Puntarenas, Osa
Costa Rica News – There are some negative things when it comes to things happening efficiently in Costa Rica, but one thing that cannot be denied is that Costa Rica is a unique and incredible surf destination.  Things happen on the Costa Rican version of island time, but once you are in the water and push up on your board everything else will fade away. Costa Rica is named after it’s rich coast. The surf destinations in the country certainly live up to the name. It is one of the top ten countries to surf worldwide. There are spots appropriate… Continue reading →

Costa Rica News – There are some negative things when it comes to things happening efficiently in Costa Rica, but one thing that cannot be denied is that Costa Rica is a unique and incredible surf destination.  Things happen on the Costa Rican version of island time, but once you are in the water and push up on your board everything else will fade away.

costa rica surfing Costa Rica is named after it’s rich coast. The surf destinations in the country certainly live up to the name. It is one of the top ten countries to surf worldwide.

There are spots appropriate for beginners which makes Costa Rica unique, not always easy to find at other top surf spots. Pro surfers also enjoy themselves here; there are many competitions to participate in year round.

Costa Rica’s surf is both exciting and outstanding. You can’t call yourself a surfer until you have been here. Different types of surf are available so be sure to check out a variety of beaches on both coasts. If you find the beaches crowded ask locals where the underpopulated ones are, often hidden down dirt paths.

Expect water temperatures to be between 75 and 85 degrees.

The Pacific coast is best for learning to surf but it’s also got some hidden gems for experienced surfers.

May through October feature larger swells than in November through April. Watch out for jellyfish and riptides.

The Caribbean side tends to have many tropical storms which result in amazing waves. Waves are not always as dependable as in the Pacific; your best chances to find great waves are from October through April.

The undertow and riptides can be dangerous in any part of the country, so be careful.

List of breaks and descriptions

Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Surf Breaks

The Pacific Coast is a great place to learn to surf, but for the more seasoned surfer, it too is an amazing place to catch some great waves. The pacific coast provides very consistent waves year round.

Dominicalcosta rica surfing 2
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located the Pacific Coast
-The best time to surf is May-October for larger swells and November-March for smaller swells. Be sure to watch out for riptides and jellyfish.

Playa Escondido
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on the central Pacific Coast
-The best time to surf is May-October. Be sure to watch out for riptides and undertow, as well as coral and rocks.

Esterillos
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located south of Playa Hermosa on the Pacific Coast.
-The best time to surf is May-October for larger swells, and November- March for smaller swells. Be sure to watch out for riptides and jellyfish.

Playa Grande
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on the Pacific Coast
-The best time to surf is May-October.

Hermosa
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located 5 minutes from Jaco
-The best time to surf is May-October for larger swells, and November-March for smaller swells. Be sure to watch out for riptides.

Jaco
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located on the Pacific Coast and is one of the closest surfing -destinations to San Jose.
-The best time to surf is May-October for larger swells.

Mal Pais
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula
-The best time to surf is May-October. Be sure to watch out for stingrays.

Matapalo
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located on the tip of the Osa Peninsula.
-The best time to surf is May-October but be sure to watch out for riptides.

Playa Negra
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located on the Pacific Coast just south of Tamarindo
-The best time to surf is May-October.

Pavones
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located across the Gulfo Dulce from the Osa Peninsula.
-The best time to surf is May-October

Santa Teresa
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on the Pacific Coast
-The best time to surf is May-October

Playa Tamarindocosta rica surfing 1
-Beginner to Advanced
-Is located on the North Pacific Coast
-The surf in Tamarindo is consistent all year round. As always the best time for larger swells is May-October.

Witches Rock
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on Pacific Coast
-The best time to surf is May-October

 Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica Surf Breaks

Due to the tropical storms that hit this side of Costa Rica, the waves can be breathtaking, and an incredible place to surf, though it tends to be less reliable than the Pacific side of Costa Rica. Typically, the best time for large, dependable waves is October through April.

Playa Bonita
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on the Caribbean Coast 50km north of Limon.
-Be sure to watch out for riptides and undertow.

Playa Cocles
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on the Caribbean Coast
-Be sure to watch for riptides and undertow.

Manzanillo
-Intermediate to Advanced
-Is located on the Caribbean Coast 20km from Puerto Viejo
-Be sure to watch out for riptides, undertow, rocks and sharks. Also the reef is very sharp.

Puerto Viejo
-Advanced
-Is located on the Caribbean Coast with the famous Salsa Brava Breaks
-Salsa Brava are the most powerful waves in Costa Rica, only professionals should ride these waves.
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