Costa Rica Surfing
Costa RicaWith 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 .
Costa Rica Highlights
A curated look at the best Costa Rica has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone whether you have young children or college-bound teens. See a variety of Costa Rica’s animals when you peek into tide pools and hike through forests; experience the subtle thrill of birding when you cross a variety of species off of your ‘seen’ list. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement, and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Explore DestinationTamarindo
Once a quiet surf beach and fishing hamlet, Tamarindo is now a beach town with the infrastructure Western travelers have come to expect. Located on the Central West Coast of Guanacaste, Tamarindo still boasts unspoilt beaches and incredible biodiversity — despite the town’s recent and ongoing development. Come for fun in the sun and stay for the laid back vibe that is so characteristic of the region.
Explore DestinationPuerto Viejo de Limon
Known for its laidback attitude and famous for it's surfing, Puerto Viejo de Limon beckons visitors to come experience Costa Rica’s eccentric side. The village’s cultural influences are interesting to be sure: a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, tico and hippyesque counterculture, this small port town is an anthropological study in itself. A mere 11 miles (18 km) from Cahuita, Puerto Viejo is accessible via Highway 36 or by simply walking south, along the beach.
Explore DestinationMal Pais- Santa Teresa
Some things just come in pairs — socks and shoes, milk and cookies, Santa Teresa and Mal País, Costa Rica… These twin beach towns are near each other, but offer you a very different vacation experience, balancing your need for excitement, activity, and infrastructure against your desire to enjoy a quiet, calm, uncrowded getaway. Discover why surfing in the dynamic Santa Teresa plus fishing in the charming Mal Paí equal a Costa Rica beach vacation that’s the total experience.
Explore DestinationNosara Costa Rica
Nosara's beach town of Guiones is a tucked-away delight with lucrative real estate, vibrant flora, and a world-class white sand beach. The town, which has a sizeable population of ex-pats, presents no shortage of accommodations. Many of these accommodations are private, luxurious, and immersed in natural beauty.
Explore DestinationJaco
Playa Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, the Central Valley and is one of the most visited coastal destinations in Costa Rica. The beach is a 2.5 mile (4 km) strip which offers world renowned surfing and more.
Explore DestinationPuerto Jimenez
Puerto Jiménez might be the best town from which to access Corcovado National Park. Located on the eastern coast of the Osa Peninsula, on the Dulce Gulf, this small town has plenty of hotels and activities to offer as well as being favorably located. From Puerto Jiménez, you can explore just about everything there is to offer, even take a ferry across the gulf to the colorful city of Golfito. Exploring the history of this small unhurried city may give you the impression of the Wild Wild West.
Explore DestinationDominical
About 27 mi (44 km) south of Quepos is the quaint and growing beach town of Dominical. Along the coast, before arriving in this popular surf town, the cascading cliffs converge with the deep-blue ocean, producing a scenic landscape full of small coves for truly precious views. The laid back beach town is surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave!
Explore DestinationPlaya Grande
Separated from Tamarindo by the Matapalo River is Grande Beach (Playa Grande) located within Marino Las Baulas National Park, Grande Beach is the site of the arribadas of the leatherback turtle. In the past thousands of turtles barraged the coast to bury their eggs but the Leatherback population has drastically declined and in 2008 only 32 turtles arrived during the nesting season.
Explore DestinationPlaya Avellana
Referred to by locals as "little Hawaii," Playa Avellana packs extraordinary offshore waves that can reach up to eighteen feet, making it an ideal destination for experienced surfers from around the world. Additionally, this secluded white sand beach invites tranquility and peace. It is a great spot to sit by the beachfront bar and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. A very special feature of the beach is "Lola", the 400 kg pig that will be there to welcome you at the beach bar or in the shallow parts of the surf.
Explore DestinationCabo Matapalo
Situated on the tip of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, the small town of Cabo Matapalo provides visitors with backdoor access into some of the country's most beautiful and least visited places: Corcovado National Park, Golfo Dulce, and Isla del Cano
Explore DestinationPlaya Hermosa
Playa Hermosa on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is situated about 3 miles (5km) south of Jaco and is one of the best surf destinations in the country. There are two Playas Hermosa the other is in Guanacaste and is not a surfing beach.
Explore DestinationPavones
Pavones is a small town located in the southern Pacific Zone about 1 1/2 hour drive from Golfito. The little pueblo exists almost entirely for surf tourists who make the journey for the left point break that runs the entire length of the village of Pavones. Being the only surf destination south of Domical, Pavones is the end of the road and a little out of the way. However for the opportunity to catch rides that will make your legs ache it is well worth the journey.
Explore DestinationPlaya Esterillos
No crowds, chocolate colored beaches, and great surf best describe the beaches of Esterillos. You may never see another person as you stroll down the beaches where palms and almond trees line the forest edge and the clear blue waters invite you to go for a swim. This serene, contiguous stretch of beach is made up of Esterillos Oeste to the west and Esterillos Este to the east, appropriately, where you will find plenty of accommodations laced throughout.
Explore DestinationPlaya Negra
Playa Negra is a beautiful dark-sand beach famous in the surfing community for its right-hand barrel waves. The beach lays on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica's hot province of Guanacaste. Its location sits in close proximity to other popular beach breaks including "Little Hawaii"? on Playa Avellanas, a short 10-minute drive away.
Explore DestinationFeatured Costa Rica Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Costa Rica itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
Sisters Adventure Together
Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Costa Rica Two Family Journey
Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.
Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica
Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.
Costa Rica Off Season Adventure
We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.
Family Annual Adventure
It's a beautiful country and the rainforest, Arenal volcano, rafting safari and catamaran sail were all wonderful. We learned a lot,laughed a lot, and would go back.
Costa Rica Family Adventure Quest
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican family adventure that weaves together rainforest mist, volcanic fire, and Pacific surf, offering a dynamic contrast of nature’s extremes. Your journey moves from the sun‑kissed beaches of Manuel Antonio to Monteverde’s misty hanging bridges, then into Arenal’s volcano and waterfalls, ending with surf lessons in Tamarindo. Friendly local guides and coffee‑farm hosts will share traditions, flavors, and stories, leaving your family with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s warm hospitality and adventurous spirit.
More Costa Rica Surfing
There's always more to discover in Costa Rica. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
Playa Azul
Playa Azul is a stunning beach, named for its mile-long stretch of dark, almost cobalt blue sand and azure sea. As one of Costa Rica's most exclusive gems, this remote Guanacaste beach sits off the beaten track, and it has only recently opened to tourists. It is a tranquil and tropical haven, surrounded by lush, verdant forest, and it is a virtual paradise for those who really want to 'get away from it all.'
Playa Bejuco
Playa Bejuco is only about 35km north of Manuel Antonio and about 30 km south from Jaco but the atmosphere could not be more distant from the more popular destinations. The beach is pristine and clean with a Blue Flag rating, is a popular nesting area for birds and even has some pretty good surf from time to time.
Playa Lagarto
Playa Lagarto is on the Pacific Coast, an hour north of Nosara and an hour south of Tamarindo. This is a remote area with fewer crowds and good surf.
Brasilito Beach
Nestled along parts of Guanacaste's most lovely coastline is Brasilito Beach, a sprawling grey-sand beach and charming town. This hamlet is substantially less developed and visited than the neighboring Conchal and Flamingo Beaches, but is an ideal getaway spot for vacationers seeking a low key destination with plenty of local flair.
Matapalo Guanacaste
Matapalo is a small town in the Guanacaste region, near the Pacific Coast. It is a 10-minute drive from beaches along the Tamarindo Bay, like Playa Grande and Playa Ventanas. From Matapalo it takes 15 minutes to drive to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Matapalo has a few stores and small park.
Esterillos Oeste
Esterillos Oeste is a small town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, in the province of Puntarenas. This town’s main attraction is Esterillos Beach, which has excellent surfing conditions all year round. The beach has dark sand, and palm trees crowd the strip of land between the town and the beach.
Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles is a small village on the Atlantic Coast south of Puerto Viejo, Limon in the Caribbean lowland Zone. Strikingly beautiful beaches, lush greenery and a relaxed atmosphere is what you'll experience in this region. This culturally rich area is a unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures living side by side.
Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
