Surfing in Costa Rica
Pura Vida Waves
If there's a place where the ocean vibes are always on, it's Costa Rica. With two coasts (Pacific and Caribbean), warm waters year-round, and breaks for every level, this Central American paradise is a bucket list surf destination for a reason. Whether you're chasing your first green wave or looking for hollow reef breaks, Costa Rica delivers.
Best Surf Spots in Costa Rica
Tamarindo (Guanacaste Province) – Beginner to Intermediate
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible and popular surf towns. It’s located on the northern Pacific coast in the Guanacaste region and offers a combination of reliable surf, lively tourism, and gorgeous sunsets.
🌊Why It’s Great:
The beach features soft, sandy bottoms with gentle waves, ideal for beginners and intermediates alike. Surf schools and board rentals are everywhere, and there’s a strong community of expats and digital nomads. Even during the bigger south swells, the waves here are manageable.
🏄♂️Nearby Surf Spots:
Playa Langosta (more advanced, nearby reef break)
Playa Grande (across the estuary, bigger and punchier waves, great for intermediates)
Avellanas and Playa Negra (day trips away, for more advanced riders)
🤙Local Vibe:
Tamarindo has a buzzing energy. Expect taco joints, smoothie bars, beach bars with live music, and loads of surfers hanging around in flip-flops.
💡Tip:
It gets crowded in peak season (Dec–April), so head out early for a quieter lineup.
Playa Hermosa (Near Jacó) – Advanced
Just 10 minutes south of the party-surf town of Jacó lies Playa Hermosa — a black-sand beach known for powerful, heavy waves and gnarly conditions, especially during big swells.
🌊Why It’s Great:
This beach break fires consistently and powerfully. It’s one of the most reliable spots in Costa Rica for barrels and advanced-level waves. The waves here break close to shore and can get pretty heavy, especially during the wet season. It’s hosted multiple international surf competitions for good reason.
🏄♂️Nearby Surf Spots:
Jacó (great for beginners and longboarders)
Esterillos Oeste (quieter, fun reef & beach breaks)
Bejuco (another strong beach break for shortboarders)
🤙Local Vibe:
Way quieter than Jacó, but still close enough to grab a beer or a burger post-surf. You’ll find a few hotels and hostels right on the beach — perfect for dawn patrol.
💡Tip:
Watch out for rips and shorebreak. Only surf here if you’re confident in heavier conditions.
Santa Teresa (Nicoya Peninsula) – All Levels
Santa Teresa has transformed from a sleepy fishing village to a trendy surf haven with barefoot luxury vibes. The beach is long, wild, and beautiful, with waves for every level depending on the tide and where you paddle out.
🌊Why It’s Great:
This stretch of coast has multiple peaks, making it easy to find an uncrowded spot even during busy seasons. Beginners can learn near the gentler whitewater, while more advanced surfers chase clean rights and lefts further out or around the reefs.
🏄♂️Nearby Surf Spots:
Malpais (rocky point breaks, great on a rising tide)
Playa Carmen (consistent beach break good for beginners)
Manzanillo (a bit further north, more remote and uncrowded)
🤙Local Vibe:
Think surf shacks, smoothie bars, yoga classes, sunset bonfires, and very few paved roads. A hotspot for travelers, yogis, and creatives alike.
💡Travel Tip:
Roads here are rough — a 4x4 is a must. Also, check tide times; the spot works best on mid to high tide depending on the swell.
Pavones (South Pacific) – Advanced
Pavones is legendary — not just in Costa Rica, but worldwide. It’s home to a left-hand point break that can run for over half a mile on a good day, with sections for turns, barrels, and full-speed rides.
🌊Why It’s Great:
When the south swell hits just right, Pavones turns into a playground for goofy-footers. It’s remote, peaceful, and surrounded by jungle. Some surfers travel here and end up staying for weeks, chasing that perfect left.
🏄♂️Nearby Surf Spots:
Punta Banco (a bit south of Pavones, less crowded, with both rights and lefts)
Matapalo (on the opposite side of the Golfo Dulce, accessible by boat or drive, with right-hand points)
🤙Local Vibe:
Totally unplugged. No big supermarkets, just a few small restaurants and rustic cabinas. It’s a place to disconnect and fully tune into nature.
💡Tip:
Plan for a long journey — it’s several hours from the nearest major airport. Best to stay at least a week to make the trek worth it.
Travel Tips for Surfing Costa Rica
📅When to Go:
Dry season (Dec–April) is great for smaller, cleaner waves — perfect for beginners. Rainy season (May–Oct) brings bigger swells for advanced surfers.
🏄♂️Boards:
Bring your own if you’re picky, but rentals are everywhere. Watch airline fees, though — Costa Rica’s board rental quality is pretty solid.
🚗Getting Around:
Rent a 4x4 if you're heading to spots like Santa Teresa or Pavones — roads get rough. Otherwise, shared shuttles or public buses work fine for major towns.
🤙Local Vibes:
Costa Ricans (“Ticos”) are super friendly. Respect the lineup, smile a lot, and you’ll fit right in. Remember: it's all pura vida here.
Uvita – Beginner to Intermediate
Tucked into the lush Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita is a mellow, uncrowded gem that’s perfect for beginners and longboarders. With jungle-covered hills rolling into sandy shores, it's a peaceful place to learn or cruise mellow waves — and maybe spot a humpback whale or two.
🌊Why It’s Great:
Playa Colonia (inside the park) has sandy-bottom beach breaks with soft, forgiving waves that peel gently and break far from shore — ideal for those just starting out. Playa Hermosa, just to the north, offers slightly punchier waves for intermediates, while nearby Playa Dominical gives advanced surfers a more powerful option just a short drive away.
🏄♂️Nearby Surf Spots:
Playa Hermosa de Uvita (a bit more powerful, for intermediates)
Playa Dominical (15 minutes north, fast and hollow beach break for advanced surfers)
Playa Arco (hidden gem nearby, fun for body surfing or exploring)
🤙Local Vibe:
Uvita is more low-key than Santa Teresa or Tamarindo — no big party scene, but you’ll find yoga classes, eco-lodges, smoothie shacks, and a friendly surf community. Plus, it’s a hub for whale watching (especially July–October & January–March).
💡Tip:
Surfing inside the national park requires a small entry fee (~$6 USD), but you get access to clean beaches and fewer crowds. Great spot for families or those who want a slower pace.
Last updated: December 2024
Sustainability & Ocean Conservation
As surfers, we have a responsibility to protect the ocean. Here’s how you can help:
🌱 Use Eco-Friendly Surf Wax & Gear – Opt for sustainable brands.
🌍 Respect Marine Life – Never disturb wildlife or coral reefs.
🏖 Keep Beaches Clean – Always clean up after yourself and participate in beach cleanups.
🌊 Support Ocean Conservation Groups – Donate or volunteer for organizations working to protect our oceans.
Join the Surfing Community!
Surfing is more than just riding waves—it’s about connection. Whether you're looking for travel inspiration, technique tips, or just want to share your latest surf adventure, this blog is here for you.
Let’s explore the world of surfing together! 🌊🏄🏻♂️
✅ Must-Haves (Don’t Skip These)
Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Regular sunscreen damages coral reefs. Go reef-safe (and it actually works in the humidity). This one’s great https://amzn.to/426EeAr
Universal Travel Adapter – A universal adapter is a lifesaver if you’re bouncing to other countries.
Grab a good one here: https://amzn.to/3HKZ6GH
Portable Power Bank – Keep your phone alive during long bus rides or power cuts.
Reliable option here: https://amzn.to/45Gsw1S
Reusable Water Bottle (with filter if possible) – Stay hydrated without buying endless plastic bottles.
Larq is a great pick: https://amzn.to/4mznZnP
Bug Repellent – Jungle + dusk = mosquitos. Go DEET-free or natural if you prefer.
This spray works: https://amzn.to/45NrOyo
Sturdy Footwear (Hiking Sandals or Trail Shoes) – Flip-flops will betray you on muddy trails or rough terrain.
Check these out: https://amzn.to/4p06rCW
Microfiber Towel – Sand, sweat, waterfalls… you’ll use this daily. This one dries fast: https://amzn.to/45Whe8x
Dry Bag / Waterproof Backpack – Protect your stuff during rainstorms, waterfalls, or boat rides.
Nice one here: https://amzn.to/47q02e5
Essential Packing For Your Upcoming Adventures 🎒
✨ Nice-to-Haves (Make Your Trip Way Easier)
Waterproof Camera (GoPro) – For underwater snorkeling, surf footage, and waterfalls.
Order your Gopro here: https://amzn.to/3HMH86I
📸Why it’s worth it: If you're all about waterfalls, snorkeling, and surfing — aka places you don’t want to risk a regular camera. A GoPro is waterproof, durable, and perfect for capturing underwater adventures or strapping onto your surfboard. The newer models also have killer stabilization, so even jungle hikes look smooth on video.
Camera (Good but Affordable) – If you want better photos without going pro-level, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 with a kit lens is a solid travel pick: https://amzn.to/3HAU67w
📷Why it’s worth it: Not everyone wants a bulky DSLR. If you want high-quality photos without spending thousands, something like the Canon EOS R50 or Sony a6400 is a great balance. Both are lightweight, great in low light (hello, jungle sunsets), and come with decent kit lenses for beginners.
DJI Mini Drone – Capture epic coastlines and jungle views without carrying a giant drone.
This one is travel-friendly: https://amzn.to/45FeY6O
✈️Why it’s worth it: Imagine flying over the jungle canopy or filming a sunset on the Pacific coast — a drone completely changes how you capture your trip. The DJI Mini series is lightweight (under 250g, so no license hassle), packs easily in a day bag, and gets amazing shots without pro-level skills.
Headlamp / Compact Flashlight – Jungle nights get dark fast.
This compact one is perfect: https://amzn.to/3VnMFUd
Earplugs – Between howler monkeys and surf towns with late-night music, you’ll want them.
These block noise very well: https://amzn.to/4npqzNp
Travel Hammock (lightweight packable) – Perfect for chilling on the beach or jungle stays.
Popular one here: https://amzn.to/4p328qG
Sun Hat/Cap – Foldable ones pack easily. This one works well: https://amzn.to/4pfaAmP
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