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Costa Rica Surf Guide: Best Waves for Every Skill Level

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We chose Costa Rica in 2016 for its nature, warm climate, and family friendly Pura Vida lifestyle. We gravitate to the coast, where our children took to surfing with fervor. Now it’s hard to imagine a life without surf forecasts… Costa Rica is a world-class surf destination, offering warm water, consistent swells, and waves for every level of surfer. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first ride, an intermediate progressing to bigger waves, or an advanced surfer chasing barrels, this guide has you covered. Below, you’ll find the best surf spots categorized by skill level, with details on wave type, bottom conditions, and available surf infrastructure. Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots 1. Tamarindo Beach (Pacific Coast) • Bottom Type: Sandy • Wave Direction: Mellow lefts and rights, beach break • Best Season: Year-round, smaller waves from December to April • Infrastructure: Excellent—surf schools, rentals, hostels, and restaurants Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most ...

Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List: Must-Have Gear for the Mountains & Beach

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission for purchases made via these links at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site up and running. Thank you for your support!   When I started traveling to Costa Rica as a solo backpacker in 1997, I had done a ton of homework, and thought I was prepared for 6 months of travel through Costa Rica’s extraordinarily varied microclimates. During my adventures I struggled with being perpetually damp and often cold in the cloud forest of Monteverde and San Gerardo de Rivas. Unfortunately my tent had been devoured by a type of nylon chewing ant that turned waterproof fabric into confetti! It’s hard to be prepared for everything… Now I am part of a family of 5, so planning a yearly 6 month trip has taken on new challenges. Fortunately we have years of experience now. So here is what I have to share. Whether you’re exploring the lush mountains of Monteverde or soakin...