Surfing
Surfing
10 best surf spots in Costa Rica: Ultimate guide for surfers
Ride the waves of paradise! Discover Costa Rica’s best surf spots, from epic breaks to hidden gems — perfect for surfers of all levels. Your ultimate guide awaits!
Costa Rica, with its sun-kissed beaches and consistent swells, has long been a magnet for surfers worldwide. The country’s diverse breaks cater to all skill levels, from novices catching their first wave to seasoned pros seeking their next big challenge.
Just take surfer Leon Glatzer. The moment he moved to Costa Rica, he found his calling as a surfer. He explains the unpredictable thrill of chasing the perfect wave.
Leon lofts over the Pavones coping
© Justin Mendoza
“In the ocean, you are dealing with mother nature which is changing every minute… the wind, the swell, the tides, and much more,” Glatzer told Wave Pool magazine.
Whichever version of mother nature you want to confront, Costa Rica has it all. Here’s your guide to some the best surf spots in Costa Rica, along with tips on the best times to catch a Costa Rican swell.
Top surf spots in Costa Rica
In no particular order below, take a look at some of the best surf spots in Costa Rica.
01
Pavones
Pavones is home to the second longest waves in the world, making it an attractive spot for big shots like Glatzer. You’ll find south and south-west swells with point breaks that are meant for intermediate and advanced surfers. On a good day, surfers can ride a single wave for 600 to 700 meters.
26 min
Leon Glatzer surfs Costa Rica
Leon Glatzer unpacks the incredible history of Pavones and explores its thriving roots surf scene.
Expect crowds if you’re headed to Pavones. You could see hundreds of surfers on the waves at once, so make sure to get there early to snag a decent spot.
02
Tamarindo Beach
Less than 50 miles from Liberia International Airport, Tamarindo Beach stands as one of Costa Rica’s premier surf destinations. Its long stretches of sand and variety of breaks make it ideal for surfers of all levels. Beginners can enjoy gentle beach breaks, while more experienced surfers can also find a good challenge all year round.
The town itself buzzes with energy, offering a plethora of restaurants, bars, and surf shops like Iguana Surf Camp & Surf Shop, creating a vibrant post-surf scene.
03
Playa Grande
Just north of Tamarindo lies Playa Grande, renowned for its consistent summer waves. This beach offers fast and hollow swells, especially during mid to high tides, making it a favorite among intermediate and advanced surfers. The waves typically double up, leading to powerful main peaks.
Playa Grande is Costa Rica’s most lively surfing town, so you’ll never have an empty beach. Visit Playa Grande Surf Camp and unwind after a long day on the water in palapa-style bungalows.
04
Nosara Beach
Nosara Beach is a gem for those seeking consistent surf conditions year-round. The beach’s sandy bottom and forgiving waves make it particularly suitable for intermediate surfers. Depending on the wave power, some rides will take you as far as 650 feet (200 meters) onto the beach. If you’re new to surfing, Playa Guiones is just next door, where you’ll find ideal beginner swells.
Nosara Beach isn’t as crowded as other spots like Tamarindo. Just like the beach, the town exudes a laid-back vibe, with yoga classes, cocktail and wine programs, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Nosara has even been listed in the top 20 Best Surf Towns in the World by National Geographic, while the New York Times called it the Best Destination to Visit in Costa Rica. Check out Safari Surf School’s lodging with customizable vacation packages for the ultimate destination.
05
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, boasts some of the most picturesque tropical beaches in Costa Rica. Surfers can ride the waves from five different surf spots: Suck Rock, La Lora Surf Spot, Playa Hermosa, Playa Carmen, and Mar Azul, Malpais. The area offers a variety of prime Costa Rica surf breaks, including more challenging beach breaks for advanced surfers.
The beach typically isn’t too crowded, so you’ll have more of a chance to snag an open wave. But its popularity is growing, as TripAdvisor voted Santa Teresa as the world’s 10th best beach. The lower the current, the faster you’ll ride in Santa Teresa, and it’ll be easy to spot high swells.
06
Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja)
Beginners beware — Witch’s Rock, or Roca Bruja, holds legendary status among seasoned surfers for a reason. This spot is known for advanced wind conditions and powerful waves, making it suitable for surfers who have been at this for a while.
Located within Santa Rosa National Park, Witch’s Rock gets its name because it breaks at Roca Bruja, a volcano rock allegedly cursed by a witch. For those who think they’re ready to tame the witch, head to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp for lessons.
07
Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa may offer some of the most consistent beach breaks in Costa Rica, but this surf spot isn’t meant for newcomers. The deep offshore water, strong side currents, and open exposure to almost any swell make it perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers. Expect wave heights ranging from head high to a few feet overhead and a welcoming yet competitive local surf community.
08
Playa Negra
Playa Negra is known for its right-hand reef break, offering consistent swells that are a dream for experienced surfers year round. The waves clash over a lava rock reef, producing fast and hollow breaks. The town maintains an authentic and relaxed vibe, with local eateries and plenty of accommodations for the full “pura vida” experience.
09
Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas offers a variety of breaks suitable for all levels. There are five wave peaks to choose from: Little Hawaii, River Mouth, Palo Seco, Lola's, and La Purruja. Whether you’re a beginner looking for tameable waves or an expert wanting to up their game, you can find it in Playa Avellanas.
The beach is less crowded than some of its counterparts, the backdrop for a more tranquil surf experience. International surfers flock here for its clean water and smooth waves. One of the aforementioned peaks is also next to famous beachfront eatery Lola’s, adding to the charm and offering surfers a place to relax and refuel between sessions.
10
Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical is known for its strong and fast waves, an ideal destination for advanced surfers. The beach break can produce powerful swells up to 10 feet, especially during the rainy season. Dominical has a huge local surf scene, meaning any international surfers will need to get in line and follow good surf etiquette. Or you can show up extremely early if you don’t want to fight the crowds. The town itself exudes a bohemian atmosphere, with a mix of small cabinas, bars, yoga studios, and eateries.
When to surf in Costa Rica: Best seasons and conditions
Costa Rica’s surf scene is blessed with year-round waves, but the experience varies dramatically depending on the season and the coast you're visiting. With two main surf regions — the Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Coast — understanding seasonal shifts can help you plan the perfect surf trip.
Dry season (December to April)
The dry season, when Costa Rica celebrates their summer vacation, is the most popular time to visit the country. From December to April, the weather is warm and sunny, with consistent offshore winds that keep the waves clean and glassy, especially on the Pacific Coast.
This season is particularly good for beginner and intermediate surfers, as the waves tend to be smaller and more manageable. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa are ideal spots during these months.
Wet season (May to November)
Costa Rica’s rainy season, also known as the green season, is when the real swell action happens — particularly on the Pacific side. From May to November, powerful south and southwest swells roll in, creating larger and heavier waves. This is when advanced surfers flock to spots like Witch’s Rock, Playa Hermosa, and Pavones to take advantage of stronger and more challenging conditions.
Showers often come in the afternoon, leaving the mornings with glassy surf conditions. Plus, fewer crowds in earlier hours mean you’ll have more waves to yourself.
Best time for Caribbean Coast surfing
The Caribbean Coast follows a different swell pattern than the Pacific. The best surf months here are typically from December to April, when north swells generate powerful waves at spots like Salsa Brava. During this time, the Caribbean side delivers some of the heaviest and most challenging surf, making it better suited for pros.
Essential travel tips for surfers visiting Costa Rica
The Pavones playing field lights up, deep in Costa Rica's south
© Stab
Surfboard rentals
Costa Rica has plenty of surf shops and board rental spots, especially in major surf towns like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Nosara. Rental prices vary but are typically $8 to $12 hourly, $20 to $25 per day, $70 to $90 for three days, and $100 to $175 for the weekend. Some stores offer $100 week-long rentals for basic surfboards that come with a rash guard and leash. If you’re bringing your own board, be prepared to pay for airline fees to transport it and consider using a durable board bag to keep your board safe.
Packing the essentials
Every surf adventure is different. You’ll never find an identical wave, but your packing will typically be the same each time. You’ll need:
- Surfboard wax
- Reef boots
- Earplugs to prevent surfer’s ear, especially in colder temperatures
- Wetsuit or rash guard depending on the water temperature
- Extra leashes and fins (spares might be expensive and not all rentals will include them)
- A ding repair kit
- At least two sets of surfboard fins
- High-SPF, ocean-friendly sunscreen
- Beachwear for after surfing, like boardshorts/bikinis, sunglasses, hats, towels, and a dry bag to store your wetsuit or bathing suit
- Surfboard bags and soft racks for transportation, if you’re bringing your own board
Surf safety tips
It’s important to understand the riptides. Costa Rica has strong currents, so newbie surfers may want to surf when the waves aren’t as large. Experienced surfers know not to paddle against the current, but parallel to the shoreline. That’s especially important at strong rip current spots like Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa.
Experience the best surf spots in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a dream destination for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re chasing long lefts at Pavones, barreling waves at Playa Hermosa, or mellow rides in Nosara, the country’s coastline delivers unforgettable surf experiences. Beyond the waves, the surfing lifestyle, stunning nature, and welcoming surf culture make it an essential stop for any wave chaser.
If you're planning your next surf adventure, now’s the time to explore the best surfing spots in Costa Rica. Check out the best surf movies to prepare, then book a surf retreat or just grab your board and go — Costa Rica’s waves are waiting!
