Costa Rica Surfing 10 Beaches You Must Ride Now

Picture this: I’m sitting in a cramped shuttle van at 4:30 AM, board bag crushing my legs, wondering what the hell I’m doing. My buddy Jake had convinced me to blow our vacation budget on this Costa Rica surf trip, and honestly? I was having serious second thoughts.

Then we rolled into Tamarindo as the sun came up, and I saw it—perfect chest-high waves peeling down the beach, not another soul in the water. That moment when you realize you’re about to paddle into something special? Yeah, that’s exactly what happened.

Four trips and countless sessions later, I can tell you Costa Rica changed how I think about surfing. It’s not just about the waves (though they’re insane). It’s about stumbling into this whole world where surfing isn’t some weekend hobby—it’s literally how people live.

So here’s the thing: I’m gonna walk you through the 10 beaches that turned me from a weekend warrior into someone who starts planning next year’s trip before this year’s tan fades. These aren’t just surf spots—they’re experiences that’ll stick with you long after you’re back home scrolling through your phone during meetings.

Why Costa Rica Hits Different Than Anywhere Else

Look, I’ve surfed California, Hawaii, even spent a month in Indonesia. But Costa Rica? It just works differently. Maybe it’s because the water’s always perfect—like bathtub warm but not weird tropical hot. Maybe it’s because you can surf both coasts and get completely different experiences.

Or maybe it’s because every local I’ve met genuinely wants you to score waves instead of seeing you as another tourist with a credit card.

The Pacific side cranks from March through October with these consistent swells that just keep coming. Caribbean side is trickier—you gotta time it right—but when it’s on, it’s unlike anywhere else. Having both options means you’re basically guaranteed waves no matter when you show up.

Real talk—here’s what you need to know:

• Water temperature never drops below 78°F (no wetsuit needed, ever)
• Two completely different coasts = double the wave variety
• Surf culture runs deep here—it’s not just tourist stuff
• Infrastructure is legit—good boards, knowledgeable locals, solid food

Pacific Coast: Where the Magic Happens

Let me break down the Pacific side first, because this is where most people fall in love with Costa Rican surfing.

Tamarindo: The Gateway Drug

Location: Guanacaste Province
Perfect for: Anyone just getting started to solid intermediates
Wave style: Beach break that’s forgiving but fun
Prime time: Pretty much always

Tamarindo gets a bad rap from hardcore surfers who think it’s too touristy. They’re missing the point. Yeah, it’s crowded. Yeah, there are surf schools everywhere. But you know what? Those instructors actually know what they’re doing.

I watched this kid from Ohio go from not being able to stand up to linking turns in four days. His instructor Maria didn’t just push him into waves—she taught him to read the water, understand timing, respect the lineup. That’s the Tamarindo difference.

The waves here are like training wheels you actually want to keep on. Clean 2-6 foot faces breaking over sand, multiple peaks so you’re not fighting for scraps, and forgiving enough that a wipeout won’t ruin your week.

Insider tip: Everyone hits the water at sunrise and sunset. Go mid-morning after the dawn patrol crowds thin out but before the afternoon circus begins.

Santa Teresa: The Dream Destination

Location: Puntarenas Province
Perfect for: Solid intermediates to people who rip
Wave style: Beach break that can get gnarly
Prime time: April through October

Santa Teresa ruined other surf towns for me. Not even kidding.

I spent three weeks there in 2019, renting this little cabina walking distance from the beach. Every morning I’d grab coffee, check the waves, and paddle out to a different peak. Some days it was mellow and fun. Other days it was overhead and demanding respect. But it was always, always good.

The community there is what got me though. Mix of traveling surfers, expat artists, local families who’ve lived there forever. Everyone connected by this shared love of waves and good vibes. I made friends I still text with, learned Spanish curse words from groms half my age, ate more gallo pinto than should be humanly possible.

The waves can get serious here—8-10 feet during big swells, with enough power to remind you who’s in charge. But when it’s on, it’s absolute perfection. Long, workable walls that let you practice everything you’ve been trying to nail.

Real deal: Santa Teresa is expensive now. Budget accordingly or you’ll be eating ramen by week two.

Witch’s Rock: The Legendary Beast

Location: Santa Rosa National Park
Perfect for: Intermediates with confidence, advanced surfers
Wave style: Beach break that can barrel hard
Prime time: March through September

Witch’s Rock is basically surf mythology come to life. Made famous by that old surf movie, it’s still delivering world-class barrels to anyone brave enough to make the boat trip from Tamarindo.

Here’s the deal: it’s not just a surf spot, it’s an expedition. Forty-five minute boat ride through national park waters, dodging sea turtles and dolphins. Then you arrive at this pristine beach with waves that look like they were designed by someone who really understands surfing.

I’ve been out there four times. Twice it was absolutely firing—overhead, hollow, perfect offshore wind. Once it was mediocre. Once it was straight up scary big. That’s Witch’s Rock for you—when it’s good, it’s unforgettable. When it’s not, well, at least you got a boat ride.

The waves break over sand but pack serious punch. During good swells, you’re looking at 6-12 foot faces with barrels that’ll test everything you think you know about tube riding.

Money talk: Boat trips run about $65-85 per person. Split it with friends and it’s totally worth it.

Mal País: The Artist’s Colony

Location: Puntarenas Province
Perfect for: Anyone willing to explore
Wave style: Multiple breaks within walking distance
Prime time: March through October

Mal País feels like Santa Teresa’s artsy little brother. Less developed, more authentic, with this creative energy that’s impossible to fake.

The surfing here is diverse as hell. Beach breaks for beginners, reef breaks for experts, point breaks for people who like long rides. All within a few kilometers of each other. I spent a week here just exploring different spots, never surfing the same wave twice.

What I remember most is the community. Local artists selling handmade boards, farmers who surf before working their fields, expat families who moved here for the lifestyle and never looked back. Everyone connected by this understanding that good waves and good people are all you really need.

The waves themselves are consistent and varied. Nothing too extreme, but everything fun. Perfect place to progress your surfing while soaking up culture that feels completely authentic.

Playa Hermosa: The Gladiator Arena

Location: Puntarenas Province
Perfect for: Advanced surfers only—seriously
Wave style: Beach break with attitude
Prime time: March through October

Hermosa Beach doesn’t mess around. This is where Costa Rica hosts world championship events, and one session will tell you exactly why.

The waves here can get absolutely massive—15+ feet during big swells—with power that’ll humble even experienced surfers. Black sand gets scorching hot, currents are strong, and the whole scene has this intense, competitive energy.

I surfed here once during a smaller day (maybe 6-8 feet) and still got worked harder than I expected. Watched some locals absolutely shredding these powerful, fast-breaking waves while I struggled just to make it outside. Humbling experience, but that’s part of surfing’s beauty, right?

Straight up: If you’re not a solid intermediate at minimum, just watch from the beach. This isn’t the place to test your limits.

Caribbean Coast: A Completely Different Planet

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica feels like surfing in a different country. Different culture, different waves, different vibe entirely.

Puerto Viejo: Cultural Immersion

Location: Limón Province
Perfect for: All skill levels
Wave style: Mix of beach and reef breaks
Prime time: December through March, June through August

Puerto Viejo opened my eyes to how different Costa Rica’s two coasts really are. Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae music floating from beach bars, food that’ll change your perspective on what “local cuisine” means.

The surfing is seasonal but worth planning around. Multiple breaks handle different skill levels, from mellow beach breaks perfect for progression to more challenging reef breaks that demand respect.

What got me was the cultural richness. Conversations mixing Spanish, English, and local dialect. Flavors I’d never experienced. History lessons from locals who’ve watched their town transform from fishing village to surf destination.

The waves themselves are fun and approachable most of the time. Nothing too intense, but consistent enough to keep you stoked. Perfect complement to the cultural experience.

Salsa Brava: The Caribbean Pipeline

Location: Near Puerto Viejo
Perfect for: Expert surfers with solid reef break experience
Wave style: Shallow reef break
Prime time: December through March

Salsa Brava is the Caribbean’s scariest wave, and I mean that with complete respect. Powerful, shallow, breaking over sharp coral—it’s not playing games.

I paddled out there once during a moderate day and noped out after watching a few sets. The locals ripping it made it look easy, but their knowledge of that reef is generational. They know exactly where to sit, when to go, how to navigate the shallow sections.

Incredible to watch, humbling to attempt. If you’re not absolutely confident in your reef break skills, content yourself with being a spectator.

Playa Cocles: The Stepping Stone

Location: Near Puerto Viejo
Perfect for: Beginners to intermediates
Wave style: Beach break
Prime time: December through March, June through August

Cocles is like the Caribbean’s answer to Tamarindo—consistent, forgiving, perfect for building confidence before attempting more challenging breaks.

Multiple peaks, sandy bottom, waves that are fun without being intimidating. Beautiful jungle backdrop, fewer crowds than Pacific coast spots, and that unique Caribbean vibe that makes every session feel special.

Not the most exciting surf you’ll ever experience, but sometimes you need waves that just let you surf instead of making you fight for every ride.

Pavones: The Holy Grail

Location: Way down south in Puntarenas Province
Perfect for: Intermediate to advanced lefthanders
Wave style: Point break that can go forever
Prime time: March through October

Saved Pavones for last because it’s truly special. This left-hand point break can offer rides up to a kilometer long during good swells. One wave, multiple sections, more turns than your legs can handle.

The journey to get there is part of the experience—rough roads, remote location, limited accommodation. But when the stars align and Pavones is working, it’s pure magic.

I surfed there during a solid south swell and caught waves that felt like they lasted forever. By the end of some rides, I was so far down the point I could barely see where I started. That’s Pavones—it redefines what you think a single wave can offer.

Planning Your Costa Rica Surf Adventure

Timing is everything:

• Pacific Coast fires March-October (dry season April-November gets biggest swells)
• Caribbean Coast works December-March and June-August
• Dry season = smaller but cleaner waves, higher prices
• Wet season = bigger swells, afternoon rain, better deals on accommodation

What to actually pack:

• Your favorite board (or plan to rent—quality is good here)
• Tons of reef-safe sunscreen (seriously, tons)
• Light rashguard for sun protection
• Basic Spanish phrasebook (locals appreciate effort)
• Open mind and patience

Real Talk: What I Wish I’d Known Earlier

After multiple trips and countless sessions, here’s what actually matters:

Things that’ll improve your trip:

• Learn basic Spanish—even just “gracias” and “buenos días” opens doors
• Respect local surf etiquette—wait your turn, share waves, be cool
• Try everything—gallo pinto, fresh fruit, local coffee
• Explore beyond surfing—wildlife here is incredible

Things that’ll ruin your trip:

• Underestimating the sun—equatorial UV is no joke
• Ignoring local advice about conditions and safety
• Expecting perfect waves every session—patience grasshopper
• Being that tourist who complains about everything being different

The Truth About Costa Rica Surfing

Here’s what nobody tells you in the glossy surf magazines: Costa Rica surfing isn’t just about perfect waves and epic photos. It’s about perspective.

Sure, you’ll score incredible waves. You’ll probably get shots that make your friends jealous. You might even have sessions that belong in highlight reels.

But the real magic happens between sessions. Conversations with locals who’ve watched their beaches transform. Sunsets that make you forget you have emails waiting. Moments when you realize surfing is just the excuse—the real experience is everything surrounding it.

Every trip teaches me something new. Not just about surfing technique or wave reading, but about what makes a place special. Costa Rica’s special because the waves are just part of a bigger picture that includes incredible people, stunning nature, and a culture that genuinely welcomes visitors.

Whether you’re just starting to surf or you’ve been chasing waves for decades, Costa Rica offers something that’ll challenge your skills and expand your worldview. These 10 beaches are your starting points, but the real adventure begins when you paddle out and discover what each one has to teach you.

The waves are waiting, the water’s warm, and trust me—it’s even better than whatever you’re imagining right now.

Your Turn

What’s calling to you? The consistent fun of Tamarindo? The world-class perfection of Santa Teresa? The cultural immersion of Puerto Viejo? Maybe the legendary left of Pavones?

Drop a comment and let me know which spot you’re most excited to surf, or share your own Costa Rica surf stories if you’ve already made the pilgrimage. I love hearing about other people’s adventures, and who knows—maybe we’ll cross paths in a lineup down there someday.

Until then, keep dreaming about warm water and perfect waves. Costa Rica will be waiting when you’re ready.