With over 1234 km of coastline, it is pretty difficult to choose the best beaches for surfing in Costa Rica. The land of Pura Vida ranks in the top ten countries to surf worldwide, and Costa Rica offers a multitude of beaches and coastlines where surfers enjoy the swells and laidback lifestyle in Costa Rica. But there are certainly a few beaches worth visiting if you are planning to surf in Costa Rica –not only for the quality of the breaks but for the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of Costa Rica’s beach towns while chasing the country’s biggest waves.
As a surfer, your heart will race at the mere sight of the scenery and swells along some of Costa Rica’s best beaches for surfing.
From the Caribbean to the Pacific Coast, These are Costa Rica’s Best Beaches for Surfing
Starting in the north, Tamarindo, in the area of Guanacaste, once was a small and quiet fishing hamlet. But rumors spread quickly, claiming that the idyllic town on the Pacific coast was the region´s ‘surf mecca’ and Tamarindo became a popular surfing destination in Costa Rica. The best time to surf in Tamarindo is May to October. Beginners should enjoy the consistent swells and breaks from the beach, and advanced surfers will experience a thrill as the waves can get pretty high.
Nosara is a wonderful beach for all surfing-levels, from first-timers to wave-riding pros. This relaxed Costa Rica beach boasts endless stretches of white-sand, natural surroundings, and friendly locals add even more charm to its laid-back athmosphere. Nosara has made National Geographic´s list of world´s best surf towns. If you´re interested in surfing among howling monkeys and vibrant flora, while experiencing picturesque sunsets, Nosara is definitely worth a visit.
Serving up one of the world´s longest rides, Pavones stands out as a true surfer´s paradise. Located 8 hours away from the capital San José in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, Pavones is not easy to access but the journey is well worth it. Experienced surfers will enjoy 2-3 minute wave rides, but patience is required since Pavones is located on the interior of Golfo Dulce.
The best time to surf the Caribbean coastline, in contrast to the Pacific, is from October to April, making Costa Rica an awesome surfing destination all year round. Puerto Viejo is located south on the Caribbean and is famous for its “Salsa Brava”, the most powerful waves of the country, but the swells on the Caribbean coast can be less reliable those on the Pacific. Boasting gigantic waves, these swells are reserved for veteran surfers and have been known to carry more than 20 surfers at a time. Puerto Viejo is the perfect beach for taking-in Costa Rica’s Caribbean flair, Reggae songs and all.