Along with its lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and thrill-seeking activities, Costa Rica is a world-renowned surfing hotspot beckoning visitors year-round with its rugged coastline, laid-back surf culture, acclaimed surf camps, and award-winning beaches. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer seeking world-class breaks or a curious beginner looking to catch your first white water at a trusted surf school, we’ve rounded up our 8 favourite Pacific Coast surf spots for all levels in our ultimate guide to surfing in Costa Rica.
Best surf spots on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Coast:
1. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Nestled on Costa Rica’s golden Guanacaste coast, Tamarindo is a surfer’s paradise and widely renowned as one of the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica. Named by Forbes as Costa Rica’s most popular beach, visitors flock to this Mediterranean-inspired town to make the most of the consistent swells which make it ideal for all skill levels; from first-timers catching gentle waves at Playa del Coco to seasoned riders carving into Tamarindo Beach’s legendary breaks.
Beyond the waves, Tamarindo offers you plenty of chances to let your salty locks down with its vibrant atmosphere. Take your pick from beachfront yoga studios, world-class surf camps, delicious local fare, and lively nightlife. And if the waves didn’t get the heart racing enough, why not try ziplining, snorkelling or kayaking in the nearby mangrove forests in Las Baulas National Park.
2. Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara, nestled on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast, is a wellness wonderland, perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers. Set against a lush backdrop, beginners can paddle out in crystal-clear waters to hone their skills on gentle waves. Nosara’s piece de resistance is the spectacular Playa Guiones, a three-mile long beach break with consistent swells that cater to all levels; you can expect forgiving rollers for beginners and long, smooth waves for intermediates.
For something more challenging, Playa Ostional offers powerful waves ideal for experienced surfers during the dry season (December-April). It’s no wonder that National Geographic named this gem in their pick of the ‘20 Best Surf Towns in the World’.
Beyond the beginner-friendly breaks and world-class yoga retreats, the chic and uncrowded beach town of Nosara boasts warm waters for swimming and stunning wildlife encounters with dolphins and turtles regularly making an appearance so you can get to work on that bucket list.
3. Playa Negra, Costa Rica
Playa Negra isn’t for the faint of heart. This Guanacaste spot, immortalised in Endless Summer II, is a world-renowned reef break that unleashes powerful, hollow barrels. Experienced riders come here for high tide thrills and quick right tubes, surrounded by dramatic rock outcroppings.
Playa Negra caters to intermediate and advanced surfers, particularly at lower tides when the reef creates a steep, challenging wave face while higher tides offer a more forgiving ride for experienced surfers. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a pro, head here in the dry season (December-April) to join other surfers seeking towering barrels. While the waves may be intense, the pristine black-sand beach and laid back vibes of nearby Playa Negra village offer a welcome contrast and the perfect spot to unwind with a refreshing beer after a day on the waves. Playa Negra is one to add to the bingo card of Costa Rica surf spots.
Best surf spots on Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast:
4. Pavones, Costa Rica
Craving a long and thrilling ride? Costa Rica’s iconic Pavones in South Puntarenas beckons with its legendary left-point break – the second-longest in the world. Picture yourself hanging ten on a silky-smooth wave for over a kilometre against a lush rainforest backdrop.
Less easily accessible and therefore more secluded, peaceful Pavones caters to intermediate skill levels and beginners with an instructor, with gentle rollers for beginners to epic barrels that challenge pros. Widely considered as one of the best spots for intermediate surfers, the dry season (December-April) brings consistent offshore winds and head-high waves. During the rainy season (May-November), the swells pick up and attract experienced surfers seeking adrenaline-pumping rides. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or a curious first-timer, Pavones promises perfection every time.
5. Matapalo, Costa Rica
Away from the crowds, Matapalo is a one-of-a-kind surf spot on Costa Rica’s wild and rugged Osa Peninsula. Matapalo boasts three distinct breaks, all offering incredible right-handers. Beginners can find their wave at Pan Dulce, with mellow rollers perfect for practicing pop ups and turns. Experienced surfers will find their thrill at Backwash and Cabo Matapalo, known for long, powerful rides with hollow barrels. These breaks are best at low to mid-tide, and require a strong south or west swell to truly come alive. Visit during the dry season (December-April) to make the most of consistent conditions.
Beyond the world-class surf, Matapalo promises an unforgettable adventure with some of the best wildlife in the world; spend your time here spotting scarlet macaws, exploring the lush rainforest or switching off on the pristine beach with a good page turner. Matapalo is all about the slower pace of pura vida.
Best surf spots on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast:
6. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula isn’t just a surfer’s paradise, it’s a lifestyle. Small, intimate and non-commercialised, Santa Teresa offers everything you could dream of in a surf break; a bohemian beach town with incredible wildlife and consistent waves, suitable for every skill level.
The area boasts a variety of different breaks, from mellow beach rollers at Playa Carmen ideal for beginners, to the powerful barrels of Playa Santa Teresa that challenge experienced surfers. The wet season (May-November) delivers the biggest swells, perfect for honing barrel-riding skills.
Beyond the waves, immerse yourself in the pura vida and explore nearby waterfalls, take a day trip to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, snorkel volcanic rock reef, zipline in the lush rainforest, horseback ride along the beach or explore marine life with a scuba dive. If relaxation is on the agenda, sample local cuisine in one of the authentic local seafood shacks, stretch it out with a yoga class or set off on a gentle hike in search of the country’s spectacular orchids.
7. Jaco, Costa Rica
For those searching for a buzzier base for their surfing adventure, Jaco has all the answers. One of the most accessible (just 1.5 hours from San Jose airport) and biggest surf towns in Costa Rica, Jaco Beach beckons surfers with its lively beach town and long, sandy beach breaks, ideal for beginners and longboarders. One of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica to learn how to surf, gentle rollers at high tide provide the ideal canvas for perfecting the pop up and ride in the consistent dry season (December-April). Experienced surfers visit in the rainy season (May-November) to hone their cutbacks on gnarly waves and enjoy Jaco’s infectious energy.
When you’re not on the water, Jaco town awaits with bustling beach bars, perfect for a sunset beer, vibrant nightlife, a range of chic surf camps, local restaurants, yoga studios, and surf shops.
8. Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Just south of Jaco, you’ll find peaceful and uncrowded Playa Hermosa, widely regarded as a mecca for intermediate surfers with its powerful waves, reliable conditions and epic barrels.
A protected surf spot awarded the title of ‘World Surfing Reserve in 2020’, Playa Hermosa wows with clean barrels and beach breaks that challenge even the most seasoned wave riders. Visit in the dry season (December-April) to make the most of particularly clean and powerful waves along this six-kilometre (or 3.7 mi) stretch of black-sand beach which plays host to world-class surfers each year for the Costa Rica National Surfing Tournament Finals.
FAQs
When is the best time of year to go surfing in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a year-round surf season, thanks to two coasts and a balmy climate. During the rainy season (May-November), the Pacific coast offers consistent conditions, powerful swells, bigger waves, and some mellow spots for beginners.
The dry season (December-April) has smaller waves for beginners, amazing weather, and the opportunity for some early morning, ultra-clean waves when the northern swell and offshore winds perfectly combine. It’s also the best time to go surfing on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, expect an average annual temperature of 26-32°C (80°-90°F) on the coasts and 23-29°C (75°-85°F) in the inland areas and Central Valley. Further up in the highlands (like Monteverde), expect slightly cooler climes of around 18°-21°C (65°-70°F) but not much less than that.
Dry Season (December-April): Visitors travelling to Costa Rica in the dry season will experience less rain and calmer waves so it’s ideal for beginner surfers and those seeking sunshine.
Rainy Season (May-November): Visitors to Costa Rica during the rainy season will enjoy bigger swells and more challenging waves for experienced surfers. Offshore winds from June to September create prime surfing conditions.
What’s the water temperature like in Costa Rica?
With a year-round tropical climate, Costa Rica’s warm water temperatures stay between 25-30°C (77-86°F) so you can take to the water in your swim gear and leave your wetsuit behind. Whether you’re popping up like a pro or just SUPing for the first time, we recommend wearing a rash vest to protect your skin from the sun.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
Spanish is spoken across Costa Rica, although most tourist spots and surf camps will have English-speaking staff. Indigenous languages like Chibcha, Cabecar and Bribri are also spoken in specific areas, though this isn’t where you’ll be surfing.
