Catch a Wave in Costa Rica

The Culture Of Surfing In Costa Rica

The waves in Costa Rica have been attracting surfers from around the globe since the 1960s due to a large amount of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. Locals got the hang of the surf culture, and since then, Costa Ricans have been obsessed with the sport.

Costa Rica’s national surf team has won many competitions and participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. So it's safe to say that Costa Ricans know a thing or two about surfing, and you'll feel right at home with surf instructors whose main passion is surfing.

Catching The Perfect Wave

You can catch waves on almost any beach in Costa Rica; the three Provinces where surfing can be found are Puntarenas, Guanacaste, and Limon. Costa Rica has 1,016 kilometers of coastlines on the Pacific Coast and 212 kilometers of beaches on the Caribbean coast. With a wide range of beaches, it can be hard to choose where to surf.

Tamarindo is an excellent surf destination because the coastline has a variety of surf breaks to offer for all levels of surfing experience, including long point breaks, beach breaks, and river mouth breaks.

Playa Grande is an excellent spot for intermediate to expert-level surfers. It is also a good break for beginners when there is no swell and to learn how to go across the wave.

Another great option is Playa Langosta. This beach has a right and left break that works well with all levels of surfing ability. The left side is more challenging than the right side, but both provide excellent waves.

If you are looking for other places to check out for surfing, head out to catch a wave at any of these places:

Tamarindo
Jaco
Manuel Antonio
Santa Teresa

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is one of the classic surf spots for both beginners and expert-level surfers. Tamarindo offers a wide range of point breaks, with different ranges in difficulty. Around seven different point breaks can be reached in tamarindo at a short distance. Each point break has funny names and characteristics, such as Capitan Suizo, Henry's Right, Henry's Left, Pico Grande, Beach Break, Rivermouth, and Casitas. Each one of these sites has different levels of difficulty, but for those just starting, any one of these would work since the beginning stage of surfing does not require large swells.

Jaco

Another classic surf spot, especially for beginners, is Jaco. Jaco has smaller waves and long points, perfect for those who want to start from zero. In Jaco, it doesn't matter which side of the beach you choose, as this long beach has the same difficulty throughout the entire beach. Many surf schools and guides can be found in Jaco, and most of them are local. Another advantage of surfing in Jaco is the proximity to San Jose, as Jaco is only an hour and a half from the city and international airport.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio and Quepos are both popular surf spots. Manuel Antonio has a fun-sized wave break perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to perfect their style. This beautiful beach attracts many people due to its clear blue waters and beginner-level surfing. In addition, there are many surf schools and guides on the beach. So don't miss out on the waves and the sunshine in this tropical destination.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a world-renowned surf spot for beginners and expert-level surfers. Depending on the swells, the waves can be a lot larger, but this beach is excellent if you're looking for a learning experience. The bigger waves are only a short paddle out, while smaller waves during low tide will be better suited if you're looking to start with. Another perk of this beach is the smaller number of people in the waters as this is a very secluded beach town far from city life. This pristine beach has clear waters, and sometimes even little fish can be seen in the shallow waters. A great place to learn or rip it up!

FAQ about Surf Lessons

Why Choose to Learn to Surf in Costa Rica? Costa Rica is an excellent place to learn how to surf due to its wide variety of beaches with waves for every stage of the learning process. In addition, Costa Rica has some of the best surf camps globally and local and international guides.
How to Find the Best Surfing School in Costa Rica for Your Needs? Many surfing schools in Costa Rica; choosing the right one depends on your experience and budget.