Costa Rica Surf Guide: Best Waves for Every Skill Level

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 famous surf towns. The gentle, rolling waves and sandy bottom make it an ideal place to learn. The town is filled with surf shops and schools offering lessons, rentals, and guided surf trips.


2. Playa Guiones (Nosara, Pacific Coast)

• Bottom Type: Sandy

• Wave Direction: Long lefts and rights, beach break

• Best Season: December to April for smaller waves, but surfable year-round

• Infrastructure: Well-developed—surf shops, rentals, surf camps


Playa Guiones offers consistent waves with a sandy bottom, making it perfect for beginners. The town of Nosara has a relaxed, wellness-focused vibe with yoga studios, organic cafes, and eco-lodges.


3. Dominicalito (South Pacific Coast)

• Bottom Type: Sandy with some rocks

• Wave Direction: Mellow lefts and rights

• Best Season: December to April for smaller, manageable waves

• Infrastructure: Some surf schools and rentals nearby


A smaller, gentler version of nearby Dominical, Dominicalito is a great spot for beginners who want to practice in a less crowded lineup.


4. Playa Samara (Pacific Coast)

• Bottom Type: Sandy

• Wave Direction: Soft, rolling waves

• Best Season: Year-round

• Infrastructure: Surf schools, rentals, and a family-friendly town


Playa Samara is one of the best beginner surf spots in Costa Rica. The waves are soft and slow-breaking, making it a safe place to practice.





Intermediate Surf Spots


5. Playa Hermosa (Central Pacific, near Jacó)

• Bottom Type: Sandy

• Wave Direction: Fast lefts and rights

• Best Season: May to November (rainy season) for larger, more consistent waves

• Infrastructure: Good—surf shops, board rentals, and accommodations


Playa Hermosa offers faster waves than beginner spots, making it a great place for intermediate surfers looking to progress.


6. Avellanas (Pacific Coast, near Tamarindo)

• Bottom Type: Mix of sandy and reef

• Wave Direction: Lefts and rights, beach break with occasional hollow sections

• Best Season: December to April

• Infrastructure: Limited—some rentals and surf camps, but less crowded than Tamarindo


Playa Avellanas is an excellent step up from beginner breaks, offering powerful but manageable waves.


7. Pavones (Southern Pacific Coast)

• Bottom Type: Rocky with sand patches

• Wave Direction: Long left-hand point break

• Best Season: April to October

• Infrastructure: Limited—some accommodations and board rentals


Pavones is home to one of the longest left-hand waves in the world, perfect for intermediates looking to practice drawn-out turns and endurance surfing.


8. Playa Negra (Pacific Coast, near Tamarindo)

• Bottom Type: Reef

• Wave Direction: Right-hand barrels

• Best Season: December to April

• Infrastructure: Some surf shops and rentals nearby


Playa Negra is a step up from soft beach breaks, offering fast and powerful right-hand waves over a reef.


9. Santa Teresa (Pacific Coast, Nicoya Peninsula)

• Bottom Type: Sandy and reef mix

• Wave Direction: Peeling lefts and rights

• Best Season: Year-round, but best from December to April

• Infrastructure: Well-developed—surf schools, rentals, and vibrant nightlife


Santa Teresa is an intermediate surfer’s dream, with a mix of beach and reef breaks offering consistent waves.




Advanced Surf Spots


10. Salsa Brava (Caribbean Coast, Puerto Viejo)

• Bottom Type: Sharp reef

• Wave Direction: Heavy right-hand barrels

• Best Season: December to March

• Infrastructure: Some surf rentals and lessons in Puerto Viejo


Salsa Brava is the heaviest wave in Costa Rica. This powerful Caribbean reef break is only for experienced surfers who can handle thick, hollow waves.


11. Witch’s Rock (Pacific Coast, Santa Rosa National Park)

• Bottom Type: Sand and rock

• Wave Direction: Hollow, powerful lefts and rights

• Best Season: May to November

• Infrastructure: No direct rentals—must access by boat from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco


Made famous by Endless Summer II, Witch’s Rock is a remote and powerful break accessible only by boat.


12. Ollie’s Point (Pacific Coast, near Witch’s Rock)

• Bottom Type: Reef and sand

• Wave Direction: Long, fast right-hand point break

• Best Season: May to November

• Infrastructure: No direct rentals—boat access required


Ollie’s Point delivers fast, clean right-hand waves, offering some of the best rides in Costa Rica.


13. Playa Dominical (South Pacific Coast)

• Bottom Type: Sandy with some rock formations

• Wave Direction: Strong lefts and rights

• Best Season: May to November

• Infrastructure: Well-developed—surf schools, rentals, hostels


Playa Dominical is a powerful beach break that advanced surfers love for its size and consistency.


14. Mal País (Pacific Coast, Nicoya Peninsula)

• Bottom Type: Reef and sandy mix

• Wave Direction: Lefts and rights, occasional barrels

• Best Season: Year-round, but best during the rainy season

• Infrastructure: Some surf shops and rentals, though less crowded than Santa Teresa


Mal País is a high-performance wave with occasional barrels, making it a great spot for advanced surfers.




Final Tips for Surfing in Costa Rica

• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December to April) for beginners and intermediates, rainy season (May to November) for bigger swells.

• Water Temperature: Warm year-round (75-85°F), no wetsuit needed.

• Getting Around: A 4x4 is recommended for reaching remote spots.

• Respect the Locals: Follow surf etiquette and respect priority in the lineup.


With its year-round waves, warm waters, and stunning scenery, Costa Rica is a dream destination for surfers of all levels. Whether you’re paddling into your first wave or chasing the perfect barrel, this guide will help you find the right spot for your next surf adventure. Pura vida!


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