Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is a luxury glamping hotel on Isla Jesusita in Paquera, Costa Rica, operating since 2017 with 20 private accommodations: 17 upscale tent suites, a Master Suite, a Family Suite, and a Casita. It combines the feel of sleeping in nature with the comfort, design, and service of a high-end island retreat. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking luxury glamping, an upscale island getaway, or a unique stay surrounded by nature.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is located on Jesusita Island, in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, and is accessible exclusively by boat. Guests park at our mainland dock in Punta Cuchillo, on the Nicoya Peninsula, and reach the island by a 10-minute boat ride. Private boat charters are also available from Puntarenas.
- From San José Airport (SJO): 90 minutes by car to Puntarenas, a 70-minute ferry to Paquera, then a 10-minute drive to our parking in Punta Cuchillo, followed by a 10-minute boat ride to the island.
- From Liberia Airport (LIR): 3 hours by car to our parking in Punta Cuchillo, followed by a 10-minute boat ride to the island.
- From Santa Teresa: 75 minutes by car to Punta Cuchillo, plus the 10-minute boat ride.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel offers 20 accommodations in total: 19 upscale glamping tents across seven categories, plus a 2- or 3-bedroom Casita. Tent categories include the Tent Suite King, Tent Suite King with A/C, Double Tent Suite, Double Tent Suite with A/C, Premium Tent Suite, Premium Tent Suite with A/C, and the two-tent Family Tent Suite, along with the standalone Master Sunset Suite.
Every tent features an en-suite bathroom, complimentary WiFi, a ceiling fan, a minibar, and a private outdoor viewing deck, with options ranging from forest and partial-ocean views to panoramic ocean views, air conditioning, and a private plunge pool.
Isla Chiquita is the only hotel on its island, occupying a portion of the island within Costa Rica's Gulf of Nicoya. Access to the hotel's grounds is limited to overnight guests and restaurant visitors, and the property is surrounded by unspoiled coastline with no other hotels, villages, or public foot traffic in sight, offering guests a quiet, safe, and secluded retreat.
Isla Chiquita is Costa Rica's only glamping hotel set on an island, located on Isla Jesusita in the Gulf of Nicoya, reached by a short boat ride with dry-foot arrival at a private floating dock. Unlike a mainland beach hotel, the experience is shaped entirely by the surrounding sea: guests fall asleep in premium tents just steps from the water, dine ocean-front, and can join a nighttime bioluminescence expedition to see the Gulf glow with light-emitting plankton, one of the property's signature adventures.
The island setting also brings a natural sense of seclusion, from a hillside wellness deck at Nimbú by Equilibrium Spa to self-guided kayaking and paddleboarding right off the property, creating an immersive, resort-quality escape that a hotel on the mainland simply can't replicate.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is on Jesusita Island, in the Gulf of Nicoya, and is reached exclusively by boat. There are four ways to arrive:
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Ferry from Puntarenas as a walk-on passenger: drive to Puntarenas, park in a public lot and take the Paquera ferry. Our team meets you at the Paquera landing for the 5-minute boat transfer to the island.
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By car, via the ferry or overland from Guanacaste and Santa Teresa: drive to our private, complimentary parking lot in Punta Cuchillo, Paquera, 10 minutes from the ferry landing. Our boat picks you up directly at the lot.
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Private boat charter: a 20-minute transfer from Ocean Marina in Puntarenas.
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By air: land at Cóbano Airport, 40 minutes away, or arrange a private helicopter arrival at our helipad.
Yes. We offer a private, complimentary, and secure parking lot for all guests in Punta Cuchillo, Paquera, 10 minutes from the Paquera ferry landing, with overnight security staff and surveillance cameras. Our boat picks you up directly at the lot.
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Arrival and departure boat transfers are included in your stay. Boats to the island depart at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:45 PM and 4:45 PM.
Departure boats leave the island at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM, 1:15 PM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Transfers outside these times are available at an additional charge of $6.00 (taxes included) per person, each way.
Yes, boat transfers must be arranged in advance. We recommend booking at least 72 hours before arrival, though earlier is always better. You can arrange your transfer by emailing reserve@islachiquita.com, via WhatsApp at +506 8775 8600, or by calling +506 4000-0520 (toll-free from the US at 1-800-717-0515). Outside office hours, feel free to reach out to the hotel directly at +506 2103-1464.
If you miss your scheduled boat or arrive outside transfer times, contact our reservations team via WhatsApp at +506 8775 8600, or call at +506 4000-0520, or toll-free from the US at 1-800-717-0515. Outside office hours, feel free to reach out to the hotel directly at +506 2103-1464.
The last boat transfer of the day may depart at 9:00 PM, and rescheduled transfers may carry an additional cost of $6.00 per person, taxes included.
Booking the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry in advance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, mainly during high season. If you book ahead, plan to arrive at least one hour before departure.
If you don't book in advance, arrive at least three hours before your intended departure time, as you may need to wait in line for the next available ferry.
There is no specific luggage limit for your stay. However, if you're traveling with extra or oversized luggage, we recommend letting us know in advance so we can plan accordingly for boat capacity.
Check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is at 2:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability. Even if your room isn't ready yet or you've already checked out, you're welcome to arrive earlier or stay later and enjoy the hotel's common areas.
Yes, Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel offers free WiFi and cell phone coverage throughout the entire property.
Pack light, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or cap for sun protection. Sandals and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the island, and a light jacket or raincoat is useful during the rainy season.
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers in both colones and US dollars. If you need cash during your trip, there is an ATM available nearby in Paquera.
Yes, the tap water at Isla Chiquita is potable and safe to drink.
Our team at Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish.
Guest safety is a priority at Isla Chiquita. Our staff undergoes ongoing training in first aid and emergency response as part of our continuous safety program. In the event of a medical situation, our team will help coordinate transport to the nearest clinic in Paquera, approximately 30 minutes away by our water transfer.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel offers a luxury glamping experience. Our tented suites combine the immersive feel of sleeping in nature with hotel comfort, including plush beds, private bathrooms, fans, and in-room safes.
Yes. All of our tented suites have private en-suite bathrooms.
Air conditioning is available in select tents across all suite categories, and every tent also features a ceiling fan. We recommend confirming A/C availability for your specific tent at the time of booking.
Private plunge pools are available in the Family Tent Suite, the Premium Tent Suite with A/C, the Master Sunset Suite, and the Casita.
Every tent includes a king bed plus a day bed, or two full beds depending on the category, along with a private viewing deck, ceiling fan, complimentary WiFi, and an in-room safe. Guests also enjoy a coffeemaker, mini bar, hairdryer, and local, organic personal care products. Select categories, such as the Premium Tent Suites, also feature a private plunge pool.
Yes, our tents are fully enclosed with screened mesh windows and doors to keep insects out. As with any tent or open-air space, keeping the main door closed when not in use will help ensure the best protection.
Yes, extra beds and cribs are available at no additional cost, though they are subject to availability due to limited inventory. We recommend requesting these in advance to ensure availability for your stay.
Yes, Isla Chiquita offers two on-site dining experiences: Donde Tía Nora Restaurant and Harry's Bar. Isla Chiquita's main restaurant serves net-to-table seafood along with fresh local and regional ingredients, and favorites like pizza, sandwiches, and grilled options. Harry's Bar offers creative cocktails, a curated wine selection, and a relaxed Pura Vida atmosphere.
Together, they make Isla Chiquita a standout choice for guests seeking some of the best dining near Paquera and throughout the Gulf of Nicoya.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 AM, lunch from 12:00 to 3:00 PM, dinner from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, and snacks are available from 11:00 AM onward.
Your rate includes a full à la carte breakfast. We also offer an optional full-board plan, which also includes lunch and dinner, plus non-alcoholic beverages (premium dishes are not included). Alternatively, guests can choose to pay for lunch and dinner à la carte as they go.
Yes. With advance notice, our culinary team adapts menus for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, as well as for specific food allergies.
Room service is not available. All meals are served at Tía Nora Restaurant and Harry's Bar.
Our bioluminescence tour is a guided one-hour boat experience in the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. Daily departures are at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:30 PM, confirmed at check-in. The rate is $35 USD per adult and $17 USD per child aged 3 to 11, plus 13% tax.
Bioluminescence can be seen year-round. For the best visibility, we recommend avoiding the nights around a full moon, including the two days before and the two days after, when the night sky is at its brightest.
No. For safety reasons, the tour is guided by boat only, and swimming is not permitted during the excursion.
All stays include complimentary use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on our beach, with no advance reservation required.
Isla Chiquita's Adventure Center offers a full range of guided and self-guided experiences, from ocean adventures to wildlife encounters:
- Symbiosis Hiking – A complimentary 45-minute self-guided forest-bathing trail around the island.
- Night Adventure (Bioluminescence) – A 1-hour guided evening boat ride in search of glowing bioluminescent waters.
- Kayak Expedition – A 2-hour guided double-kayak tour around the island, with the option to help collect mangrove seeds for the hotel's restoration program.
- Artisanal Fishing – A 2-hour guided trip with a local fisherman to the area's best spots for snapper, grouper, and more.
- Neighborhood Glimpse – A 2-hour guided boat loop past Isla Cedros and a traditional fishing village to spot oyster beds and lobster grounds.
- Sunset Cruise – A 2-hour guided sunset boat ride past nearby islands, home to spider monkeys and diverse birdlife.
- Snorkeling – A 2-hour guided snorkeling excursion in the Gulf of Nicoya, available December through April.
- Whale Watching – A seasonal 2-hour guided boat tour to see migrating humpback whales, available August through October.
- Curú Bio-Reserve Hiking – A 4-hour guided hike through Costa Rica's first private biological reserve.
- Birdwatching – A 2-hour guided hiking-and-boating expedition to spot endemic species like the Mangrove Hummingbird and Elegant Trogon.
- Tortuga Island – A 4.5-hour guided boat excursion to one of the region's most beautiful white-sand islands, with access to an exclusive beach area.
- Sport Fishing – Half-day or full-day guided offshore fishing charters.
- Private Dining – A candlelit dinner experience with appetizer, main course, dessert, and house wine.
- Dinner on Deck for Two – A romantic three-course dinner served on your tent's private deck (seasonal).
Reservations are recommended in advance to guarantee availability. For current rates, please contact our reservations team at reserve@islachiquita.com, via WhatsApp at +506 8775 8600, or by calling +506 4000-0520 (toll-free from the US at 1-800-717-0515).
We recommend booking tours before check-in to guarantee your spot, as each tour requires a minimum of 2 guests and has a maximum capacity of 6. Tours booked during check-in are subject to availability.
Yes, the beach in front of the hotel is suitable for swimming, and we provide complimentary snorkel gear for guests. Fish visibility directly off the hotel's beach can vary, so for the best snorkeling experience, we recommend joining one of our guided tours to nearby spots.
Yes, the hotel has a swimming pool available for guests from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Yes. Day Passes are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with advance reservation. The rate is $70 USD (taxes included) per adult and $40 USD (taxes included) per child aged 6 to 11, and includes the round-trip boat transfer, a three-course lunch, pool access, kayaks, and beach towels.
The Day Pass does not include breakfast, premium dishes, beverages beyond the one included with lunch, alcoholic drinks, coffee, or snacks. These items are available at an additional cost, charged à la carte.
To book a Day Pass, please contact our reservations team at reserve@islachiquita.com or via WhatsApp at +506 8775 8600. We recommend booking at least one week in advance, though confirmation is always subject to availability. Please note that large groups are not accepted on Saturdays.
Yes, we warmly welcome children of all ages. Most of our activities are open to children of all ages, and families can also enjoy our swimming pool, complimentary beach toys, and a playground in the common areas. Please note that a few tours have minimum age requirements, so we recommend confirming with our reservations team when booking.
Pets are not allowed, due to the island terrain and the boat logistics involved in reaching the property.
Yes. Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is a calm and welcoming destination for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. The island setting, staff on site 24/7, controlled boat access, dedicated security, and guided activities allow guests to travel with complete peace of mind and personalized attention.
We have accessible accommodation options, but the island terrain, stairs, and boat boarding can present mobility challenges. Please contact us in advance so we can review your specific requirements before booking.
Yes, Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is a stunning setting for weddings, corporate team-building events, and group getaways. We offer a spacious green area for social events like weddings, along with two ocean-view meeting spaces for corporate gatherings. Full property buyouts accommodate approximately 50 guests based on double occupancy, though actual capacity can be higher when using the maximum capacity per suite. For more information and to start planning your event, email ingrid@islachiquita.com.
The Conservation Fee is a mandatory charge of $15 USD (taxes included) per person aged 12 and over, per stay. It does not apply to one-day visitors. It directly supports our sustainability work, including our past carbon-neutral certification, mangrove propagation, and beach clean-ups.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel is proud to hold the Bandera Azul (Blue Flag) certification and recognition as an Ocean Hero. The property previously achieved carbon-neutral certification and continues to operate with that same commitment in mind.
We generate energy through solar panels, and wastewater is treated on-site through our own treatment plant, with the treated water reused for irrigation. Isla Chiquita is also working toward Zero Waste recognition and certification. On the community side, we partner with ADEJ as part of the Paquera Destino Sostenible committee, supporting local community programs, and signed an agreement with FECOP last year to support marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Nicoya.
You may cancel your reservation at no charge up to 30 days before arrival. After that period, any cancellation, modification, or no-show will result in a non-refundable payment. Full payment is charged 30 days prior to your arrival date.
Our published rates include a welcome cocktail, à la carte breakfast, self-guided kayak and paddleboard equipment, and boat transfer from the mainland to the hotel. Rates are shown before taxes, with the total tax amount displayed just below the rate.
There is no minimum length of stay throughout the year, with the exception of the last week of December, which requires a minimum of 2 or 3 nights. While not required, we recommend staying at least two nights, since one night isn't enough time to experience everything Isla Chiquita has to offer.
Isla Chiquita Glamping Hotel enjoys a dry season from December through July, though May and June can bring some seasonal rain. The green season begins in August, typically featuring sunny mornings with rainy afternoons. September and October are the rainiest months of the year, while November marks the transition back toward drier, warmer weather.
Many guests prefer the dry season for consistently sunny days, while the green season offers lush scenery and fewer crowds.
A 10% service fee is already included in food and beverage service. Additional tipping is entirely optional and always appreciated, based on the quality of service you received.
You can reach our reservations team by email at reserve@islachiquita.com, via WhatsApp at +506 8775 8600, or by phone at +506 4000-0520 (toll-free from the US at 1-800-717-0515). If urgent or after office hours, you can also call the hotel directly at +506 2103-1464.
Our reservations team is available Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.