A private charter from San Jose to southern Nicoya covers 50 nautical miles to Tambor (TMU) or 56 to Cobano (ACO), in roughly 30 minutes. It replaces a transfer that combines road with, on some itineraries, a ferry crossing. From 895 USD per aircraft.
Route facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary origin | Juan Santamaría (SJO / MROC) |
| Alternate origin | Tobías Bolaños (SYQ / MRPV) |
| Primary destination | Tambor (TMU / MRTR) — 50.2 NM · 58 miles |
| Alternate destination | Cobano (ACO / MRAF) — 55.7 NM · 64 miles |
| Estimated flight time | 30 min |
| Road alternative | About 5 hours |
| Aircraft | Cessna 206 · 4 seats |
| Price | From 895 USD per aircraft |
The Gulf of Nicoya is the whole reason
On a map Santa Teresa looks close to San Jose: fifty nautical miles in a straight line. On the ground there is a gulf in between. The road route has to work around it to the north through Puntarenas, or cross it on the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry and continue by road through Cobano to Santa Teresa.
Both options work and plenty of travellers take them. Both consume most of a day, and the ferry version adds a timetable you do not control. The public bus covering San Jose–Paquera–Tambor–Cobano–Santa Teresa takes seven to eight hours.
The flight crosses the gulf over the top. That is the entire proposition on this route.
We'll tell you which strip suits your hotel
Two departure airports, two arrival strips
In San Jose: Juan Santamaría (SJO) if you are connecting from an international flight the same day; Tobías Bolaños (SYQ) in the Pavas district if you are already staying in the city. SYQ is the traditional base of Costa Rican domestic aviation, and Aerobell's scheduled service to Tambor operates from there.
In southern Nicoya: Tambor (TMU) is the established field — public, DGAC-administered, runway 12/30, ten metres above sea level. Cobano (ACO) is newer and geographically closer to Santa Teresa town; it takes service from Costa Rica Green Airways out of San José and from SANSA out of Liberia and San José.
There are five nautical miles between the two destinations in the air. On the ground the gap is more noticeable. We confirm the field with your quote, based on your accommodation and availability: We confirm the entry field we operate in the quote, because it changes with the date and the operation.
Aircraft and operations
Cessna 206, 4 seats, baggage hold 40 cu ft.
Both fields operate in daylight under visual conditions. Tambor has no METAR of its own; the nearest reference weather observation is Juan Santamaría. We recommend morning departures, particularly through the green season.
On confirmed weather closures: Several fields in the network operate in daylight and visual conditions, and close when the weather does not allow it.
Surfboards travel if declared at booking. Length and quantity determine the aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from San Jose to Santa Teresa?
Roughly 30 minutes to Tambor or Cobano, plus the ground transfer from the strip.
How much does a private charter from San Jose to Santa Teresa cost?
From 895 USD for the whole aircraft, not per passenger.
How long is the drive from San Jose?
About 5 hours, either around the gulf or via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry. The public bus takes seven to eight hours.
Do I still need to take a ferry if I fly?
No. The flight crosses the Gulf of Nicoya directly; the only ground leg is from the strip to your accommodation.
Tambor or Cobano?
Cobano is closer to Santa Teresa town; Tambor carries more traffic and is the established field. We confirm based on your hotel and availability.
Should I depart from SJO or SYQ?
SJO if you are connecting from an international flight that day. SYQ, in Pavas, if you are already in the city — it is usually closer by road.