Costa Rica Surfing:
Best Waves, Surf Spots & Top Surf Trips
Costa Rica’s legendary coastline offers warm water, year-round swell, and a vibrant surf culture — from mellow beginner rollers to world-class breaks.
Whether you’re planning your first wave or chasing bigger sets, Costa Rica is one of the most complete surf destinations in the world. Below you’ll find the best surf beaches, when and where to go, and how to book your surf experience with us.
Book Your Costa Rica Surf Adventure
Surfing Trips & Lessons in Costa Rica
Why Surf in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a true surfer’s paradise with consistent waves year-round, warm tropical water, and a coastline that picks up swells from multiple directions. The Pacific coast — especially — offers a range of breaks for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers alike.
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Warm water: No wetsuits needed — board shorts or rashguards are usually enough.
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Variety of breaks: From mellow beach breaks to powerful reef and point breaks.
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Easy travel & culture: Friendly locals, surf towns with food, nightlife, and surf schools everywhere.
Top Surf Spots in Costa Rica
Playa Tamarindo — Classic Surf Town
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most famous surf towns, offering consistent waves for learners and intermediates alike. The beach break delivers fun, rideable waves nearly year-round, plus easy access to rentals, schools, and social nightlife.
Santa Teresa & Mal Pais — Quality Beach Breaks
Santa Teresa and neighboring Mal Pais are world-renowned for reliable Pacific swells, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back surf vibe that attracts all levels.
Just north of Tamarindo, Playa Grande is protected within Marino Las Baulas National Park and known for a steady beach break suitable for many levels.
Dominical — Powerful South Pacific Waves
Down the Pacific coast near Quepos lies Dominical, known for bigger, more consistent surf — ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Nosara (Playa Guiones) — Beginner Friendly
Playa Guiones in Nosara is perfect for beginners and longboarders with soft, rolling waves and over 300+ surfable days a year.
Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo is best known for Salsa Brava — Costa Rica’s most powerful reef break — and a vibrant Afro-Caribbean surf culture.
Surf Lessons & Gear Rental
No surfboard? No problem — most major surf towns like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Dominical offer:
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Surfboard rentals
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Guided lessons
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Certified instructors
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Beginner and advanced programs
Your surfing adventure can include lessons, multiple beach stops, and gear covered right through our booking system.
When to Surf in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers surf in all seasons, but conditions vary:
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Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Smaller, cleaner waves — ideal for beginners and longboarding.
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Green (Rainy) Season (May–Oct): Bigger swells from the south and southwest attract more advanced surfers.
Both seasons have their perks — calmer mornings and cross-offshore winds in the dry season, and bigger, more powerful swells in the rainy months.
Tips for Your Surf Trip
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Pack light: Warm water means boards shorts and rash guards are usually enough.
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Stay flexible: Coastal winds and swell direction change daily — talk to local guides for best beach choices.
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Explore off the water: Surf towns offer yoga classes, wildlife tours, waterfalls, and cultural experiences.
More Costa Rica Adventures
While you’re here, pair your surf trip with other unforgettable experiences like wildlife tours, zip-lining, waterfalls, or beach hopping — Costa Rica has it all.
Discover our best surfing tips for Costa Rica on our blog
We’re constantly exploring new parts of Costa Rica to bring you the best recommendations
