Welcome to Stef Surf - Condos in the Beach

Welcome to Stef Surf
Stefsurf.net
We hope you had a safe trip to Costa Rica and to our home. By now, you have met
Maria and Miguel and are comfortable with everything in the house. Of course, if
you have any questions or problems, they are there to help you. We have put
together several pages of information that we hope will be helpful for your vacation.
If you have anything you want to share with future guests, we welcome real
reviews on TripAdvisor.com. Also, if you see anything that needs attention, please
inform Maria and Miguel
Please make yourself at home, enjoy your stay, come back soon and tell your
friends!
Things to know
Maid, gardener, pool service and security;- the care taking of STEF SURF is
provided by two special people, Maria and Miguel. They will make every effort to
make your stay as comfortable as possible. Maria will provide House keeping
service once per week, unless other prior arrangements have been made. She will
perform general house cleaning, dish washing and laundry service. Miguel will
perform gardening, pool servicing and general maintenance and Security during
the week. They will make every attempt not to disturb you. If you have any special
requests please ask them, Also, if you see anything that needs attention, please let
them know. Leaves and debris sometimes land in the pool between cleanings.
There is a net beside the pool if you would like to clean it prior to the next service.
Please no glass around the pool, plastic glass are available in the rancho.
Please respect other guest and reduce your noise after 11pm.
Tap Water; we are very fortunate in Surf Side our acquafer have some of the best
drinking water in all of Costa Rica, the water from the fridges is also filtered.
The Gardens; Please be careful of what goes down the drains it all ends up in our
gardens, take caution with the garberators in the kitchen and use lots of water
when in use.
Waste Water; Here at Stef Surf we treat our own gray and black water on site
which in turn is fed to the gardens. We are environmentally friendly, all cleaning
products we use are biodegradable and a delicate balance with nature exists within the grounds. Please respect the gardens and take caution with what gets flushed
down the drains. Single ply toilet paper is provided and the system is designed to
hand this but only the paper provided should be flushed.
Air conditioning and fans; each bedroom has its own air conditioner and fan.
Please keep the windows closed when running the A/C. The living and dining
rooms have a large air conditioning unit as well as a fan. In the heat of the
summer, December to April, and during the mid day, it may be necessary to use
both air conditioners to keep the house comfortable. Setting both on 24 degrees ©,
will usually make the rooms comfortable.
Once the house cools off, or the sun goes down, you can shut off one or both A/C
units. Keeping the blinds closed at the height of the mid day sun will help greatly in
cooling the house. If going out for the day, close the blinds before leaving and turn
off the A/C
Electricity and phone; sometimes during a storm, the electricity and/or phone
may go out. Give it some time to come back on, which it usually does rather
quickly. There are candles and safety lights, if necessary. Please note, water is
supplied to the house through well water within the surfside sub division a
gravity/pump system. If the electricity goes out, the pump will not work. Of course,
if it becomes a problem, talk with Maria and Miguel.
Bugs and animals;
Welcome to Costa Rica! There are all kinds of interesting bugs and animals here.
Most are harmless, but be aware. Always check your shoes and clothing for bugs.
Don’t leave the doors open when you leave. Coati's (racoon/anteater looking
animals) are very friendly but skunks have also been reported within the walls and
have been known to walk right into the house. Listen for the Howler Monkeys,
which are loudest at dawn and dusk.
Outdoor lights;
All low voltage lights go on at dusk and off at dawn automatically on the boardwalk.
There are also outdoor lights on the side of the house that can be turned on by the
light switch just in side the main side door (these lights should be left on all night
long for security reasons. There is also a night light in the pool. The switch is
mounted outside the rancho close to the pool. Windows and doors should always
be closed and locked when leaving the house.
Television/DVD, Wifi etc;
Television stations are supplied by the local cable company, including HBO and
Cinemax. AXN, CNN.. On the remote input should be set to TV to watch television
stations. For DVD/VCR use ,change the remote input to "AV" for the player.
Wifi is provided by two wireless routers depending on the suite you in. Both are
unsecured.
Phone numbers
Maria and Miguel House phone; 506-654-5874 Local calls are free. Please note;
this phone is owned by Maria and Miguel no long distance calls please
If you plan on making International calls, it is best to buy phone cards They can be
purchased at the Isolina hotel one block north. They cost 3000 Colones and will
allow you to call to the United States for about 13 minutes. Greg and Gladys local
number in Costa Rica is 8-380-5087 or in Toronto 416-435-5554
Medical emergency: A full service pharmacy in Flamingo is owned by Lily.She
speaks English and is extremely helpful and able to issue antibiotics with out a
prescription if necessary. Emergencias 2000: 380-4125 and P&E Emergencias:
653-8785. They are located in Huacas, which is about 20-25 minutes away. Also
Dr. Ivan Mendez speakers great English. His clinic is located in Villa Real just
before the Gallo Mas Gallo on the right hand side of the street pass the turn to
Tamarindo on route to Playa Avellanas. He does make house calls in emergency
office number 2-653-1542 Cell 8-829-8009
Grocery stores
There are several grocery stores close to the house. The nearest stores are Super
Wendy at the top of our street and Super Guido across from the Castle in Plaza
Verde. You will also find a bakery located on the
main floor photo on left . Super Massaii is located
on the left side
of the main
paved road
going towards
Brasilito photo
on right.
Super Potrero
is just north of the soccer field in Potrero,
Larger stores in Huacas and Auto Mercado in
Tamarindo similarly to a Loblaw’s.
Fresh seafood is available at the stand across the street from the gas station
(which is not open yet) in Brasilito. Great fish there! Call ahead, 2-654-4016,
sometimes they have no fish!
Open market Thursday s at La Perlas. Do
not miss this opportunity to buy fresh fruit
vegetables and fish at whole sale prices.
Starts around 1:00 in the afternoon
Beaches
What can we say? You only have to spend
one afternoon on a nearly deserted, pristine
Costa Rican beach to know that you've
found your dream location. You can choose
between idyllic palm-lined beaches, small white-sand coves, or world-class surfing
beaches. Better yet, you can visit all these and more in one day, as beach after
extraordinary beach is strung together along the Costa Rican Riviera.
Playa Potrero; one
road north of our home
offers direct beach access. Potrero is an up-and-coming area with a wide, light
grey sand beach, good fishing and quaint restaurants. The Flamingo Marina site is
actually in Potrero Bay, so Potrero real estate situated on the beach has a
wonderful view of fishing and sail boats moored in the marina.
Playa Penca; follow the road to Potrero go
around the soccer field and take you’re
your first left. A pink sand beach with calm
surf (usually), This is one of our favorite
beaches, a small crescent of pristine pink
sand lined with palms and lovely homes.
Most of the beach is a protected mangrove
forest, and will never see development.
The swimming and snorkeling here are
fabulous. Since Playa Penca is located just
past Potrero, you can still see the
Flamingo Marina from here, but experience
a serene, tropical atmosphere. The hills above Penca offer some of the finest
home sites in the world, with many stunning new estate homes currently underway.
Playa Prieta; follow the road from Potrero north Second left after the soccer field
this is a crescent shaped beach a small trail is located at the north end of Playa
Penca that also leads to Playa Prieta
Playa Danta: some of our guest have comment that this is their favorite beach
follow the road north of Potrero along the coast for about 10
minutes to the end, this is the site of the new Las Catalina
beach, hillside community also the
home of Lola`s norte
restaurant which just
opened March 2011
wonderful, yes this is the same lola`s as
you have seen at Playa Avellanas
http://lascatalinascr.com/
Negro; Like Tamarindo, this beach is
Playa
another Endless Summer II star. Playa Negra, or Black Beach, rivals the famous
black sand beaches of the island of Hawaii. It has spectacular rocky volcanic
outcrops that create some of the best breaks in the country. Playa Negra is
growing in popularity with surfers and non-surfers alike for its wild, natural beauty
and proximity to the just announced J.W. Marriot site. There are new casual
restaurants, health-food bakeries, Internet cafes and clothing shops springing up,
as well as some fabulous lots and homes in the area. For those who wished they
bought on the beautiful island of Hawaii
Sugar Beach (Azucar); looking out over the ocean, this is the next beach north of
Prieta. follow the road down the hill, bear right, past entrance to Prieta, stay
straight. You follow the road around the mountain and you will come to Hotel Sugar
Beach. Just pull into the hotel enjoy their restaurant and bar.and walk the beach..
Playa Zopatol; follow road to Sugar beach, but don’t take road to Sugar, go
straight to next dirt road on left. This road requires a 4 wheel drive car. Another
beautiful beach, except this one is VERY secluded.
Playa Flamingo; follow the dirt road south, to the intersection at the paved road.
Take a right to Flamingo Beach Flamingo Beach was one of the first North Pacific
Coast beaches to develop, and
remains very residential. The town of
Flamingo is relatively small, with few
restaurants and shops, though the
community boasts the site of a new
marina to be constructed soon. The
white sand beach is great for
swimming and snorkeling, but surfers
will want to continue south to
Tamarindo. Playa Conchal; hard to
find, but worth it! Follow road out of
town, towards Brasilito. Go over all 3 speed bumps, then turn right, towards Hotel
Brasilito. Road turns left. Follow ocean and go straight on dirt road. You actually
drive on the sand. Keep going straight until you come to a hill (need a 4 wheel
drive, or park there and walk) go over hill and down on other side is Conchal. This
is one of Costa Rica's finest beaches. There is no surfing here, only lovely calm
swimming and excellent snorkeling. "Conchal" means "shell" in Spanish, which is
fitting since the sand is scattered with tiny white and pink shells. A 2,500 acre
beachfront golf resort with five star hotel take up the north half of the bay. The
other is still relatively undeveloped, and can be accessed via the same road as
Playa Grande, though you will need to veer north just after you pass the small town
of Matapalo. Those looking for very upscale, exclusive Costa Rica real estate will
definitely want to consider the north side of Playa Conchal,
Playa Tamarindo;
http://www.visittamarindo.com/ follow road out
of town towards Brasilito. Stay straight after 3
speed bumps and follow towards Huacas.
Follow signs to Tamarindo. Tamarindo is a
long, wide bay with soft sand, warm water,
and palm trees. The bay is split by an
estuary: the south side is called Tamarindo
Beach, and the north Playa Grande.
Tamarindo is a lively town with bustling sodas, shops and hotels. You will find
exceptional restaurants here, with wonderful fresh seafood prepared by chefs from
around the world. Tamarindo Beach is where the cult surfing movies Endless
Summer I and II begin, so surfers of all ages and abilities love to come here to ride
the waves. Tamarindo anchors the surf community, and more advanced surfers
can ford the estuaries on either side to surf either Grande or Langosta. Many
sections of the bay, though, have almost no waves, so are calm and good for
swimming. You can catch fishing charters for an exciting day of deep sea fishing,
or get out the clubs for a game of golf at one of the two world-class golf courses
located on either side of Tamarindo Beach. Since Tamarindo is bordered by two
estuaries, you will see lots of wildlife here, including Howler monkeys and tropical
birds. If you want an unforgettable experience, sign up for an eco-tour and ride by
launch to Playa Grande to see the giant leatherback turtles during the nesting
season (December through April).
Playa Langosta; This point can only be accessed through Tamarindo since it is
bordered by the town on one side and the Langosta estuary on the other. Langosta
Beach real estate is very upscale, and consists of expensive waterfront homes,
view condominiums, and boutique B&B?s. Langosta is separated from Tamarindo
Bay by a rocky headland, but is considered part of the same community. Langosta
offers some excellent surfing near the estuary, and though the beach itself is not as
good for swimming, it is beautiful for an early morning walk.
Playa Grande; like Tamarindo, just follow signs
after Huacas. This beach is primarily known for its
surfing and leatherback turtles. It is located in the
same bay as Tamarindo, but is separated from it
by an estuary. Getting from Tamarindo to Playa
Grande by foot can actually be shorter than taking
your car, since you will need to drive out of
Tamarindo, along the coastal road past the
estuary, then back into Grande , a trip that can
take up to 40 minutes depending on the condition of the roads. Playa Grande real
estate investors need to be aware that there are special conditions to building in
Playa Grande due to its protected status as one of Costa Rica’s many national
parks.
Playa Avellanas: this is a must see beach with a great restaurant ( Cash Only )
lots of shade and good surfing, don’t forget to
say hi to LoLa. This beach, just south of
Tamarindo, is a beautiful half mile stretch of
pale-gold sand bordered by mangroves and an
estuary. Playa Avellanas has excellent surfing,
and one of Costa Rica's coolest restaurants ?
Lola’s. Lola is a Volkswagen-sized pig that
loves to hang out in the surf and at the bar with
the boys. You can wander up the beach with
your board, kick-back at driftwood tables and
stools, and swap surf stories while eating
amazing food. The new J.W. Marriot is on the
way. Open to the public- stop in have a drink eat
some lunch and relax by their pool. If you want
luxury and funk, surfing and golf, this is your
spot. Voted 2nd best Beach Bar in the world
by wild blue yonder magazine
http://wildblueyondermagazine.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/02/WBY_MarApr11_InGoodTaste.pdf
Restaurants
There are so many good restaurants around. You won’t want to cook at home! Try
them all.
Las Brisas; on Potrero beach. Walk to the beach and turn right and head to the
end where the tin roof is approx 10 minute walk. Our most
favorite restaurant we
go at least 3 to 4
times a week just a
beach bar with great
food on the beach.
Very casual, great
sunsets, snacks, ceviche, etc. the entrées
on the white board run around $15 to $20
but the regular menu average price is $6 to
$8. That being said the Pargo Entero
(whole red snapper) is worth the money
Just ask in advance for the price as it all depends on the size of the fish. Tell
Mauricio and Carol, Greg and Gladys sent you. You will either get some free drinks
or they may not let you in. LOLOLOL
Every Wednesday night is ladies night, were all the locals go to party. Ladies drink
free 10:00 pm to 11:00pm- watch out for the local color.
El Coconut; the newest beach club restaurant next
door to Bahia del Sol has a swimming pool, great
food, drinks and good prices
open to the public 12:am to
10:pm . we Love the Greek
Salad and Tropical Salad 10
minute walk south on the
beach.
Sol y Mar: just north of the soccer field in Potrero, local
typical food served in the front yard excellent choice for
local cuisine. 2 minute walk north of Las Brisas Restaurant
Estero Azul: Also know as Reggie’s or
the Blue Stools (painted tree trunks)
Restaurant: walk south on the beach to
the first restaurant south of the pier.
This is truly a local experience very
cheep prices great seafood with out
payinig Flamningo prices. Rustic but
we like it..
Hotel Sugar Beach; very nice restaurant overlooking the ocean. Great food, nice
Atmosphere. Follow directions to Sugar Beach and Playa Danta
La Penca; typical Costa Rican food, on road to Playa Penca. Great casados.
Marco Polo; great pizza, Italian food, seafood. (watch out for their $26 buffet, but
everything else is cheap!) Follow road to Potrero turn right at the T, stay straight
past Bahia Esmeralda. Follow signs to restaurant.
Bahia Esmeralda; located at the T in Potrero. Good seafood, pastas and pizzas
recently re opened worth going for dinner ask for
Poutine we suggest it one drunken night they had no
idea what it was but produced amazing results, give it a
try you will not believe it, we took a couple from Quebec
that pride them self’s as Poutine experts and there
comments were “Gourmet Poutine that can not be beat.
Palacio Del Sol: one of the new great restaurants located about 5 minutes by car
past the soccer field in Potrero on
route towards sugar beach call
them and they will pick
you up 2-654-6080
great views great food
and average price around $12. for dinner
www.palaciodelsol.net this is one of our
new favorite places try the Corvina and
the Tuna Pokie. Bo is the owner along with his parrots, Steven is the
chef
Bahia Del Sol Hotel; Great restaurant
hotel. located 5 minutes south on the
beach. Wear your bathing suit and enjoy
the swim up bar. Or dine outside under the
stars. Many weddings are host here so
watch for the fireworks.
http://www.bahiadelsolhotel.com/index.aspx
la
Perla’s; Fondly known as the Canadian
Legion,
those
escaping
winter gather
here for
happy hour 5
to 6 p.m. The
locals welcome visitors with open arms. we love
new victims.. Say Hi to Perla. That is Perla in the
photo on the right wearing the mini skirt.
El Castillo: All round good fair including pizza and local dishes, karaoke with Jeoff
on Saturday nights
La Terazza: Located on the roof of Plaza Verde across the street from castle
restaurant. Wednesday night all you can eat pizza for $7.00 each.
The Shack: everyone goes to the shack great
breakfast frittatas called the “mess”, free coffee.
home made bagels with cream cheese, cheap
beer, Tex Mex food, open mike on Fridays
located between La Perlas and El Castillo
Maxwell: head towards La Perla’s but keep
straight south for three blocks., good
hamburgers, fish, . $1. Taco’s Fridays, Pool table
Mar y Sol: On
the hillside
north ridge of
Flamingo, overlooking famous Flamingo Beach with stunning
views of Pacific Ocean sunsets, Mar y Sol is a full service
restaurant offering fine dining, and a 2nd floor tapas bar casual
lounge www.marysolflamingo.com Try the pizza in a cone
Angelina’s in the plaza above Marie’s in Flamingo. One of our favorite, upscale
restaurants, cuisine using
imagination with locally sourced
ingredients. Say hi to Joe. Entrees
run around $24
Mariner Inn; in Flamingo. Great
breakfast and lunch. Right past the
marina.
Marie’s; in Flamingo. Right next to
House of Rentals. Great chicken!
The Monkey Bar:
Resort Hotel; in
up the hill. Great
daily food specials
swim suit great
the sun deck, great
bay.
Flamingo Beach Marina
Flamingo turn right and drive
drinks at the Monkey bar
food around $6.00 wear your
pool, large iguanas laying by
view looking back over the
http://www.flamingomarina.com/en/amenities/sunrise-caf-monkey-bar.html
Happy Snapper Restaurant; at the sharp turn in Brasilito. Excellent seafood
restaurant! Usually live music and lots of people.
Camaron Dorado; in Brasilito. Follow road to Brasilito. When road takes a sharp
left,go right instead of left were the speed bumps are. Right on the ocean. Very
nice atmosphere. A little expensive for Costa Rica!
Il Forno; in Brasilito. Past speed bumps, over little bridge, on the left. One of my
favorites. Great food, pizza, pastas. Try there lobster taglatelli or grilled squid! All
located in a garden setting. Closed on Mondays Cash only.
La Casita Pescado; in Brasilito. Past speed bumps, go right towards Hotel
Brasilito, next to beach. Great little outside seafood restaurant, right on the beach.
Say hi to Kevin!
Lola’s: Playa Avellanas & Playa Danta this is a
must see great restaurant ( Cash Only ) lots of
shade and good surfing, don’t forget to say hi to
LoLa. Closed on Mondays see photos above, and
on the right
Don Brasiltios: Located in Brasiltio a great fun place on the beach with cheap
beer and Boca’s-- two beers for $3. www.donbrasilitos.com
Fresh seafood; if you would like to buy fresh seafood and cook at home, try the
fish
store, across the street from the gas station in Brasilito.
Well, that’s all I can think of now. Please write about any restaurants that you
enjoyed!
Things to do and see
Car Rentals: In Flamingo economy car rental they will pick you and and drop you
off.
Transportation: Ecotran 2-654-4852 http://ecotranscostarica.com/ to the airport or
San Jose or Interbus http://www.interbusonline.com/ 2-283-5573 to Arenal or
Monteverde
Info Flamingo.com www.infoflamingo.com Tourist Information Flamingo is a full
service tourist information and tour booking office in the heart of Flamingo. Claudia
8-377-5701
Sailing &
Snorkeling:
Seabird sailing ½
days sailing,
snorkel,
Sunsets all you can
drink snaks and a
BBQ. Bryon and
Susie or Leeze 8-381-1060
Canopy tours; 666-4422, the closet one is
the “Congo Trail Canopy Tours”, which is
located on the monkey trail. Follow the road
to Potrero make a right at the T past Bahia
Esmeralda and Marco Pollo restaurant. At
the fork, bear left, and follow for about 15-20
minutes. Most cars will make it in the dry
season, but during the wet season, a 4X4 will
be needed. A lot of fun!
Kayak Rental, Snorkeling Gear, & Fishing Gear: located on the beach at the
north end next door to Las Brisas
restaurant.
Horseback riding; Bomar, located right
on the road to the house. Marvin will take
you on the beaches, in the hills and on
trails around here.
Scuba diving; Costa Rica Diving, 6544148, located in Flamingo. Dive
trips,certifications, snorkel trips, sailing
and kayaks.
Sportfishing/sunset cruises; Marina
Flamingo, 654-4203, has everything
you need for fun on the ocean, like
charter boats for deep sea fishing, sailing, sunset cruises and day cruises. In Playa
Coco http://www.deepblue-diving.com/
The Edge, 654-4946, across from the marina, has snorkeling trips, mountain bikes,
boogie boards, kayaks, PADI instructions,
etc.
Casinos; Amberes, located in Flamingo has a casino,
restaurant and a disco. The disco is hoppin’ on
Saturday nights. There is also a casino in the Flamingo
Beach Resort.
Championship Golf; the best
course around is located at the
Melia Conchal Resort, just past
Brasilito. It is a beautiful ecofriendly golf course right at the
beach. Good Golf also at the
Hacienda Pinilla $250 for the
month plus $25 for the cart
each time.
http://www.haciendapinilla.com/golfandtennis.php?lang=EN&gb=5
Quads and dirt bikes; located on the
right of main road leaving Flamingo
towards
Brasilito. Tours available too.
Surf Leasons: ok you’re in Costa Rica
we have some of
the best beaches
for surfing with
small to medium waves, a perfect opportunity to learn to
surf. Our friend Harlan will pick you drive to Playa Grande
supply the boards and give you lessons. He’s a great guy
and owns Toes to the nose Surf school check
him out on Tripadvisor
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=Toes+to+the+nose&geo=309245&returnTo=__2F__
Attractions__2D__g309245__2D__Activities__2D__Playa__5F__Grande__5F__Province
__5F__of__5F__Guanacaste__2E__html
Kayak Fishing: this is the newest sport activity in Costa Rica, ½ day trips in your
own specially designed hands free
Kayak, it’s a blast as you travel at
lighting speed reeling in the catch, give
Ralph a call to make arrangements 8862-0214 or check out his web site for
more details.
www.costaricawildfishing.com
Paddle Boarding: now on our
Beaches head up to Playa Danta,
where Lola’s Norte is Private and
group lesson or just rentals, boards and
paddles provided this is a new and
growing sport. Tours, including sunset
tours check out the web site
http://www.puravidaride.com/ rentals
start at $10. per hour
Pura Vida Ride Central American Outffers: located at Playa Danta also rent
mountain bikes, Kayaks, snorkel gear, Boogie Boards.
For more information on Playa Danta and SUP Stand Up Paddle visit
http://supconnect.mylocallineup.com/Destinations/stand-up-paddle-board-in-costa-ricaplaya-danta.html
Good, common sense stuff
Gas; Always fill up your tank when you can. You never know when you might run
low and not find any gas stations. As of this writing, the gas station in Brasilito has
NO GAS, because of a problem!! The nearest station to the house is in Huacas,
about 25 minutes away.
Valuables; Always keep your valuables out of site in your car. When leaving the
house, lock all doors and windows on the main floor.
Exchanging money; The best rates are at the banks. The worst rates are at the
new exchange booth, on the way out of the airport. There is a bank machine at the
airport. . It is located near where you pay your exit tax. You can also exchange
money at the two banks in Flamingo, ATM machines located at both the bank of
National and the BCR bank of Costa Rica, both accept north America bank cards.
Driving; There are many speed traps in Costa Rica, so drive carefully and watch
your speed! Also, be aware of some serious pot holes. At night and in the rain, they
are very difficult to see. The locals wear black at night and walk on the road so
expect the unexpected all the time and you will be fine.
Credit Cards; Most stores or restaurants take credit cards, but VISA seems to be
the one of choice here. Travelers checks are not so widely accepted, but the bank
machines issue Colones and US dollars. We recommend using the local currency
the colones- in general 500 colones is worth one US dollar.
Sunburn; Since Costa Rica is almost on the Equator in fact we are only 10
degrees north, the sun is very strong here. Use caution, especially your first few
days.
More information on the area can also be found at www.revistautopia.com
If you have enjoyed your stay, the pool, the gardens, security and Maria and
Miguel’s attentiveness gratuities are more then welcomed. We hope this
information helps. Have a great trip and come back soon! Please remember
we welcome and encourage real reviews on tripadvisor.com
Flipkey is owned by tripadvisor and used to manage vacation rentals.
http://www.flipkey.com/o/192869/