Costa Rica Surfing

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With hundreds of beaches along the coast, surfers have long flocked to Costa Rica’s waves, staking out breaks before the destinations had paved roads or supermarkets. In fact, many of Costa Rica’s more popular beaches have been surfing destinations for decades. Some of Costa Rica's surfing beaches are great for learning to surf while others are primarily for experts.

When you're not riding the waves, you'll enjoy the friendly and laid-back vibe of Costa Rica's surfing towns, such as Playa Viejo, offer. Costa Rica surfing vacations are the best of both worlds, because they allow you to enjoy a high-energy activity and rest and relax from the same location — the beach! When you need to take a break from the waves, go fishing in Tamarindo or snorkeling in Dominical.

With so much good surf, it’s hard to mention every worthy break, but the destinations listed below are some of the most accessible and popular surfing spots in Costa Rica. For even more info, you can get a personal perspective on surfing in Costa Rica with Anywhere's Costa Rica Surf Guide.

Destinations

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Not sure where you want to go yet? Get inspired and browse the best places to visit in Costa Rica
Expert Surfer or Beginner, Santa Teresa Has a Wave for You — 365 Days a Year

Expert Surfer or Beginner, Santa Teresa Has a Wave for You — 365 Days a Year

The Santa Teresa is a slice of heaven and one of Costa Rica's rising gems. The region is collectively known as Santa Teresa - Mal País, and the coastline boasts consistent waves all year long. With more than a handful of beaches in the surrounding area offer a variety of waves and stunning scenery. First time out on the waves? Don't worry, there's no shortage of excellent instructors ready to help you learn to surf or help refine your technique. Need a break from the waves? Santa Teresa is situated along the Nicoya Peninsula, which is an excellent place to snorkel, fish or hike through Costa Rica first nature preserve, the Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve. If this surf adventure includes children, you can walk along the rockier sections of beach to show them the creatures caught in tide pools. In between waves, you can take a nap on one of your hotel's hammocks, and close your eyes as dappled sunlight streams through palm trees. When the sun sets and it's time to come in from the last wave, you can reflect on your day over fresh ceviche and beers while reggae plays in the background.
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Nosara Beaches Are a Surfer's Paradise

Nosara Beaches Are a Surfer's Paradise

Nosara is home to a variety of beaches such as Guiones, Garza, Pelada and others. When heading to Nosara you are in for a journey to the center of the Nicoya Peninsula and is a journey from wherever you are starting. If you want to skip the long drive daily flights are available from LIR or SJO airports.
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Dominical The Growing Town Built on Steady Surf

Dominical The Growing Town Built on Steady Surf

Surf your way down the South Pacific coast on one of Dominical's long barrel waves. Dominical is a popular beach town, but still doesn't see a ton of crowds. The beach also offers several points where the waves are excellent, so the prime surf spots don't get too crowded. Still finding your surfing groove? The nearby Playa Dominicalito is a good option for beginner surfers. This absolutely beautiful beach is also better for visitors who prefer to swim. When you're ready to take a break from surfing, consider seeing more of nature on trips to see the Nauyaca Waterfalls, into Corcovado National Park or out to Isla de Cano In town, you'll find authentic Costa Rican surf culture and laidback accommodations. There are lots of options for budget travelers as well as upscale retreats.
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Playa Avellana — No Distractions Just Waves to Surf

Playa Avellana — No Distractions Just Waves to Surf

Go a little off the beaten path to find one of Costa Rica's best surfing beaches. The waves at Playa Avellana are enormous, and frequently reach 18 feet (5.4 m) tall, and the surfing is excellent year-round. There are a handful of nearby surf shops where you can rent a board. If the waves are not hitting at Avellana, serious surfers can head up to Playa Grande or just down the road to Playa Negra. It's a short distance from here to Tamarindo, which is one of Costa Rica's most popular beach towns. Make the trip to Tamarindo for a huge selection of restaurants, nightlife and beach shops within walking distance of the beach. This beach also has smaller waves, and makes a good place for beginner surfers to tackle their first waves.
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Destinations

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Take a look at other fascinating destinations to explore while you visit Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio
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Tamarindo
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Puerto Viejo
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Jaco
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Playa Grande Guanacaste
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Cabo Matapalo
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Playa Hermosa Central Pacific
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Playa Esterillos
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Playa Negra
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Pavones
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Playa Bejuco
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Matapalo Guanacaste
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Playa Brasilito
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Playa Azul
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Playa Lagarto
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Playa Garza Nosara
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Playa Cocles
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Esterillo Oeste
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