Fancy a Surf Trip to Costa Rica? it is a superb destination for surfing and it is one of those rare mainland destinations that actually has two coastlines to surf, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and is centrally located in this small, yet diverse, Central American country. It is the center of government, business, theater and arts, and is the home to Costa Rica’s international airport, Juan Santamaria. Most travelers will spend either their first and/or last night here due to flight schedules before travel to a surf beach.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is the perfect laid back quality surf region. The surf town itself is a wide bay with a rivermouth in the middle. At the northern end is Playa Grande a world class beach break.
Nosara
Nosara has become increasingly popular amongst traveling surfers as it offers a more laid back, relaxed atmosphere than its bustling neighbor to the north, Tamarindo. While boasting world class surf almost all year. The small community of Nosara offers visitors a unique experience with a variety of moderate accommodations, activities such as surfing, fishing, horseback riding, etc….
This area receives consistent swells, good wind conditions and has become a popular spot for longboarders. Just to the north, you will find a nesting ground for turtles at Ostional beach which is one of the western hemisphere’s most important turtle hatcheries (May – December). This is certainly a destination you should include in your Surf Trip to Costa Rica.
Nicoya Peninsula
Located on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Mal Pais/Santa Teresa is a very small community scattered along the pale, gold beaches with a beautiful backdrop of green vegetation. This area is ideal for surfers and adventurists looking for a remote surfing experience with little nightlife, good, consistent waves and a great atmosphere. Local activities include surfing, diving, hiking, horseback…very few services available
Jaco and Playa Hermosa
Located just 5 minutes south of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is a small community of surfer friendly hotels and small restaurants offering the country{s most consistent surf. All accommodations are located beachfront with surf right out the door.
Because the surf in Playa Hermosa is more challenging than nearby Jaco, this area attracts a more experienced surfer. Although there are a few restaurants in the area, most choose to head into nearby Jaco for food, nightlife, shops, etc…Local activities include surfing, fishing, canopy tours, horseback riding, kayaking, etc…
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most visited destinations that has it all, from the small town life offered in Quepos to the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio combines breathtaking jungle and ocean views, exotic beaches, unique wildlife, a wide variety of adventure activities, friendly local & tourist community and plenty of restaurants and bars creating an unforgettable experience for travelers of all walks of life. Local activities including: sunset sails, jet ski tours, mangrove tours, kayaking, snorkeling, canopy tours, horseback riding, waterfalls, surfing, sportfishing and lots more.
Although this area is not known as a surfers’s destination as is Jaco for example, there are many surf spots in and around this area. The Manuel Antonio area offers a nice beach, reef and point break. Manuel Antonio caters more to the beginner and moderate surfer, however with a nice swell these local break can be fun for all surfers. Just outside of Manuel Antonio and Quepos you can find some of the nicest and remote waves in all of Costa Rica.
Dominical
Where the Talamanca Mountain Range gently slopes into the South Pacific Ocean and waterfalls cascade down and spill onto the beaches, you will find the small town of Dominical. Dominical, is a small laid back town surrounded by pristine rainforest and beautiful coastlines. This surfer’s paradise offers great surf, numerous local restaurants, bars and a wild nightlife. Dominical is geared towards serious surfers who wish to avoid the heavy crowds of Playa Hermosa and are looking for a more relaxed, tropical atmosphere. Local activities include surfing, horseback riding, etc…
Surf Conditions Costa Rica
So what’s the weather like? This area has a wet, tropical climate with high temperatures in its 30’s every month. Rainfall determines seasons rather than the temperature, and the rainy season is between May to November.
The major swell season is April to October, but the clean surf season is December to April when swell from deep antic lows reach the Pacific coastline with offshore winds a common occurrence. Typically morning surfs are offshore and the afternoon is light onshore.
If a Surf Trip to Costa Rica is not for you then why not checking out our other water adventure articles here.
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