Costa Rica is a stunning country that offers a diverse range of activities. One of the most popular activities is surfing, and it’s easy to see why. The waves are perfect, there are several different beaches to choose from, and it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other countries.
The climate in Costa Rica is tropical, so it doesn’t get too hot or cold during the year. This makes it possible to surf just about any time of year without worrying about getting burned or freezing.
If you’re unsure about where to go for your next trip, consider having a vacation in Costa Rica. You won’t be disappointed.
Travel to Costa Rica and Surf in These 6 Spots
A Costa Rica vacation without visiting any of the surfing paradises is incomplete. From the Pacific coast to the Caribbean, the country has some of the best waves in the world, with plenty of spots for beginners to learn and advanced surfers to hone their craft.
Costa Rica is a fantastic place to visit if you’re interested in surfing. The country has several beaches with waves that are perfect for beginners and experts alike. The water is warm and inviting, and the coastlines are beautiful.
Costa Rica’s coasts have average temperatures of between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit annually. Inland and mountain slopes, on the other hand, have average temperatures of between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Most of the time, the weather is the same from December to April. Most of the country gets the least amount of rain during these months.
If you’re looking for a new place to surf or want to enjoy some time on the beach, check out these popular spots:
1. Tamarindo Beach. Guanacaste
Tamarindo is one of the most famous Costa Rica surf towns for its stunning surroundings, consistent waves, and vibrant nightlife. Tamarindo is regarded as a party town, but it offers much more, so young visitors and families enjoy visiting.
Guanacaste was a fantastic base for northern peninsula exploration due to its position. Beautiful beaches, national parks, and world-class surfing await at Tamarindo. ATV tours, horseback riding on the beach, and jungle ziplining are among the various activities. New activities arise regularly.
No matter your surfing level, Tamarindo has consistent waves. The laid-back surf town with spectacular sunsets and surf areas for all skill levels is fun for everyone.
2. Jaco Beach, Central Pacific Coast
Each Central American vacation should include Jaco beach. Surfing, sunsets, and various beaches make Jaco a perfect place to spend a week experiencing the “pura vida.”
The capital of Costa Rica is San José, located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The beach that is closest to San José is Jaco Beach. Five or six of the top surf spots are around Jaco. Consistency is more crucial than quality on this Puntarenas shore, but there are some beautiful waves to surf.
Jaco beach’s picturesque village draws visitors from all over the world. Over the weekends in Jaco, you’ll witness several bachelor and bachelorette parties, San José residents taking a break, and tourists enjoying Costa Rica’s magnificent environment.
3. Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste
Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica was recently named a World Surfing Reserve. This makes Garabito’s famous surf break the first reserve of its kind in Central America. Playa Hermosa is the thirteenth place in the world to be named a World Surfing Reserve.
Hermosa has a challenging wave; thus, only experienced surfers usually frequent it. Nonetheless, it could be the best part of your surf trip if you are skilled enough to handle the difficult conditions of fast and steep barrels.
Hermosa is a small town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, 5 kilometers south of Jaco and 1.5 hours from San Jose, the capital. Its surfing is legendary. This town is known for its black sand beaches and powerful waves, challenging surfers. Because Hermosa is accessible to all swells, it provides constant waves. This makes it one of Costa Rica’s top surfing spots.
4. Salsa Brava & Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo
If you’re visiting Costa Rica, make sure to check out Puerto Viejo for its numerous beaches that cater to surfers of all abilities. Most surfers choose one of two peaks. The first is south of the city center at Salsa Brava. Daytime traffic is heavy at this popular spot. The second peak, in the north, is perfect for beginners or those who want a calmer ocean experience.
In Salsa Brava, there are several different take-off sites, but the North Peak is by far the most popular among surfers who are looking to get ultra-pitted. Even though earthquakes destroyed the reef at Salsa Brava some years ago, the spot can still produce large waves, but much less regularly.
5. Potrero Grande Beach, Ollie’s Point
The official name of this well-known break is Potrero Grande, but the locals call it Ollie’s Point. It first came to the public’s attention when it was shown in the surf documentary Endless Summer II. Still, Ollie’s Point is known for much more than being mentioned in one of the most famous surfing movies.
Ollie’s Point is Costa Rica’s most popular surfing spot. This sheltered harbor on the north coast has some of the country’s most fantastic surfing waves. Downstream from the river mouth lies this world-class right-point break. It has waves that can get as wide as 900 feet. Since these waves are fast and hollow, they are great for surfers.
6. Dominical Beach, Dominical
Dominical Beach is another excellent surfing destination in Costa Rica. Deep blue waves roll in consistently along the whole 2.5-mile stretch of beach. The waves are consistent in size throughout the year, and you won’t find any that are lower than waist height for around ninety-five percent of the time. Even though it’s just a beach, this spot feels like a point break because of how the sandbars shape the waves.
Depending on what portion of the beach you’re on, the waves at the beach breaks here may be surfed during all tides. From mid to high tide, it’s the most productive time to fish at the popular site in front of the parking lot; the river mouth is best at low tide, and the point works best after mid-tide.
Dominical Beach is south of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the favorite Costa Rican national parks, and about 20 minutes from Uvita, a popular vacation spot. There are several hotels, surf schools, restaurants, and businesses along the shoreline. Dominical is easy to get to and best explored by staying there for at least a few nights.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country that offers many different types of activities. One of the most popular is surfing. The beaches in Costa Rica are famous for their waves, which are perfect for surfing. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful country, consider visiting one of its impressive beaches to enjoy some time in the sun while surfing on some of the best waves in the world.