Welcome to Costa Rica, the land of Pura Vida, with beautiful beaches and some of the best surf breaks in the world!
Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just starting, Costa Rica's surfing scene is the perfect place to catch some waves and experience the laid-back culture of this Central American gem, your new home.
In addition, when you live in Costa Rica, people will visit you and want to try surfing, so it’s good to understand where you can take them and how they need to be prepared.
First, When Is Surfing the Best?
Before I dive into the details, let's start with the basics. Costa Rica borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. With these two coasts, the Pacific and the Caribbean, there are plenty of beaches and surf spots to choose from.
According to Surf Expedition, the following are the best times to surf by region:
• Caribbean Coast — December to February
• North Pacific Coast (Guanacaste) — November to March (offshores during the dry season only)
• Central Pacific (Puntarenas, Jaco, Quepos) — May to October (rainy season)
• South Coast (Osa Peninsula, Pavones) — December to April for beginners and May to October for intermediate surfers.
*NOTE— For beginners, the dry season in Costa Rica is always a safe bet to learn to surf. The swells are smaller and cleaner. You can surf during the rainy season, but the surf will be rougher.
Where to Surf — Beginners
Costa Rica has many surf spots for beginners and experienced surfers. Here are some of the best places for beginners:
• Tamarindo is located on the Pacific Coast in Guanacaste. Tamarindo is one of the most popular surf spots in Costa Rica, with perfect waves for beginners, with a long, gentle break ideal for learning.
• Jaco is another popular surf spot on the Pacific Coast, and it's an excellent place for beginners to learn. The waves here are more challenging than in Tamarindo, but they're still suitable for those just starting.
• Nosara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula and is an excellent place for beginners to learn. The waves here are consistent and beginner-friendly, with plenty of surf schools and rental shops in the area.
Where to Surf — Intermediate/Advanced (Couldn’t Leave Them Out!)
• Playa Naranjo/Witch’s Rock in Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste, isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a beach break with a mid-to-high tide, with April and October being the best months for some intense surfing experiences.
• Playa Negra in Los Pargos, Guanacaste, has fast-barreling waves for surfers seeing those adrenalin moments. The best times to surf for these waves are April and October.
• Playa Hermosa, located 10 kilometers south of Jaco, has consistent waves, with some reaching 13 feet. Excellent for intermediate and advanced surfers
Surf Schools and Rentals
Whether you’re living in Costa Rica and learning how to surf or have guests visiting, going to a surf school and renting your board isn’t a bad way to start.
• Witch's Rock Surf Camp: Located in Tamarindo, Witch's Rock Surf Camp is one of the most famous surf schools in the country. They offer surf lessons for all skill levels, board rentals, and packages.
• Del Mar Surf Camp: Del Mar Surf Camp is located in Nosara, and they offer surf lessons and board rentals for beginners. They also have a surf shop where you can buy all the gear you need.
• Jaco Surf School: Jaco Surf School is located in Jaco and offers private and group surf lessons for beginners. They also have board rentals and a surf shop on site.
What to Bring
When you're packing for surfing, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
• The sun in Costa Rica is intense, so bring plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF. We are 10° off the equator, so the sun is intense. Don’t underestimate it.
• Use a rash guard to protect your skin from the sun and chafing against the surfboard.
*NOTE — I always wear a rashguard. The sun is intense.
• Wear comfortable swimwear that allows you to move around freely.
• Bring water shoes depending on the surf. It can’t help to be prepared!
A Final Thought
You want to go into your surfing experience confident about where to surf, the best time of year to surf, and what to be prepared with so your time is fun, even exhilarating, and makes you want to go back for more.
Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise. Are you stoked? Ready for the lineup? Looking for the next set?
Pura Vida! 🌺
