Costa Rica Surfing

Costa Rica is ahead of everyone else when it comes to surfing. Gaining increasing popularity for great waves and plenty of them, this trip is worth taking if you are a surf lover. Costa Rica is surrounded by the Pacific ocean and the Caribbean sea giving way to year around surfing in warm waters. Each region boasts of different types of breaks available for surfing.

The North Pacific region’s breaks include Ollie’s Point at Portrero Grande, Witch’s Rock inPlaya Naranjo, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Langosta, Allevanas, Playa Negra, Nosara, and Mal Pais. The best time for surfing here is November thru March. Ollie’s Point was named after Oliver North and featured in “Endless Summer II”film. There is no beach access so you must take a boat from Playa Coco for the day. The breaks here are fast, hollow, and best when tide is high. Witch’s Rock is famous throughout the country. It is more remote and recommended for you to stay at Witch’s Rock surf camp located in coco. This camp has their own boat used for surf trips and less expensive. Not only can you beach surf in Playa Naranjo almost anytime except dead low, you can get an extra activity in watching the giant leatherback turtles use it as a nesting ground from October thru May.

Surfing in the Central Pacific region you can choose from the following surf sites. There is Boca Barranca, Puerto Caldera, Playa Tivives, Playa Herradura, Playa Escondida, Jaco, Roca Loca, Hermosa, Estrellos, and Boca Damas, all close in to each other. April thru November is the best surfing times. Easily accessible, Boca Barranca is second largest wave break in Costa Rica. It is advised to surf early to avoid crowds and the afternoon winds. Jaco is perfect for beginner surfers, with the beach being the favorite in Costa Rica. Jaco is a popular beach town, with nightlife available to all the surfing is done. Hermosa and Escondida are very close by.

If you are staying in the South Pacific and choose to surf long after enjoying all the other activities in this region, there are abundant to select from. In this area there is Quepos, Playa El Rey, Dominical, Drake’s Bay, Cabo Matapalo, Pavones, and Punta Banco. Dominical is a very large beach offering fun breaks for surfers of all abilities. There are plenty of places to stay right on the beach. And for added excitement there are two spectacular waterfalls, Pozo Azul and Nauyaca, nearby. Cabo Matapalo is the last of the untouched areas of Costa Rica and worth going just to see the monkeys swinging from the trees. The jungle atmosphere adds to the surfing experience.

Finally, there is the Caribbean region for surf fanatics. Inside this area is Manzanillo, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Westfalia, Ilse Uvita, Playa Bonita, Portete, and the North Caribbean coast. Winter is the best time for surfing here. The bonus of this region is the beautiful, living coral reefs. Experienced surfers will love the incredible huge breaks of Puerto Viejo, almost the biggest waves in Costa Rica. Playa Bonita has breaks for experienced surfers, and it is noted that a lot of the Caribbean region’s surfing can be dangerous and best left to experienced surfers.

Costa Rica offers plentiful surfing for all levels of experience. Be sure to check out surf camps and schools that are also offered.