Surrounded
by pristine ocean on both sides, Costa Rica surfing is
an activity that many visitors come here specifically
to enjoy. The combination of warm waters, clear weather,
and strong ocean currents make for the best wave riding
any where in the world.
On the pacific coast, Tamarindo
is a top spot for surfers. Beachfront rentals and cheap
hostels make this a popular place for surf camps. If you
stay at a hostel you will meet other like-minded types
and you are certain to meet someone else who came here
just to surf Costa Rica. The nightlife is great here,
for those evenings, which seem to come to soon for people
who come here mainly for the surfing in Costa Rica. Playa
Grande is less crowded that Tamarindo, which is only a
15-minute drive away.
Playa Hermosa, near the central pacific coast, is equally
as popular as Tamarindo but has so many swells you will
not have a problem finding an excellent wave to ride.
Playa Hermosa's three and a half miles of beach has some
very challenging waves, adding to the relatively uncrowded
feeling you will get at this Costa Rica surfing spot.
The nearby Playa Jaco is a place
you can find other young travelers in the surf camp shops,
restaurants, and nightclubs.
Maltapalo, in the extreme south, is an out of the way
place to surf Costa Rica. This area does not see a lot
of visitors, but here, at secluded place where the jungle
meets the beach, is a prime spot for the spiritual unity
you seek with the ocean. This place is run entirely on
solar power, so you will not find any nightclubs, and
you will likely be enjoying your meals in your hotel.
The surf is not as regular as some of the other spots,
but it's a unique place to visit, and the added challenge
of making friends where there are not many new faces will
be a fun adventure as well, giving you something to do
in the evenings.
On the Atlantic Coast, Puerto Viejo is home to a wave
well known among those who surf Costa Rica. The Salsa
Brava is a wave that does not make its appearance all
the time, but when it does, only the most skilled surfers
should attempt it. Easier waves can be found at the Playa
Cocles. At both of these places, you can find a smoky
nightlife, reggae music, and a more relaxed feel than
the Costa Rica surfing on the pacific side of the country,
what has a great deal more beachfront development.
If you're new to the sport, or are a season water mountain
rider, surfing in Costa Rica is a fun and new experience
for everyone. Instead of lying on the beach, you can get
some exercise, enjoy great views of the shore and add
excitement to your trip when you surf Costa Rica.
