Small plane to Osa
May 15th, 2008, 10:24 AM
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This is from my "Part III" trip report, just posted today:
We arrive at Pavas and I wait nervously for our Nature Air flight. I’m a bit of a control freak, and flying isn’t really something I can control, seeing as I’m not a pilot and whatnot. I actually popped a pill for this flight, as I didn’t want to scream at the first bump we hit and scare the devil out of my fellow passengers. Plus, my husband was excited and really wanted to enjoy the flight.
I chill out. They call our flight. We head out to the plane. I bravely board the plane. In the video my husband took, I don’t really LOOK scared. My eyes look a bit odd, but that might have been the Xanax. Thanks Dr. Kirk!
Anyway, we obviously made it okay. It was pretty bumpy over the mountains that fringe San Jose (and this was confirmed by a resident of Puerto Jimenez on our plane), but once we got over the Pacific, it was incredibly smooth. We had a brief landed at Drake Bay, checked the runway for cows, and took off again. Within minutes, we reached Puerto Jimenez and I was in the vehicle bound for Bosque Del Cabo, 40 minutes away. I must say, I really enjoyed our little puddle jumper flight. Once we got over San Jose, it felt like floating and the views were gorgeous. I was happy to finally be in the Osa Peninsula, home to more monkeys than people.
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Obviously, we took Nature Air. I'd recommend them over Sansa for two reasons: 1. twin engines; 2. several Americans living in CR told us not to fly Sansa. That being said, most flights are just fine and many people use Sansa.
The flight really wasn't that bad. To minimize any turbulence, travel in the early morning hours. Afternoon flights are almost always bumpy. Oh, and just so you know, our jet flight home was MUCH worse than either legs of our Nature Air flights.
The flight is worth it to see the Osa.
We arrive at Pavas and I wait nervously for our Nature Air flight. I’m a bit of a control freak, and flying isn’t really something I can control, seeing as I’m not a pilot and whatnot. I actually popped a pill for this flight, as I didn’t want to scream at the first bump we hit and scare the devil out of my fellow passengers. Plus, my husband was excited and really wanted to enjoy the flight.
I chill out. They call our flight. We head out to the plane. I bravely board the plane. In the video my husband took, I don’t really LOOK scared. My eyes look a bit odd, but that might have been the Xanax. Thanks Dr. Kirk!
Anyway, we obviously made it okay. It was pretty bumpy over the mountains that fringe San Jose (and this was confirmed by a resident of Puerto Jimenez on our plane), but once we got over the Pacific, it was incredibly smooth. We had a brief landed at Drake Bay, checked the runway for cows, and took off again. Within minutes, we reached Puerto Jimenez and I was in the vehicle bound for Bosque Del Cabo, 40 minutes away. I must say, I really enjoyed our little puddle jumper flight. Once we got over San Jose, it felt like floating and the views were gorgeous. I was happy to finally be in the Osa Peninsula, home to more monkeys than people.
------------------------------
Obviously, we took Nature Air. I'd recommend them over Sansa for two reasons: 1. twin engines; 2. several Americans living in CR told us not to fly Sansa. That being said, most flights are just fine and many people use Sansa.
The flight really wasn't that bad. To minimize any turbulence, travel in the early morning hours. Afternoon flights are almost always bumpy. Oh, and just so you know, our jet flight home was MUCH worse than either legs of our Nature Air flights.
The flight is worth it to see the Osa.
May 15th, 2008, 02:08 PM
#3
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We fly Nature Air most of the time. We are just used to them and prefer their schedule. Most of the planes are fairly good sized not those little cubs that only hold a few people.
As alw mentioned it can be a little bumpy just after you take off as you go over the mountains. It can also be bumpy on the way back as you turn inland by Jaco. I was in a little 6 seater and actually bounced up and hit my head one time and I had my seat belt on. That was the worse time though, mostly it is just a little bumpy. The rest of the flight is usually really smooth and it is interesting to fly over places like Manuel Antonio. Not a terribly big place when you see it from up there. I believe that flying earlier in the morning will give you a slightly less choppy flight because the winds haven't picked up yet. It may be my imagination but that is what I have always done.
I will never love flying in really small planes but I have flown all over the country in them and I am somewhat used to them. Believe me, I have been scared enough to have tears rolling down my cheeks. Being in a tiny little plane with just a pilot who has to sit on a book to see where he is going does not inspire confidence (that was a private charter btw not the bigger companies). Why do I fly then? Because it gets me there faster and believe me, the Osa is worth it. The larger planes that Nature Air and Sansa use for trips to the Osa are bigger and feel more like a real plane. Most of the time they hold about 18 people I think. Maybe more. We travel by ground and air and each type of travel gives you a whole different perspective. Flying gives you a sense of the country as a whole, ground gives you a closer look at the individual places.
As alw mentioned it can be a little bumpy just after you take off as you go over the mountains. It can also be bumpy on the way back as you turn inland by Jaco. I was in a little 6 seater and actually bounced up and hit my head one time and I had my seat belt on. That was the worse time though, mostly it is just a little bumpy. The rest of the flight is usually really smooth and it is interesting to fly over places like Manuel Antonio. Not a terribly big place when you see it from up there. I believe that flying earlier in the morning will give you a slightly less choppy flight because the winds haven't picked up yet. It may be my imagination but that is what I have always done.
I will never love flying in really small planes but I have flown all over the country in them and I am somewhat used to them. Believe me, I have been scared enough to have tears rolling down my cheeks. Being in a tiny little plane with just a pilot who has to sit on a book to see where he is going does not inspire confidence (that was a private charter btw not the bigger companies). Why do I fly then? Because it gets me there faster and believe me, the Osa is worth it. The larger planes that Nature Air and Sansa use for trips to the Osa are bigger and feel more like a real plane. Most of the time they hold about 18 people I think. Maybe more. We travel by ground and air and each type of travel gives you a whole different perspective. Flying gives you a sense of the country as a whole, ground gives you a closer look at the individual places.
May 15th, 2008, 03:05 PM
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We flew Sansa - its major advantage is that it's located right next to the SJO airport, so that's what worked for us. We didn't have any problems with them, no rough ride, etc. The landing was kind of funny; you land on a small gravel road right next to a cemetery. I'd fly either one without any reservations about it. The one thing that is a bit of a challenge for some people is that they have weight restrictions on luggage, so you have to pack lightly. Also be prepared to tell them what you weigh.
May 15th, 2008, 05:27 PM
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I have never enjoyed flying, large or small planes. Control issue, I suspect. . .
That said, after years of travel with Vitamin X (xanax), I am finally flying without it, although still experience a little anxiety on takeoff. Same with the small planes in CR.
Hate getting up in the air, but relax a little and enjoy the great views once up there. Have come to realize that turbulence is normal, like a bumpy road on the ground, but hate it nevertheless.
We've flown Nature Air and Sansa. One of the better hotels on the Osa prefers Nature Air, says they have a better track record with luggage. I don't know how in the world they could make it there without your stuff, but guess it happens. The twin engines on Nature Air appeal to me.
In July, we are flying Nature Air in the early a.m., but our daughter is arriving from Tampa and flying Sansa in the early afternoon (hate that she has to take a p.m. flight). She's flying Sansa because she needs that quick connection and Sansa is right there at SJO. So, as Vgirl said, that convenience is nice at times.
Good luck--you'll be fine!
That said, after years of travel with Vitamin X (xanax), I am finally flying without it, although still experience a little anxiety on takeoff. Same with the small planes in CR.
Hate getting up in the air, but relax a little and enjoy the great views once up there. Have come to realize that turbulence is normal, like a bumpy road on the ground, but hate it nevertheless.
We've flown Nature Air and Sansa. One of the better hotels on the Osa prefers Nature Air, says they have a better track record with luggage. I don't know how in the world they could make it there without your stuff, but guess it happens. The twin engines on Nature Air appeal to me.
In July, we are flying Nature Air in the early a.m., but our daughter is arriving from Tampa and flying Sansa in the early afternoon (hate that she has to take a p.m. flight). She's flying Sansa because she needs that quick connection and Sansa is right there at SJO. So, as Vgirl said, that convenience is nice at times.
Good luck--you'll be fine!
May 16th, 2008, 04:53 AM
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I don't know how a plane to the Osa could get their without luggage but it happened to us with Sansa. We flew to Palmar Sur on our way to Drake Bay, and no luggage.
It arrived the next day, but it did mess up our touring, we ended up with a larger group hiking and snorkeling since we didn't have our suits the first day.
It arrived the next day, but it did mess up our touring, we ended up with a larger group hiking and snorkeling since we didn't have our suits the first day.
May 16th, 2008, 06:56 AM
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Okay so I have this wild theory that the roughness of the ride depends on the weather and the pilot, not the route or the choice of airline. Couldn't prove it. It's just a hunch. There are records available on line that will show you the safety records of flights within Costa Rica (and anywhere else in the world). I have studied them and can see no basis for chosing Nature Air over Sansa owing to relative air safety. Whether there's one, two, three, or four engines, if there's a conflict, gravity always wins.
The standard reasons given for preferring Nature Air over Sansa is that (1) Nature Air uses twin engine aircraft and (2) somebody has recommended Nature Air over Sansa. These are probably really the same reason: twin engines.
I have only flown Nature Air and have suffered quite a blow to the head when a "bump" hammered my head into the ceiling.
Your biggest worry should be about whether your luggage has to be left behind to make room on the plane for perishable cargo, such as fresh food for the hotels in the Osa.
The standard reasons given for preferring Nature Air over Sansa is that (1) Nature Air uses twin engine aircraft and (2) somebody has recommended Nature Air over Sansa. These are probably really the same reason: twin engines.
I have only flown Nature Air and have suffered quite a blow to the head when a "bump" hammered my head into the ceiling.
Your biggest worry should be about whether your luggage has to be left behind to make room on the plane for perishable cargo, such as fresh food for the hotels in the Osa.
