Best beaches for surfing in Costa Rica

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or are taking to the white water for the first time, Costa Rica offers a wave for everyone along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. You’ll find laid-back beach towns bursting with surf schools and shops where you can hire boards, join a group class or receive one-to-one tuition. With hundreds of secluded beaches to choose from, check out our guide for some informed inspiration.
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Playa Guiones, Nosara

Nestled in the popular province of Guanacaste on the Pacific coast, Playa Guinones is one of the most consistent surf spots in Costa Rica and promises over 300 days of surf every year.

With a soft, sandy beach break, the waves are often small enough for beginners to learn on. When the bigger swells arrive however, only experienced surfers should take to the water.

Enjoying average water temperatures of 28°C, and the cleanest beach in Costa Rica, the sublime surfing conditions make Playa Guinones the perfect pick for a day riding the waves.

Playa Tamarindo

On the north Pacific coast in the region of Guanacaste, Playa Tamarindo is one of the most developed beach resorts that Costa Rica has to offer. The area boasts streets lined with restaurants, bars and surf camps. Offering consistent swells, offshore winds and long, sandy beaches, you’ll find plenty of surf schools here.

On the main beach in the centre of town the schools offer lessons to the absolute beginners. More experienced surfers can walk to Playa Langosta within 15 minutes for fast moving left and right point breaks. Playa Grande is a mere five-minute paddle across the river mouth and is suitable for intermediates.

Playa Grande

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