Before the fare, two things that change this destination's budget more than the distance does. From 995 USD per aircraft.
First: you may already have paid for it
Most fishing lodges at Barra work on a closed package, and many include the transfer from the Central Valley. Lodges in the area usually include the transfer from the strip: confirm before booking it separately.
Ask your lodge before pricing anything separately. It is the least profitable recommendation we can give you and also the most useful.
If your package does not include it, or you are travelling independently, read on.
The five categories
| Aircraft | PAX | From SJO | From Pavas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 206 | 1–4 | 1,095 USD | 1,095 USD |
| Piper Seneca | 1–5 | 1,395 USD | 1,250 USD |
| Piper Navajo | 1–6 | 1,895 USD | 1,695 USD |
| Cessna Caravan | 1–12 | 2,995 USD | 2,895 USD |
| King Air | 1–7 | 3,795 USD | 3,695 USD |
The price is for the whole aircraft, not per passenger. Departing from Pavas comes out cheaper in four of the five categories, and in the Cessna 206 it costs the same from either. We show a "from" price per route; the final fare depends on the date, the group and the baggage, and is confirmed in writing before booking.
If your group fits the 206 and you land intercontinental at Juan Santamaría, there is no reason to transfer to Pavas.
The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Second: the table exists more on paper than on the strip
And this is the part that needs saying with the figure in front.
The runway is a thousand metres long by twelve wide. Only Drake Bay, at eleven, is narrower anywhere in the catalogue.
Length is not the problem; width is. In practice, the larger categories in the table exist more on paper than on the strip. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Ask with the exact passenger count and baggage before fixing dates. With bulky fishing gear, the answer may be the 206 even when the budget allows more.
With six anglers and their rods, the real comparison is not between categories: it is between two small flights or rethinking the itinerary.
What is not included
The river transfer from the airport to the lodge, which has a last departure of the day. The final access is by river and is arranged by your accommodation, on its own timetable.
Fifty-nine nautical miles of flying are no use if you arrive after that hour. Say it when you request the quote — the lodges know their own last departure, and we fit the flight to it rather than the other way round.
And Tortuguero is twelve nautical miles away
BCL–TTQ: 12.7 nautical miles. Two almost neighbouring fields and two different trips: here you come for tarpon and snook, there for turtles and canals.
If your trip combines both, ask for the two legs together: the stop prices better than two separate flights from the Central Valley. It is also the logical order — Tortuguero first, Barra after, and a direct return.
Frequently asked questions
Might I already have it included?
Yes. Most fishing lodges at Barra work on a closed package and many include the transfer. Ask before pricing. Lodges in the area usually include the transfer from the strip: confirm before booking it separately.
Is the price to private charter to Barra del Colorado per person?
No, for the whole aircraft. We show a "from" price per route; the final fare depends on the date, the group and the baggage, and is confirmed in writing before booking.
Pavas or Juan Santamaría?
Pavas comes out cheaper in four of the five categories. In the Cessna 206 it costs the same from either.
What limits the aircraft?
Runway width: twelve metres. Only Drake Bay, at eleven, is narrower. The specific aircraft is assigned on confirmation, based on passenger count, baggage and the destination field.
Is the transfer to the lodge included?
No. It is by river and has a last departure of the day. The final access is by river and is arranged by your accommodation, on its own timetable.
And if I am also going to Tortuguero?
It is 12.7 nautical miles away. Ask for the two legs together: it prices better than two separate flights.