Surf Points 87

Surfing in Costa Rica

surfing in Costa RicaCosta Rica is a surfing paradise with two very diverse coastlines that include a variety of great surfing breaks, offering visitors the chance to go surfing year round in warm water.

The Pacific Coast receives swells year round from the north and the south providing fun and constant waves year round.

Northern Pacific

costa rica surfingPlaya Tamarindo is the surfing center in Guanacaste with a convinient access to different surf breaks including: Playa Grande, Playa Negra, and Playa Avellans. The growing town offers a variety of dining, hotels, surf shops, bars, and tour operations, offering entertainment after surf sessions. This is also a great place to take a surf lesson! Experienced surfers would not want to miss surfing the internationally known Roca Bruja, or Witches Rock. The location is accessible via boat from Playa del Coco or it can be possible to drive there through the Santa Rosa National park during the dry season (December to late April).

Central and Southern Pacific

costa rica surfingThe winter season or June to November is the best time to surf the central and southern Pacific beaches. Many surfers stop in the town of Jaco, only a couple hours from San Jose, and stop by Playa Hermosa and nearby beaches to surf on the constant breakers.

Playa Dominical would be the next stop for many surfers heading south. The river mouth has good left and right breaks, and other points can be found up and down the beach.

Pavones, near the Osa Peninsula is one of the longest left breaks in the world. The best time to surf it is during the months of August to September. The roads are muddy and it can be very rainy, but it is worth the journey.

The Caribbean

costa rica surfingSeasonal storms bring powerful waves to the Costa Rican Caribbean coast. The short lived season can bring breaks from 2 to 12 feet. Salsa Brava is one of the best known breaks on the Caribbean. The right reef break produces powerful barrels.

These are just a few of the hundreds of surf points in Costa Rica. Do not be afraid to take a 4 wheel drive and explore the coasts. Even with the increase of surfing tourism in Costa Rica it is still possible to find excellent uncrowned waves.

If you are interested in surf lessons or information on surf tours you can contact Cairo Borquet at 011-506-369-5107 or surfwithCairo@hotmail.com, with 10 years experience, CPR certified, group or private lessons.