What to expect at Costa Azul Adventure Resort

Where is Costa Azul located?
Costa Azul is in San Pancho, a small fishing village in the state of Nayarit 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.

What is the weather like year-round at Costa Azul?
Costa Azul is a tropical jungle coastal climate. During the winter months, you can expect air temperatures to be in the low 70’s F to low 90’s F and water temperatures to be in the high 60’s F to mid 70’s F. During the summer months, you can expect a humid climate with afternoon showers and air temperatures in the low 90’s F to 100 degrees F. The landscape in and around Costa Azul during these warmer months is breathtaking. The summer rains bring the lush vegetation to life. Truly a paradise but yet so close to home.

What wild life will I encounter at Costa Azul?
You will encounter many types of wildlife at Costa Azul as the resort sits beachfront in a lush green jungle. To name a few; land crabs, iguanas, exotic birds, lizards, dolphins, whales, sea turtles and many tropical fish.

Is there a hurricane season at Costa Azul?
There is a hurricane season in the late summer and early fall months but Costa Azul has never been affected by a hurricane except for some tropical storm activity that makes for some great surf!

What is the surf like during the summer/fall and winter/spring months?
Summer/fall months: Long period swells come in from a broad south west to south direction form 220-180 degrees and lasts 3-4 days in duration, with 1-2 days of peak intensity. During this season, you can expect somewhat more consistent surf that in the winter moths with not quite as much fluctuation and unpredictability in swell height.
Winter/Spring months: Swell conditions are prime. Best surf found around Punta de Mita, Playa a la Lancha, and El Faro, where west and North West swells wrap in and create lined up perfection. Waves can be anywhere from 2-10 ft.

Is there surf or swimming in front of the resort?
There is limited surf and swimming in front of the resort but it depends on the time of year and the swell conditions. A short walk south of the resort you will find more swim able areas and the surf break in San Pancho. Some surfers and swimmers have reported fun surf and swimming conditions, however the time of year and skill level of the surfer or swimmer is important to consider.

What is the staff like at Costa Azul?
The staff at Costa Azul are locals that are professionally trained in the hospitality industry. Most employees are locals that are very familiar with the area and will offer a glimpse of San Pancho life. At Costa Azul, friendships forge between the staff and our guests making Costa Azul a special place.

How is Costa Azul involved in the community?
Since 1991, Costa Azul has provided jobs for the locals promoting within and granted many career opportunities that the locals otherwise might not have. Costa Azul also funded the building of a well for the town’s water supply as well as an ambulance. Costa Azul is involved in other community projects such as providing phone lines and supporting the local hospital.

What is Costa Azul’s reaction to the reviews on Trip Advisor about lack of water, AC, running out of food at the restaurant and electricity?
We do have hot water, A/C, and maintain our property on a daily basis. Because of our remote location, trucking in water and sharing a well with the pueblo is difficult but Costa Azul has never run out of water. Regarding electricity, problems can occur during the summer months, July –September when heavy thunderstorms create a “brown out effect” which can temporarily affect electricity until it is reset. Our location, while romantic and adventurous can also create some limitations. We are not located near an urban area. Therefore, our supplies are not as accessible as a resort in a tourist, hotel zone such as Puerto Vallarta. Costa Azul Adventure Resort does not run out of food for its guests and no one has walked away hungry. From time to time a menu item may run out due to high demand, as this can occur at any restaurant, but this in no way means the resort runs out of food. Costa Azul offers an extensive menu. We receive shipments on a weekly schedule and never have a problem feeding our guests. In order to ensure the freshest food possible, our kitchen uses the “just in time” method when ordering food so as not to keep large amounts of frozen food in the kitchen. You will surely enjoy fresh and authentic food at Costa Azul! Costa Azul recognizes Trip Advisor as a user based website and encourages all to take reviews into careful consideration. Read ABC News article

How is Costa Azul rated in stars?
Costa Azul is a 3 star resort with rustic, clean, and basic accommodations. There are not televisions or phones in the rooms; however both are available in the reception and restaurant area. There is also wireless internet available in the reception, restaurant, and bar areas. Daily maid service and a full attentive staff will ensure that all your needs are met.

How do the tours at Costa Azul operate?
The tour program is a great way to see the surrounding areas. We have trips ranging from 1 hour to 8 hours. 2-4 trips are offered each day and guest may sign up in advance at the tour desk located under the palapa in the restaurant and bar area. Trips are offered on a first come first serve basis and we always recommend that guests make a trip to the tour desk upon arrival and check out the tour schedule. It is up to the traveler on what adventures they would like to do. On our tours that may take more than one hour, our knowledgeable guides keep the guests well informed about the area and answer any questions that the guests may have. For example, a snorkeling trip to the islands may take over an hour to reach but on the way you can view migrating whales, dolphins and a variety of birds native to the area. The adventure program is exciting for people of all ages and offers great fun for everyone.

What kind of person does Costa Azul attract?
Costa Azul is ideal for families, surfers, adventure enthusiasts, couples, children and teens as well as the elderly. We have something that anyone and everyone will enjoy ranging from relaxing by the pool or taking the boat out to Chacala for some serious surfing. We attract a “traveler” rather then a “vacationer” at Costa Azul. The traveler seeks to experience something different then a mainstream large scale hotel in a tourist destination such as Puerto Vallarta or Cancun. While you are at Costa Azul, you will know you are in the jungle in Mexico and the experiences you will have will be exciting and unique. When you leave Costa Azul you will take with you a part of the culture and people.

Can I upgrade to one of the packages upon arrival?
Package changes are not possible once you have arrived at Costa Azul Adventure Resort. The reason for this is that the tours are planned in advance based on the number of guests arriving with the adventure package and surf package. If you are traveling on the European plan you will have access to all of the same tours and can pay for them individually onsite.

I want to participate in all of the activities at Costa Azul. What is the suggested length of stay?
In order to take full advantage of all of our Adventure tours we recommend a 7 night stay to all guests. Tours and excursions are offered daily but not all tours are offered each day. Upon arrival you will see the current tour schedule which will help you plan your week of adventure.

Do I need to bring any documentation with me to the resort?
Please remember to bring your check in voucher with you to the resort. We want your vacation to begin the minute you arrive at the hotel so in order to avoid any account issues we ask that you also have all of the guests staying with you in your room to be registered with the US Sales office at 800-365-7613.

What can I expect to receive with the surf package I am signed up for?
Surf trips vary during any given week. A guest on the surf package will receive a daily surf trip by van OR by boat to the surf break. We have access to a wide variety of surf spots in the area. The surf destination of the day will depend on swell direction and the guide will make the final decision. We do ask that this is respected as our guides are knowledgeable and provide great insight when finding the best waves for our guests. Please keep in mind we will only run boat trips when those breaks are the best option for that day. During certain surf seasons it is not unusual to take all van trips or all boat trips. All of these factors are dependent on the conditions.

Where is the closest place to get cash?
Costa Azul has an ATM onsite. There is also an ATM in town.

 

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