Surfing in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is probably my favorite country to visit in Central America (sorry to everyone else). It’s nature is absolutely astounding, it has a variety of incredible waves, and I’ve found the local ticos to be super friendly. Also, I lived there for 3 years as a teenager :) The surf scene in Costa Rica is well-established both for locals and tourism, and there are plenty of options to catch some amazing waves. The surf towns in Costa Rica are super fun, varied, and offer something for everyone. There are also plenty of surf and yoga camps in the country if that is what you are looking for. Find your next wave or surf camp with our guide to surfing in Costa Rica.
Overview
One of the top surf destinations in the Americas
Beach, point, and reef breaks around the country
Plenty of schools, classes, and beginner-friendly waves
Swells all year long depending on location and skillset
Beginner Waves
Advanced Waves
Surf Camps
Surf Season in Costa Rica
One of the benefits of surfing somewhere like Costa Rica is the presence of waves year-round. If you’re looking for the bigger waves in some of the big-wave spots, you’re going to have the best luck in the summer months (June-August). However, beginner surfers can find plenty of waves all year long. One thing to note is that the winter months are often more crowded with beginners, especially in the beginner-friendly surf havens like Tamarindo. Also, the water is notably colder in the winter months, but still not wetsuit-worthy.
Other Things to Do in Costa Rica
This isn’t a general travel blog, but if it were we’d have a post of “100 Things to do in Costa Rica.” There are so many amazing things to see and do in this country. You can go visit one of the many beautiful volcanoes, like Poas or Arenal. Check out the amazing hiking in Corcovado National Park, my absolute favorite place in the country. Head inland to see the coffee plantations and mountain life. Go rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, ziplining, SCUBA diving…. Basically any outdoor activity you could possibly imagine. You can check out Trip.com for tours and activities to do while visiting this amazing Central American country.
Surf Spots in Costa Rica
Dominical
Uvita
Nosara
Tamarindo
Pavones
Things to Know About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a relatively small country in Central America, which is awesome for the ability to see a lot of the country in one visit. The Costa Rican Colon is a relatively stable currency, leading to a solid economy for Central America. One of the safest countries in the Americas, you’ll find incredibly nice and friendly people, always happy to stop and have a conversation with a stranger. Like much of Latin America, driving can be a bit chaotic for foreigners, but the roads are some of the best you’ll find in the region. If you’re planning on visiting Costa Rica, we highly recommend taking a day off from surfing to visit some of the natural wonders and beauty they have to offer.