Surfing Costa Rica

In one of my businesses, I get to meet a fair number or surfers from all over the world who have come here to test their skills.  I will say ahead of time that I am NOT a surfer, so these descriptions as given to me by these people are pretty much as I wrote them down... and frankly, some of what they said just does not make sense.  However, if you are a surfer... my guess is you'll figure it out!

By the way, Costa Rica has a number of excellent surf camps and schools for those wishing to learn this great sport.  Check the Internet for locations and prices.

Don't surf? Just learning to surf... or want to? See our list of surf schools.

Best surfing locations in Costa Rica

These are not in any particular order:

Playa Dominical  and Playa Hermosa -

This has become the most popular location over the past year or so has work gets spread.  It is really good with a lot of heavy waves.  It is also perhaps the most dangerous with a nasty undertow that can hold you under for a loooong time.  This is the location for tubes.  Playa Hermosa is MUCH bigger and heavier.  Most excellent and can be one of the best spots in the country... but you can break your board here in an instant!  Most people I speak to brought 2-3 boards.

Playa Tamarindo -

Tamarindo easily gets the most press... everyone who comes here makes the pilgrimage. 

The beach faces north, and because the North waves generally appear more in the winter, that's the best time to come.   Just North are Playa Grande and Playa Langosta which are also good but have less people.

The problem is that Tam is always crowed and lately has become the drug center for Costa Rica. Crime is up too.  Still, you can't come to Costa Rica without hitting Tamarindo.

Polution issues are an issue with hotels punping raw sewage into the ocean. The government IS cracking dow.

Manuel Antonio - Central Pacific Coast

Really famous and really boring (for surfers).  Give it a pass. Besides, recently there are issues of polution.

Playa Nosara - Northwest Pacific

Underrated!  Waves go left and right and has a lot of swell.  Do this one if you have time.

Caribbean Coast - Salsa Brava.

This is located near Puerto Viejo de Talamaca on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.  Brava in Spanish means ANGRY... get it?  The bottom is reef and the breaks are truly horrendous. The local boys and girls are ASTONISHINGLY GOOD and have no patience for slow children, so be respectful!  This beach is truly dangerous... so don't even THINK about surfing this place unless you are top rated... and by top rated, we are not talking about what your mommy, your girlfriend (or you) say you are.

Pavones - South Pacific

The place that started it all.  A long stretch of land just north of Panama on the Pacific side...   hard to reach but worth it IF the Souths are coming.  If they are, these are the longest and fastest waves anywhere, and they ARE fast!  The only way to know if the South swells are up (or coming) is the Internet.  Sleeper if not.

Playa Jacó - Central Pacific

The closest spot to San José (less than 2 hours) so you gat a lot of locals down for the day.  It is a reasonably good break and great if you just don't have time to go elsewhere.

Malpais -

Mal Pais means bad country.  Not at all.  This thing covers the long beach area from Mal Pais to Santa Teresa. It's huge and even when it is crowded you can find a good one. Something for everyone every time. Recommended.

Updates!

I am always happy to add first hand reports of any of these beaches or to add new ones.    This is by no means a comprehensive list, so do your homework by Internet to see what's good.

Also, if you KNOW surfing and live here in Costa Rica full time... I'd love to have an editor to keep this page up to date with the new stuff.  Contact Me.