Welcome to the world of surfing in Costa Rica, a tropical paradise that boasts some of the best waves in the world.
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. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 surf spots in Costa Rica, 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 is situated on a sand-covered ocean floor and receives swells from the west, while the wind direction is 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 definitely 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.
The surf spot is suitable for intermediate surfers as it is a combination of both beach and reef break with an ocean floor that is made up of sand and reef. The swell direction comes from the south and northwest, with the wind direction from the east.
Playa Guiones can be surfed at all tides, making it an excellent spot to check out year-round. The optimal months for surfing at Playa Guiones are between March and November. If you’re looking for a surf spot that offers a variety of peaks and a vibrant atmosphere, Playa Guiones is definitely worth considering.
Location: Nosara, Guanacaste
Coordinates: 9.931553, -85.663655
Level: Intermediate
Type of Break: Beach/Reef Break
Ocean Floor: Sand and Reef
Swell Direction: S/NW
Wind Direction: E
Tide: All Tides
Months: March-November
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 is named after 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. The surf can get crowded during the high season, but it’s usually pretty quiet during the low season.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 offers multiple peaks and is not too crowded, making it a great option for surfers looking to avoid the crowds. Surfers looking to avoid the crowds will find a great option in this beach as it offers multiple peaks and isn’t too crowded. Due to its powerful waves, this beach is recommended 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 is known for having 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.
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
