They combine to offer a range of international flavours and local cuisine thats suitable for all budgets., Beyond the dining options, Santa Teresa is famous for its stunning beaches. Location: Limon province, Caribbean Coast , Where to stay: We stayed at the Selina in Puerto Viejo but have heard amazing things about Rocking Js Hostel if you are looking for a more affordable option., Best surf camp: Surf the Jungle Costa Rica, Other activities: The town itself is awesome and has multiple shops, markets and great food options. Just ask a few of the many expats wholive there. However, there are still a few off-the-beaten We used to say to keep that on the down-low, but nowadays, as of 2021, Santa Teresa is a buzzing little beach town full of trendy restaurants and eateries, boutique hotels and shops, and young folks and families seeking surf and yoga town bliss. Type of break: Point break While theres plenty of surf to be had in both seasons, the wet season tends to be bigger, better, and more consistent. Ollies Point: Fast and furious! While visiting Raglan, make sure to take some time to head out on a Mori cultural tour to get to know the region and the people who make it so special. The Tamarindo beach break is often ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers, but it can be a lot of fun for those with more experience on days when the waves are bigger. Playa Hermosa: Powerful Breaks and Wildlife Encounters, 8. 1. If youre coming to Manuel Antonio surfing is a must. It depends on what youre looking for! Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, and Avellanas are nearby and can allget quite good. The northern region of Costa Rica is known as the Guanacaste Coast. Puerto Viejo Best A tropical beach town in the Guanacaste Province, boasting amazing food, killer waves for beginner to intermediate surfers, highly authentic local sodas, and some truly amazing surf shops. In terms of restaurants, bars, and accommodation you can find both laid back budget-friendly spots here as well as more upscale luxurious places. Come at mid to high tide for the best waves. Be warned: Getting into San Onofre can be tricky it's one in, one out parking, which means arriving early (we're talking 5 a.m. early) to wait in line is a must. Temperatures are warm all year-round and even many rainy days offer several hours of sunshine or cooler overcast weather thats ideal for hitting the beach. Spend your evenings dining on traditional Costa Rican cuisine and mingling with locals to experience the true essence of pura vida. Jaco Beach | Central Pacific Coast. With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and diverse ecosystems, its no wonder this Central American gem has become a haven for surfers worldwide. Ericeira also holds the distinction of being the only European destination named to the World Surfing Reserves, which aims to protect the best swells on Earth for generations to come. Although the waves here are better for intermediates, there are breaks close by that are more fit for beginners. And of course, the locals and expats have it wiredand are known to be a fairlyterritorial bunch. For the most part, the party is left in Tamarindo, but this town is not a place you want to miss on your Costa Rica surf trip. There are other fun breaks up and down the coast but be sure to exercise caution and get the lowdown on rocks and sea life before paddling out anywhere. Santa Teresa has been quite developed with eco-resorts and surfhostelsover the last few years but it still maintains its off-the-beaten-path surf and yoga beach town feel. Best Experienced Surf Break Playa Hermosa, Location West coast about 2 hours from San Jose. Nosara For a peaceful surf experience in Costa Rica!. Its a very popular place for visitors to enjoy surf lessons in Jaco. You can find rippable reef breaks and hollow sand bottom A-frames. 7 Best Surfing Spots in Costa Rica | Costa Rica Experts Its a big, beautiful stretch of sand that easily qualifies among the best places to surf in Costa Rica in fact, there are often surf competitions here. Pico Grande and Pico Pequeo are two more great surf spots near Tamarindo, with plenty of good breaks for surfers with some experience. Dominical Best for big wave surfing 6. Jac is known for hosting various surf events and competitions throughout the year. With affordable sodas for local food and mercados with cuisines from all over the world.However, what truly sets surfing Jaco apart from other locations is its reputation for being one of the best surfing destinations in Costa Rica. As you explore these 10 best surf towns, youll not only connect with the ocean but also with the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of this Central American paradise. Here are 13 of the best surf towns around the world that deserve your attention. Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by Ray Roman. The surf around Tamarindo can get quite good and theres plenty of breaks to choose from (bothlefts and rights), but many breaks will often come along with heavy crowds. The wet or rainy season in Costa Rica is from Mayuntil mid-November. Playa Negra: World-Class Reef Breaks and Rustic Charm, 9. Another small town to travel to on your hunt for the perfect swell is Hossegor, a commune located in southwest France. This is one spell youll probably be happy to live with, so long as youre an experienced surfer. And that goes for any river mouth break in Costa Rica. In this article, well guide you through the 10 best surf towns in Costa Rica, each offering a unique blend of surf culture, local charm, and endless adventure. The surf on the Caribbean coast isnt as consistent as the Pacific side, but they get some great waves at certain times of the year. Type of break: Beach break & Point break May it be the long crescent-shaped beach, the gorgeous sunsets, the friendly locals, or the vast array of happy hours, there is a reason that many people never leave Tamarindo. Otherwise, opt for. 8 Best Costa Rica Surf Towns You Cant Miss! (2023) Whats the best time of year to surf in Costa Rica? The town itself is small and unpretentious, with dirt roads, charming beachfront accommodations, and a strong sense of community. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Identify what breaks are a must for you based on your skill level and wave preference. As world-class vacation destinations go, this also happens to be among the more affordable choices. No alligators! Playa Hermosa and Suck Rock are your chosen spots. If you want to surf here, you can hop in the water just about anywhere along the coast and likely catch a wave. Location:Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Coast, Where to stay:Nosara Beach Hostel or Selina Nosara for private rooms. After you surf, there are several places that you can grab food, including some very authentic local sodas, and even some gorgeous surf shops that have breweries that you can hit up for a nice cold frothy beverage. The towns shores boats huge stretches of golden sand and crystal clear waters with an unbeatable Pacific Ocean backdrop.Surfers of all abilities flock to Tamarindo for its exceptional surf breaks, and it was probably the spot in Costa Rica where we did the most surfing!From beginners to seasoned pros, the town provides an ideal mix of wave sizes and difficulty levels.. Although you may find that during high season the beach may be a little crowded, the entire vibe of this town is intoxicating and will have you wanting to rip up your return ticket. The best conditions for surfing depend on your skill level and they type of breaks you prefer, as well as whether youd rather surf in the sun or stay a little cooler during the rainy season. A 10-minute drive south of Jaco is Playa Hermosa, a 4-mile long black sand beach with a powerful beach break complete with double overhead days and huge rips. So what can you expect in each of these gorgeous surf towns In Costa Rica? Malpas: Off-the-Beaten-Path Surf Adventure, 10. The main rivermouth peak break is to the left. There are tons of excellent surf spots to choose from all along both of Costa Ricas coasts, and a few of these locations definitely stand out. Mar y Sombra: If youre looking for a fantastic ride, come to Mar Y Sombra. Average conditions: Youll find a nice variety of conditions here with plenty of opportunities to enjoy long, fun rides. As for specific surf spots, youll find beginner-friendly waves at Santa Teresa, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo, to name just a few. Want to experience Costa Rica surf Caribbean-style? Each place is so unique but all offer gorgeous beaches, extremely friendly locals, great food, and a vast array of activities. Costa Rica boasts a vast array of waves ranging from beginner breaks to massive, fast-paced surfing mammoths. Being respectful, aware, and street smart are a must for navigating the nuances of this tough but beautiful regionof surf in Costa Rica. Where to stay: There are excellent surfer-centered accommodations in Tamarindo within easy reach of all the best surf spots, but Selina in Tamarindo is the ideal place to stay for all things ocean. You can also do some tow-in surfing on the outer reefs if thats your cup of tea. They will also arrange transportation for you to get there if you need it., However, this tends to be a more expensive option so we also recommend looking into the tours on Viator. Should you feel like getting off the beaten path, youll find that there are plenty of less popular beaches with great waves. The moral of the story is that wherever you end up going in Costa Rica, there are great waves to be found. Dont miss the opportunity to visit the Golfo Dulce, a biodiverse gulf that serves as a vital habitat for marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and even whales, during certain times of the year. The Orange County destination is home to San Onofre State Beach, which comes with one of the mellowest surf breaks around. It is time to just go for it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Helping you find & book your dream surf trips. If you do see her there, please say hello. Type of break: Beach Yes there a Selina hostel in Costa Rica! 2. With its combination of national park splendour, breathtaking beaches, exceptional surf breaks, and mouthwatering cuisine, Manuel Antonio stands as a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Jaco is a small yet bustling beach town, If youre thinking about planning the ultimate Costa Rica surf trip, letSelinahelp. Last but not least, a wetsuit can make those dawn patrol sessions a lot more comfortable. Each region has something special to offer. Certain spots such as Witchs Rock at Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste are best left to experienced surfers, while Tamarindos Playa Grande and Playa Tamarindo are two of the best Costa Rica surfing beaches for beginners as well as those whove spent years catching breaks. The gorgeous cliff-lined beaches stretch out to a challenging yet accessible reef break. Check out some (or all) of the following spots if this is your chosen destination. Its often uncrowded. If youre looking for a place that offers surf lessons, a coworking space, and the best beachfront views, Selina surf hotel jaco costa rica is the best option in town. Another great place to stay in Santa Teresa at a lower price point is Lucero Surf Vacations its not right on the beach, but only about a 5-minute walk. In case its been a while and you want to brush up on your skills, you can easily find the instruction you need. All rights reserved to Selina |Legal | Powered by Webstick. May-November is the best time to surf Costa Rica when Manuel Antonio is your destination. Come at mid-tide for the best experience. A seemingly opposite vibe to that of tumultuous Tamarindo, Nosara is a quaint little beach town that will steal your heart away with its hippy, relaxed atmosphere and long white sandy beaches. This small, rustic town offers an authentic glimpse into Costa Rican life. Best Beaches & Surf Towns in Costa Rica 4. Youll have your pick of suites, standard rooms, group-friendly community rooms, and more. Although seasoned surfers will find few challenges, beginners will have plenty of fun riding easygoing waves, particularly between March and October. Theroads in southern Costa Ricaare not suitable for the inexperienced or unfamiliar tourist. Type of ocean floor: Sand with a few rocks. Type of ocean floor: Reef and coral. The 10 Best Surf Towns in Costa Rica: Ultimate Surfing Destinations Playa Hermosa: Powerful Breaks and Wildlife Encounters 8. Well dive into the surf scene shortly, but first, lets have a look at why Costa Rica ought to be on your surf + travel bucket list. There are beautiful days all year longeven in the wet season, there will be periods of absolute perfection. October through April is a good time to see whats brewing in the Caribbean. Its located in Santa Rosa National Park, and is accessible only by boat. Known for its consistent waves and sandy bottom beach break, its an excellent spot for beginners to hone their skills. Jacobs, Howard, Gemignani & More Sing Jill Abramovitz, Some helpful tips for visiting Costa Rica, So where are the best surf towns in Costa Rica?, 1. The beach scene here is a ton of fun, with food, businesses, and other diversions to enjoy between breaks. For hostels, we always booked through Hostelworld and for hotels and guesthouses, we used a mixture of booking.com and Agoda., During our time in Costa Rica, we actually primarily booked our tours through our accommodation., Hostels in Costa Rica tend to have a wide range of activities you can do throughout your stay. Lush jungle surroundings make this an amazing place for the ultimate getaway. Jaco is filled with easy going Ticos and tourists looking to fill their days with activities and then party down as the night time arises. Type of ocean floor: Sand. Do be aware that this is catered to the more experienced surfers given the high waves. That being said, we got around by using a mixture of shuttle buses and public transport and there were tonnes of people travelling with their boards so you shouldnt have any issues.For shuttles between locations and surf towns in Costa Rica, we used both 12Go and Caribe Shuttles., Depending on your travel style, youll probably stay in a mixture of hostels, hotels and guest houses in Costa Rica. There's lots to do out of the water, too, including shopping in the Pedebert district, mountain biking, taking community yoga classes, and more. We absolutely loved the fact there was so many places to surf and each was so different which made it even more enjoyable. Bali is already a well-known and beloved surfing destination. In general, Costa Rica surf conditions vary depending on whether you head for the Pacific coast or the Caribbean coast. Caldera: Dont mind getting dirty? Stunning surroundings make this a great hangout for non-surfing members of your group, too. Youll want to see this for yourself even if youre not experienced enough to actually ride these waves. Is there anything special I should put on my packing list? El Estero is a river mouth break with a strong rip current depending on tides, so its definitely not for beginners. Playa Hermosa has a point break and a nice wide beach break, so you have your choice of where to ride. Whether youre in for a short visit or a longer stay, theres no shortage of places waiting to be your home away from home. 1. Surf schools, board rentals, and lots of great side adventures make Tamarindo a paradise for surfers of all levels. Its not well-suited to beginners, but can be an experienced surfers dream when conditions are just right. Tamarindo The best surf town in Costa Rica for luxury travelers! When conditions are right, you can ride this wave for nearly two minutes, making it a bucket-list destination for experienced surfers. Let us know in the comments below! Cahuita has a few reef and beach breaks on offer and Salsa Brava is one of the heaviest barreling reef breaksin Costa Rica. Last, but not least, there are plenty of hotels and all-inclusive surf camps in Costa Rica, as well as luxury villas, self-catering apartments, and more. The water is warm year-round, so many surfers opt to hit the waves without a wetsuit. Avellanas boasts more than just great surf. Experts can pick up fun rides too, when the surf forecast calls for larger waves. Several eco-lodges and accommodations in the area follow sustainable practices, such as using solar power and supporting local conservation efforts. Whats the average cost of surf trips in Costa Rica? Costa Rica surf towns are friendly, warm, and casual, so bring comfy clothes you feel good about relaxing in. The town of Tofino is home to approximately 2,000 permanent residents, making it one of the smallest destinations on this list. Nosara, located on the northern Pacific coast, is more than just a surf town. Type of break: Beach break & Rock break Or perhapsyoure looking for more action inthe beach town party scenes of Tamarindo or Jaco. Looking for more incredible places to try your luck? Aride so long that your unconditioned legs are exhausted and trembling halfway through. Playa Carmen is also known as Playa El Carmen. Famous for its world-class reef break, Playa Negra is a must-visit destination for experienced surfers. You can take just a few lessons and learn the basics or you can extend your stay and continue learning. What to expect: Much of the surfing at Playa Manuel Antonio takes place off beautiful, sun-kissed beaches with easygoing waves and clean breaks that appeal to beginners, intermediate surfers, and experts who dont mind enjoying a more relaxed ride. Type of break: Beach break with good peaks About Costa Rica: Why Its the Perfect Destination for Your Next Surf Trip 2. Playa Escondida features a coral reef that produces fast, powerful waves which are often described as being world class. Be sure to check in with Selina. But have no fear- just three hours up the coast is Dominical, a beautiful mountainouslittle beach townwith all of the western amenitiesthatyoull ever need. The calm, shallow waters near the shore make it an ideal spot for young swimmers to splash around safely. The dust here is thick and most of the streets are not paved, but you will for sure be seeing a seemingly more authentic Costa Rican vibe. Check out our Travel Collection to explore amazing places to stay, or tell us about your ideal trip and well give you tailored recommendations. The beach here is about 8 kilometers long, with lots of sandbars that produce a variety of excellent breaks. Check out Playa Grande for excellent multi-level waves to suit beginners through experts. Some of the more notable Costa Rican surf towns are Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Jaco, and Puerto Viejo. Still, there are quite a few destinations that stand out from the rest. But its relatively small population only adds to its mythical charms. Experts looking for faster action and thundering lefts and rights should plan to surf at high tide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Set against a backdrop of lush jungle and rugged cliffs, Dominical offers a truly immersive experience in nature. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. 3. Ever thought about visiting a Costa Rica surf town, but just didnt know where to go because there are just too many options? This is a nice point break thats at its best from mid- to high tide. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Be very careful visiting here if you have other things to do in life because you just might fall in love with the place and never want to leave. The 6 Best Surf Towns in Costa Rica - Alex and Leah on Tour