Costa Rica Surfing
If you are interested in Costa Rica surfing, Costa Rica has hundreds of surf breaks where people can go to on their Costa Rica surfing vacation. The summer months are from mid December to April and this when the temperature get extremely hot with little or no rain. However, tourists flock to the surf points and the prices of Hotel Costa Rica become more expensive during the high season. The best Costa Rica surfing areas during December to April are in the Northern Peninsula or in the Caribbean.
The rainy season is May until November, but during May up to August, the temperature still remains hot with occasional rains. The heavy rains start in September and may last until November. During this low season, the surfs are not too crowded, and the price of staying in The Costa Rican Condo is lower.
The following are the best surf points in Costa Rica:
Central & Southern Pacific:
- Boca Barranca
a very long left ideal for longboarding that breaks off a rivermouth. The roads are paved with many places to stay. After a long rain, the water can become very dirty.
- Playa Escondida
a horseshoe located to the south of Jaco. Surfers should stay alert as rocks can be exposed during low tides. From Herradura Bay, it is accessible by boat.
- Playa Jacó
is a long beach 2 hours away from San Jose. Waves here tend to close out when they are over 5 feet. This area is a good option for beginners as it is smaller than Hermosa.
There are lots of camp grounds, bars, restaurants, cabins and hotels.
- Roca Loca
is a rocky point with rights that breaks over a reef in deep water. An arrow 8” wide channel is visible at low tide inside a reef where surfers can paddle out. The due west swells is best at low to incoming tide.
- Playa Hermosa
is a long stretch of beach with a very strong break. There is a large tree on the beach named “El Almendro” which is the preferred point. It is best to surf when the tide is rising. There are many beach breaks in Playa Hermosa.
- Playa Dominical
with good and strong beach breaks. The breaks are fairly consistent lefts and rights and the area is very tropical. Playa Dominical is found south of Quepos. There are bigger sets on the northern end of the beach while intermediate surfers are well suited to the southern end. The best conditions at Playa Dominical are at mid-high tide.
- Pavones
is legendary for its excellent point break left. The left point is considered one of the world’s largest. The distance in rides is almost .75 miles. The break can be erratic but it becomes really good at distinct times.
Northern Pacific:
- Playa Grande
is an exposed beach break with hollow peaks just 20 minutes north of Tamarindo. The main peak can sometimes get crowded but the lefts and rights can be lots of fun. The best conditions are at mid-high tide when there are offshore flows.
- Playa Langosta
is an exposed beach break curling off the mouth of a small river. It is very near Tamarindo.
