Rental Terms & Conditions

These terms apply to every rental from Playa Vida (“we,” “us”). By reserving equipment— online, by WhatsApp, by phone, or in person—you (“the renter”) agree to these terms. You must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid payment card to rent.

Rental fees are paid in full at or before handoff. Your reservation covers the equipment, beach, date, and time window we confirm with you. If you'd like to extend your rental during the day, just ask—extensions are subject to availability and the posted rates.

We place one refundable security hold of $200 per booking on your payment card, regardless of how much equipment you rent. This is a pre-authorization, not a charge—you are never billed unless equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear.

The hold is released when your equipment is returned in good condition. Depending on your bank, it can take a few business days to disappear from your statement.

By renting, you authorize us to charge your card up to the full replacement value of any equipment that is not returned, or that is returned damaged beyond normal wear, even where that value exceeds the $200 hold.

You are responsible for the equipment from handoff until we take it back. Normal wear—sand, sun, saltwater, everyday use—is completely fine and expected. You are responsible for the replacement value of equipment that is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear.

• Please don't leave equipment unattended on the beach for extended periods.
• Don't take equipment to a different beach or away from the beach where we set you up.
• Let our team anchor and adjust umbrellas—an unsecured umbrella in wind is dangerous.
• Tell us right away if something breaks or goes missing; honesty is always the cheapest option.

Rentals run for the period we confirm (4 hours or a full day, up to our 6:00 PM close). If equipment is returned after the agreed time without an arranged extension, we may charge one additional day at the posted rate. Equipment not returned by close of the following day may be treated as unreturned and charged at replacement value.

Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your reservation. Cancellations within 24 hours may be charged up to one day's rental fee.

Weather happens—especially in green season. If conditions make your beach day unworkable, we'll reschedule you to another day or another time at no charge, or refund you if rescheduling doesn't work. We're flexible; just talk to us.

We currently operate on Playa Tamarindo (Guanacaste) and Playa Jacó (Puntarenas). Your reservation is for the beach you book. Exact meeting points and setup locations are confirmed with your reservation.

Beach and ocean activities carry inherent risks, including sun exposure, surf, and rip currents. Our equipment makes your beach day comfortable, but you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your group, including supervising children and making sensible decisions about swimming conditions. Playa Vida is not responsible for injuries or losses arising from beach and ocean activities. To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability under any rental is limited to the amount you paid for that rental.

We collect only what we need to run your rental—see our Privacy Policy for details on what we collect and how we use it.

These terms are governed by the laws of Costa Rica. If any part of these terms is found unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. We may update these terms from time to time; the version published on this page at the time of your reservation applies to your rental.