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.

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

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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Summary

Santa Teresa is a small and beautiful surf town located on the south western end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Santa Teresa is known for having raw and natural beaches as well as some very consistent beach breaks. 

This popular surf town has been for the last few years one of the surfers’ favorite place to stop on a surf trip to Costa Rica for its unique vibe and relaxed atmosphere. It is where the real Pura Vida can be experienced.

Whether you are a beginner looking to make your first steps on a wave or an expert seeking barrels, Santa Teresa has some great surf for everyone.

When to go

The best time to surf Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is from April to October for bigger and more consistent waves. However, beginners will have an easier time learning to surf in Santa Teresa from November to March with smaller, yet still pretty consistent conditions

Best Surf Hotels in Santa Teresa

Best Value : Believe Surf and Yoga Lodge and Nautilus Surf Villas

High-end : Fuego Lodge

Getting there

The best way to get to Santa Teresa is by local public transportation. If budget is not an issue, you can hire a taxi or private driver. Otherwise, buses run down to Santa Teresa. You can also catch the ferry from Puntarenas.

Surf spots in Santa Teresa

Playa Santa Teresa

This is Santa Teresa’s main beach break. It works almost every day and is better with an easterly wind around low tide. You will find great gentle waves which are perfect for surfers of any skill level.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Playa Hermosa

The next beach north from Playa Santa Teresa is Playa Hermosa, another greatly exposed and consistent beach break which will tend to be a bit less crowded than Santa Teresa.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

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Summary

Surfing in San Juan del Sur is the perfect mix of epic waves, lively social vibes, and affordable tropical living. Tucked into Nicaragua’s southwest coast, this once sleepy fishing village has become a surf hot spot, especially for travelers looking for year-round waves, a buzzing party scene, and easy access to top surf breaks like Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa.

Whether you’re a beginner or chasing barrels, this is your go-to San Juan del Sur surf guide.

Why Nicaragua is a Surf Mecca

Nicaragua is often called the “offshore wind capital” of Central America. Thanks to Lake Nicaragua, just 50 km inland, surfers enjoy 300+ days of offshore winds per year, keeping waves clean and perfectly groomed almost all the time.

When to go

The best time to surf San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua as an intermediate or advanced surfer is from May to September for more consistent and bigger waves. However, October to April still offers some really fun and smaller waves with dry weather and stronger winds. Those conditions will greatly suit beginner surfers.

On a budget, one of the best place to stay in San Juan del Sur is HC Liri Hotel or a few hostels like Casa Oro or Naked Tiger. On the higher end side, you can look at Bahia del sol Villas and Condominiums.

Surf spots in San Juan Del Sur

Playa Maderas

Playa Maderas is the most popular surfing beach around San Juan del Sur. Located about 20 minutes away from San Juan Del Sur, this picturesque beach offers great waves for all levels of surfers. A classic beach break that is not as punchy as would be Playa Colorado, for example, but is still very consistent. On most days, there is always something to surf at Playa Maderas.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Beginner to Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

 
Playa El Yanke

Playa El Yanke is located just a bit further south near Playa El Coco and offers a very interesting surfing setup. On the low tide, waves hit the rocks at the point and come back to form a wedge. This creates a beautiful A-frame wave that offers a little barrel opportunity. On the high tide, Playa el Yanke looks more like a regular beach break.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef and sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate to Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Playa Hermosa

A very wide beach with peaks spread all along. Typical Nicaraguan wave with barrel opportunities. There are a lot of closeouts but definitely a few nice diamonds in the rough.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Beginner to Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

Getting there

The best way to get to San Juan Del Sur is either by bus or taxi from Managua. Buses will transit in Rivas.

Being only a few km away from the Costa Rican borders, you can also fly into Liberia or San Jose and hop over to Nicaragua.

Safety/things to know

• Nicaragua is known for its political instability and higher crime rates than neighbor Costa Rica. If you stay in tourist areas and avoid wandering around at night, you will be just fine.
• As for most of Central America, stingrays can be spotted on the ocean bottom. A good way to avoid being stung is to do the stingray shuffle.
• Avoid staying in the Managua area, it is home to most of the political instability and has high crime rate. All tourist areas are generally very safe.

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