Important Info & Tips
Get the most out of your Big Beach Fest
Please read this in its entirety to ensure the best Big Beach Fest (BBF) experience!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact a Dickson Productions International (DPI) representative at the Hospitality Desk. Times and locations are noted in the mobile app schedule or ask any DPI representative wearing a name tag at any of the BBF events or scheduled shows. We’re here for you!
BBF Wristbands: will be provided at check-in and must be worn intact to be allowed access to any private BBF event or function. Return any broken wristbands for new credentials at the DPI Hospitality Desk. A Photo ID or passport is required.
Fishing & Sunset Cruise: See BigBeachFest.com for details. These optional activities require additional fees and are at the participant’s own risk. Some are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will fill to capacity. Don’t hesitate!
The Music: BBF features an exceptional lineup of talented and enjoyable artists. There is a full marathon of shows across a variety of venues, each offering a setting to fit different styles and experiences.
We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance of your choice.
Please note that you will not be able to attend every show unless you can be at two places at one time but know artists will perform several times allowing you the opportunity to experience every artist.
The limited capacity shows are just that and are offered to those who want to experience a more intimate setting. These shows will be on a first come, first served basis and once full, a one out/one in policy will take place. The good news is there’s another show taking place or coming up soon.
Again, all artists perform multiple times to help ensure you experience ALL the artists.
Off Premise Restaurants: Coco Beach and surrounding area offers exceptional culinary experiences and ambiances. (Not part of your all-inclusive package)
Hints:
- Reservations may be required and are best made months in advance, but you can try once onsite.
- Restaurants with views… you may consider timing for a majestic sunset.
- Travel to/from restaurants: we suggest arranging this at the same time restaurant reservations are made. Use reputable shuttle company. Some offer personal shuttles that stay on location while you dine.
Ritz Carlton, Waldorf, Four Seasons, and similar properties offer some of the best dining and scenery in the world. Reservations and transportation should be arranged well in advance. Confirm dress codes, but nice shorts and a button-down shirt are generally acceptable. Ladies, you know what to do!
RIU Restaurants: See the hotel for scheduled hours, attire, and dining protocols.The large ala carte restaurants are available and easily accessible to all guests.
RIU Specialty restaurants may have limited seating, and there may be a wait as tables flip. Most people receive an electronic buzzer or other, allowing you to wander the resort or enjoy a drink at a nearby bar until your table is ready.
Ask the hotel concierge/staff for advice to enjoy a restaurant of choice. Arriving early and know the large ala carte restaurants are available.
Dress: RIU Hotel is a casual beach resort property. Large ala carte restaurants are casual, while specialty restaurants suggest nice “casual resort” attire.
BBF White (Attire) Party: is just that. Be ready to dance and sing along to a night of your favorite hits.
Tipping: Your all-inclusive package includes gratuity. While it's not required or necessary to tip your bartender, server, housekeeper or concierge, we found it to be advantageous and add a nice gesture at times to take care of those taking good care of you.
Big Beach Fest Official Merchandise: Will be available at the DPI Hospitality Desk. As known, BBF merchandise sells out quickly… don’t wait.
Travel Insurance: is highly advised and must be purchased prior to travel at timeline determined by the travel insurance provider. Contact your travel insurer of choice. DPI staff do not represent, nor are qualified to answer any questions regarding travel insurance.
Note: Make a copy of your passport and carry it separately from your actual passport. See U.S. government websites for additional travel and safety information.
BBF Events: There are private BBF and open BBF events. DPI and/or hotel staff will check for your BBF wristband for access to private events. Open events - such as BBF Pool Parties - are first-come first-served for seating, standing areas, and lounge chairs, with these spaces also open to all hotel guests. BBF private and open events are general seating and standing, first-come first-served. Reserved seating may be in place for VIP's, artist's family or other. All BBF events and shows are rain or shine and subject to change, including artist lineup and location. If the event is deemed unable to present, there may not be a rescheduled show. There are multiple shows, some overlapping with others. Shows are presented in a variety of venues, large, small, open air for music experiences like no other. Smaller venues may fill to capacity where a one in one out policy will apply.
Beach vendors or other off hotel premises: The beaches and surrounding areas are public property, and anyone may set up to sell activities, excursions, or merchandise. These sellers and vendors are not associated with the RIU Hotel or Dickson Productions International.
Event, activity, and excursion providers officially approved and/or associated will be located on the hotel grounds but please verify with each.
When traveling anywhere, we strongly recommend using companies with confirmed official association with the hotel or a trusted source of your choice. Any activities, excursions, events, transportation, or other services made with outside vendors are strictly between you and the supplier. DPI has no association or involvement with these services or providers.
DPI has suggested optional transportation and activities that are not part of the BBF package or associated but for your optional use as BBF participants to further enjoy the friendships and good times this festival offers.
Taxis/Shuttles:
Plan your shuttles in advance for any travel from the hotel.
Airport Shuttle: Amstar is our preferred shuttle and transportation provider. Book directly with Amstar using the link on BigBeachFest.com. It is your responsibility to arrange and confirm transportation to/from the airport with your shuttle provider; be sure they have the correct hotel name (Hotel RIU Guanacaste - BBF Host Hotel; Hotel RIU Palace is next door). You should have received contact information and timeline from your shuttle provider to confirm your return flight scheduled. DPI will not have this information.
Local Transportation: Check the hotel’s daily shuttle schedule for transportation to other areas. Use reputable transportation companies and arrange personal shuttles well in advance, either before arriving or as soon as you arrive onsite. NOTE: There are not taxis waiting at the hotel. See Amstar for Coco Beach travel for BBF.
If going to exclusive restaurants or other off property locations, consider arranging for your shuttle to stay on location while you enjoy your time there. Confirm cost and availability in advance.
When considering water taxis:
- If going out for a nice dinner or excursion… you may want a larger boat to help ensure you stay dry.
- Confirm the location you choose has a dock or safe access point to get on and off the boat. You may be required to remove shoes/sandals and get your feet wet.
- Confirm where you will be dropped off and whether you will need a shuttle or if the location is walkable… have a plan.
- It is best not to use water taxis after dark. Ask your reputable provider about the best times.
- Consider arriving by water taxi and returning by land or other way around!
- Plan in advance - some reservations may fill to capacity.
Hotel RIU Guanacaste: You're staying at one of the most luxurious and respected all-inclusive hotels known worldwide for exceptional accommodations, a variety of restaurants and bars, and highest quality service. Get out and experience the many offerings. Your hotel provided wristband, along with your room key card, allows access for all-inclusive services. Visit the hotel lobby for resort maps, protocol, and lists of the variety of restaurants, bars, and shops available on hotel grounds.
Hotel Map: included in the BBF mobile app may not represent all hotel venues, shops, restaurants, bars or other. More detailed maps are available at the hotel lobbies and DPI Hospitality Desk. While all BBF venues are just a short stroll away, for Handicap / Impaired Mobility, please contact DPI staff (during DPI desk hours) to arrange transportation to select BBF shows. See hotel bell person or front desk personnel for transportation to non-BBF attractions; additional taxi fees apply.
Reminder: There’s more than plenty to do at BBF… it’s best to create a personal schedule in advance… but don’t hesitate to change plans on the fly… you’re on vacation!
Too much to do? Yes, but do experience as much music and all that Costa Rica offers. We will do it again!