Private Flights to Punta Islita - Luxury Resort Access
Fly Private to Costa Rica's Hidden Luxury Peninsula Paradise
Flying from
Travel Time by Air
30 minutes
87 miles / 140 km
Travel Time by Ground
4.5 hours
143 miles / 230 km
Punta Islita Highlights
Secluded Luxury Haven
Ultra-exclusive peninsula location featuring pristine beaches, world-class resorts, and an authentic Costa Rican village. This hidden gem offers barefoot luxury without the crowds of mainstream beach destinations.
Art & Culture Immersion
Home to the renowned open-air contemporary art museum and community art project. Experience authentic Tico culture through local artisan workshops, traditional cooking classes, and the charming painted village of Islita.
Untouched Natural Beauty
Dramatic clifftop views, nesting sea turtles, scarlet macaws, and howler monkeys in their natural habitat. The remote location preserves the wilderness that more accessible beaches have lost.
Punta Islita Quick Snapshots
Ideal Destinations to Combine On Your Trip
Transfer Details
| Destination | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arenal Volcano | 45 minutes | Combine beach and volcano seamlessly. Skip the six-hour drive overland visitors' experience. |
| Manuel Antonio | 35 minutes | Peninsula to peninsula in minutes. The overland route requires returning to the mainland and driving more than five hours |
| Santa Teresa | 30 minutes | Access the southern Nicoya's hip beach scene. Roads between these destinations are famously treacherous |
Quick Facts
Landing Type: Private Airstrip
Punta Islita features its own private airstrip, making it one of the few luxury destinations with dedicated aviation infrastructure. The 850-meter paved runway accommodates private aircraft, though no commercial service operates here. This exclusive access maintains the area’s secluded atmosphere while providing civilized arrival options.
Aircraft Landing Options Our transfers to Punta Islita include:
- Punta Islita Airstrip: Well-maintained private runway just minutes from resort properties
- Fixed-wing Aircraft: Ideal for groups and longer connections
- Helicopter Beach Landings: Select beaches and resort helipads for ultimate convenience
- Resort Helipads: Direct access to Hotel Punta Islita and private villas
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Established protocols with the airstrip for urgent situations
Recommended Arrival Times
Morning: 7 to 10 am
Clearest conditions over mountains and coast
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Resorts welcome early arrivals with breakfast and beach activities; spa treatments can be pre-booked while waiting for rooms
Layover Recommendations
First flights avoid afternoon winds; morning arrivals enjoy calm seas for water activities
Mid Day: 11 am to 2 pm
Perfect for morning international arrivals
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Lunch at clifftop restaurants with panoramic views; most suites available for immediate occupancy
Layover Recommendations
Ideal weather window year-round; avoid the morning rush at both SJO and LIR
Afternoon: 3 to 5 pm
Sunset arrival for dramatic views
Hotel Check-in/Check-out Coordination
Immediate check-in with sunset cocktails; catch golden hour from your villa’s private pool
Layover Recommendations
Monitor weather during rainy season; afternoon showers typically clear by evening
Treat Yourself with Something Special
Practical Information
What You Need to Know
✔ Bring valid passport!
✔ Children of all ages welcome
Luggage allowances are customized for each flight based on:
✔ Aircraft type
✔ Number of passengers
✔Total weight distribution
✔Flight conditions
Please contact our team for specific luggage allowances for your itinerary. Soft-sided bags are recommended for easier storage.
Accessibility Information
Our air transfers can accommodate passengers with mobility considerations with advance notice.
Is Punta Islita Worth The Visit?
Punta Islita’s isolation creates its magic – and makes flying the only sensible way to arrive. Save over 3 hours compared to driving while avoiding the final 90 minutes of bone-jarring dirt roads that challenge even 4WD vehicles. During the rainy season, river crossings can make the resort completely inaccessible by land, but our flights operate year-round, landing you poolside in just 35 minutes from San José or 25 minutes from Liberia.
The journey becomes part of your luxury experience as you soar over pristine beaches, spotting scarlet macaws and untouched forest canopy. Land directly at the resort’s private 2,600-foot airstrip, where Hotel Punta Islita staff meet you planeside – no airport terminals, no rental cars, no navigating unmarked roads. For families with children or travelers seeking absolute relaxation, we transform a stressful travel day into the serene beginning of your escape. With 15+ years flying to remote luxury resorts, we know every approach to this spectacular property.
The nearby Art Village showcases local culture through working artist studios and Costa Rica’s only outdoor contemporary art museum. Islita Beach remains pristine and crowd-free, perfect for horseback rides at sunset or exploring hidden caves at low tide. Just south, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge protects critical nesting beaches for olive ridley and leatherback sea turtles (July-December). The surrounding villages of Corozalito and San Miguel offer authentic rural experiences, from traditional pottery workshops to organic farm tours – all within 20 minutes of landing. Book during green season (May-November) for dramatic sunsets and fewer guests.
Available From International Airports
Punta Islita Transfer Details
| Airport Name | Flight Duration | Route Description |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Santamaría International Airport | by Plane: 25 minutes by Helicopter: 30 minutes | Soar over the Gulf of Nicoya avoiding the Tempisque Bridge bottleneck and 40km of tooth-rattling dirt roads. The last 90 minutes by car are on roads that destroy rental car suspensions |
| Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport | by Plane: 30 minutes by Helicopter: 35 minutes | Direct coastal route avoiding the maze of unsigned rural roads through Nicoya. GPS regularly fails in this area, leading many travelers hours off course |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the airport in Punta Islita, Costa Rica?
The region is served by Punta Islita Airport, also known as Islita Airport, located in the nearby village of Corozalito, about 3 km east of Punta Islita.
IATA code: PBP
ICAO code: MRIAThis small domestic airstrip provides direct access to Punta Islita, Sámara, and other beautiful and remote beaches along the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
How far is Punta Islita Airport from major hotels, beaches, and attractions?
Punta Islita Airport is conveniently located near several top destinations in the area:
- Punta Islita resort area: approx. 3 km / 5–10 minutes by car
- Playa Carrillo: approx. 35–40 minutes
- Playa Sámara: approx. 45–50 minutes
- Playa Coyote & Playa San Miguel: approx. 40–50 minutes, depending on road conditions
- Bejuco and Corozalito: within 10–20 minutes
Are there rental car offices at Punta Islita Airport?
There are no walk-in rental desks at Punta Islita Airport. However, several local agencies and hotels offer car delivery with advance reservation, often with 4×4 vehicles ideal for exploring the rugged coast.
Advance booking is highly recommended.
Why fly to Punta Islita Airport instead of driving?
Driving to Punta Islita from San José takes about 4.5–5.5 hours, and from Liberia, about 2–3 hours. Road conditions can be challenging.
Flying takes just 35–50 minutes, offering a much faster and more scenic alternative with views of Costa Rica’s coastline and forested mountains.
How long is the flight to Punta Islita Airport from Costa Rica’s main international airports?
- Flights from San José (SJO) to Punta Islita Airport: approx. 35–45 minutes
- Flights from Liberia (LIR) to Punta Islita Airport: approx.30 minutes
Can you fly from Punta Islita Airport to other destinations in Costa Rica?
Yes! Punta Islita Airport (PBP) is part of the country’s domestic flight network and connects to top destinations:
Popular flights from Punta Islita Airport include:
- Flights from Punta Islita to Fortuna Airport (FON)/Arenal
- Flights from Punta Islita to Nosara
- Flights from Punta Islita to Tamarindo
- Flights from Punta Islita to Quepos / Manuel Antonio
- Flights from Punta Islita to Santa Teresa (Cobano / Tambor)
- Flights from Punta Islita to Drake Bay
- Flights from Punta Islita to Puerto Jiménez
Is there transportation or taxis available at Punta Islita Airport?
Yes. While Punta Islita Airport is a small rural airstrip, these transportation options are available:
- Hotel or private transfers (recommended): Most accommodations offer pickup service if booked in advance.
- Taxis or shared shuttles: Limited availability—should be pre-arranged.
- Rental car delivery: Available through prior reservation.
- ATV or motorbike rentals: Offered in the area for short-distance local travel.
Top Fly Adventure Air Destinations
Safety Is Our Number One Priority
Safety Information
Flexible Policies
Refund and Cancellation Policy
We operate under strict aviation regulations and our pilots are highly trained professionals. Our helicopters are maintained to the highest safety standards.
✔ Free cancelation: Full refund for cancellations made 48 hours in advance.
✔ 100% refund for weather-related reschedules.