Welcome to the world of surfing in Costa Rica! A tropical paradise that boasts some of the best waves in the world. In this article, we’ll explore the best 10 surf spots in Costa Rica.
With a stunning coastline that stretches for over 1,200 kilometers, Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise. With a diverse range of breaks that cater to every level of surfing ability.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice looking to catch your first wave, Costa Rica has something to offer.
Where you can catch the perfect wave and experience the thrill of surfing. In some of the most beautiful and pristine environments in the world.
So grab your board, wax up your surfboard, and let’s dive into the best surf spots in Costa Rica!
Playa Naranjo – Witch’s Rock
Located within the breathtaking Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste. Witch’s Rock is a natural sanctuary and a must-visit surf spot in Costa Rica.
It is one of the most famous surf spots in the region. Yet it’s often uncrowded, offering a unique surfing experience.
This world-class wave breaks in front of the Roca Bruja, a massive volcano rock cursed by a witch, adding to the allure of the location.
The surfing experience at Witch’s Rock is intense and not for the faint-hearted, making it more suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
The beach break sits on a sand-covered ocean floor and receives swells from the west, while the wind blows from the northeast.
Mid-to-high tide is the best time to surf at this spot, and the optimal months for surfing are between April and October. Get ready to experience a surfing adventure like no other at Witch’s Rock!
| Location: | Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste |
| Coordinates: | 10.793383, -85.676521 |
| Level: | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Type of Break: | Beach Break |
| Ocean Floor: | Sand |
| Swell Direction: | W |
| Wind Direction: | NE |
| Tide: | Mid-to-High |
| Months: | April/October |
Playa Grande
Located in Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Playa Grande is a surf break that caters to surfers of all experience levels. This popular beach is also home to a nesting ground for sea turtles, making it a unique surfing destination. However, it’s important to note that Playa Grande can get crowded, and sudden tide changes can have a significant impact on the waves.
Additionally, there have been occasional reports of crocodile attacks, so it’s important to be vigilant while surfing here. The beach break is situated on a sand-covered ocean floor and receives swells from the southwest and northwest, with the wind direction from the northeast. Mid-to-high tide is the best time to surf at Playa Grande, and the optimal months for surfing are between March and November. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate surfer, Playa Grande is an excellent surf spot to catch some waves and soak up the Costa Rican sun.
| Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste |
| Coordinates: 10.323635, -85.841880 |
| Level: Beginner, Intermediate |
| Type of Break: Beach Break |
| Ocean Floor: Sand |
| Swell Direction: SW/NW |
| Wind Direction: NE |
| Tide: Mid-to-High |
| Months: March-November |
Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is a laid-back and popular surf spot located in a wide bay with a river mouth in Tamarindo, Guanacaste.
This surf spot offers consistent waves all year round, making it a go-to location for surfers of all levels. The long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water also makes it a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun.
People consider Tamarindo one of the best waves in Costa Rica and it’s a great spot for both beginner and intermediate surfers.
The ocean floor of this beach break is covered with sand and it receives swells from the southwest and northwest, with the wind direction from the east.
Mid-to-high tide is the best time to surf at Playa Tamarindo, and the optimal months for surfing are between March and November. If you’re looking for a fun and consistent surf spot to add to your Costa Rican surf adventure, Playa Tamarindo is a great option.
| Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste |
| Coordinates: 10.304308, -85.839798 |
| Level: Beginner, Intermediate |
| Type of Break: Beach Break |
| Ocean Floor: Sand |
| Swell Direction: SW/NW |
| Wind Direction: E |
| Tide: Mid-to-High |
| Months: March-November |
Playa Avellanas
Located ten kilometers south of Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas is a beautiful surf spot that can handle XXL swells extremely well.
The beach is home to five wave peaks.Little Hawaii, River Mouth, Palo Seco, Lola’s, and La Purruja . Offering perfect conditions for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer, you’ll find the perfect wave at Playa Avellanas.
The reef break is situated on a combination of reef and sand-covered ocean floor. And receives swells from the west with the wind direction from the east.
Mid-to-high tide is the best time to surf at Playa Avellanas, and the optimal months for surfing are between May and November.
If you’re looking for a surf spot that can cater to all levels and handle bigger swells, Playa Avellanas is a great option to add to your list.
| Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste |
| Coordinates: 10.227528, -85.837565 |
| Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced |
| Type of Break: Reef Break |
| Ocean Floor: Reef and Sand |
| Swell Direction: W |
| Wind Direction: E |
| Tide: Mid-to-High |
| Months: May-November |
Playa Negra
Playa Negra is a typical right-hand reef break located in Los Pargos, Guanacaste. This surf beach was featured in the movie “The Endless Summer II” and offers a channel for easier access.
The consistent and fast barreling wave is perfect for surfers seeking pure adrenaline moments in warm waters. Playa Negra is best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers. As the reef break is situated on a combination of reef and sand-covered ocean floor.
The swell direction comes from the west, with the wind direction from the northeast. Mid-tide is the best time to surf at Playa Negra. And the optimal months for surfing are between April and October.
If you’re looking for a surf spot that offers a challenging and fast-paced wave, Playa Negra is worth checking out.
| Location: Los Pargos, Guanacaste |
| Coordinates: 10.194993, -85.830497 |
| Level: Intermediate/Advanced |
| Type of Break: Reef Break |
| Ocean Floor: Reef and Sand |
| Swell Direction: W |
| Wind Direction: NE |
| Tide: Mid |
| Months: April/October |
Playa Guiones
Playa Guiones is a seven-kilometer long surfing beach located in Nosara, Guanacaste. The beach is known for its stunning sunsets and multiple peaks. Making it one of the busiest waves in the Guanacaste Province. Despite the crowd, with its long stretch of beach, Playa Guiones will always entertain any surfer.
Intermediate surfers find the surf spot suitable since it combines both beach and reef breaks. With an ocean floor composed of sand and reef. The swell direction comes from the south and northwest, with the wind direction from the east.
Surfers can ride Playa Guiones at all tides, making it an excellent spot to explore year-round. The optimal months for surfing at Playa Guiones are between March and November. Playa Guiones is definitely worth considering. For those looking for a surf spot that offers a variety of peaks and a vibrant atmosphere.
Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is located in the northwestern Nicoya Peninsula. And, is a secluded surf spot that offers waves for all experience levels. It’s a beautiful, palm-fringed beach with a sandy bottom and occasional reef breaks.
The beach takes its name from the nearby village of Manzanillo. Where you can find a few small restaurants and surf shops.
Manzanillo is a great surf spot for beginners because the waves are usually small and manageable.
However, on bigger swell days, intermediate and advanced surfers will also find great waves to ride. During the high season, crowds often gather in the surf, but during the low season, it’s usually pretty quiet.
The best time to surf at Playa Manzanillo is during the rainy season. From May to September, when the waves are typically the most consistent.
The swell direction is mainly from the south and southwest, and the wind direction is usually from the northeast. The tide is suitable for surfing all day long, but it’s always worth checking the tide charts before paddling out.
| Location: Manzanillo, Puntarenas |
| Coordinates: 9.690249, -85.203041 |
| Level: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced |
| Type of Break: Beach Break |
| Ocean Floor: Sand and Reef |
| Swell Direction: S/NW |
| Wind Direction: NE |
| Tide: All Tides |
| Months: May-September |
Playa Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa is a white sand tropical beach with consistent and hollow waves. It provides multiple peaks and isn’t full of people. Making it a great option for surfers looking to avoid the crowds.
Due to its powerful waves, this beach is for intermediate to advanced surfers. The best time to surf here is from March to November, and all tides are suitable for surfing.
| Location: Cóbano, Puntarenas |
| Coordinates: 9.642826, -85.169465 |
| Level: Intermediate/Advanced |
| Type of Break: Beach Break |
| Ocean Floor: Sand |
| Swell Direction: S/NW |
| Wind Direction: NE |
| Tide: All Tides |
| Months: March-November |
Mal Pais
Mal Pais is a region that features stunning surf beaches with a diversified break and consistent waves.
Although it’s not the easiest place to access, there are plenty of accommodations and rentals available in nearby areas. The surf break is a combination of beach and reef breaks, with the ocean floor featuring both sand and reef.
The swell direction is typically from the northwest, west, and southwest, with wind direction from the east. The best time to surf here is during low tide. And the recommended months to visit are from April to October.
| Location: Cóbano, Puntarenas |
| Coordinates: 9.599859, -85.142424 |
| Level: Intermediate/Advanced |
| Type of Break: Beach/Reef Break |
| Ocean Floor: Reef and Sand |
| Swell Direction: NW/W/SW |
| Wind Direction: E |
| Tide: Low |
| Months: April-October |
Boca Barranca
In Boca Barranca, Puntarenas, this spot has the second-longest left-hand wave in Costa Rica, providing an endless surfing experience.
Despite the water pollution, this point break is irresistible in classic conditions and worshipped by longboarders and bodyboarders.
| Location: Puntarenas Province, Barranca, Costa Rica |
| Coordinates: 9.9667° N, 84.7333° W |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Type of Break: River Mouth Break |
| Ocean Floor: Reef and Sand |
| Swell Direction: S/SW |
| Wind Direction: E |
| Tide: Low-to-Mid |
| Months: May-September |
In conclusion
Costa Rica offers an abundance of exceptional surf spots, each with its own unique characteristics and allure. From the renowned breaks of Tamarindo to the hidden gems like Playa Avellanas, surfers of all levels can find their perfect wave along the country’s Pacific coastline.
Whether seeking thrilling barrels or gentle rollers, the diverse landscapes and consistent swells make Costa Rica a premier destination for wave riders worldwide. Embark on an unforgettable surfing adventure and discover the exhilaration of catching the perfect wave in this tropical paradise.
