Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ for Children's Camps (Pre-K, Elementary & Middle School)
Camp Information
Our Children's Camps cater to kids aged 3 to 13, organized into three age groups:
- Pre-K (ages 3-5): Young children enjoy 6 hours of immersive Spanish daycare filled with playful learning, songs, and creative activities.
- Elementary School (ages 5-10): Kids in this age range have structured Spanish lessons blended with outdoor games, hands-on activities, and cultural experiences.
- Middle School (ages 11-13): This group experiences a mix of Spanish language classes and adventurous outdoor activities to reinforce their learning.
Our camp takes place at Roca Mística, which is approximately a 10-minute drive from Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Find us here: Roca Mística on Google Maps
Yes, daily transportation is included, with a meeting point at Alice's Treehouse.
Meeting location: Alice's Treehouse on Google Maps
Mornings begin with 2 hours of Spanish lessons, followed by lunch and an afternoon filled with activities like surfing, cultural projects, and nature hikes. For a full weekly schedule, check here: Typical Camp Week.
We provide a morning snack with fresh fruit and a wafer, plus a nutritious lunch every day. Our rotating 5-day menu ensures variety, and we're happy to accommodate dietary needs like vegetarian, gluten-free, or other specific requests. Just inform us in advance!
We maintain a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio to ensure safety and support. All water activities have lifeguards, and our staff is trained for emergency situations.
We prefer a phone-free environment at camp to encourage full engagement. If a phone is brought, it must stay in their bag during camp hours. Usage requires staff permission, and requests are evaluated case by case.
Registration is easy through our online form. Once registered, our team will assist you with payment and preparation details.
Essentials include swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and light clothing suitable for outdoor activities. A full packing list will be provided after registration.
No prior Spanish knowledge is necessary. Our camp is designed for all levels, and our experienced instructors personalize lessons to match each child's skill level, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported.
For children who are already fluent or advanced in Spanish, we tailor activities to challenge and further develop their language skills. Advanced speakers can participate in more complex projects, literature exploration, and creative writing exercises, along with cultural immersion experiences that deepen their understanding of Costa Rican customs and traditions.
Safety is our top priority. All outdoor and water activities are supervised by certified guides and instructors, with additional support from lifeguards for water-based events. We conduct regular safety checks and briefings, and our team is trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a safe environment for all campers.
Parent Information
Our concierge service has years of experience assisting families in finding the perfect accommodations for their stay. We work closely with local property managers to ensure you have access to the best options based on location, amenities, and family needs. Whether you're looking for a beachfront apartment or a quiet home near town, we know the options that best suit families. Of course, if you prefer to explore independently, platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and local rental sites in Tamarindo are also excellent resources.
Yes, we provide airport transfers to and from Liberia International Airport (LIR), only an hour away from Tamarindo. Our concierge service will arrange everything to ensure a seamless arrival. If you'd like to organize your own transportation, rental cars and local shuttle services are also available.
Definitely! Parents can enjoy adult Spanish lessons, surfing, or tours arranged by our concierge service. For independent exploration, Tamarindo offers a variety of activities like yoga, surfing, and nature excursions.
Our concierge team can recommend a variety of dining options and even assist with meal plans if you're staying off-campus. Tamarindo features a range of eateries, from casual beachside spots to traditional "sodas" that are great for family-friendly dining.
Family excursions can be organized through our concierge service, offering options like day trips to national parks, beach tours, or weekend getaways. For a more self-directed experience, there are tour companies in Tamarindo that provide customizable family adventures.
Our concierge service coordinates daily transportation for all campers, with a designated meeting point at Alice's Treehouse. For families who prefer to manage their own transportation, many opt to rent cars or use local taxi and shuttle services for added flexibility.
For any specific requirements, such as dietary needs or babysitting services, our concierge is ready to help coordinate them. You can also communicate directly with your accommodation provider to ensure all needs are met.
The Explornatura Parent Experience connects you with a supportive community of parents from around the world. Whether you're working remotely or on vacation, you can enjoy a flexible schedule, collaborate with other parents, and plan activities at your own pace.
Our adult Spanish lessons provide immersive learning through practical conversation and cultural insights. Lessons are held in inspiring natural surroundings, and you can add on fun activities like surfing or nature excursions. You'll have plenty of opportunities to practice your new language skills at local spots like "sodas" (family-owned restaurants).
Absolutely. Many parents work remotely, taking advantage of reliable Wi-Fi and the tranquil environment. You'll have the flexibility to plan your day around your child's camp activities, joining local excursions or simply relaxing in between work hours.
Our dedicated concierge team is available to help you stay informed and connected. They serve as a direct link between parents and camp instructors, providing updates or addressing any concerns during camp hours. If needed, children may use their phones, although we encourage a phone-free environment to help them focus fully on camp activities.
Tamarindo's summer climate is warm and tropical, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Afternoon or evening rains are common but usually warm and brief. To stay comfortable, we recommend bringing lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
The Children's Spanish Summer Camp runs Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This schedule gives kids ample time for structured Spanish lessons, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences in a supportive setting.
Yes! For families interested in extending the fun, we offer additional activities for kids after regular camp hours. Options include:
- Additional Spanish Lessons: 1-2 hour sessions from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., based on availability, allowing kids to continue learning Spanish in an engaging environment.
- Surf Lessons: Experience Tamarindo's world-class waves with professional instructors. Surf sessions are available throughout the week, adjusted according to the tides. Kids should bring sunblock, a towel, and swimwear.
- Babysitting Services: For parents needing extra time, we provide safe, caring babysitting services by the hour, any day of the week, based on availability.