Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
- 5 locations, all offering the same Spanish program
- Unique eco classroom (outside)
- Set in a lush tropical garden of fruit trees and hammocks.
- Small class sizes
- Hotel / Hostel accommodation very close to school
Location: Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is located in the naturally rich town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The school is situated within a 5-minute walk of the coastline and has beautiful beaches, outstanding forests and everything a student may need in terms of bars and supermarkets close by. The area is popular for surfing and scuba diving, with attractions such as the Jaguar Rescue Centre, the Sloth Sanctuary and various wildlife reserves, also local to the school. The school's tropical garden and hostel offer students a unique backdrop for furthering their Spanish studies. Local shuttle buses run between San José to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
School facilities: The facilities of Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de Talamanca are unique. Situated so close to the jungle and surrounded by nature, the school has a large open garden with tropical trees and plants. Its classrooms take place outside in the open air, promoting a generally friendly and relaxed atmosphere throughout the school. In addition to the garden space, the school also provides a lounge area, movie room, library, free parking, kitchen use for students and free WIFI throughout.
Social and Cultural: The school offers a wide range of activities and excursions such as trips to local indigenous reserves, the Sloth Sanctuary, Wildlife Reserves, Hiking trails, Snorkelling, River kayaking, surfing and much, much more!
Spanish Courses
Standard Spanish
20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$230$219 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 230 219 | 444 422 | 643 611 | 826 785 | 1,005 955 | 1,183 1,124 | 1,362 1,294 | 1,540 1,463 | 1,719 1,634 | 1,897 1,803 | 2,254 2,142 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 17 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Intensive Spanish
30 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$306$291 / week More

| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 306 291 | 597 568 | 872 829 | 1,132 1,076 | 1,387 1,318 | 1,642 1,560 | 1,897 1,803 | 2,152 2,045 | 2,407 2,287 | 2,662 2,529 | 3,172 3,014 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Standard Spanish 20 + Individual Lessons 525 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$306$291 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 306 291 | 597 568 | 872 829 | 1,132 1,076 | 1,387 1,318 | 1,642 1,560 | 1,897 1,803 | 2,152 2,045 | 2,407 2,287 | 2,662 2,529 | 3,172 3,014 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
- General course schedule
- 5 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Travelling Classroom20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Offer!from$788$769 / week Includes accommodationMore
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 0 | 0 | 2,365 2,306 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Starting dates
- 2026: 18 Jan 2026, 15 Feb 2026, 15 Mar 2026, 19 Apr 2026, 19 Jul 2026, 29 Nov 2026
- Course price includes accommodation
- Hotel / Hostel, Shared room (multiple beds), Breakfast
Specialized - Private Spanish 1010 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts dailyOffer!from$241$229 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 241 229 | 470 447 | 673 640 | 867 824 | 1,055 1,003 | 1,242 1,180 | 1,430 1,359 | 1,618 1,538 | 1,805 1,715 | 1,993 1,894 | 2,368 2,250 |
- Starting dates
- Every Day
- General course schedule
- 2 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Specialized - Private Spanish 1515 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts dailyOffer!from$322$306 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 321 305 | 626 595 | 916 871 | 1,189 1,130 | 1,430 1,359 | 1,671 1,588 | 1,911 1,816 | 2,152 2,045 | 2,393 2,274 | 2,634 2,503 | 3,115 2,960 |
- Starting dates
- Every Day
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Specialized - Private Spanish 2020 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts dailyOffer!from$386$367 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 386 367 | 750 713 | 1,092 1,038 | 1,414 1,344 | 1,735 1,649 | 2,056 1,954 | 2,378 2,260 | 2,699 2,565 | 3,020 2,869 | 3,342 3,175 | 3,984 3,785 |
- Starting dates
- Every Day
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Specialized - Semi-Private Spanish 1010 lessons per week | 2 students (max)Starts dailyOffer!from$164$156 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 163 155 | 316 301 | 459 437 | 592 563 | 724 688 | 857 815 | 989 940 | 1,122 1,066 | 1,255 1,193 | 1,387 1,318 | 1,652 1,570 |
- Starting dates
- Every Day
- General course schedule
- 2 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 2 / Average: 2
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Specialized - Semi-Private Spanish 2020 lessons per week | 2 students (max)Starts dailyOffer!from$245$233 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 245 233 | 474 451 | 689 655 | 893 849 | 1,097 1,043 | 1,301 1,236 | 1,505 1,430 | 1,709 1,624 | 1,913 1,818 | 2,117 2,012 | 2,525 2,399 |
- Starting dates
- Every Day
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 2 / Average: 2
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Intensive Spanish + Rafting & Camp Pacuare Weekend 30 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$506$481 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 506 481 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Rafting & Camp Pacuare Weekend includes:
- 2 days rafting
- 1 night in tents on platforms in the jungle
- breakfast, lunch and dinner
- transportation
1 week of Standard Spanish Course (from Monday to Friday) and Raft & Camp Pacuare on the weekend.
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Intensive Spanish + Yoga30 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$366$348 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 366 348 | 717 682 | 1,052 1,000 | 1,372 1,304 | 1,687 1,603 | 2,002 1,902 | 2,317 2,202 | 2,632 2,501 | 2,947 2,800 | 3,262 3,099 | 3,892 3,698 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course consists of the intensive Spanish course of 30 lessons and 3 yoga classes per week.
This does not include transportation to and from the yoga classes. Prices are subject to change.
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Standard Spanish + Rafting & Camp Pacuare Weekend20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$430$409 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 430 409 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Rafting & Camp Pacuare Weekend includes:
- 2 days rafting
- 1 night in tents on platforms in the jungle
- breakfast, lunch and dinner
- transportation
1 week of Standard Spanish Course (from Monday to Friday) and Raft & Camp Pacuare on the weekend.
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Standard Spanish + Yoga20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$290$276 / week More
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 290 276 | 564 536 | 823 782 | 1,066 1,013 | 1,305 1,240 | 1,543 1,466 | 1,782 1,693 | 2,020 1,919 | 2,259 2,147 | 2,497 2,373 | 2,974 2,826 |
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
This course consists of the standard Spanish course of 20 lessons and 3 yoga classes per week.
This does not include transportation to and from the yoga classes. Prices are subject to change.
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 15 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
- Lesson duration
- 55 min
Our prices for Spanish by the Sea include
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
Student opinions about Spanish by the Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Spanish by the Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Details of the review
Details of the review
The emergency number I was given by the school ("24h/7 days") did not work.
The "school" consists of two open, only roofed rooms, each with a table and two benches, which is reminiscent of picnic areas. The equipment consists of two panels. In one week of instruction I received two A4 pages with exercises.
I had booked a week of group lessons with 4 hours a day. Since there was no group, this turned into 2 hours of private lessons a day. Other schools that I know make 3 hours of one-to-one lessons out of it, but there are also differences in the length of the time units ("hour").
Activities had not yet resumed due to Covid19.”
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Ratings of Spanish by the Sea compared to ratings of all schools in Costa Rica
| Spanish by the Sea Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Average of all other schools in Costa Rica | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall school rating | ||
| Location of the school | ||
| Facilities | ||
| Social activities | ||
| Organisation | ||
| Quality of teaching | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Homestay | ||
| Shared flat |
Spanish by the Sea
- Spanish teacher qualifications
- 50% hold a university degree80% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 30% male / 70% female
- Offer for returning students
- You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Spanish by the Sea and you book here.
- Year of school foundation
- 2012
General school facilities
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Kitchen for student use
Library
Lounge
Garden
Balcony / terrace
Printer for student use
Free coffee
Free parking
Free WIFI
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Tourist information
Assistance with organizing transportation
Internship placement guidance service (paid)
Facilities for islamic students
Available area to pray at the school
Facilities to wash feet before praying
Classroom equipment
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 4
Student Age / Nationality
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 30% |
| USA | 30% |
| Switzerland | 30% |
| Germany | 10% |
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 10% |
| 18-24 years | 40% |
| 25-34 years | 40% |
| 35-50 years | 5% |
| >50 years | 5% |
- Average number of students
- In summer: 15Throughout the year: 5
- Minimum age of students
- 17 years6 years for specific Junior courses
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 6Adult courses Throughout the year: 6Junior courses In summer: 1Junior courses Throughout the year: 1
- Average age of students
- In summer: 25 yearsThroughout the year: 25 years
Information for all courses offered by Spanish by the Sea
- Lesson duration
- 55 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- $25
- Course material
- Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
- Comments about courses
When no other student with the same level is available the school will restructure the classes as follows: 4 hours of group lessons will change to 2 hours of private lessons and 6 hours of group lessons will change to 3 hours of private lessons.
Spanish and activities courses are subject to availability and prices may vary throughout the year.- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 02 Apr 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 11 Apr 2026, 01 May 2026, 25 Jul 2026, 02 Aug 2026, 15 Aug 2026, 15 Sep 2026, 12 Oct 2026, 01 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026.School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place before the start of the course via email.
Airport transfer
Accommodation
Guest House with Bed & Breakfast
In high demand!
2 ratings Single room, Breakfast
Shared bathroom
from
$277/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 276.85 | 552.85 | 828.85 | 1104.85 | 1380.85 | 1656.85 | 1932.85 | 2208.85 | 2760.85 | 3312.85 | 276.85 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday 13:30-19:00
- Check-out
- Sunday 8:00-11:00
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- Price extra night
- $40 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- TV, Phone, Daily cleaning, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Breakfast.
- Minimum age of students
- 16
- Maximum age of students
- 1
Hostel
4 ratings Shared room (multiple beds), No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$127/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 126.56 | 252.56 | 378.56 | 504.56 | 630.56 | 756.56 | 882.56 | 1008.56 | 1260.56 | 1512.56 | 126.56 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Prices range from USD 16-25 per night depending on the hostel.
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- Price extra night
- $18 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Shared room (multiple beds)
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- No meals.
- Minimum age of students
- 16
- Maximum age of students
- 80
Hostel
4 ratings Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$301/ week Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 300.58 | 600.58 | 900.58 | 1200.58 | 1500.58 | 1800.58 | 2100.58 | 2400.58 | 3000.58 | 3600.58 | 300.58 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Prices range from USD 38-65 per night depending on the hostel.
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- Price extra night
- $43 (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
- Room Occupancy
- Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- No meals.
- Minimum age of students
- 16
- Maximum age of students
- 80
Questions and answers about Spanish by the Sea
Which free time activities are included in the programme?
What accommodation choices are there?
I am a complete beginner and would like to book a group course of 20 lessons per week. When do classes take place and can a group be guaranteed at my level?
FAQ about Spanish by the Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
We would like to do educational leave to attend a Spanish class for two weeks in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica. Are the courses certified for educational leave in Germany?
What is the most popular accommodation offered by Spanish by the Sea?
What is the number of students per class at Spanish by the Sea?
Which countries are students of Spanish by the Sea from?
Spanish by the Sea offers courses for which ages?
Terms of Spanish by the Sea
- First day of course
- Students should arrive at 8:00
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school







- Legal name/parent company
- Spanish by the River, SA | Tax registration ID: CPR3-101-320172
Visa Documents
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.








This course is designed for 2 students, ideally of the same level, to work with one teacher to improve their level of Spanish.