This beautiful Central American paradise has made a reputation among surf fans due to the quality and consistency of its waves. The coasts of Costa Rica extents for 755 miles, that’s why there is not a single corner without a beach.
Many surf fans, experts or not in this sport, come to Costa Rica taking advantage of the good weather conditions to renew their passion or simply to learn more about this fascinating sport. In addition to surfing in Costa Rica, you can meet one of the most spectacular countries of Central America. This is a very safe country with friendly people and beautiful coasts.
Costa Rica is ideal for surfers, since is strategically located so you can easily move to other places that offer a variety of lodging facilities, restaurants and different tropical environments.
The selection of perfect destinations for surfing goes from idyllic beaches to coral platforms where the water forms cones, tubes, pipes, which will become a real challenge for surfers of any kind. Have coastlines on both oceans is an advantage, because while one side is calm the other side is usually more hectic.
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is relatively better for a surf adventure as it has more surfing spots than any other place in the country; this is because it is about five times longer than the Caribbean Coast. The best places to surf are located in the Guanacaste province it the north-west corner of the country, but there are also excellent places in the Central Pacific in the South Zone. There are also some good spots available on the Caribbean Coast in the province of Limon.
In some towns like Tamarindo, Jaco and Puerto Viejo surfing is a lifestyle. Warm waters, good temperature and the tropical breeze make Costa Rica a perfect place for surfing. In some beaches the water temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius throughout the year, this means you can leave your diving suit at home. The best time for surfing in Costa Rica is during the wet season from May to October. Surfing lessons are provided to beginners (no excuse to miss the excitement of this sport).
Costa Rica is such an excellent location for surfing that just recently hosted the “2009 World Surfing Games” in Playa Hermosa, Jaco. Even many of the international competitors referred to this beach as one of the best surfing spots worldwide.
Don’t know where to start your adventure? Check our recommendations below…
Here is a list of the best places for surfing in Costa Rica:
Central Pacific: Matapalo, Playa Hermosa, Jaco, South of Boca Barranca, Manuel Antonio, Pavones and Puntarenas.
North Pacific: Playa Negra, Avellana, Potrero, Nosara, Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, Playa Grande and Playa Naranjo.
Caribbean: Cocles, North of Limon, Bonita Beach, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo and Cahuita.