake baits? Swap Day 2 for Imiloa’s retreat schedule and wrap with a stargazing soak.
FAQs (Quepos edition)
How long is the flight?
About 20–30 minutes from San José, depending on winds and aircraft.
Can we bring surfboards and fishing gear?
Yes. Share sizes and quantities—boards up to ~7 ft often ride inside; longer boards may need external carriage depending on the aircraft.
What about kids, elders, or pets?
We arrange child seats, easy transfers, wheelchair-friendly vehicles, and pet handling with the required health documents.
Is green season a problem for flying?
Not usually. Our fleet is IFR-equipped; we prefer morning departures for the smoothest air. If a storm temporarily closes a soft runway, we reroute to the nearest suitable airfield and handle the last-mile transfer.
Can you coordinate villas, boats, restaurant holds, and chefs?
Absolutely. We pair the flight plan with your on-the-ground plan so everything clicks.
How to book (and make it effortless)
- Message us on WhatsApp or email info@carmonair.com with dates, passenger count, and luggage/gear
- We’ll confirm runway slots at XQP, recommend the ideal aircraft, and price your itinerary—adding marina timings, retreat transfers, or chef services as needed
- On the day: VIP meet after immigration, quick GAT check-in, and wheels-up. You’ll be poolside—or casting off—while others are still on the highway
Ready to turn “travel day” into “day one”? Charter to Quepos and go straight to the good part.
