Best Beginner Spots in Costa Rica
Looking for the best surfing for beginners in Costa Rica? We got you covered with a few of our favorite spots to learn to surf!
The Best Beginner Spots
Tamarindo
Crowds - Somewhat crowded
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - SW/NW
Ideal Wind - SE/NE, Light
Break Type - Sandbar beach break
Consistency - 90%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
Dominical(ito)
Crowds - Rarely crowded
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - SW
Ideal Wind - NE, Light
Break Type - Point and beach
Consistency - 90%+
Be Aware: of nothing!
Uvita
Crowds - Almost never
Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate
Ideal Swell - SW/S
Ideal Wind - NE, Light
Break Type - Point and beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Some rocks on bottom
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Located up north a bit in Guanacaste, Tamarindo is the home of beginner surfing in Costa Rica. It made our list of the overall Best Beginner Surf Spots in Central America. Although it is a bit touristy, it’s a relatively chill town for a resort town. With waves on offer all year long, you will find the best surf is in the summer. If you’re a beginner surfer, you will find good learning waves any time of year. There’s no shortage of surfboard rentals, private and group classes, and surf camps in Tamarindo. Every beach is full of surf-related offerings, and there’s plenty of other stuff to do as well!
Dominicalito, Puntarenas
Down south a bit lie the towns of Dominical and Dominicalito. Dominical can get pumping in the summer months, but often still has small waves on the inside. For a bit more beginner-friendly surf, head just south to Dominicalito. This is the playground for surf schools and classes, and you’ll find there are surfable waves to learn on throughout the entire year. The town of Dominical is also super chill, very surf-centered, and relatively quiet compared to places like Tamarindo or Jacó. There are also plenty of surf shops, schools, classes, and camps around.
Uvita, Puntarenas
Uvita isn’t very big, and is relatively unknown on the international surf scene. The waves here break consistently into the big bay to produce whitewash and perfect learner waves. Even more laid-back than Dominical 20km to the north, Uvita is a super chill down focused on surf, yoga, and health. There are tons of little surf shops renting boards, people offering classes on the beach, and some nice non-surfing activities as well. Like the others on this list, Uvita is one of the best surf towns in Costa Rica, especially if you’re looking for a chill vibe.
If you have any questions about the right surf spot for you or your friends/family, reach out. We’re happy to help you find the best beginner surfing spot in Costa Rica and highlight what each place has to offer. These surf spots are spread out across Costa Rica, and have very different cultures, vibes, and outside activities to do.
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