We operate autogiros with a range of 450 to 600 kilometers. These aircraft are also known as gyroplanes and have a minimum of 75 kilometers of additional reserve. Our operative ceiling is 12,500 to 14,500 feet. All pilots have a commercial pilot license registered under the General Civil Aviation Authority and have logged a minimum of 250 hours flying time with at least 250 landings, as required by law for such activity. Our insurance policies cover over $ 500,000.00 total coverage.
The scenic flights include communication between pilot and guest, as well as with other aircraft and control tower at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We fly only with open flight plans as required by aeronautical law, and the tours are operated in Spanish, English, German, and French.
With FLY WITH US – Selva Air you will explore - from a bird’s perspective while flying over the Selva Bananito Reserve - primary forests of unique scenic beauty and importance as the source of water for 100,000 inhabitants. This is the habitat for jaguars, pumas, and many more critically endangered species.
Additionally, you will fly over the mid-Caribbean coastline, where you will see Isla Uvita, where Christopher Columbus gave Costa Rica its name. For those interested in getting to know the beauties of our Caribbean: a flight to Cahuita National Park or even Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuges is possible as well.
Flight Options:
At Selva Bananito Lodge:
Our base is the Finca Manu airstrip (MRFM) at Selva Bananito Ecolodge, 11 km west of Bananito Norte. Serving guests and day visitors to the ecolodge, our gyrocopters provide an ideal overview of the reserve.
Raft & Fly / Fly & Raft:
Our Raft & Fly packages include a full day of rafting on the Rio Pacuare, a night at the Selva Bananito Ecolodge, a 30 minute flight over the reserve, and one of Selva Bananito's ground tours.
Choose to start from San José/Arenal, or from the Caribbean coast.
For the explorers, you may want to get to know the Catarata Roja with 550 meters of drop in high Talamanca, which is the highest Waterfall in Central America. Another option is the Ayil Waterfall in lower Talamanca which is the waterfall with the biggest water volume in Costa Rica. Both flights take place over Indigenous Reserves.
Flights at Selva Bananito Lodge
Our base is the Finca Manu airstrip (MRFM) at Selva Bananito Ecolodge, 11 km west of Bananito Norte. Serving guests and day visitors to the ecolodge, our gyrocopters provide an ideal overview of the reserve.
Reaching the reserve’s entrance can be done with a 4x2 vehicle. Direct access to the landing strip requires 4x4 as there is a river to be crossed (we do offer additional transfer services to and from the airstrip).
The airports of MRLM (Puerto Limón), MRPD (Pandora) are also operational but there is an additional transfer cost of the aircraft to any of those airports of $ 50.00 p.p. (2), $ 35.00 (3), $ 25.00 (4) etc. Tandem flights (two planes are flown Saturdays and Sundays only with two days prior notice.
Rates from MRFM:
Rack rate: $170.00 per person (30 minutes, 2 person minimum, sales tax included).
Special introductory rates:
- Rack $140.00 per person (30 minutes, 2 person minimum, sales tax included).
- Single person: 45 minutes $ 210.00
Notes: Prices valid until 11.30.21. Due to the distance, passengers who wish to book flights beyond the border of the Selva Bananito (ie: Cahuita, Ayil Waterfall) must book flights of a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please ask for transfer prices between Puerto Viejo or Cahuita to and from MRFM or other airports. In the event that weather conditions preclude flying on the day of your scheduled booking, alternate ground tours will be made available.
Raft & Fly / Fly & Raft
AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE, SECOND TO NONE IN THE CARIBBEAN
Discover the magic of Costa Rica’s Caribbean rafting the rapids of the Pacuare River Class 3 and Class 4 in a journey like no other: live the adrenaline of the most beautiful river in Central America.
After the breath-taking experience of a full day of rafting, you will continue to the south west of Port Limon where you will arrive at your new destination: SELVA BANANITO Experience!
This primary forest reserve protects the water supply for 100,000 inhabitants: pristine and crystal- clear rivers, springs, and waterfalls. Additionally, an extraordinary density of felines and other mammals live here; jaguars, pumas, ocelots, white collared and white lipped peccarys and many more... 10 % of each flight supports conservation efforts and environmental monitoring.
We invite you to find out more about the Project of “Following the Footprints of Wildcats”. It will change your perception of tourism, eco-tourism and inspire you to support regenerative tourism.
After breakfast we will depart on an unforgettable, most mind-blowing three-dimensional gyroplane flight with a length of 30 minute. Longer flights are also possible and encouraged. Saturdays and Sundays we can fly tandem, 2 planes at once with a two-day prior reservation.
Once we return from our highest tour we can participate in a hike in the primary forest, a tour on horseback, plant a native species of tree, practice tree climbing or a birdwatching tour. If you stay two nights there is waterfall hike with rappel, jungle overnights and many more activities to do. After lunch you will continue to your choice of Caribbean Hotel.
The prices include rafting, transfers from San Jose hotel to the rafting center, and onward from rafting center, overnight with typical breakfast in standard room at SELVA BANANITO Experience in double occupancy, 30-minute flight and transfer to Caribbean.
ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES: Our Raft/Fly packages unite different regions with San Jose - the South Caribbean and the Volcan Arenal area - saving you money on additional expensive transfer costs or 2 days of car rental that you might incur if you do this itinerary on your own.
RAFT N’ FLY: This tour operates from San Jose or Arenal area, -- RAFTING -- Exploradores Outdoors --—SELVA BANANITO Experience—Cahuita or Puerto Viejo.
FLY N’ RAFT: This tour operates in a contrary direction. South Caribbean --SELVA BANANITO Experience – RAFTING-- with Exploradores Outdoors – San José or Fortuna. With this tour you need to consider that you will have two early morning 6 a.m
Prices are calculated in a double occupancy. Please inquire for single, triple or quadruple rates.
Rack rate per person, 1 night: $295 (minimum 2 pax)
Rack rate per person, 2 nights: $365 (min 2 pax.)
Notes: Prices valid until 11.30.21. Taxes included. Due to the distance, passengers who wish to book flights beyond the border of the Selva Bananito (ie: Cahuita, Ayil Waterfall) must book flights of a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour. Please ask for transfer prices between Puerto Viejo or Cahuita to and from MRFM or other airports. In the event that weather conditions preclude flying on the day of your scheduled booking, alternate ground tours will be made available.
