Where Is the Best Surfing in Costa Rica?
There are dozens of beaches to surf in Costa Rica. Some are best left to the experts, but there are plenty of great locations for beginner and intermediate surfers. Some spots are in the middle of a town, while others are much more remote. Needless to say, whatever you skill level or preference, you can find a surf spot that will suit you in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is land of beauty, excitement, and adventure. This vacation, don't just go to the beach, hang ten on a surf getaway!
Surf getaway destinations
Get started by reading our surfing guide — written by and for surfers, it profiles some of the nations's best so you can understand which Costa Rica beach most suits your overall needs and skill level.
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your needs; you could come during the dry season (mid-November to March), which is also tourist high season. Since you're already going to be wet, consider coming during the rainier 'green season' (May to mid-November) and enjoy a bargain and less crowded beaches.
Prepping for your surf getaway
You can reach Costa Rica by land or sea, but odds are you'll get to Costa Rica by flying into one of the country's major airports. If you're coming from the United States, Canada, or Europe, you'll need little more than a valid passport and proof of $100 USD to enter the country; however, for the most up-to-date information, we recommend reviewing Costa Rica's entry requirements.
So you have all of your paperwork ready; you've booked your accommodations and transportation, and read through the surfing guide several times. All that's left to do is put your ticket in your passport holder and grab your bag. But wait! If you've packed nothing but wet suits and beach shoes, there are some additional items you'll want to add to your bag...
Just because you're going on a surf holiday doesn't mean you should pack for the beach alone; odds are, you'll want to enjoy some of Costa Rica's other exciting activities, and perhaps even enjoy a nice night out on the town. Here's what you should pack for your Costa Rica adventure vacation. Cheers to your wet and wild getaway!
Related Questions
- Is Costa Rica Family Friendly?
- When Is the Best Time to Go to Costa Rica?
- Where Is the Best Fishing in Costa Rica?
- Where Are the Nicest Beaches in Costa Rica?
- What are the Top Activities in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica Beaches
You know Costa Rica is an adventurer's paradise, but did you know that it's also a great country for a beach getaway? The nation boasts nearly 300 beaches, each with a unique draw and distinct setting. Whether you find yourself on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast exploring Puerto Viejo or Costa Rica's Pacific coast exploring Esterillos Oeste, you'll find something to discover and enjoy. Even on nearby beaches, the sand can vary from white, to black, or brown coloration, but it can get even more unique than that. Playa Conchal's sand is actually made of millions of crushed seashells! Some beaches even have sand so soft and fine it can only be described as 'fluffy.' The best part about Costa Rica's beaches is how diverse they are; from swimming and surf adventures to basic rest and relaxation, there's bound to be a beach for you. Even better? There are plenty of Costa Rica beach resorts which will allow you to relax and indulge due to the variety of services and activities they'll have on-site. Meanwhile, beachfront hotels in Costa Rica will ensure that you're never more than steps from your next snorkeling expedition. In the morning you can sip your coffee whilst listening to the waves roll in — instead of listening to talk radio or your a.m. commuter mix. So, choose your own adventure and discover which of Costa Rica's beaches is right for you.
Costa Rica Surfing
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.
Costa Rica Hotels
Costa Rica is all you've heard and more — from adventure vacations to romantic getaways, and family trips to solo travel, part of the magic of Costa Rica is that it almost seems to transform itself based on your travel needs. You can explore mountains, cloud forests, beaches, and more. In each of these unique destinations, you'll find hotels to match your activities and personality. Enjoy a honeymoon or anniversary of romance and indulgence when you stay in Uvita or Dominical, or a sustainable adventure for two when you find yourselves in Sarapiqui or Drake Bay. Perhaps the person you're celebrating and learning to love again is yourself; Costa Rica can accommodate your inner journey. Choose a hotel that offers yoga courses or a full-fledged yoga retreat — you can find them all over the country, from Tamarindo to Arenal. Want to take the family on a vacation where everyone can unplug? How about lodgings that double as working farms? Costa Rica's farm hotels will have you in the heart of the country — explore destinations including Arenal, Monteverde, and San Isidro General. Not only will you enjoy peace and quiet, you can even teach the children about sustainability and where their food comes from. The best part? Most farms offer an opportunity to assist with some of the chores, so you'll get to know the animals and harvest some of the produce you've been enjoying! Wherever you choose to stay, you won't be too far from adventures such as zip lining through rainforests, observing amazing wildlife in cloud forests, trekking across mountains and volcanoes, and napping on beaches. Your perfect vacation begins with the perfect hotel, and both are waiting for you in beautiful Costa Rica.
Where Are Costa Rica's Airports?
There are two international airports in Costa Rica, the Juan Santa María International Airport (SJO), which is in Alajuela, and the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), which is located in Liberia. Passing through customs at either of the international airports is relatively stress-free. After collecting your luggage, you continue through a checkpoint where officials pass baggage through an X-ray machine. After this, you'll be able to leave the terminal and travel to your final destination. Usually travelers can expect it to take 45 minutes to exit the airport after they land.
What Should I Bring for My Adventure Vacation in Costa Rica?
There are several essentials to pack for an adventure vacation. Most of these items are readily available in many Costa Rican stores.
When Is the Best Time to Go to Costa Rica?
Any time is a good time to visit Costa Rica, so come when your schedule permits.
What Documents Do I Need To Visit Costa Rica?
To visit Costa Rica you need the following documents:
Costa Rica Tours and Activities Guide
Costa Rica offers many exciting ways to immerse yourself in its natural elements. It is the consummate destination for exploring ecosystems and connecting with a peaceful culture. Whether discovering fascinating species with a friendly Costa Rican guide, zipping across the rainforest canopy, or relaxing in a volcano-heated hot spring, there are a variety of tours and activities to engage travelers of all types.
Costa Rica Transportation Guide & Booking Service
There are a variety of options for moving between destinations in Costa Rica - domestic flights, rental cars, shuttles, private vans, ferries, public bus, and even horseback. Your travel routes, budget, and length of stay are all important factors to consider when deciding on one or a combination of these options, and the guide below can help with a detailed description of each travel mode. While transportation modes may vary in flexibility and comfort, each is an opportunity to take in Costa Rica’s amazing scenery.
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 behind you every step of the way.
