Updated on 28.10.2020
Rapturecamps helps to connect travelers all over the world with premium surf camp accommodation and epic waves, so of course, we’ve been monitoring the COVID-19 situation with keen eyes.
As a business operating within the tourism sector, we understand the reality of the situation. Things are probably going to get a bit worse before they get better, but by keeping our heads and some perspective, we can get through this in the same way our parents and grandparents got through numerous other pandemics. Rapturecamps has always thrived, even more so during the most challenging times. This is due to the fact that we have faith in humanity… and because we never underestimate our fellow surfers’ love for epic waves.
If you’re wondering whether this is going to affect our ability to get you the best waves of your life though, your best bet is to stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 news from the country that you’re planning on visiting.
Keeping you up to date with the latest happenings
The situation is changing all the time, and some countries put bans on activities over a certain number of people that extends to cover surf lessons and surf camps.
For those of you weighing up whether you should go on a surf trip with Rapturecamps during a time of such uncertainty, in this article we will provide you with information regarding:
- The status of our surf camps
- What measures we’re putting in place to ensure your safety
- Our revised cancellation and change of booking policy
Bali
Updated on 23th October 2020
The Governor of Bali announced that the Indonesian island will not its border to international travellers as of December 2020.
Read more about the latest news on Google.
At the moment beaches are still closed, so surfing isn’t allowed. Restaurants are still open but just for certain hours during the day.
People can go outside but are asked to just leave the house if necessary and they have to wear masks and need to respect the social distance of 2 meters.
Read more about the measures of the Indonesian government in relation to Covid-19 on Indonesia Travel.
Nicaragua
Updated on 8th May 2020
Airport has opened up and flights are rescheduling for August on the following dates:
- Aeroméxico August 1;
- United Airlines August 3,
- Avianca and Spirit Airlines August 6,
- American Airlines August 5
- Copa Airlines August 7.
The measures announced this Tuesday by Civil Aeronautics will be complemented by those announced by the Ministry of Health, which reported that it will ask travelers to try to enter the country a negative Covid-19 test carried out in a period not exceeding 72 hours before Entrance to the country.
Costa Rica
Updated on 23th October 2020
Beginning on October 26, arriving visitors will no longer need to show proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test result, Tourism Minister Gustavo Segura said.
Visitors to Costa Rica will still need to purchase travel medical insurance and complete the Health Pass epidemiological form. The insurance must be either a policy from INS or Sagicor — both Costa Rican companies — or a foreign policy that covers COVID-19 medical expenses and extended lodging.
Tourists do not need to quarantine upon entering Costa Rica.
In addition to the relaxed requirements for visitors, as of October 26, Costa Rican citizens returning to the country via a flight will not be issued a 14-day quarantine.
Costa Rica currently welcomes tourists from more than 40 countries, including Canada, Mexico, the European Union Schengen Zone and certain U.S. states.
As of October 15, residents of the following U.S. states can visit Costa Rica:
- Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Arizona, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wyoming California and Ohio, Florida, Georgia, Texas.
Beginning November 1, Costa Rica will open its airports to tourists from all countries and U.S. states.
Portugal
Updated on 27th June 2020
Here in Portugal businesses are gradually opening, but if going to a shop, restaurant, or going in public transportations, a mask is mandatory by law, or you could get a fine of 350€.
People can go outside for walks but with protection, and still need to respect the social distancing of 2 meters.
On May 4th the ban on surfing has been removed.
The Portuguese government has decided to open the beaches on 6th June, under some restrictions (f.i. it is mandatory to disinfect hands upon arrival at the beach).
Sand Space Usage:
- Physical distance of 1.5 meters between people who are not part of the same group;
- 3 meters spacing between parasols, awnings or stems;
- Sports activities with 2 or more people are forbidden (except nautical activities, surf lessons, and similar sports).
Awnings & tents:
- As a rule, each person or group can only rent awnings, parasols or similars in the morning (until 1:30 pm) or afternoon (after 2 pm);
- 1,5 m of mandatory space between the boundaries of the tents/awnings;
- Maximum of 5 people per awning, thatch, or tent.
Occupation status:
It will be announced through traffic lights.
- Green for low occupancy (1/3);
- yellow for high occupancy (2/3);
- Red for full occupancy (3/3).
The information on the occupancy status will be updated in real-time, namely in the ‘Infopraia’ app (Download from Apple Store or Google Play) and on the website of the Portuguese Environment Agency.
Other important rules:
- Possibility of beach interdiction, in case of serious non-compliance with the rules by the concessionaires or by the general public;
- A single way of circulation with a physical distance of 1.5 meters;
- The use of paddleboats, slides or indoor showers is prohibited;
- Parking outside parks and orderly parking areas will be prohibited;
Restrictions have been reimposed in the Lisbon metropolitan area, which includes: the banning of consumption of alcohol in public areas, the closure of terraces or cafes at 8 pm local time, and the limiting of the size of rallies. Limits placed on businesses, gatherings in the Portuguese capital region, police presence increased to enforce measures.
Latest Great News:
We have received the Clean & Safe Certificate from the tourism board of Portugal. We started to receive daily bookings now for the rest of the season, we would love to welcome you soon in Portugal as well.
We are doing our best to stay informed of such decisions and pass this information onto you immediately, but we also urge you to do your own research.
A quick Google search or a visit to any one of the many international health organizations with access to vital travel information is a good place to start. If you plan to travel in one of the member states of the European Union this interactive tool provides you with the information that you need to confidently plan your travel and holidays. The information is frequently updated and available in 24 languages for your convenience. Other than that you follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with the latest happenings as they pertain to our surf camps.
Putting the health of our staff and guests first
The health of you, your fellow guests and our staff members is paramount. As such, we’re focused on being part of the solution and not the problem when it comes to the spread of covid-19. Extra sanitary measures will be put in place and our experienced team members will be on-hand to offer support to all guests.
Some of the precautionary measures that we’ll employ in an effort to safeguard everyone at our surf camps include the following. Note that if you are staying at our surf camp and start to feel ill, please notify a staff member and the necessary next steps will be taken. For everyone else, please try:
- No to touch your eyes, mouth or nose
- Use only single-use tissues and dispose of them after use
- Not shake hands or greet people/say goodbye with a hug or kiss on the cheek (shakas only)
- Maintain distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands regularly with soap or hand sanitizer
Making our surf camp destinations safer than ever
Our surf camps have an average ranking of 4.75 stars for cleanliness on Trip Advisor. This is a telling reflection of our excellent hygiene standards since these rankings come from guests who have stayed at our camps first hand. This average ranking has been calculated based on the stars given by guests at our four current surf camp locations.
Rapture Surfcamp Bali – 4.5/5 stars
Rapture Surfcamp Costa Rica – 5/5 stars
Rapture Surfcamp Nicaragua – 5/5 stars
Rapture Surfcamp Portugal – 4.5/5 stars
Despite this, we won’t be resting on our laurels. Instead, we’ll be doing everything within our power to put your mind at ease by doubling down on in-camp sanitary measures. Our surf equipment will also be subjected to even more rigorous cleaning than usual. This includes treating wetsuits and wiping down surfboards with disinfectant after use.
Providing you with a much-needed break from these troubling times
We believe that as a surf camp we play a vital role in giving you some sanctuary from the crazy that’s gripped the world. When you stay with us, you’re disconnecting from the incessant flow of sensationalized media reports and getting some perspective on the issue at hand. As we write this, there is already some cause of positivity in the face of adversity.
With factories closing down, fleets upon fleets of planes grounded and vehicles off the roads, air quality is improving in some parts of the world and greenhouse gas emissions have dropped (up to 25% in some countries). What’s more, there’s been a massive dip in demand for coal, which may pave the way for us to start considering more eco-friendly fuel sources.
Rapturecamps Covid-19 cancellation policy
If you believe it is necessary to cancel or change your Rapturecamps booking in light of recent events, we are more than happy to accommodate your request.
We have even made a slight adjustment to our policy by allowing you to hold bookings over. With this option, you can still look forward to embarking on the surf adventure of a lifetime in the near future. And couldn’t we all use something to look forward to at the moment?
Booking cancellation
Very easy and simple, you have two options:
- We offer cancellation insurance for 55€. In case you cannot come due to any coronavirus-related reason we can issue a refund if you purchase the insurance when placing the booking.
Please get in touch with us if things are changing we try to sort every case separately due to the high numbers of daily changes. For all bookings made after 20.07.2022
Transfer of booking
Instead of canceling your booking outright, you can also transfer it to a replacement person prior to departure who fulfills the conditions defined by our general Terms and Conditions. This can be done via email for a transfer fee of €50 (EUR).
