Costa Rica surfing is famous for its incredible variety of waves, making it a perfect destination for beginners and advanced wave riders alike. This Central American gem offers lush rainforests, pristine shores, and world-class breaks, ideal for any surf trip.
But here, we’re focusing on what Costa Rica offers beginner surfers. With popular spots scattered throughout regions like the Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific, and the Caribbean coast. So, stick with us as we explore our top five surf spots for newbies. From gentle beach breaks to mellow point breaks, we’re covering it all.
So grab your board, wax it up, and get ready to surf Costa Rica. Let’s dive in!
1. Playa Santa Teresa
Where is Playa Santa Teresa located?
On the Nicoya Peninsula in the Puntarenas Province, about 150 km west of San Jose, near the town of Mal Pais.
How to get to Playa Santa Teresa?
Frequent shuttles and buses run from San José to Santa Teresa, offering convenient options for all types of travelers. Whether you’re coming from the northern beaches or other parts of Central Costa Rica, there are plenty of ways to reach your surf camp without hassle.
The surfing vibe at Playa Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa is a lively surf town with a laid-back yet vibrant community that draws surfers from around the world. Known for its impressive beach breaks, this destination offers something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced surfer. Numerous surf camp options and surf shops line the beautiful beach, providing everything from surf lessons to board rentals.
There’s definitely a laid-back surfing vibe at Playa Santa Teresa. But with several high-end restaurants and luxury accommodation options, you might spy a few Gucci loafers among the flip-flop wearers. Santa Teresa is a fun place for all kinds of travelers—couples, families, solo adventurers, and groups alike.
When you’re ready to relax, Playa Santa Teresa has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes to unwind after a day in the water. As evening falls, grab a drink at one of the beachside bars and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Playa Santa Teresa’s neighbor, Playa Carmen, is within walking distance and offers similarly welcoming beach breaks perfect for beginners and intermediate shredders alike. Known for its soft, sandy beach and consistent waves, Playa Carmen provides an ideal spot for surf lessons and is often less crowded than Santa Teresa, making it a fantastic alternative for those looking to enjoy the waves at a more relaxed pace. Together, these two beaches create a vibrant, laid-back surf zone with plenty of surf camps, cafes, and stunning sunsets along the Pacific coast.
Waves at Playa Santa Teresa
This long stretch of sandy beach offers a welcoming break that stretches over a kilometer, with multiple peaks ideal for surfers of all levels. While Playa Santa Teresa can handle larger swells, it shines best with waves between 2-4 feet, making it one of Costa Rica’s best beginner surf spots due to its consistency. However, its popularity means you can expect crowds, especially when the sun shines and the waves are perfect.
While Playa Santa Teresa is generally a safe spot for surfing, it’s essential to stay aware of a few natural hazards. Rocks are present near the south end of the beach, so be cautious in that area, especially if you’re surfing at lower tides when the rocks are more exposed.
Additionally, rip currents can occasionally form, particularly when the tide shifts. These currents are usually manageable but can be strong enough to pull you out from the shore. Staying mindful of these factors and keeping an eye on local surf conditions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.
What’s the best season to surf Playa Teresa?
Plan your surf trip during the green season from May to December for the best surf at Playa Santa Teresa. This time of year brings the most consistent swell, ensuring plenty of waves to ride. While you can still catch waves outside these months, they tend to be less predictable.
2. Playa Avellanas
Where is Playa Avellanas located?
Situated along Guanacaste Province’s stunning Golden Coast, Playa Avellanas is just a 20-minute drive south of Tamarindo and 30 minutes west of Santa Cruz.
This surf paradise is home to some of the top surf schools, including the renowned Rapture Surfcamps—a favorite surf camp for wave riders of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Playa Avellanas offers everything you need for an unforgettable surf experience.
How to get to Playa Avellanas?
Getting to Playa Avellanas is easy! From Liberia Airport, you can arrange an affordable private shuttle directly to your surf camp or hop in a taxi from Tamarindo.
The surfing vibe at Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas strikes the perfect balance—quieter than Tamarindo’s lively scene but still vibrant and full of energy. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy the surf culture, socialize, and unwind all in one place.
When you’re ready for a break from the waves, Playa Avellanas offers a variety of activities to keep your adventure going. Explore the area on horseback along the beach, or for a more relaxed pace, unwind with yoga sessions on the sand.
For an unforgettable day trip, head just a few hours away to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can wander through vibrant rainforests, encounter incredible wildlife, and soak up the sun.
Waves at Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is one of the Costa Rica surf spots that is highly recommended for beginner and intermediate surfers. This spot boasts five distinct surf breaks, among them the famed “Little Hawaii,” known for its quality waves. Despite the name, Little Hawaii is suitable for surfers of all levels. Beginner surfers are encouraged to surf there when the waves are smaller, with guidance from a surf instructor to navigate safely.
Other breaks worth exploring include River Mouth, Palo Seco, Lola’s, and La Purruja. With so many spots to choose from, crowds are more spread out, so you can often find a place where it’s just you and your friends sharing the lineup.
What’s the best season to surf Playa Avellanas?
Playa Avellanas offers year-round waves, thanks to swells from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. However, plan your surf trip between December and April for smaller, playful waves and clear, sunny days. Whereas, if you’re looking for bigger, more challenging waves, consider visiting from March to November
3. Playa Guiones
Where is Playa Guiones located?
Playa Guiones sits on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste Province. It’s just a quick 15-minute drive from the charming town of Nosara. Whether you hop on a quad bike, grab a taxi, or take a tuk-tuk, the journey is pretty straightforward.
How to get to Playa Guiones?
The nearest international airport is in Liberia, just 2.5 hours from Playa Guiones. For a convenient journey, you can rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive or arrange a private shuttle to your accommodation for a hassle-free trip straight to the surf!
The surf vibe at Playa Guiones
Nosara is the ultimate Costa Rica surf and yoga haven, radiating a calm and laid-back vibe. While nightclubs are few and far between, there are still plenty of fantastic dining and entertainment spots to enjoy.
Nosara has that “early to bed, early to rise” feeling, perfect for those seeking rest and rejuvenation. Tourism is thriving, but the local community has done a remarkable job of keeping it balanced and low-key.
All in all, if you’re dreaming of a holiday filled with surfing and relaxation and less of the party scene, Nosara is the place to be.
Waves at Playa Guiones
Stretching for 7 kilometers, Playa Guiones is a stunning sand and volcanic rock beach renowned as one of Costa Rica’s top spots for beginners.
With its forgiving beach break and gentle waves at both low and high tide, it’s ideal for those just starting out. Although it can hold a larger swell, Playa Guiones shines with waves around 4 feet and under, making it accessible and enjoyable for surfers of all levels.
Often called a “swell magnet,” Playa Guiones has a knack for catching even the smallest swells, delivering rideable waves when other beaches are flat. This means you can almost always count on finding waves here, making it a reliable destination for consistent surf.
What’s the best season to surf Playa Guiones?
You can surf here in both the dry and wet seasons. However, the drier months offer consistent offshore winds and a cleaner swell that’s perfect for beginner surfers. From April to November, you’ll see larger surf and more wind, which can prove challenging if you’re just starting out.
4. Playa Hermosa
Where is Playa Hermosa located?
Just 5 km south of Jaco in the beautiful North Puntarenas Province, this destination is only about 1.5 hours from San José, making it an easily accessible escape for surf and sun seekers.
How to get to Playa Hermosa?
Getting here from San José International Airport is easy, with several transportation options to suit your travel style. Buses provide an affordable and scenic journey, allowing you to experience Costa Rica like a local.
Alternatively, if you prefer a bit more comfort, shared or private shuttles offer direct and convenient service, with pick-up options from both the airport and hotels in San José.
However, private taxis provide door-to-door service for the fastest and most flexible option.
The surf vibe at Playa Hermosa
This destination offers a laid-back beach experience, where it’s all about soaking up the sun, sand, and quality waves in a mellow, serene setting. For a livelier vibe, head just north to Jaco, where the energy ramps up with a buzzing party scene and various bars and restaurants owned by both Costa Ricans and expats.
When you’re ready to take a break from the surf, the area is surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders—rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, lagoons, and rivers—all waiting to be explored. This spot truly offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful surf haven with adventure and nightlife close by!
Waves at Playa Hermosa
This versatile surf spot works well at all tides and picks up swells from nearly every direction—north west, west, and south west—so you’re almost guaranteed waves here. Although it’s generally considered an intermediate spot, we rate it as one of the top spots for beginners wanting to challenge themselves with steeper takeoffs and hollower waves without worrying about reefs or rocks.
It’s no surprise this spot once hosted the International Surfing Association World Games in 2009, which is a testament to just how incredible the waves can get here!
What’s the best season to surf Playa Hermosa?
The season from May to October is ideal for those after bigger, more powerful waves. Alternatively, if you’re looking for picture-perfect surf conditions with sunny days and clear skies, the dry season has you covered.
5. Playa Dominical
Where is Playa Dominical located?
Playa Dominical is located about 45 minutes south of Quepos in the beautiful Bahía Ballena de Osa District in Puntarenas Province. The nearby town of Dominical offers a laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax.
How to get to Playa Dominical?
Reaching Playa Dominical from San José is simple, with several options to suit your travel style. Take a private car, shuttle, or bus directly from San José for a scenic journey. This is about a 4.5-hour trip.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to save time, opt for a quick 20-minute domestic flight from San José to Quepos, then rent a car and enjoy a short 30-minute drive south to Dominical.
The surf vibe at Playa Dominical
At first glance, Dominical might look like a laid-back, sleepy village, but a closer look reveals a vibrant community. Relax and soak up its authentic coastal charm, or dive into the local scene and meet the eclectic mix of people who call it home. It’s the kind of place that wins your heart and makes saying goodbye surprisingly tough.
Waves at Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical stands out as one of Costa Rica’s top beaches for most beginners, thanks to its accessible surf conditions and safe, sandy shores. With its forgiving beach break and consistent waves, Dominical provides an ideal environment for those just starting out, allowing beginners to practice comfortably without the worry of rocks or reefs.
The soft sand bottom and manageable wave size make it perfect for building confidence on the board, while the relaxed atmosphere of the beach and surrounding town invites surfers to unwind and enjoy the pura vida lifestyle.
What’s the best season to surf Playa Dominical?
Playa Dominical offers great waves year-round, but if you want to catch the best conditions, plan your surf trip between December and April. This season promises prime swells and sunny skies, making it the perfect time to score unforgettable waves!
Hear What Rapture Surfcamps’ Guests Have To Say
FAQs
Costa Rica surf is perfect for beginners due to the wide range of beginner-friendly beaches, consistent waves, and warm waters year-round. Popular spots like Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Avellanas, and Playa Guiones offer gentle, sandy beach breaks ideal for learning, with numerous surf camps available to provide surf lessons and guidance.
Absolutely! In addition to the beginner breaks listed above, Costa Rica offers some of the most exhilarating and challenging waves for experienced surfers, including:
Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja) – This iconic surf spot in the Santa Rosa National Park delivers consistent, strong waves with hollow sections, which are ideal for surfers seeking fast and thrilling rides.
Ollie’s Point – Famous for its long, right-hand point break, Ollie’s Point is a remote and rewarding destination for those looking for an unforgettable surfing experience. Accessible by boat, it provides smooth, clean waves on bigger swells.
Pavones – Renowned for one of the longest left-hand waves in the world, Pavones is a paradise for advanced surfers who want to experience long, fast rides with multiple sections.
Playa Negra – A powerful reef break with hollow, barreling waves, this spot offers steep, fast rides best suited for advanced surfers comfortable with navigating reef conditions.
In addition to Playa Avellanas, home to one of the best surf camps, popular surf towns on the Pacific side, such as Playa Carmen, Mal País, and Playa Grande, offer gentle waves and consistent swells, perfect for learning.
On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo provides a unique surfing experience with a vibrant local scene and beginner-friendly conditions during the calmer seasons. For those seeking a quieter option, Golfo Dulce on the Pacific coast also offers great waves for a beginner surfer.
The best time for beginners to surf in Costa Rica is generally during the low season, also known as the green season or wet season, which runs from May to November. During these months, the waves are typically smaller and more manageable, creating ideal conditions for those just starting out.
However, if you’re looking to avoid the wet season entirely, the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere (December to April) also offer consistent surf with warmer, sunnier days.
Absolutely! Costa Rica surfing is a year-round activity, thanks to consistent waves and warm waters.
“Pura Vida” is a famous phrase in Costa Rica that translates to “pure life,” but it holds a much deeper meaning in Costa Rican culture. It reflects a way of life that embraces simplicity, positivity, and gratitude, embodying the relaxed and friendly nature of Costa Ricans. Used as a greeting, farewell, or expression of happiness, “pura vida” has become a hallmark of life in Latin America.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for surfing in Costa Rica. Surfing can involve risks, and having insurance can cover medical emergencies, equipment loss, and unexpected trip cancellations. Be sure to choose a policy that includes coverage for adventure sports, as this is likely to protect you while surfing.
Several beaches in Costa Rica are perfect for beginners due to their gentle, consistent waves. Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo are popular for first-time surfers, offering long and easy-to-ride waves. Elsewhere, on the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo also has options. However, waves here can sometimes be more challenging, so it’s best to check conditions.
Surfing in Costa Rica is incredibly popular, so you’ll find plenty of rental shops in the major surf towns. These shops offer various boards for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced wave riders.
