8 Best Costa Rica Surf Spots

With warm waters, consistent surf, lush tropical jungles, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is one of the best surf destinations in the world. Costa Rica has tons of different surf spots, ranging from shallow, sparkling reef breaks to the seemingly endless left hand waves at Playa Pavones. If you’re planning a surf trip to Costa Rica, you’re in luck- the surf is absolutely incredible here. 

Over the last three years, I’ve traveled up and down Costa Rica, exploring all the best surf towns and surf spots in Costa Rica, and I’m so excited to share them with you! In this guide, I’m going to cover the 8 best Costa Rica surf spots, and help you narrow down exactly where you want to go for your next Costa Rica surf trip. Let’s dive in! 

In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown of the 8 best Costa Rica surf spots:


1. Pavones- Best surf spot in Costa Rica for goofy surfers

2.Santa Teresa-Best surf spot in Costa Rica for mini tubes

3.Playa Negra- Best reef break in Costa Rica

4. Nosara-Best surf spot in Costa Rica for consistent waves

5. Witches Rock

6. Playa Hermosa

7. Playa Avellanas

8. Dominical


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How to choose from the best Costa Rica surf spots

surfing in nosara

Before diving into the best Costa Rica surf spots, here are a few important factors to consider while planning your Costa Rica surf trip:

What is your surfing skill level?

Before planning a surf trip to Costa Rica, you’ll want to pick a Costa Rica surf break that suits your skill level. For example, if you’re an absolute beginner, you’ll probably want to head to a beach break in Costa Rica with plenty of surf schools and easy waves to learn on. If you’re an advanced surfer, you’ll probably want to head to a spot with bigger, steeper waves. If you’re an absolute beginner, I recommend checking out my post detailing the best beginner surf spots in Costa Rica

Do you ride a longboard or a shortboard?

For the most part, you can ride surfboards of any size at the best surf breaks in Costa Rica. However, some surf spots are going to be much too soft and small for shortboards during certain parts of the year in Costa Rica. Similarly, certain surf spots in Costa Rica will likely be slightly too steep for most longboarders during parts of the year. 

What type of surf break are you looking for?

This list contains a mix of soft beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks, and barreling waves. If you’re hesitant to surf a reef break, you might want to skip Playa Negra. If you’re looking for tubes, you might want to head to Playa Hermosa or Witches Rock. 

What do you want to do besides surfing?

If you’re only coming to Costa Rica to surf…  feel free to skip this one! However, if you’re looking to do some other sightseeing and exploring while  you’re not in the water, this may impact which  Costa Rica surf break you visit. Similarly, if you’re traveling with non-surfers, you may want to pick an area with plenty to do besides surfing. 

What time of year is your surf trip to Costa Rica?

Some of the best Costa Rica surf spots only work during certain times of the year, so you’ll want to consider this before you book your trip! For example, Pavones really only gets swell during the rainy season, and Dominical is going to be massive during the rainy season as well. 

However, breaks in Guanacaste are going to be fantastic during the dry season, and Costa Rica is one of the best places to surf in January!

The 8 best surf spots in Costa Rica

Here are the 8 best Costa Rica surf spots:

1. Pavones- Best surf spot in Costa Rica for goofy surfers

Pavones Costa Rica Surf
Pavones Costa Rica Surf

Pavones is located on the southern coast of Costa Rica, all the way down on the Osa Peninsula. This Costa Rica surf break is famous for having the second longest left-breaking waves in the world- behind Chicima, Peru.

Pavones is a point break, with a few different take-off points. Rides here can go for almost a ¼ mile, making it a true haven for goofy surfers. 

While Pavones can be surfed year-round, the waves are the biggest and most consistent during the rainy season, approximately from March until November. If you’re an intermediate-advanced surfer, you’ll probably want to head to Pavones during that time frame, especially if you ride a shortboard.

However, if you’re more on the beginner side, and looking for fun, cruisy longboard waves to learn on, head to Pavones during the dry season, from December- March for fun, long rides. Pavones is one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica, but there isn’t much to do there besides surf.

If you’re traveling with nonsurfers to Pavones, there are a few outdoor activities to do like enjoying the beaches, exploring the Rio Claro, and hiking, and taking boat tours. However, there isn’t much else, so this Costa Rica surf spot is best for those looking exclusively to surf

Where to stay:

Mokum Surf Club

Currently, there is one surf camp available in Pavones run by Mokum Surf Club. This surf club includes housing at a luxurious surf resort, food, yoga classes, horseback riding, and even a deep tissue massage to help you recover from those long hours you’re going to spend in the surf.

Mokum Surf Club
Image by Mokum Surf Club
Mokum Surf Club
Image by Mokum Surf Club
Mokum Surf Club
Image by Mokum Surf Club

Caza OIas– Best budget option

Caza Olas is right on the beach, directly in front of Playa Pavones. It’s one of the cheapest options out there. It has a garden, private parking, shared kitchen, and a wonderful social atmosphere.

Hotel Swell Pavones

Hotel Swell Pavones is a sweet little surf hotel right in front of the surf break with air-conditioning, a garden, and a shared kitchen.

La Ponderosa

Set a bit further back from the beach, La Ponderosa is a lovely hotel with a garden, pool, air-conditioning, and TVs in each room.

2. Santa Teresa-Best surf spot in Costa Rica for mini tubes

santa teresa surf town
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is a small surf town located on the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, and it is one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. Santa Teresa has several miles of high-quality beach breaks, where the sandbars on the steep beaches create fast, hollow breaks at lower tides, and softer, perfectly shaped waves at higher tides.

The main break here is at Playa Santa Teresa, where the waves tend to be biggest and steepest. However, you can also head just north of Santa Teresa to Playa Hermosa, where the waves are much softer, smaller, and ideal for beginners and intermediates- especially when the waves are too big at Playa Santa Teresa. 

The surf in Santa Teresa is great for all levels. Intermediate and advanced surfers will have a blast surfing this fun, peaky beach break, and beginners have lots of options for catching both whitewater waves, and the smaller waves up at Playa Hermosa. 

The best time to visit this Costa Rica surf spot depends on your skill level. If you’re a beginner, I recommend coming in the dry season so you can have smaller waves to practice on. For intermediate and advanced surfers, you can also have a blast in the dry season, although you’ll find bigger waves in the rainy season from May- November. 

Where to stay:

7 Day Surf and Stay Package with Lucero Surf Vacations

Santa Teresa surf camp, Lucero surf & stay
Image by Lucero Surf Vacations
Santa Teresa surf camp, Lucero surf & stay
Image by Lucero Surf Vacations
Santa Teresa surf camp, Lucero surf & stay
Image by Lucero Surf Vacations

The 7 day surf & stay surf package includes accommodation at a lovely hotel, a daily breakfast buffet, access to all needed surf equipment, and 4 surf lessons.

Things to do in Santa Teresa besides surf:

Santa Teresa is a great surf spot in Costa Rica to visit when you’re traveling with nonsurfers, because there is so much to do here! Some of the best things to do in Santa Teresa include:

3. Playa Negra- Best reef break in Costa Rica

Playa Negra Costa Rica Surf
Playa Negra Surf

Playa Negra is also located on the Nicoya Peninsula, about 23km south of Tamarindo. Despite being close to Tamarindo, Playa Negra is actually very remote, and rugged. The beach is surrounded by farmland, reachable by dusty, unpaved roads, and only surrounded by a few hotels and houses. The wave itself is a challenging, righthand reef break that produces powerful barrels at low tides. 

The wave at Playa Negra breaks over very shallow water, and you have to be careful while riding in order to not smack the reef below. This Costa Rica surf spot is perfect for advanced and intermediate level surfers. On higher tides you can ride a longboard here, but typically this Costa Rica surf spot is best for the shortboarders. Playa Negra is a great wave to surf year round, but expect bigger waves in the rainy season.

We surfed Playa Negra in April, when it was about 2-4 feet. The waves were long, dreamy, and near perfect. It was very shallow- I remember riding along and seeing the reef just barely under the crystal clear water. It’s pretty magical, but definitely watch out!

There isn’t much to do at Playa Negra besides surf- if you’re traveling with nonsurfers, you might want to choose one of the other  Costa Rica surf spots. Or, base yourself at Tamarindo and make the drive down to Playa Negra each day to surf. 

4. Nosara-Best surf spot in Costa Rica for consistent waves

Nosara Surfing

Nosara has been my homebase for the last few winters, and I have to say- after exploring the different surf spots in Costa Rica and always returning back to Nosara, Nosara is definitely one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. 

The waves themselves at Nosara aren’t exactly world-class. However, the consistency here is what makes this one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. You can essentially surf here every single day- this swell magnet is never flat. That’s not to say the waves aren’t  super fun- they absolutely are!

The main break in Nosara, Playa Guiones is a long, sand beach break with miles of surf. You can get nice, long, cruisy rides here, or steep, fast, barreling waves depending on the day, swell, and sandbars.

For the most part, the surf lands somewhere in the middle, and is fun for all! The waves here are great for intermediate and advanced surfers, and beginners looking to ride the whitewater. If you’re a beginner-intermediate looking to paddle out and catch green waves for the first time, this isn’t the best break, as the paddle out can be very difficult. 

Most people come to surf in Nosara during the dry season, when the waves are smaller and much cleaner.  During the rainy season, the waves are still good, but often messy, and too big to surf. 

Where to stay:

Selina Surf Camp

Selina surf camp
Image by Selina Surf Camp
selinasurfcamp
Image by Selina Surf Camp
selina surf camp, nosara waves
Image by Selina Surf Camp

Selina surf camp includes accommodations, daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 3 dinner, all surfing equipment, and 5 guided surf lessons.

Surf Bikini Retreat

Surf bikini retreat nosara surf
Image by Surf Bikini Retreat
Surf bikini retreat nosara surf
Image by Surf Bikini Retreat
Surf bikini retreat nosara surf
Image by Surf Bikini Retreat

Surf Bikini Retreat is an all-inclusive women’s surf retreat in a lovely surf rancho. The surf retreat includes all healthy meals, 18 hours of professional surf lessons, all surfing equipment, three yoga classes, a massage, a surfing photoshoot, and more.

5. Witches Rock

Witch’s Rock is a world-renowned surf spot located in Santa Rosa National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This break is famous for its consistent waves, and high quality A-frame waves. Surfers can enjoy both rights and lefts, making it a versatile surf spot.

With bigger swells and the right tides, surfers can enjoy a nice, barreling wave at Witch’s Rock. During the dry season, the surf here is really quite small, and fun for longboarders.

During the rainy season, the break gets bigger- this is the time to come for barrels and bigger waves! That’s not to say there aren’t bigger waves in the dry season- with some decent S/SW swells, the waves can be quite big and good at Witch’s Rock.

The bigger days are simply less frequent. Witch’s Rock is quite remote, and besides exploring the beautiful Santa Rosa National Park, there isn’t much for your non-surfing friends to do here. Unless of course they are content with just hanging on the beach all day… in which case it’s perfect! 

6. Playa Hermosa-Best surf spot in Costa Rica for barrels

Playa Hermosa surf
Playa Hermosa surf

Playa Hermosa, located just 15 minutes south of the popular surf town of Jaco, is another of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. Known for its powerful and consistent waves, Playa Hermosa attracts surfers from all over who are looking to find high-quality rides, and hopefully spend some time in the green room. 

Playa Hermosa runs for about 4 miles, with peaks all up and down the beach. The waves work best when the surf is head high- it’s not a beginner-friendly break. Advanced surfers will love surfing the near-perfect waves at Playa Hermosa, and intermediates can also have a blast here too.

The wave is best for shortboarding, although you’ll see all types of surfers out there on the smaller days. If you’re looking for smaller, cleaner waves, Playa Hermosa is best in the dry season, and if you’re hoping for some bigger surf, you’ll want to come to this Costa Rica surf spot during the rainy season.

In terms of things to do in Playa Hermosa besides surfing, there are some decent options! Playa Hermosa is very close to the popular beach town Jaco, so you can always take a day trip there and explore the best things to do in Jaco. There are also a few waterfalls you can visit, along with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and tons of nightlife in Jaco. 

Where to stay:

7 Day Beginner Surf Camp at Surf Inn Hermosa Hotel

playa hermosa surf camp, playa hermosa surf
Image by Surf Inn Hermosa Hotel
playa hermosa surf camp
Image by Surf Inn Hermosa Hotel
playa hermosa surf camp, playa hermosa surf
Image by Surf Inn Hermosa Hotel

This 7 day beginner surf camp includes accommodation, surfboards, breakfast and dinners, daily surf lessons, and more.

7. Playa Avellanas

Playa Avellanas Surf
Playa Avellanas Surf

Playa Avellanas, also known as “Little Hawaii”, is another of the best Costa Rica surf spots thanks to its dreamy, crystal clear, incredibly shaped waves. Playa Avellanas is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, about 20 km south of Tamarindo. 

The waves at Playa Avellanas are world-class and offer something for every surfer. There are 5 main surf spots in Avellanas, and the waves are great for both longboarders and shortboarders. The waves are great for both intermediate and advanced surfers. Playa Avellanas is very unique in its ability to hold up with massive swells. This underrated Costa Rica surf spot can handle just about any swell the Pacific decides to throw its way, making it a great surf spot to hit when the other Costa Rica surf breaks are too big, or closed out. 

Overall, Playa Avellanas has one of the nicer shaped waves in Costa Rica. If you surf a little up the beach, the wave breaks in a really nice A frame, with a solid right and left. It’s not terribly heavy either. When the swell is in, it’s a great break for intermediate shortboarders and longboarders to get some practice riding their first shoulder-high plus waves. When it’s smaller, it’s a really fun mellow break for longboarders.

The surf in Playa Avellanas is good all year long. Like with most Costa Rica surf spots, come in the dry season for smaller waves, and wet season for bigger surf. Playa Avellanas is in a pretty remote area- it’s actually very close to Playa Negra, and there isn’t much to do here besides surfing, yoga, and enjoying the gorgeous beach. 

Where to stay:

Tao Destinations 8 Day Surf Camp

Avellanas surf camp surf
Image by Tao Destinations Surf Camp
Avellanas surf camp
Image by Tao Destinations Surf Camp
Avellanas surf camp
Image by Tao Destinations Surf Camp

Tao Surf Destinations includes surf lessons and training for beginners, intermediates, and advanced level surfers. The surf camp also includes daily breakfast, and accommodations at a lovely surf villa with an infinity pool.

8. Dominical-Best surf spot in Costa Rica for big wave surfing

Dominical Costa Rica Surf
Dominical Surf

Dominical is a small beach town in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, about a 90 minute drive south of Jaco, along a nice, paved road. Dominical is infamous for its big, powerful, barreling waves caused by a trench dug out by the Rio Baru next to the main surf break.

However, Dominical isn’t always like this. We’ve surfed at Dominical a few times, and have ridden small, clean, dreamy waves that break all up and down the beach. We’ve also seen Dominical looking big, mean, and heavy- this surf break is very diverse. 

During the smaller dry season swells, Dominical is a pretty great surf break for all levels. Unless you’re a pretty serious surfer, or you know for sure there isn’t going to be a swell during your trip, I wouldn’t recommend coming to Dominical in the rainy season for surf, as it will likely be too big.

Even with its hairy reputation, Dominical is a popular surf spot in Costa Rica for all levels.  There are tons of surf camps, surf schools, and beginners learning to surf in Dominical, especially during the dry season. In the dry season, the wave is often great for surfers of all levels. During the rainy season, when Dominical gets hit by big swells, the beach turns into an experts only zone, and you can sit back on the beach and watch.

While Dominical is for the most part, a very sleepy, dreamy, surf town, there is still plenty to do here for the nonsurfers. Some of the best things to do in Dominical include:

  • Visiting the Nauyaca Waterfall
  • Take a river rafting tour
  • Kayak through the mangroves
  • Visiting El Fuego Brewing Company

Where to stay:

Tropical Sands Inn All Levels Surf Camp

Dominical surf camp
Image by Tropical Sands Inn Surf Camp
Dominical surf camp waves
Image by Tropical Sands Inn Surf Camp
Dominical surf camp waves
Image by Tropical Sands Inn Surf Camp

If you’re looking for a great surf camp for all levels, Tropical Sands Inn is the one! Their surf camp includes 5 surf lessons, unlimited board rental, two massages, two photo and video analysis sessions, and daily breakfast.

Get ready to surf the 8 best surf spots in Costa Rica

Costa Rica boasts some of the most amazing surf spots in the world, offering an incredible surfing experience for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Whether you’re looking for big waves or a more laid-back atmosphere with mellow surf, Costa Rica has something for every surfer.

From the epic, remote surf breaks of Pavones and Witch’s Rock, to the popular surf towns like Nosara, the country’s coast is dotted with world-class surf spots. No matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to have an amazing surf trip in Costa Rica, and I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect surf trip to one of Costa Rica’s best surf spots. 

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