Last updated on November 24th, 2023 at 01:20 pm
If you are looking for the best surf spots in Costa Rica, you came to the right place. In this article, you will find all the information you need to plan your next surf trip to Costa Rica. From general travel information to surf seasons and, of course, the best surf spots in Costa Rica.
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About Surfing Costa Rica
It is fair to say that surfing in Costa Rica is pretty much any surfer’s dream. In fact, it is one of the most famous surf destinations in the world. What makes Costa Rica such a popular surf destination are the consistent waves 365 days a year, a vast variety of surf spots, warm water (27-28°C all year long), and finally, kind and friendly local people. Therefore, any surfer must come here at least once in his lifetime and find the magic of the best surf spots in Costa Rica.
While considered the safest country to travel in Central America, Costa Rica attracts thousands of surfers every year. For obvious reasons, they keep coming to enjoy the ocean, nature, and above all, the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, as the locals call it, which means “the pure life”.
Costa Rica is probably born to be the perfect surf destination. It faces both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, which consequently guarantee consistent swells and a huge variety of surf breaks. For example, you can often find beach breaks, point breaks, and reef breaks within a short walking distance from each other. For that reason, whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, you will find the right waves for yourself.
Surf Seasons in Costa Rica
There are 2 major surf seasons in Costa Rica:
Wet season– between May and November, this is the low season. If you are going to surf Costa Rica during this time, you will be happy to know that the waves are usually bigger (5-10 ft) and prices are significantly lower. However, the downside is that there will be at least 1-2 hours of rain almost daily, and some roads will be flooded.
Dry season– between December and April, this is the high season and the most convenient time to surf in Costa Rica. In fact, during these months, the waves are not as big (“only” 3-6 feet) but much cleaner and glassier. In addition, prices will be higher during this time.
On the Caribbean coast, the seasons are different than on the Pacific side, and the best surfing months are from December to March. Therefore, if you want to surf Puerto Viejo, make sure you go around this time of the year.
In reality, as surfers, we are dependent on unpredictable swells. Therefore, in both seasons, there will probably be some big days and small days. The good news is that some of the surf spots in Costa Rica will wlways produce surfable waves. Actually, you just need to go to the right beach according to the swell conditions.
For example, Pavones, Jaco and Tamarindo require a big swell to perform well. In the other hand, Playa Hermosa, Dominical, and Avellanas work well also on small days.
In short, every day of the year is a good day to surf in Costa Rica.
The Best Surf Spots in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers an unbelievable amount of surf beaches. In fact, there are so many surf spots in Costa Rica that if you just rent a car and stop at random places along the coast, you will score a perfect wave almost every single time.
The Costa Rican coastline is divided into different areas and contains a vast variety of breaks of all different kinds. In detail, these are the best surf spots in Costa Rica:
Surf Spots in Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast:
Witches Rock:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- Intermediate to advanced.
Description- amazing barrel breaking in front of a huge rock.
Oli’s Point:
Break type- Point break.
Level- Intermediate.
Description- A right-hand point break with a very open wall.
Playa Grande:
Break type- A-frame.
Level- Intermediate.
Description- Small town with a well-shaped break.
Playa Tamarindo:
Break type- Beach break and river mouth.
Level- Beginner to intermediate.
Description- A touristic party town with mostly beginner’s spots. On big swells, the river mouth is a world-class wave.
Playa Langosta:
Break type- Reef break.
Level- intermediate.
Description- A reef break with several different sections.
Playa Avellanas:
Break type- Beach break, reef break, and river mouth.
Level- All levels, except for “Little Hawaii”, which is for the advanced level.
Description- Multiple different peaks with massive tube rides.
Playa Negra:
Break type- Reef break.
Level- Advanced.
Description- Pure barrel ride, recommended for experienced surfers only.
Nosara:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- All levels.
Description- It is a beautiful hippie town with consistent waves.
Samara:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- All levels.
Description- Typical beach break away from the crowds.
Surf Spots in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast:
Santa Teresa&Malpais:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- All levels.
Description- Probably the most popular surf town in Costa Rica.
Boca Barranca:
Break type- River mouth.
Level- Intermediate.
Description- Long left point break, performs only on big swells.
Playa Jaco:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- Beginner.
Description- A party town with mellow surf, mainly for beginners.
Playa Hermosa:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- Advanced.
Description- Powerful barrels for experts only.
Surf Spots in Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast:
Playa Dominical:
Break type- Beach break.
Level- All levels.
Description- Strong beach break with great barrels and also a beginner spot.
Matapalo:
Break type- Point break.
Level- Intermediate.
Description- A right-hand point break.
Pavones:
Break type- Point break.
Level- Intermediate to Advanced.
Description- The second longest left in the world, and maybe the best surf spot in Costa Rica.
Surf Spots in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast:
Puerto Viejo:
Break type- Reef break.
Level- Intermediate to Advanced.
Description- Caribbean town with massive waves between December and March.
If you are new to surfing and looking for beginner waves, check out our post about beginner surf beaches in Costa Rica.
Note- In Costa Rica, the Tides change drastically every few hours, so it is crucial to be aware of the times of high and low tides. Depending on the beach you are surfing at, you will want to know when the best time to be in the water is to score the best waves. Therefore, you can ask the locals or use this live tide chart.
Surf Hotels in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most visited countries in the world. Therefore, in almost every town, you are likely to find a range of accommodations. When coming to surf in Costa Rica, you want to make sure you stay in the right place, which basically means as close as possible to the waves.
So, these are some of the most recommended surf resorts in Costa Rica:
1. House of Somos, Satnta Teresa– For details, please click here.
2. Pavones Point– For details, please click here.
3. Moana Surf Resort, Nosara– For details, please click here.
4. Blue Surf Sanctuary– For details, please click here.
5. Selina, Santa Teresa North– For details, please click here.
6. Hona Beach Hotel, Dominical– For details, please click here.
7. Playa Grande Surf Camp– For details, please click here.
8. Nosara Beach Hotel– For details, please click here.
For more details about surf hotels in Costa Rica check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Surf Camps in Costa Rica
One of the best ways for beginners and intermediates to explore Costa Rica’s surf scene is through a surf camp. In fact, this way of traveling has become more and more popular in the last few years, and for a good reason. Almost every surf town in Costa Rica offers at least one good surf school or a surf camp. For instance, in Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Jaco, Dominicl, and Puerto Viejo, you will find the best surf camps.
The surf camps in Costa Rica are usually all-inclusive or at least partially. That means they pick you up from the airport and take you to your camp where you meet people like yourself who want to learn to surf and explore the country. Accommodations are included, meals as well, and you get dedicated surf guides who take you to the best surf spots in Costa Rica. It is incredible how fast you can learn to surf with the proper guidance.
As for the prices, they vary from $400 to $1,200 a week, depending on which camp you choose. Either way, it is totally worth it for what you are getting.
So, these are the top surf camps in Costa Rica:
1. In Tamarindo– La Botella de Leche, Iguana Surf Camp Tamarindo, Mai Ke Kai Surf Camp, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, and Dreamsea.
For details about Tamarindo Surf Camps, please click here.
2. In Nosara– Shambala Retreats, Safari Surf School Nosara, Surf Simply, Selina Surf Camp Nosara, Corky Carroll’s Surf School Nosara, Nosara Paradise Rentals.
For details about Nosara Surf Camps, please click here.
3. In Santa Teresa– Pura Vida Surfers, La Posada Surf Camp Santa Teresa, Zeneidas Garden Surf Camp, Lucero Surf Retreat, Blue Surf Sanctuary, Shaka Costa Rica.
For details about Santa Teresa Surf Camps, please click here.
4. In Jaco– Surf Synergy Academy & Resort, School of the World Surf Camp, Damo Surf Camp Jaco, Diego Naranjo Surf Academy, Tortuga Surf Camp.
For details about Jaco Surf Camps, please click here.
5. In Dominical– Tropical Sands,Kalon Surf Resort, Costa Rica Surf
For details about Dominical Surf Camps, please click here.
What Skill Level is Required to Surf in Costa Rica
As mentioned, Costa Rica is abundant with plenty of surf beaches and a vast variety of surf spots. Therefore, surfers of all skill levels can go on a surf trip to Costa Rica and find waves that suit their skill level. For instance, beginners can surf mellow waves in spots like Tamarindo and Jaco. Intermediate surfers, though, will find more challenging waves at beaches like Dominical and Santa Teresa. And if that’s not enough, there are fantastic surf spots in Costa Rica for advanced surfers in Playa Negra, Playa Hermosa, and Puerto Viejo.
Which Location in Costa Rica is Best for a Surf Trip
If you want to maximize your surf trip to Costa Rica, you should choose not more than 2 or 3 locations to stay at. That way, you can spend more time in the water and less time traveling. So, the following locations are the most recommended to stay at:
1. Santa Teresa– There are several surf beaches for different skill levels and swell conditions, so you can’t go wrong with staying here.
2. Nosara– Beautiful town with fantastic waves, especially at Playa Guiones.
3. Tamarindo– Suitable mainly for those who like the noisy tourism scene. Tamarindo Bay offers perfect beginner waves, and Playa Grande is also nearby.
4. Jaco– Beginners can surf at Jaco Bay, and advanced surfers can take a 5-minute drive to Playa Hermosa to ride some barrels.
5. South Costa Rica– If there is a big south swell, Pavones is the best point break you can get. Otherwise, stay in Dominical, where you can find good waves even on small days.
Surf Shops in Costa Rica
If you need to get some new surf gear, there are several surf shops in Costa Rica that will get you covered with everything you need:
In Tamarindo– Matos Surf Shop, Costa Rica Surf Club, and Pedro’s Surf Shop.
In Nosara– Juan Surfo’s Surf Shop, Nosara Surf Shop, and The Frog Pad.
In Santa Teresa– Denga Surf Shop, Kina Surf Shop, and South Wave Surf Shop.
In Jaco– Walter Surf Shop, El Pana Surf Shop, and Mango Surf & Skate.
In Pavones– Pavones Surf Shop & Factory and Sea Kings Surf Shop.
Other Fun Activities in Costa Rica
Of course, you are here to surf, and you will most likely ride those beautiful waves every single day of your vacation. And yet, if you feel like doing something else, there is plenty of that, too. Costa Rica offers a fantastic variety of fun things to do, these are the main ones:
Ziplining– With so many rainforests, you can find many spots to slide between the trees and see the beauty of this country from above.
Horseback Riding– an excellent idea for a few hours trip.
Sailing – Many local companies are offering sunset cruises. Some of them are more relaxed, and some have more of a party vibe. Choose your own favorite style.
Diving and Snorkeling– You can find a great underwater world on the quiet beaches where the waves can’t reach. On the Caribbean side, it is even better as the water is cleaner.
Massage– When your muscles are soaring from surfing, there is nothing better than a relaxing massage on the beach.
Rent a paddle board– As a surfer, you may think paddle boards are slow and boring, but it is actually great fun to catch waves on one of those or even just to paddle out there.
Waterfall day trips– With so many rivers in Costa Rica, you can find a hidden waterfall next to almost every town. In some of them, you can even jump, just watch out from the rocks.
Fishing– Whether you throw a pull from the beach or do it from a boat far in the deep water, with such a rich life underwater, catching dinner is a very easy task in Costa Rica.
White Water Rafting– This is one of the most exciting things you can do in Costa Rica for a huge adrenaline spike.
Whale Watching– Take a boat tour at any activity center for an unforgettable experience.
Costa Rica- Travel Information
Language- Spanish.
Currency- Costa Rican Colon.
Electricity- 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US.
Population- about 5 million.
Calling code- +506.
Time zone- GMT -6.
Pros- Sandy beach breaks, various surf breaks, year-round consistency, warm water, great nightlife, welcoming locals, the safest country in Latin America.
Cons- high prices, crowded lineups, lack of beachfront accommodations.
Nightlife in Costa Rica
Most beach towns in Costa Rica are pretty basic. In fact, it is quiet and undeveloped, so you will not find much to do after the sun goes down.
And yet, few towns are an exception to that statement:
Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Jaco, and Puerto Viejo are hardcore party towns. In these towns, the party is alive and kicking almost every single night of the week. From small restaurant bars to electric nightclubs, everything is within reach. So if you like to party, those towns are definitely where you want to be (Good luck with waking up for morning session).
Flights to Costa Rica
There are 2 international airports in Costa Rica:
Juan Santamaria Airport– this is the main airport, located next to the capital, San Jose.
Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport– also known as Liberia International Airport, in the Guanacaste region, close to Tamarindo.
Most Airlines will generally offer better prices for landing in San Jose, but that also depends on where you are flying from.
The best website to find cheap flights to Costa Rica is definitely www.skyscanner.com. All you need to do is log in, type your dates and destination, and make the booking. My advice, from experience, is that if you find a good deal, book it on the spot. In most cases, it will unfortunately disappear pretty quickly.
Remember, if you are going to surf in Costa Rica and want to bring your own board, check with the airline that there are no extra costs. Actually, the best thing to do is just to use the surfboard bag as a suitcase, and throw your clothes in there (it will also protect it better).
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, surfing in Costa Rica is much more than just riding waves. It is a vibe, a feeling, and, above all, a great memory. Moreover, after exploring the magic of the best surf spots in Costa Rica, you can combine your surf trip to Costa Rica with its neighboring countries. For instance, Panama in the south and Nicaragua in the north offer some great surfing as well. Try them, you will be surprised how good they are.
