With some of the best surf spots on Earth, Costa Rica is a longtime favorite when it comes to surfing destinations. This country is gifted with consistent waves, amazing tropical weather and a genuine “Pura Vida” surfing vibe. 

While surfing conditions might be very good and consistent, Costa Rica is still a pretty big country and deciding where to settle yourself on a surf trip can be confusing and overwhelming.

Here are 5 surf towns in Costa Rica that are considered as some of the best places to stay on a surf trip down in paradise!

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our free WaveFinder search engine!

1. Santa Teresa

Located on the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is great place to venture off the beaten path and get a raw Costa Rican surfing experience. 

Read our complete surfing guide to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

The small surf town of Santa Teresa has great beach breaks that will suit both beginners and advanced surfers. There are many hostels, restaurants and surf schools that help implement this great surfing atmosphere in Santa Teresa.

Find a Surf Camp in Santa Teresa Starting at US$199

2. Nosara

Just slightly up the coast is Nosara, another charming Costa Rican surf town. The main beach break is Playa Guiones, a perfect place to learn how to surf in Costa Rica.

Read our complete surfing guide to Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is also a pretty laidback and quiet town but still offers many places to eat, sleep and go out. You can also find several surf camps and surf schools in the area.

Book a Surf Camp in Nosara Starting at US$159

3. Tamarindo

Tamarindo is probably the most popular, but also the most Americanized surf town in Costa Rica. The heavy infrastructure along its wide beach brings a lot of options when it comes to places to stay but it makes the beach and surfing line up pretty packed as well.

For an easily accessible and convenient place to surf, Tamarindo is a great option. However, if you are looking for some tranquility and an uncrowded surf town, it might not be the best place for you…

Read our complete surfing guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica

4. Jaco

Jaco is about an hour away from San Jose, the Costa Rican capital city making it one of the most accessible surf town in the country. Obviously, this feature comes at the cost of being pretty busy and crowded. 

Read our complete surfing guide to Jaco, Costa Rica

However, Jaco is a great surf town that has a mix of party and surf for people looking to enjoy their days and nights in Costa Rica!

Book a Surf Camp in Jaco Starting at US$149

5. Pavones

Pavones is the longest wave in Costa Rica and probably the best surf spot as well! Being fairly more remote than most other Costa Rican breaks, Pavones enjoys more reasonable crowds than any other popular surf spots. The ones who do make it down here are certain to enjoy some of the best surf in Costa Rica!

This tiny jungle village is right next to a world-class point break that every surfer dreams about!

Read our complete surfing guide to Pavones, Costa Rica

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Summary

Surfing in Jaco, Costa Rica is a top choice for surfers looking for consistent waves, warm water, and vibrant nightlife. Located on the Pacific Coast in the Puntarenas Province, Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s most popular surf towns, and for good reason.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, Jaco offers a range of surf spots, easy access, and a lively atmosphere, making it one of the best surf destinations in Central America.

Why Surf Jaco, Costa Rica?

• Consistent surf all year round

• Great for all skill levels

• Close to San Jose (1.5-2 hours by car)

• Lively town with restaurants, bars, and nightlife

• Multiple surf beaches nearby to spread the crowds

Jaco is often described as a bit Americanized compared to other Costa Rican surf towns, but it still retains a strong local vibe, especially in the surf scene. The abundance of surf shops, surf camps, and rental options makes it super easy to score waves, even if you show up without gear.

When to go

The best time to surf Jaco, Costa Rica is from April to October for bigger and more consistent surfing conditions. However, waves are great at any time of the year in Costa Rica making it one of the most consistent surfing destinations in the world.

You may also be interested in our Surfing Guide to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica!

Surf Camps in Jaco

Find a Surf Camp in Jaco, Starting at US$415

• For surfers of all levels
• 4 surf lessons (2 hours duration)
• Surf equipment, board rental is included 
• Daily breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
• One natural drink or soda per meal
• 5 nights accommodation

Where to stay in Jaco

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Jaco!

Surf Spots in Jaco

Playa Jaco

Playa Jaco is the main surf beach, perfect for learning to surf or enjoying mellow sessions. It offers long sandy stretches with plenty of room for everyone.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Playa Hermosa

Not to be confused with other Playa Hermosa beaches in Costa Rica, this Playa Hermosa near Jaco is known for heavier, faster waves and is a magnet for more advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SSW
• Optimal wind direction : E

Getting there

Jaco is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible surf towns.

• From San Jose: ~1.5 to 2 hours by car via Route 27

• Public Transportation: Direct buses leave regularly from San Jose’s Tracopa terminal

• Shuttle Services: Convenient, air-conditioned shuttles available from the airport

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