Surfing in Costa Rica: Top Spots and Tips
Costa Rica sits on most surfers’ bucket list of destinations – a dream destination in Central America where you can find year-round swells and warm waters. The country boasts a variety of surf spots that cater to everyone, whether you’re chasing big waves or looking for a mellow surf session.
Picture-perfect beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife make a surf trip to Costa Rica an unforgettable experience. The incredible scenery, coupled with the friendly locals and laid-back vibe only adds to the charm – and when you’re not catching waves, there’s plenty to explore, from hiking trails to stunning waterfalls.
If you’re planning to head to Costa Rica, you’ll want to know where to go, where to stay, and when to catch the best waves. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to make the most of your trip!
Best Surf Spots in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a vast array of surf spots. Here are a few of our top picks of the destinations you need to visit:
- Tamarindo – Located on the Pacific Coast, Tamarindo is famous for its variety of waves and the vibrant surf culture of the town. It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers alike, with everything from beginner-friendly beach breaks to barrelling river mouths.
- Santa Teresa – This beautiful beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula is blessed with long stretches of sandy beach – and excellent waves! The breaks in Santa Teresa are more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Playa Hermosa – Not far from the bustling town of Jacó, Playa Hermosa offers some of the best waves in Costa Rica. Known for its powerful beach breaks, this spot is best suited for experienced surfers.
- Nosara – Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara’s beaches are perfect for surfers of all levels. Playa Guiones, the main surf spot, offers consistent year-round waves, and the area is well known for its yoga retreats and eco-friendly vibe.
Surf Resorts in Costa Rica
Combining the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica with a stay at a luxury surf resort offers an unforgettable surf vacation. Here are some top-quality resorts that bring the best in comfort to some prime surfing locations:
- Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience – Nestled in Santa Teresa, this unique resort offers beachfront bungalows and easy access to world-class waves. Nantipa combines luxury with the authentic vibe of the local surf culture.
- Four Seasons Costa Rica – Located in the Papagayo Peninsula, this resort offers luxury accommodations and access to private surf spots. The resort also provides surfing lessons and excursions, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Lucero– Situated in Nosara, Lucero focuses on providing a holistic surf experience. The retreat offers comfortable accommodations, surf lessons, and yoga classes.
- Arenas del Mar – This eco-friendly resort in Manuel Antonio provides both luxury and an immersive nature experience. Guests can enjoy surf lessons and explore the stunning surrounding rainforest.
- Surf Synergy – Located in Jacó, this surf resort focuses on surf coaching and wellness. It offers tailored surf packages to suit your skill level and goals, along with comfortable accommodations.
Surfing Seasons and Conditions
Costa Rica’s surf conditions vary throughout the year, making it important to know when and where to go for the best waves. Here’s a quick breakdown of the surfing seasons:
- Dry Season (December to April) – This is the best time to surf on the Pacific Coast. The weather is sunny, and the northern swells bring consistent waves. Breaks like Tamarindo and Nosara are excellent spots during these months!
- Rainy Season (May to November) – While the rainy season might sound off-putting, it’s actually the best time for surfing on the Caribbean Coast. Pavones and Puerto Viejo see amazing surf conditions with more sizeable and consistent waves due to the strong southern swells!
- Transition Months (May and November) – These months offer a mix of both seasons and can be good times for catching waves on both coasts. They also tend to be less crowded, providing a more relaxed surfing experience.
Additional Activities Besides Surfing
Costa Rica is not only a paradise for surfing but also offers a huge array of other activities. Here are some other things you can enjoy while visiting this beautiful country:
- Wildlife Tours – Renowned for its rich biodiversity, exploring national parks like Manuel Antonio or Corcovado, where you can see monkeys, sloths, and a wide range of bird species is a must!
- Waterfall Hikes – Stunning waterfalls such as the La Fortuna Waterfall or the Montezuma Waterfall are incredible spots, offering picturesque scenery that’s just perfect for the gram!
- Zip-lining – Experience the thrill of zip-lining through the rainforest canopy in locations such as Monteverde and Arenal.
- Cultural Experiences – Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting towns like Santa Teresa or Puerto Viejo. Enjoy traditional food, music, and crafts at local markets and events.
- Yoga and Wellness – Many surf towns offer yoga retreats and wellness centres. Places like Nosara provide combined surf and yoga sessions, perfect for relaxation and fitness.
Costa Rica mixes incredible surf spots, luxury accommodations, and a rich tapestry of natural beauty and cultural activities. Whether you’re in the water, hiking to waterfalls, exploring wildlife, or soaking in local culture, there’s always something new to discover.
At AWAVE Travel, we’re here to help you connect with the best luxury surf travel experiences around the world. We offer free expert advice, the best pricing, and personal service to ensure your trip is everything you dream it to be!
