Costa Rica is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world thanks to its consistent waves, tropical climate, affordable surf camps, and political stability compared to other Central American countries.
On top of the incredible surf, Costa Rica’s famous Pura Vida lifestyle, a relaxed, joyful, and deep connection to nature, charms every surfer who visits.
To find the best surfing destination for YOU, try our FREE WaveFinder search engine!
Surfing Costa Rica’s Pacific Ocean vs Caribbean coastline
Costa Rica has two very distinct coastlines which offer totally different surfing conditions. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is better through the winter months but offers fairly inconsistent waves, usually with smaller periods and overall messier surfing conditions.
On the Pacific side, swells are generally much cleaner, often with 12+ seconds periods and more enjoyable for the typical everyday surfer. Most popular surf towns in Costa Rica are located on the Pacific Ocean coastline.
Find a Surf Camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$300
Best time to surf Costa Rica
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April to October (Rainy Season): Bigger, more powerful, and more consistent waves. This is the best time for intermediate and advanced surfers.
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November to March (Dry Season): Smaller, clean, and beginner-friendly waves. Although swell consistency drops a little, you’ll still find surfable waves almost every day with plenty of sunshine.
Tip: Costa Rica is one of the most reliable year-round surf destinations in the world.
Best places to surf in Costa Rica
Santa Teresa
Located at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Santa Teresa is a lovely and relaxed surf town with great beach breaks and surfing potential for surfers of all skill levels.
Read our complete surfing guide to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Many hostels and surf camps are also located in Santa Teresa which make it a great place to go on a surf trip without having to worry about renting equipment of hiring a surfing instructor.
Nosara
Halfway between Santa Teresa and Tamarindo is the great surf town of Nosara, another surfers’ favorite when it comes to places to surf is Costa Rica.
Read our complete surfing guide to Nosara, Costa Rica
Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is a popular and well developed surfing destination located at the most westerly end of Costa Rica. Tamarindo is perfect for families, couples or solo travelers looking for a worry-free surf trip as most surf spots are close by and many restaurants bars and accommodation are easily accessible right by the beach.
Read our complete surfing guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Playa Grande and Playa Tamarindo are both separated by the Tamarindo River, creating a different range of surf spots that will suit surfers of all skill levels.
Pavones
The remote surf town of Pavones is arguably the best place to surf in Costa Rica due to the quality of its legendary point break and the raw Costa Rican feeling that was preserved within the town.
Read our complete surfing guide to Pavones, Costa Rica
Pavones main point break is a perfect left-hand wave that is hands down considered the longest wave in Central America.
Jaco
Playa Jaco is a central and popular surf town just a short drive away from Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose. Despite the heavier crowd, Jaco is a great place to surf in Costa Rica while keeping a good mix of night life and social life.
Read our complete surfing guide to Jaco, Costa Rica
Dominical
Further down the coast from Jaco is Playa Dominical, a smaller yet great surf town in Costa Rica. Dominical has great surfing potential and awesome swell exposure which provides consistent waves for all surrounding surf spots.
Read our complete surfing guide to Dominical, Costa Rica
Surf Camps in Costa Rica
Find a Surf Camp in Costa Rica, Starting at US$195
7-Day Surf and Yoga Holiday in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
US$510, including:
- 3 surf lessons
- 1 extra activity
- Daily yoga classes
- Experienced surf coaches and instructors
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
7-Day All Inclusive Surf and Adventure Holiday in Jaco, Costa Rica
US$3,450, including:
- Daily yoga
- 2 massage treatments and 2 breathing technique sessions
- 5 days of surfing
- 2 off-site Costa Rican excursions
- Videography services, and daily video analysis
- 6 breakfast, 5 lunch, and 5 dinner
- Transfers to/from the airport
- 7 nights accommodation
Budgeting a Surf Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is no longer super cheap, but it’s still affordable compared to many Western surf destinations. Here’s what to expect in 2025:
| Expense | Budget Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | $30 – $70 (basic hostels/surf camps) $80 – $200 (mid-range/private rooms) |
| Surfboard Rental | $10 – $20 per day |
| Surf Lesson | $40 – $60 per hour |
| Meal at Local Soda (small restaurant) | $5 – $10 |
| Meal at Tourist Restaurant | $15 – $30 |
| Coffee (Cappuccino) | $2 – $4 |
| Beer | $2 – $4 |
| Shuttle (San José to surf towns) | $50 – $100 |
| Bus (public) | $5 – $15 |
Money-saving tip: Eat at local sodas instead of tourist restaurants and consider surf camps that include board rental and accommodation in one package.
Getting Around Costa Rica
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Shuttle Services: Fast and convenient for longer routes like San José to Jaco, Santa Teresa, or Tamarindo. Prices range from $50 – $100 depending on distance.
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Public Buses: Extremely cheap but much slower. Perfect for budget surfers with flexible schedules.
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Car Rentals: A great option if you want to explore multiple surf towns. Expect to pay $40 – $60 per day for a small SUV. Be mindful that many beach roads are unpaved.
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Local Taxis: Available in bigger towns like Jaco and Tamarindo but can get expensive for longer distances.
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4×4 Required? In rainy season, some beach roads to places like Santa Teresa and Pavones can be tricky. A 4×4 rental is highly recommended if you plan to explore remote surf breaks.