When I first came to surf in Costa Rica over a decade ago, I expected beautiful beaches and warm water. What I didn’t expect was how consistent the waves would be — or how each surf town would feel like its own little world. From the long lefts of Pavones to the mellow beach breaks of Nosara, this country really does have something for every surfer.

If you’re dreaming about a surf trip that mixes reliable waves, friendly locals, and a bit of pura vida energy, surfing Costa Rica should be high on your list. This guide covers when to go, where to surf, and where to stay — with practical insights from years of chasing swells up and down both coasts.

Why Surfing Costa Rica Is So Special

Costa Rica is one of those rare surf destinations where you can paddle out almost every day of the year. With over 1,200 kilometers of coastline on two oceans, there’s always a wave somewhere.

On the Pacific coast, you’ll find long, consistent swells powered by the same storms that light up Hawaii. The Caribbean coast comes alive a few months each year with powerful reef breaks and warm tropical vibes.

The real charm, though, comes from the people and pace of life. The “pura vida” lifestyle isn’t marketing — it’s how everyone lives. Locals are quick to share advice, and surf towns are filled with beach bars, fresh food, and sunsets that make you forget what day it is.

When Is the Best Time to Surf in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has two main surf seasons:

🌞 Dry Season (November–April)

The dry season brings offshore winds, sunny skies, and clean, consistent waves — especially on the Pacific coast. This is the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers who want reliable surf conditions and minimal rain.

I often spend January in Santa Teresa or Nosara, where mornings are glassy, and the wind doesn’t usually pick up until late afternoon. You can surf at sunrise, grab breakfast at a beachfront café, and be back out by sunset.

🌧️ Green Season (May–October)

The green season brings bigger, more powerful swells and lush jungle scenery. Mornings are still good, but you’ll often get afternoon rain. This is when experienced surfers head south to places like Dominical and Pavones for more challenging waves.

If you prefer smaller, friendlier waves, the Caribbean side actually peaks during this time — especially between December and March when storms in the Atlantic send clean sets toward Puerto Viejo and Salsa Brava.

Pro tip: If you’re chasing both coasts, aim for February or March — you’ll catch the tail end of the Caribbean season and the start of perfect Pacific conditions.

The Top Surf Regions in Costa Rica

After ten years of exploring, these are the areas I always recommend — each with its own vibe, wave type, and best place to stay.

1. Northern Pacific (Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula)

This is Costa Rica’s most popular surf region for a reason: world-class waves, easy access, and endless sunshine.

Best spots:

• Tamarindo: The country’s surf capital — ideal for beginners and intermediates. You’ll find friendly surf schools and long, forgiving beach breaks.

• Playa Avellanas: A short drive south of Tamarindo, Avellanas serves up faster, hollower waves when the swell rises.

• Nosara: A clean, consistent beach break that’s perfect for daily sessions. I’ve had weeks here where I surfed sunrise to sunset without a single flat day.

• Santa Teresa: My personal favorite. Think uncrowded early-morning waves, great restaurants, and luxury surf villas hidden among palm trees.

🏨 Where to stay: Boutique surf hotels in Santa Teresa or Nosara are worth every colón. They balance comfort and convenience — walk to the beach, eat fresh seafood, sleep like a baby.

2. Central Pacific (Jaco, Hermosa & Esterillos)

Closer to San José and ideal for shorter trips, the Central Pacific offers a mix of surf and nightlife.

Best spots:

• Jaco: One of the easiest towns for first-time surfers. Plenty of surf schools, gear rentals, and consistent waves.

• Playa Hermosa: Just 10 minutes south of Jaco, Hermosa is for more advanced surfers. It’s a powerful beach break that can get heavy at low tide.

• Esterillos: A great middle ground — fewer crowds, forgiving waves, and small beachfront hotels that still feel local.

🏨 Where to stay: Surf camps and mid-range hotels dominate here. Jaco has everything from budget hostels to ocean-view condos.

3. Southern Pacific (Dominical, Pavones & Matapalo)

The southern coast feels wilder — more rainforest than resort. The roads can be rough, but the reward is empty lineups and perfect point breaks.

Best spots:

• Dominical: A strong, consistent beach break with a laid-back town vibe.

• Pavones: The legendary longest left in Costa Rica. On a solid south swell, you can ride for over a minute. It’s remote, but it’s worth every bump in the road.

• Matapalo: Near the Osa Peninsula, Matapalo has a mix of right points and playful beach breaks surrounded by jungle.

🏨 Where to stay: Eco-lodges and surf villas — many built right into the forest. If you want the real Costa Rica experience, this is it.

4. Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo & Salsa Brava)

The Caribbean side feels completely different — reggae beats, colorful towns, and thicker, more powerful waves.

Best spots:

• Salsa Brava: Costa Rica’s heaviest and most famous reef break. Strictly for experts.

• Playa Cocles: A friendlier, sand-bottom alternative for intermediate surfers.

• Cahuita: Quieter, scenic, and great for mixing surf with snorkeling and jungle tours.

🏨 Where to stay: Puerto Viejo has boutique hotels and eco-resorts steps from the surf.

What Kind of Waves You’ll Find

One of Costa Rica’s biggest draws is variety.

• Beach breaks like Tamarindo and Dominical are ideal for learning and progression.

• Point breaks like Pavones and Matapalo deliver long, leg-burning rides.

• Reef breaks like Salsa Brava or Playa Negra are for advanced surfers chasing barrels.

Most beaches offer sandy entries, which makes them safer than reef-heavy spots in Indonesia or Hawaii. You’ll still need to check tides — some breaks only work on a mid-incoming tide.

If you’re new to the area, local surf guides are worth it. They know the currents, tides, and safest take-off zones better than any app.

Tips for Planning Your Surf Trip

Here’s what I’ve learned after a decade of chasing waves in Costa Rica:

1. Rent a 4x4. Many of the best surf towns (Nosara, Santa Teresa, Pavones) require dirt-road access.

2. Bring cash. Smaller towns don’t always have ATMs or accept cards.

3. Respect the locals. Costa Rican surfers are friendly, but lineup etiquette matters — smile, wait your turn, and say “Pura Vida.”

4. Travel light. Board rentals are available everywhere, and airlines charge hefty board fees.

5. Stay near the surf. A beachfront hotel saves hours of daily travel. Check hotels.cr for surf-friendly stays in each region.

My Favorite Surf Day in Costa Rica

If I had to describe my perfect day, it’d start with a sunrise session at Santa Teresa, waist-high glassy waves, and just a few of us in the water. After a long surf, I’d grab a smoothie bowl at The Bakery, nap in a hammock, and then head back out for a sunset session where the waves line up perfectly against the orange sky.

That’s the magic of surfing Costa Rica — not just the waves, but how easily the days blend into something unforgettable.

Planning Where to Stay

Whether you’re a backpacker or traveling in style, Costa Rica has accommodations for every budget:

• Budget: Hostels and surf camps in Jaco or Tamarindo

• Mid-range: Boutique surf hotels in Nosara or Dominical

• Luxury: Ocean-view villas in Santa Teresa or Pavones

If you want curated surf-friendly stays, check hotels.cr — it’s designed to help travelers find top-rated surf hotels and villas across Costa Rica.

Conclusion: The Pura Vida Surf Life

After ten years of exploring, one thing stays the same — surfing Costa Rica never gets old. The waves are consistent, the people are welcoming, and the energy is contagious. Whether it’s your first surf trip or your tenth, you’ll find that perfect mix of adventure and simplicity that keeps surfers coming back year after year.

So pack your boardshorts, wax your board, and chase your own pura vida story.

Ready to plan your surf trip?
👉 Explore the best surf hotels and beach villas at hotels.cr and start your Costa Rica adventure today.

FAQs About Surfing in Costa Rica

1. What is the best month to surf in Costa Rica?
For the Pacific coast, December through April offers clean, consistent surf with dry weather. For the Caribbean coast, the best months are December to March.

2. Is Costa Rica good for beginner surfers?
Absolutely. Spots like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Playa Jaco are perfect for beginners thanks to soft beach breaks and plenty of surf schools.

3. How much do surf lessons cost in Costa Rica?
Most surf lessons cost between $40–$60 USD for a 2-hour session, including board rental. Multi-day packages usually bring the price down per lesson.