Summary
Costa Rica – the rich coast. The name was first established by Spanish conquistadors who explored Central American coastlines in search of fruits, food, and gold during the 1500s. However, it could also have been named by the pioneering surfers of the 1950s and 1960s, who ventured south of the US border seeking new experiences. They certainly did not leave disappointed.
Indeed, Costa Rica boasts some of the most expansive and productive surfing terrains worldwide. Encompassing the North Pacific and South Pacific, alongside a firm presence in the Caribbean Sea, the country offers two complete coastlines to explore.
The coastlines feature undulating beach breaks that extend for miles, fragmented reefs that yield exceptional barreling waves, and point breaks that provide exhilarating rides up to a kilometer long.
Visitors are undeniably enthusiastic about their experiences here. Costa Rica is regularly rated among the top five happiest places globally. It is evident why: life is enjoyable. Engaging in surfing, residing in a salt-washed cabana by the sea, and savoring gallo pinto all day long will seduce you to linger indefinitely.
Having experienced numerous prime surf locations along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, I have dedicated over seven years to documenting adventure and surf travel within this segment of Central America. Distilling the finest breaks from the myriad options available has been challenging, yet here are my top eight selections…
1. Tamarindo
A blend of world-class surf breaks, stunning beaches, vibrant jungles, and genuine backpacker enthusiasm characterizes Tamarindo, which has now firmly established itself at the forefront of the Costa Rican wave scene. It is nearly unbelievable that this was once a tranquil fishing village until the early 1990s.
The town’s meteoric rise to prominence coincided with the release of a pivotal surf film – Endless Summer II – in 1994, which undoubtedly catalyzed the influx of surfers and beachgoers to this picturesque beach on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Fast forward 25 years, and the current Tamarindo pulsates with a vibrant mix of hostels, lively rum bars, microbreweries, and surf lodges. Despite the growth, it retains its charm, and I would recommend that every first-time surfer visiting Costa Rica make an effort to stop by.
A variety of gentle waves are available for all skill levels along ever-busy Playa Tamarindo, the primary beach. Further north, across a crocodile-filled river, Playa Grande presents more advanced surfers with barreling estuary waves of remarkable quality.
2. Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa was a well-guarded secret until recently. The area witnessed a gradual influx of yogis and beach aficionados before a few surfers arrived and were captivated by the consistent surf along the 2.5-mile stretch of Playa Santa Teresa. The combination of dependable waves and breathtaking scenery is mesmerizing.
This section of the secluded southern Nicoya Peninsula is incredibly beautiful, with wild jungle surging overhead, enveloping rugged hills that conceal waterfalls, viewpoints, and vibrant howler monkeys. All of this seamlessly flows down to a Pacific Ocean that curls around rows of coconut palms. Truly, it feels like paradise.
However, there is a caveat. The best-kept secret status of Santa Teresa has been lifted. Tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley can often be seen in boho beach cafes, and the shoreline is frequently frequented by surfers eager to catch waves.
Fortunately, the beach is expansive and features numerous distinct peaks, ensuring a well-dispersed lineup. Beginners typically gravitate north to Playa Hermosa, which boasts mellow waves suitable for practice.
3. Nosara
Nosara is the laid-back center of the Nicoya Peninsula. Located approximately midway between Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, it comprises a series of sandy beaches that curve around low coastal hills adorned with gallery forests and palm trees.
The town initially gained notoriety as a yoga destination, leading to the establishment of numerous surf schools that offer surf-yoga packages lasting four, five, or even up to 30 days. These packages typically combine morning yoga sessions overlooking the Pacific followed by surfing lessons before indulging in relaxation time.
This epitomizes the relaxed atmosphere of Nosara.
Surfing in Nosara is predominantly centered on Playa Guiones. Situated slightly south of the town, it features a collection of exceptional point break rights at its northernmost tip. Continuous, punchy peaks filter down the bay, making it particularly suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers due to its forgiving whitewash and absence of rocks.
4. Manuel Antonio
The mention of Manuel Antonio invariably invokes imagery of sloth-populated rainforests and jungles that seamlessly flow onto idyllic Pacific beaches frequented by dolphins and whales. This is largely due to its reputation as the most iconic national park in the country; although it is the smallest, it is undoubtedly the most cherished.
The Manuel Antonio National Park encompasses nearly 2,000 hectares of land, traversing the coastal jungles of Puntarenas Province. This remarkable area is heralded as one of the most biodiverse regions globally and attracts countless visitors through its intricate network of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation.
While monkey sightings and sloth explorations are key attractions, surfing is prohibited within the park’s boundaries. Nevertheless, a beautiful beach extends north toward the town of Quepos, which features remarkable A-frames and peeling reef breaks.
This location offers one of the finest opportunities to combine two of Costa Rica’s most captivating offerings: wildlife and surfing.
5. Jaco
Jaco is a resort town that presents a duality. One aspect embodies a relaxed surfer vibe, while the other leans toward a bustling expat community. Both elements converge along the Puntarenas coastline, directly west of the capital in San Jose, creating a lively atmosphere with impressive waves paired with vibrant nightlife.
The majority of surfing occurs at Hermosa Beach, known locally as Playa Hermosa. This iconic beach features classic Costa Rican black sand, bordered by palm trees that extend from the lush jungles to meet the challenging waves. When conditions are optimal post-wet season, surfers can experience rapid wedges and mini barrels along its length.
What makes Jaco particularly appealing is its accessibility. Located less than an hour from the airport along paved roads, it remains a rarity in the Costa Rican Pacific. However, do not expect the most picturesque surf town in Central America.
6. Dominical
Dominical offers exceptional consistency, benefiting from a beach that faces both north and south, allowing swell to arrive during both the dry season (November-March) and the wet season (April-September).
The nearly continuous offshore winds, spurred by warm breezes flowing from the surrounding mountains, create an ideal scenario for quality surfing at any time of the year.
The primary beach, a beautiful stretch of black sand, curves northward from the expansive Baru River estuary, where the main surf breaks can be found. During strong swells, expect left-hand barrels that can extend up to 100 meters or more, while westerly or northerly swells produce exciting A-frame waves.
Visitors may choose to stay directly in Dominical, which has a growing selection of surf camps tailored for intermediate surfers, or venture south to Uvita, a significant town known for whale watching and its iconic isthmus beach located within a marine nature reserve. Both locations offer excellent accommodation options.
7. Pavones
Surfers regularly express eagerness to experience the waves at Pavones, which is often regarded as offering the longest left in the Americas. Although Peru may challenge this claim, it remains an impressive left that captures SW swells and peels around a headland in southern Costa Rica, enabling rides that can extend up to 1,000 meters.
Those magnificent, kilometer-long rides are generally reserved for the finest days of the year. Most days, Pavones’ waves break in a variety of sections; some are rounded while others are hollow. The most robust waves appear at the main point, gradually easing as they transition into the cobblestone reefs on the inside.
Pavones still remains relatively undiscovered among surfers, situated away from more frequented tourist destinations like Tamarindo. Nevertheless, surf camps have started to establish themselves, with some settling right on the cliffs above the primary take-off zone.
8. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Lastly, venture to the eastern side of Costa Rica, where the shimmering azure waves of the Caribbean Sea lap at the shoreline.
Do not assume that, due to its Caribbean location, surfing opportunities are scarce. On the contrary, invigorating hurricanes and typhoon systems provide excellent swells along this coastline between December and March. During such times, the area can experience exceptional surf conditions.
Many spots here are celebrated in surf folklore. For instance, Salsa Brava offers powerful barrels formed over coral and rocky reefs, creating fast, challenging breaks suited only for experienced surfers. Alternatively, Playa Cocles presents gentler waves ideal for longboarding enthusiasts amid picturesque coconut-strewn white sands.
The town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca presents a fascinating blend of Costa Rican laid-back culture infused with Caribbean energy. Expect to find rum bars, vibrant surf hostels, and a lively nightlife scene.
