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Costa Rica Surfing: Top Spots & Tips
Costa Rica is a great place to visit for tons of different adventure activities, and that includes surfing. Surfing in Costa Rica is possible on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts for all skill levels.
If you are a more experienced surfer, have no fear, Costa Rica has several world-class surfing beaches.
If you are an absolute beginner, we know great places for you to take your first lessons and get hooked on the shredding life.
Caribbean Coast Surf Spots
Most people head to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica for traveling in general, however, the Caribbean coast is also a great place to visit. As far as surfing goes, there are a few awesome surfing spots.
Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is located on the southeast tip of the country near the Panama border next to Manzanillo. This area has a completely relaxed feel and there typically aren’t tons of tourists.
Level: All levels can surf here, but we especially recommend it for beginner surfers.
Type of Break: Beach Break
Ocean Floor: Reef and sand
Playa Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo is a great town for really enjoying the surfing vibe. There are tons of surf shops, great restaurants, and nightlife.
This area is also home to the Salsa Brava reef break. Here you can expect some of the biggest waves in the country.
Level: This area is best for more advanced surfers. If you are not as experienced, head just south of Puerto Viejo to Playa Cocles (mentioned above).
Type of Break: Reef Break
Ocean Floor: Reef/ Coral
Northern Pacific Surf Spots
The Northern Pacific part of Costa Rica is easily accessible from the Liberia International Airport. This area is popular for a variety of water sports (besides surfing) including diving and snorkeling.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is the quintessential Costa Rica surfing town. In fact, I would say it is the most popular surfing destination in Costa Rica. There are waves for all levels, multiple surfing schools, and surf camps. Plus, it is easy to get here within 1.5 hours if flying into Liberia International Airport.
Level: All levels
Type of Break: Beach Break
Ocean Floor: Sand
Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is located down a quiet dirt road about thirty minutes south of Tamarindo. It is almost always quiet here. plus it is home to one of our favorite beach bars, Lola’s.
Level: All levels can enjoy surfing here
Type of Break: Reef Break
Ocean Floor: Reef and Sand
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is located just north of Tamarindo. It is also home to a turtle nesting area.
Level: Begginners and intermediate level surfers will enjoy this beach.
Type of Break: Beach Break
Ocean Floor: Sand
Playa Nosara
Nosara is a small remote beach town that is popular with surfers and yoga enthusiasts. If you are interested in seeing turtles laying their eggs, the nearby Playa Ostional is a great place to experience that.
Level: Intemediate to advanced surfers
Type of Break: Beach / Reef Break
Ocean Floor: Sand and Reef
Playa Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a remote, but popular surfing town. This town is always filled with relaxed backpackers lining the dirt road and enjoying the surf.
Level: Intemediate / Advanced
Type of Break: Beach Break
Ocean Floor: Sand
Central & Southern Pacific Surf Spots
The Central Pacific area of Costa Rica tends to be the most popular area for tourists in the country due to its proximity to the San Jose International Airport. This area is filled with amazing beaches and fun activities that will please everyone.
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa is the beach just south of Jaco. It is a super small town, but we like it because you can easily drive to Jaco to experience the craziness there, but can also enjoy the peaceful vibe of Hermosa.
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Type of Break: Beach Break
Ocean Floor: Sand
Playa Dominical
Dominical is small beach town with a few hotels and great restaurants. The surfing is best here near the mouth of the river.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Type of Break: Beach Break
Ocean Floor: Sand
Playa Pavones
Pavones is the home to the second longest left break in the world. This is a super popular surf destination with advanced borders.
Level: Intermediate to more advanced surfers
Type of Break: Point Break
Ocean Floor: Rocks and Sand
Surf Retreats
Spending a few days, a week, or multiple weeks at a surf camp is a great way to really immerse yourself in the surfing experience. There are retreats in Costa Rica for all surfing levels and are sometimes combined with yoga or other fun activities.
Typically the price of a surf camp includes room and board as well as daily surf lessons and unlimited use of boards.
Here are three retreats we suggest:
8 Day Bodhi Sessions Adult Surf + Yoga
Length
7 nights/ 8 days
Location
Near Uvita
Accommodation
There are four room options that range from basic rooms to a place with a full kitchen, depending on your budget and needs.
Cuisine
Daily breakfast and three dinners are included in your booking. These meals are all home-made and fresh
Daily Activities
Each day combines yoga classes, surf lessons, and fun local excursions such as to a waterfall
7 Day Surf & Yoga Retreat
Length
7 days/ 8 nights
Location
Santa Teresa
Accommodation
The surf camp is located about five minutes away from the beach. There is a common area with billiard, ping pong, a lounge with videos and music, hammocks, a communal kitchen, and a swimming pool.
You can chose between a bed in a mixed dorm or a private room.
Cuisine
Breakfast is included daily, but you need to arrange the rest of your meals. There is a shared kitchen on the property which you are welcome to use and there are also several restaurants nearby.
Daily Activities
Daily you can expect yoga classes, surf lessons, usage of surfboards, and fun daily excursions.
8 Day All Inclusive Buena Vibra Yoga and Surf Holiday
Length
8 days/ 7 nights
Location
Nosara
Accommodation
There are three rooming options that can sleep up to three people
Cuisine
Daily breakfast and six 3-course dinners are included in your booking.
Daily Activities
You can expect six days of twice daily surfing lessons plus tons of other fun excursions which you can participate in.
Best Time of Year for Costa Rica Surfing
Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific coast is known for year-round, long distance, SW swells. However, the best SW swells in this region typically occur between May and October (rainy season).
In the Northern Pacific region of Costa Rica (Guanacaste Province), the best surf is typically during the dry season between November and March when NW swells are picked up.
In Pavones (the most southern pacific point of Costa Rica) it is more difficult to predict when the perfect S-SW will hit to produce the epic lefts in the region.
On the Caribbean coast, the best waves are typically found between December and April. Note that this is also the rainy season on the Caribbean coast.
Sometimes big swells can be found between June and November during hurricane season, but I wouldn’t depend on them.
Our Costa Rica Surfing Tips
- In recent years there have been some issues with crocodiles entering the ocean through river mouths. This is especially something to be cautious about if surfing in Tamarindo as there have been cases of surfers being attacked there. Please ask someone at the surf shop before getting out into the water anywhere. They can tell you which areas to avoid.
- It is possible to rent a board for the day, or even weekly rentals, in almost every beach town. These daily board rentals are usually about $10 to $20 a day depending on which town you are in.
- Costa Rica does have lots of rip currents. Some areas are worse than others, but if you are a beginner surfer and not used to that, plaese ask when you rent your board for areas you should watch out for.
- Almost all surf shops offer lessons. It is possible to book these lessons online in most locations before you visit Costa Rica. However, most often it is possible to book a lesson one day before once you are already in Costa Rica. Don’t stress too much if you haven’t booked something ahead of time.
- We suggest renting a board instead of bringing your board from home. It is often cheaper and less complicated that planning your transportation around your board.
- Petty theft does happen in Costa Rica. Never leave your stuff on the beach while surfing. Most surf shops have lockers or a place you can safely store your stuff.
- We typically depend on Magicseeweed for the current conditions.
- As far as experiencing a town with a major surfing vibe, our favorite spot are Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Puerto Viejo.
If you have any questions about surfing in Costa Rica, please leave them in the comment section below. We are happy to help you out in whatever way we can. Also, if you have any tips for fellow Costa Rican travelers we would love to hear those as well!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
- Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
📞 What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
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Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
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