Surfing

Warm Water and Year-Round Breaks

Costa Rica’s soothing sunshine, year-round tropical climate, warm waters (average 80°F) and countless surf breaks attract more and more surfers and outdoor enthusiasts every year. The 800-plus miles of shoreline divided between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer excellent waves for both beginner and seasoned surfers. Beach and point breaks, reefs and river mouth runs – there's always fabulous surf somewhere in Costa Rica. The waves are never far away, and getting to them is half the fun.

Many beaches are located just a few hours drive from San Jose, making it easy to plunge your board into the water on the same day you arrive. Surf lessons are offered in the country’s major surf destinations, including Tamarindo, Jaco and Dominical. Wet suits are unnecessary, and boards and other surfing gear are widely available to rent or buy.

Regional Surf Info:

North Pacific Coast
If you’re searching for the best, start your surf adventure in the North Pacific province of Guanacaste, along a stretch of beaches known as the Gold Coast. Look for Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Playas Negra or Avellanas, all hot North Pacific surf breaks. Experienced surfers will love riding the consistent swells at Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point, located in Santa Rosa National Park.

Farther down the Nicoya Peninsula, the coastal towns of Samara, Nosara, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are also popular surf destinations. Waves are ideal in this region from December to April (the dry season) when offshore winds combine with intense Atlantic swells to form perfect conditions. Read more about North Pacific Surf Breaks

Central Pacific Coast
Just a two-hour drive from San Jose, Jaco is renowned for its year-round swells and happening party scene. The beach town is packed with surf schools and shops and is a great spot for both novice and seasoned surfers. A few kilometers south of Jaco, Playa Hermosa offers a longer break, bigger waves and a more tranquil atmosphere.

There are often good waves along the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio. Waves break to the left and right and are ideal for surfers of all abilities. A rivermouth break in Quepos can be good when the surf gets big. Read more about Central Pacific Surf Breaks

South Pacific Coast 
Farther south, the small beach town of Dominical lures boarders with consistent breaks. It is less developed than Jaco or Tamarindo and has a laid-back vibe. The Central and South Pacific beaches are best from May to November (the rainy season).

The tiny village of Pavones, located on the Golfo Dulce, is known around the globe as having the longest left point break in the world. The break has been recorded to last up to three minutes on a slow, south swell. The biggest waves are from April through October, which is the rainy season in Pavones.  

Huge waves can be found on the isolated beaches of Cabo Matapalo, situated on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula. Facilities are minimal in this undeveloped area, so surfers should bring their own boards. Playa Zancudo and Drake Bay also have some nice beach breaks. Read more about South Pacific Surf Breaks

Caribbean Coast:
Things are a bit quieter on the Caribbean coast, with the exception of Puerto Viejo's famed reef break, Salsa Brava. Salsa is for experts only and is usually good from January through April. A little farther south, the beach break at Playa Cocles offers gentle waves that are perfect for beginners. Playa Negra in Cahuita has consistent waves, and the funky town is worth a visit even if you don’t surf.

Just off the Caribbean port of Limon lies Isla Uvita, an isolated island with adrenaline-pumping reef breaks. The Caribbean surf typically climaxes from November through March. Read more about Caribbean Surf Breaks

 
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