Surfing in Costa Rica

Our 2014 surfing article was a short overview. This update is a trip planner: which surf town suits your level, how to get there, and how to fit surfing into a wider route. If you want a second opinion on breaks, Montezuma Beach has its own take on the best surfing in Costa Rica.

Choosing a coast

Costa Rica has two coasts, and nearly all of the surf travel happens on the long Pacific side, from Guanacaste in the north down to Pavones near Panama. The Caribbean side has fewer breaks, centered on Puerto Viejo, and they work less often but can be powerful.

If you'd rather sleep where you surf, Costa Rica Journeys has lists of the best surf camps in Costa Rica and of eco lodges close to good surf.

Swell varies through the year on both coasts. As a rule of thumb, the Pacific picks up its bigger, more consistent south swells in the rainy months, while the Caribbean tends to work best in the northern winter. Beginners can learn year-round on the Pacific; the beach breaks are just smaller on some days than others. Always check a forecast for your dates and ask local surf schools what to expect.

The surf towns

Tamarindo, Guanacaste

Tamarindo is the largest developed beach town in Guanacaste. It grew from a fishing village after the 1994 film The Endless Summer II opened with scenes shot here, and Liberia's international airport put it within easy reach. It's the most convenient choice for a first surf trip: lots of schools, rentals, places to stay and a gentle beach break on smaller days. El Sabanero, a yoga and wellness retreat just outside town, is on this site.

Good for: beginners, families, people who want restaurants and nightlife.

Nosara and Playa Guiones

Nosara is quieter and greener, with almost no building on the beach itself because much of the coast is protected as part of the Ostional refuge. Playa Guiones is one of the most consistent waves anywhere, rideable on more than 330 days a year, and the town is also known for its yoga schools. Playa Pelada next door is another popular spot.

Good for: beginners and intermediates who want consistent waves and a slower pace. Roads are unpaved in places, so plan on a 4x4.

Santa Teresa and Mal País

On the southern Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has grown from a fishing village into one of the busiest surf towns in the country, with surf camps, yoga retreats and accommodation at every level. The long beach has many peaks, so there's usually something for every level. Malpais Beach has a detailed Santa Teresa surf guide that walks through the spots. Horizon Yoga Hotel is on the hill above town.

Good for: all levels, surf-and-yoga trips. Getting there takes a ferry or a domestic flight to Tambor.

Jacó and Playa Hermosa

Jacó is the closest surf town to San José, about 100 km away, roughly two hours by road. Its 4 km black-sand beach is popular with surfers, and Playa Hermosa, just to the south, is a separate surf beach that draws more experienced surfers (not to be confused with the Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste).

Good for: short trips from San José, intermediate and advanced surfers at Hermosa.

Dominical and Uvita

Farther south on the coastal highway, Dominical is a small surf town, and Uvita, a short drive on, has a surf school scene of its own. Uvita 360 runs surf lessons for all ages with local instructors, and Danyasa, a yoga retreat in Dominical, a couple of minutes from the beach, arranges surf outings. Between sessions, walk the whale's tail sandbar in Marino Ballena National Park.

Good for: a quieter surf base close to whales, waterfalls and the Osa Peninsula.

Pavones

Pavones, near the mouth of the Golfo Dulce in the far south, is known among surfers for some of the best waves in the world. It's remote and small, and it's best saved for the right swell.

Good for: experienced surfers with flexible plans.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

On the southern Caribbean, Puerto Viejo is home to Salsa Brava, known as the biggest and most powerful wave in Costa Rica. Other beaches such as Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita are nearby.

Good for: advanced surfers at Salsa Brava; everyone else can mix beach days with surf lessons when it's small.

Planning a surf trip

• Fly into the right airport. Liberia is closest to Tamarindo and Nosara. San José is better for Jacó, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. See our airports guide.
• Stay put. Driving between surf towns eats days. One base, or two at most, gives you more time in the water.
• Book a lesson on day one. Even experienced surfers benefit from a local's advice on currents and rocks.
• Respect the line-up. Local surfers have priority at their home breaks.
• Watch for rip currents. Many Costa Rica beaches have strong currents and few lifeguards. Swim and surf near others.
• Bring reef boots for reef breaks and plenty of sunscreen.

Our getting around guide covers shuttles and rental cars, and the Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula and Osa Peninsula guides help you plan each surf region.