Costa Rica has established itself as a key hotspot for surfers wanting to catch a wave because of its regular, high-quality conditions. When it comes to the best beaches, Costa Rica, which translates as “rich coast,” is the place to go. With 800 miles of pristine Caribbean and Pacific coastline, the country more than lives up to its moniker. Follow our list for some of the greatest places to visit in Costa Rica if you’re a traveler considering a surfing trip to the country.
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Playa Guiones, Nosara
Playa Guiones is one of the most constant surfing sites in all of Costa Rica, thanks to the fact that it has surfable waves for more than 300 days out of the year. Because the beach has a sandy bottom, the waves are often small enough for beginners to learn to surf on, but don’t be fooled; when the stronger swells arrive, only experienced surfers should venture into the ocean. It is not only located on the coast of a blue zone where people live the longest, happiest, and healthiest lives on the planet, but it also provides fantastic surfing conditions. Having the opportunity to surf at both high and low tide, an average water temperature of 83°F, and the cleanest water in Costa Rica all combine to make Playa Guiones the ideal location for a day of surfing in Costa Rica.
Playa Hermosa, Jaco
It’s no surprise that Playa Hermosa has made this list; it’s the site of the International Quicksilver Championship, which attracts hundreds of experts every year in August. This 6 mile length of black sand beach may be found just south of the bustling tourist town of Jaco, Costa Rica. Swimming is not recommended at this beach because of strong currents and swells that can reach up to thirteen feet in height. From April to November, when the tide is high and rising, the expert surfer will revel in the swells that hit the shore. With a beach that is less crowded than Jaco due to the swimming conditions, a turtle nesting habitat, and a variety of affordable surf rental companies that line the beach, this is a popular destination for visitors.
Little Hawaii, Playa Avellanas
This surfing area, which is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, is only for experienced surfers. As a result of offshore waves that can reach up to eighteen feet in height, this is not a location for the faint of heart. Little Hawaii, which is located on a reef, is best ridden at low tide. El Parqueo is located south of Little Hawaii, where the surf is long and smooth, and where less experienced surfers can try their luck at catching waves. It’s important to know that Avellanas is not accessible by public transportation, and you shouldn’t expect to stay in a luxurious hotel here; instead, expect to find a few cabanas, laid-back hotels, and friendly surfer retreats in this small town. Take note of the howler monkeys, the local pig Lola, and the popular beach bar called Lola’s, which you will encounter on your trip.
Salsa Brava, Puerto Viejo
Because the waves in the Caribbean can be both fast and hazardous, Puerto Viejo is a fantastic area to learn to surf. Salsa Brava, Costa Rica’s most powerful wave, is located near Puerto Viejo, where surfers from all over the world come to test their skills on this Hawaiian-style wave. A steep wave that lowers you directly into the barrel; this wave requires you to be quick on your feet so that you don’t get stranded in the middle of the wave. This wave stands on a jagged shallow reef and is well-known for being wild and demanding. Those who are bold enough to take on this challenge will be rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing that they are a member of a select club that has successfully conquered this tidal wave.
Pavones, Costa Rica
As a surfer town that exists solely for the benefit of its residents, Pavones provides an amusement ride that will take you the full length of the village. This is a place you don’t want to miss out on because it has the second longest left-hand surf break on the planet, which makes it a must-visit. Located off the main road and offering some of the best surfing in the world during the rainy season, getting to Pavones is not always straightforward. Following your arrival in the area, you’ll find yourself sitting in a local restaurant, watching highlights from the previous day’s events projected on a projection screen, riding the wave, which can last up to two minutes, and exchanging stories with the locals. When it comes to riding epic waves, Pavones is truly for those who are willing to go to the outermost reaches of the country.
Playa Naranjo
Known as “Witch Rock,” this is yet another location that should not be attempted by the faint of heart. Playa Naranjo, not to be confused with Playa Naranjo the town, is surrounded with golden sand and is distinguished by a massive rocky formation located off the shore, which was given the name Witches Rock because of its association with witches. Being located within Santa Rosa National Park and therefore having no amenities other than camping, surfers frequently sail to Witches Rock and ride the waves for a few hours before returning to the boat dock to catch their next wave. Witches Rock provides advanced surfers with a fast, powerful, and hollow wave that can be surfed at any time of the year except during low tide. Despite the presence of saltwater crocodiles and the fact that you may be in danger, this area continues to be extremely popular with surfers from all over the world.
Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of the most well-known surf destinations on the Costa Rican Pacific Coast. Because of the consistent swells, offshore winds, sandy beaches, and reefs, this location has become well-known. Furthermore, not only does Tamarindo have its major beach in the center of town, but it also has two other surf places within five minutes of the town center. Playa Grande is located across the river mouth and is accessible by canoe or kayak as well. The best consistent waves in the area can be found right here. In addition to providing skilled riders with a fast moving left and right point break, Playa Langosta is approximately a 15-minute walk away from Tamarindo. Food and lodging establishments line the streets, which are also lined with surf camps, and the waters are always teeming with waves. It’s no surprise that so many people choose to visit this sunny destination.
Mal Pais
What started off as a little fishing community has now grown into a laid-back wave surfing destination that can be visited all year round. This area, which is comprised of the beaches of Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, and Mal Pais, has waves for every level of surfer. If you’re a beginner, head to Playa Carmen, where you’ll find a large expanse of sand and a break that keeps waves under three feet high. For the more skilled surfer, Santa Teresa is the place to go, where rocky outcroppings that stretch into the sea, beach breaks, point breaks, and large swells can produce heavy barrels for you to catch. After you’ve worked up a thirst, stop by the Nativo Sports Bar for a cold Imperial or a refreshing Margarita to quench your thirst. With white sand beaches, a plethora of surf businesses that provide lessons, rentals, and camps, as well as some of the most gorgeous sunsets Costa Rica has to offer, Ma Pais should be at the top of your vacation bucket list!
Playa Dominical
On Costa Rica’s southern pacific coast, this peaceful, laid-back hamlet is home to some of the most consistent waves in the entire region, according to locals. A beach break of surf that runs the full length of the beach creates powerful and hollow waves that are ideal for surfing. If possible, avoid going out at low tide when the waves shut out in very shallow water, and be cautious of the jellyfish and stingrays that border the shore. Despite the high rip tides and currents, this place has some of the best surfing in the world, and there are numerous other beach breakers within six miles of the town. In addition to having almost four miles of beach, gorgeous scenery, and waves for both beginners and experienced surfers, this town has something to offer everyone. Surf camps, rental businesses, and local restaurants line the streets.
Playa Negra
In part due to its appearance in the acclaimed surf film “Endless Summer II,” Playa Negra has become well-known for providing some of the best surfing in Costa Rica. Surfers beware, as this site is known for being extremely crowded in the water due to the fact that the take off zone for riding the waves is quite tiny. The majority of surfers prefer to ride during high tide since low tide exposes the rocks that are hidden beneath the surface of the ocean. If you dare to ride during low tide, hold on tight as you race through the ideal tubes at breakneck speed.. You will understand after one trip why so many surfers call this spot home after seeing its right hand barrels, steady year-round swells, little tide pools that form along the shore, and laid-back lifestyle.