Today, Costa Rica stands as a world-class surfing destination, boasting a myriad of beaches along both coasts—a variety of beach breaks, reef breaks, and river mouths catering to beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
What are the best 5 spots to surf in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a great place for surfing, with plenty of spots for all skill levels. The warm water and steady waves make it one of the best destinations for surfers. We’ve picked five of the best beaches for surfing, but there are many more to explore. Whether you’re after big waves or a more relaxed spot, Costa Rica has something for everyone.
1. Playa Hermosa, Jaco: Where Legends Ride Waves
- Surf Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Type of Wave: Powerful beach break with fast, hollow waves
- Ocean Floor: Sand
- Swell Direction: South, Southwest, West
- Best Wind Direction: East (offshore)
- Optimal Tide: Medium to high tide
- Best Time of Year: May to October (rainy season with consistent swells)
Nestled in the Central Pacific coast, the world-famous combination of Playa Hermosa and Jaco beckon surf enthusiasts.
Jaco, a laid-back yet bustling beach town, has good waves for beginners looking for lessons, but a few minutes driving south, you can find the more renowned and consistent waves of Playa Hermosa.
Hermosa is frequented by pro surfers for its accessibility and wide waves, with an area that exudes an authentic surfing charm.
2. Playa Santa Teresa: Embrace the Surfing Vibe
- Surf Skill Level: All levels (beginner to advanced, depending on the specific spot along the beach)
- Type of Wave: Consistent beach break with both left and right-hand waves, can be powerful and fast
- Ocean Floor: Sand with occasional rock sections
- Swell Direction: South, Southwest, West
- Best Wind Direction: East, Northeast (offshore)
- Optimal Tide: Mid to high tide, but it can be surfed at all tides depending on the conditions
- Best Time of Year: May to November (rainy season for bigger swells) and December to April for more mellow conditions.
Santa Teresa, a cherished haven, holds a special place in every surfer’s heart.
Known for its rolling coastlines and expansive beaches, it’s special for both local wave-riders and international surfing nomads.
Whether it’s catching waves or soaking in the enchanting vibes of this coastal gem, Santa Teresa never fails to captivate.
3. Playa Negra: The mystical Surf Beach
- Surf Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Type of Wave: Right-hand reef break with long, powerful, and hollow waves
- Ocean Floor: Volcanic rock reef
- Swell Direction: Southwest, West
- Best Wind Direction: East, Northeast (offshore)
- Optimal Tide: Mid to high tide
- Best Time of Year: December to April (dry season for consistent offshore winds) and May to October for larger swells
Tucked away in the North Pacific, Playa Negra remains a hidden treasure next to towns like Avellana and Tamarindo.
Its mystical natural surroundings house some of the country’s finest waves, drawing professional surfers and enthusiasts year-round.
The beauty of Playa Negra unravels during low tide, revealing rocky formations that create natural poolside settings—an ideal spot to catch breathtaking sunsets.
4. Playa Grande: A Surfer’s Sanctuary
- Surf Skill Level: All levels (beginner to advanced)
- Type of Wave: Consistent beach break with both left and right-hand waves, offering long rides
- Ocean Floor: Sand
- Swell Direction: Southwest, West
- Best Wind Direction: East, Northeast (offshore)
- Optimal Tide: Mid to high tide, though it can be surfed at all tides
- Best Time of Year: November to April (dry season with consistent offshore winds) and May to October for bigger swells.
Guanacaste’s Playa Grande is a sanctuary for surfers nestled amid unspoiled nature. It is also a fantastic place to receive lessons for beginners. Once a place where surfers lived amidst lush landscapes devoid of roads or stores, it continues to offer an idyllic escape, while being only a few minutes away from the beach town of Tamarindo.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful, laid-back beach lifestyle, surrounded by turtles, diverse birdlife, and a tapestry of trees while riding waves under the setting sun.
5. Playa Dominical: Where Surf Dreams Unfold
- Surf Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Type of Wave: Powerful beach break with fast, hollow waves
- Ocean Floor: Sand with some rocky areas
- Swell Direction: Southwest, West
- Best Wind Direction: East, Northeast (offshore)
- Optimal Tide: Mid to high tide
- Best Time of Year: May to October (rainy season with larger, more consistent swells)
Often referred to as a famously elite surf spot, Playa Dominical boasts consistent waves, forming unique point breaks.
This coastal stretch, part of a majestic coastline teeming with diverse beaches, captivates surfers with its powerful waves. Beyond surfing, exploring the rivers, mountains, and nearby waterfalls adds an extra layer of adventure to the experience.
Stay tuned for more offbeat surf recommendations from CR Nomads, uncovering the hidden treasures of Costa Rica’s surfing world.
