Surfing Paradise Unveiled: Exploring Costa Rica’s Coastal Gems.

Surfers from all around the globe know that Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to catch a consistent break and year-round waves. With a rugged, untouched beauty — the beaches of Costa Rica are known for their unparalleled and breathtaking scenery and of course, the surf.

It is a common misconception that Costa Rica is an island. Although it has island vibes, Costa Rica is in fact, not an island! Costa Rica, in actuality, is situated between two great bodies of water on its Eastern and Western borders, the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast — being the Central American country that connects North America and South America.

Costa Rica is known for world-class coffee, lush green jungles, kind and generous people, incredible biodiversity and wildlife as well as leaders in sustainable development and environmental research. With its dual coastlines, Costa Rica offers surfers the opportunity to road trip and beach-hop across the country with friends and with ease. Making Costa Rica the ultimate road trip country where surfers can discover a variety of top surf destinations, beaches and breaks all within one country. This Central American nation boasts thousands of kilometers of coastline with quality waves and beautiful weather that make Costa Rica the surf haven that it is today. With friendly towns, accommodations tailored to all kinds of tourist budgets and a reputation as one of the happiest places on Earth — Costa Rica has made its name as a top travel destination and home to an increasing Expat population.

Costa Rica offers a tropical climate with two main seasons referred to as High Season and Low Season or Dry and Wet. Known to the locals as Green Season and Dry Season — those that live here year round say that they prefer Green season because the swells are bigger, the line-up is less crowded and the jungle is abundant with green blossoming trees, flora and a vibrant and active wildlife experience during these months. With warm water conditions and temperatures that are comfortable all year-round, Green season is a great time to visit Costa Rica. Even many rainy days during these months offer several hours of sunshine or cooler overcast weather that’s ideal for digital nomads to work amidst a more chill environment. Off-season has less tourists and cheaper pricing for accommodation. The Caribbean coast is hot and humid with a good chance of rain year-round, with sunnier conditions during September and October, which means it’s a great time to leave the Pacific side and check out the surf on the Caribbean side. In general, The Pacific coast dry season typically lasts from December to April, with surrounding months offering a mix of Green and Dry season. It is common that advanced surfers and budget travelers take advantage of the discounts and peace that off season offers, which is usually from July to November. No matter what time of year you book your trip to Costa Rica, you will find yourself not wanting to leave.

Now, maybe you’re looking for more than surfing. You’re with your family and everyone has an idea of different beach activities they would like to take part in. Costa Rica has you covered! Aside from the amazing surf, there are many fun activities to enjoy both on and off the beach

such as: snorkeling, fishing, whale watching, scuba diving, secret beach tours, hiking, nature tours and much more. However, the main attraction would definitely have to be surfing. It is a great sport for people of all ages to get out and enjoy. The best thing about surfing in Costa Rica is not only the incredible waves, but the picturesque atmosphere simply put, is absolute paradise. It can feel like a dream beneath the pink and blue sunsets, bright oranges and reddish warm hues, amidst a bustling beach social scene complete with beach dogs running free and if you are lucky, wild horses. It is the Locals and more advanced surfers that will sneak to the beach to surf the magic sets illuminated by a full moon, where they will walk through the bioluminescence plankton to get to the Green waves to surf with friends and experience the feeling of Pura Vida.

The best part? No matter what your skill level, there are spots for you to surf here. Head to one of the Local Surf Shops and take lessons with an experienced surfer who will not only teach you how to read the waves but also how to have fun and be safe in the water for yourself and those around you.

Riding the Waves: Top Surf Spots in Costa Rica Revealed:

Playa Nosara, Guanacaste

The most popular beach of Nosara for visitors is called Playa Guiones. This six-kilometer stretch of stunning beach is the most popular for tourists because it offers consistent waves that can be on the smaller side, but are perfect for those starting out and for more intermediate surfers to have fun, play around and catch lots of waves with friends. The coastline runs southbound from Punta Pelada to Punta Guiones.

This shore is considered a hotspot for surfers, packed with long left and right breakers and consistent swells. You can find many surf schools in town, with some of the best surfers in Costa Rica as your teachers. If you are in Nosara, head to Agua Tibia Surf School, Diego’s Surf School or Nosara Tico to learn from real Locals who will provide an authentic Pura Vida experience. Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste region, the traditional village of Nosara used to be off-the-beaten path but has since been commercialized and has a higher cost of living then other areas of Costa Rica, such as Jaco or Tamarindo.

On the Nicoya Peninsula but still in the state of Guanacaste, Nosara is one of Costa Rica’s surf capitals and is now becoming one of the most popular beach towns in the globe. It has waves for all levels, going from rocky rights at Punta Guiones to more beginner breaks and relaxed waves towards Bakers Beach entrance. This picture-perfect beach was once Nosara’s best kept secret, known to have bad road conditions that entered the town, which had detoured some travelers for some time. Today, with our newly paved roads and global recognition, it is now not just known to surfers, but has gained the attention of avid travelers, is a popular tourist destination for families and has grown exponentially as a vibrant Expat population. Don’t be fooled by the small waves, swells can get pretty big, and even the most experienced surfer might think about getting in the water! Make sure to check local postings about beach

conditions, such as the Nosara Ocean Society or follow local surf schools for frequent surf forecasts.

Ostional, Santa Cruz

Playa Ostional is known for being the nesting beach for the Olive Ridley sea turtles. The invasion of the beach with millions of turtles with the sole purpose of laying their eggs, and the subsequent hatching and return to the sea is an incredible sight to witness! Refugio Nacional De Vida Silvestre Ostional is located just 20 mins from the famous beach of Playa Guiones, and is a must-see for all nature lovers.

During this amazing natural event that occurs each year, surfers try to respect the nesting of the turtles, only grabbing some waves when the mass arribada is not under way. It may surprise some, but Playa

Ostional can have some quality surf! Local surfers looking for more advanced sets can take a quick 10 minute drive from Guiones, during

High season months, when the tourist beaches are overcrowded and they are looking for a more Local surf vibe experience. Travelers visiting Nosara, can book with a surf school and go on a day surf trip to Ostional. This beach has a reef break that produces both lefts and rights, depending on the swell direction. Check on the Magic Seaweed app for your most updated surf conditions for this area. Another option to have fun and stay safe, is to go with an experienced surfer who understands the rules, regulations and safety conditions of the beach and the surrounding protected parklands. To get to Ostional, just head north of Nosara, through the town of Santa Marta. This beach is not well known as a surf spot, as it is a popular location to observe the Olive Ridley sea turtles. The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area and with that comes regulations for surfing. Pay attention to the nesting schedule before attempting to surf — turtles come year-round to this protected nesting site in massive arribadas. These arribadas only occur in a few spots in the world, one of which being Ostional, Costa Rica. The biggest arribadas occur from July to December with November generally sometimes having the biggest arribadas of the year. During these times surfing is not allowed!

The bottom of the water here tends to be rocky. These waves break to the left and to the right. This spot is best surfed from mid to high tide and during appropriate months. The swell has to come from the North or the Northwest. December till March has the most ideal surfing conditions.

Playa Naranjo, Witch’s Rock

Take a day trip to Witches Rock, guided by one of the Local surf school instructors. Located in the Northwestern part of the country in the Puntarenas Province in Playa Naranjo. This small town is well-known for a ferry connection that travelers seem to enjoy and it really adds to the quaint experience. This town has a lot to offer.

This beach is actually very small, staying secluded from most of the action going on in the

community. It is here that surfers will find some of the best waves in the country. Just off of the beach is a huge monolithic rock formation known as Witch’s Rock and it brings flocks of surfers each year looking to ride some epic waves.

Due to the tides and the rock masses, waves will break both to the left and right, providing some serious and dope rides. The wind in this area can get big, producing larger waves for more advanced surfers and adrenaline junkies.

The best times to take a trip to surf here are between April and October during mid to high tide. Witch’s Rock is located at Guanacaste’s Santa Rosa National Park and is known to be for more advanced surfers. The break was given its name from Roca Bruja, an immense volcanic rock named after a legend that says the rock was cursed by a witch.

Playa Grande

Just north of Tamarindo is the beach of Playa Grande. This area is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Costa Rica. This is due to the consistency of good surf on this beach. Playa Grande offers waves for all skill levels. The aspect that makes Playa Grande such a famous beach is the Leatherback sea turtles which arrive every year to nest and lay their eggs, similar to that of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. This phenomenon too can be a tourist attraction for the area. This is another aspect that makes this beach special, albeit unknown to most tourists. Playa Grande is one of the best spots in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, or even the entire world for surfing. The beach is another spot that is great for warm water surfing.

The reason Playa Grande is famous for its surf conditions is the quality of its waves. On this beach, the waves are consistent and wind conditions are usually ideal for some smooth cruising and long milky longboard riding. Playa Grande beach provides the best surfing experience at mid to high tide. Whether you are a beginner or professional surfer, you will find a great wave to ride. During the High season, this popular surf destination can become quite crowded in the line-up.

Playa Grande, is a busy tourist spot but is a must-see for a fun and memorable surfing experience! Best Surfing months are from March to November, between mid to high tide.

Playa Tamarindo

If you’re looking for the chilled and laid back vibe for your surfing expedition, then you should check out Playa Tamarindo. For those who are wanting to get their feet wet (no pun intended) this is the place for you. Playa Tamarindo is located in a wide bay near a river mouth. This creates consistent waves almost year round that are not overly challenging. It is not known for big waves. Rather, it is known for consistent good, easy waves. Additionally, beginner surfers will not find themselves competing with more seasoned surfers. It will make the trip so much more enjoyable and relaxed.

Costa Rica offers a lot of options for surfing, but this spot should be missed! So, whatever your plans are when you’re visiting, don’t count out catching some waves at the beach. Make time to find out why people leave the city to live by the beach and surf all day, everyday — it’s a lifestyle.

Tamarindo has made a name for itself as the leading surf town in Costa Rica and also, as a young and vibrant party town. It offers a variety of surf breaks, many of these right on the doorstep of your Airbnb rental. Affordable accommodation just steps from the surf, you won’t need to stray more than 10 minutes from your bed to the water. For advanced surfers there are A-frame wedges and rivermouth barrels but you will have to hike 20 mins by foot.

Tamarindo is a hot-bed for surf lovers, offering an array of excellent surf camps with an abundance of locally and internationally owned surf schools in town. Get ready for early morning waves and late-night wild adventures in the local bars. It will be a memory to last a lifetime.

Playa Negra

A mecca for quick right tubes. Fantastic at high tide, but better for experienced surfers who know how to navigate large swells. Famous as the filming location for the cult classic, “Endless Summer II,” this beach sits along the northwestern region of Guanacaste on the northern Pacific coast. This humble beach community has more to offer than just its surf. From great hotels, resorts and budget lodgings — to renowned cafes and local delicacies, Playa Negra has a little something to offer every traveler.

The waves here hit fast with an empty, right-hand barrel. Since the surf is over a shallow, rocky bottom, the best time to catch a wave is during high-tide.

However, this beach has a small area that is popular and can get crowded, especially at high tide. The consistent waves throughout the year attract pro surfers regularly, but it’s best to avoid this area during

low tide – no matter what your level of experience. During low tide un-surfable moments, a short walk or drive to Playa Callejones or Playa Avellana is a great alternative way to get your session in.

Playa Pavones

Nicknamed the “world’s second-longest left-hand wave,” Pavones offers rides that last up to a minute long, which is a wild experience for any level of surfer. Many have called this a Spiritual experience, gliding across the water, the sun on their back and feeling of Pura Vida in their soul. This break has a seabed of boulders under the surface and soft sand below. It is best for intermediate and advanced surfers. Come between March and November to have the best experience. These months are often known as the best time to surf Costa Rica in general, and this period is the right time for surfing Pavones.

Pavones beach has world-class waves, comparable to that of Chicama in Peru as one of the world’s longest lefts. It has been said that it can take you about 8-10 hours to drive from the Tamarindo area to Pavones, depending on road conditions. So if you plan on only staying for several days, pay attention to your driving route and the weather forecast.

Ollie’s Point

Ollie’s Point, also known as the spiciest and most furious energy of waves. This spot has hollow waves and fun rides, which are the main draw for tourists to visit. While the rides themselves aren’t terribly difficult, the rocky bottom makes this spot a bit dangerous for beginners and is only for experienced surfers. It’s located in the Santa Rosa National Park, and is accessible only by boat. Located near the country’s shared border with Nicaragua, Ollie’s Point is a typical northern Pacific Coast beach, which means that the waves will be better during high tide, while low tide sometimes is flat and shows several rocks that can potentially be cause injury for surfers.

Ollie’s point is named after former US Colonel Oliver North, who was part of an old top-secret CIA airstrip that was apparently providing Nicaraguan’s fighters with weapons and military equipment back in the day. This is a theory Locals gossip about, but is for now just hearsay. Another interesting fact is that parts of the movie Endless Summer II were filmed at Ollie’s point, a favorite movie of old school surfers.

Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa

One of the hippest surf towns in Costa Rica is Santa Teresa. It offers white sandy beaches juxtaposed against gorgeous bright blue water that is always warm to the touch. With the jungle as your backdrop, you’ll feel as if you’ve slipped away to a secret paradise. While Santa Teresa is well known and not much of a secret, you will be drawn to this amazing beach town because of its vibrant art scene, hip music nightlife and strong community of wellness practitioners, spiritual workers, yoga instructors and a variety of cuisine Local and international cuisine… all this and some of the top surf spots in the country.

Playa Hermosa has a point break and a nice wide beach break, so you have your choice of where to ride. Although there are jagged rocks, the rip current isn’t usually too dangerous. It is true that this spot is less popular than the other beaches within the area. If you’d rather not wait in a busy lineup, you might want to give this spot a try.

Santa Teresa surfing is mostly about riding fast waves and catching world-class breaks. While there are definitely some fun spots for beginners here, this area is among the best for experts. There are quite a few surf spots in Santa Teresa, but not all of them have well-known names. Hook up with a local guide or take a guided trip to experience the very best surf Santa Teresa has to offer.

Dominical / Uvita

Playa Dominical is located right next to the river mouth of the large Baru river. This has created some dope sandbars that give the exits for lefts and rights you could dream of. Yes, there are some strong barrels, but it will be worth the ride. In general the waves are bigger as you get closer to the river mouth. The Dominical surf is possibly the most consistent in the country and it is year round! The waves are the biggest from June to September. There are several other surf beaches close by in case Dominical gets too big or closes out; like Dominicalito or Playa Hermosa (not the one close to Jaco, don’t get confused and double-check your GPS). It never really gets too crowded in Dominical and of course has the nice warm water that Costa Rica is famous for.

Dominical is the surf town for you, if you are down for a laid back atmosphere and no crowds. Located about 15 minutes south of Dominical, Uvita sits on the east side of the coastal road. The town of Bahia Ballena is often referenced when referring to Uvita, so keep that in mind.

Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica is one of the best beaches in Guanacaste for surfing, drinking with friends and watching awe-inspiring sunsets. What is so great is that when Tamarindo gets super busy during the High season, it is only a 30 minute drive away to Playa Avellanas. So next time you are annoyed and pissed off with the crowds or you just got bumped in a busy line-up… make sure to sneak off to this local spot. Located just 2 kilometers from the tourist trap of Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas boasts some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica. It’s powerful waves do not lack in height and speed, which is sure to impress any professional or seasoned surfer. Avellanas has not yet been commercialized yet and is considered an off-the-beaten-path surf destination.

This town is quiet and not overly touristy, with affordable hostels, a quaint offering of local eateries — but only serious surfers need apply for these waves! According to the locals, the best spot to catch a good wave is around the river mouth.

No matter which beach you explore — whether it be a secret surf spot or a tourist hot-bed — Costa Rica has a magical essence that will have you returning time and time again. With each visit, discovering the true nature of Pura Vida, its meaning and the free lifestyle lived here, in harmony with nature. These rural beach towns offer an alternative lifestyle — first discovered by the surfers, then the artists and now for the young at heart — for those on the hunt for that next epic ride, the next epic adventure; on this epic ride we call Life.