The 5 best surf spots in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of those places that seems made for a surf trip. Warm water, tropical beaches, consistent waves, and plenty of surf towns make it a favorite for surfers from all over the world.
Whether you're just learning to stand up on a board or looking for powerful waves and long rides, Costa Rica has something for every level. Here are 5 of the best surf spots in Costa Rica to add to your list.
1. Santa Teresa
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica's most famous surf destinations. The coastline has several peaks and can offer fun waves for intermediate surfers, while nearby Playa Hermosa is a better option when you're looking for softer waves.
Santa Teresa is also about more than just surfing. Think barefoot walks on the beach, jungle-covered roads, yoga, great food, and spectacular sunsets.
Best for: Intermediate surfers and experienced beginners
Surf vibe: Laid-back, tropical and energetic
2. Playa Guiones, Nosara
If you're looking for a more relaxed place to surf, Playa Guiones in Nosara is a great choice. The wide sandy beach has consistent waves and plenty of space, making it particularly popular with beginners and longboarders.
Nosara has a strong surf and wellness culture, so it's easy to combine morning surf sessions with yoga, smoothies and slow afternoons by the beach.
Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers
Surf vibe: Relaxed, healthy and beachy
3. Playa Hermosa
Don't confuse this with Playa Hermosa near Santa Teresa — this Playa Hermosa is located just south of Jacó and is known for its powerful, consistent waves.
It's a serious surf destination, particularly when the southern swells arrive between May and October. The beach is home to several breaks and can produce fast, hollow waves, making it much better suited to experienced surfers.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Surf vibe: Powerful, fast and challenging
4. Dominical
On Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, Dominical is known for its consistent beach break and laid-back surf-town atmosphere.
The waves can get powerful, especially during the wetter months, but smaller days can offer fun conditions for less experienced surfers. It's a great destination if you want a combination of surfing, nature and a more local-feeling beach town.
Best for: Intermediate surfers, with options for different levels
Surf vibe: Raw, tropical and relaxed
5. Pavones
For experienced surfers, Pavones is one of Costa Rica's bucket-list waves. Located in the far south, this remote surf destination is famous for its long left-hand point break.
When the swell is right, Pavones can produce incredibly long rides, making it one of the most famous waves in Central America. It's more remote than Costa Rica's main surf towns, which is part of what makes the experience so special.
Best for: Experienced surfers
Surf vibe: Remote, wild and unforgettable
When is the best time to surf Costa Rica?
One of the best things about surfing Costa Rica is that you can find waves throughout the year. The dry season from December to April generally brings cleaner conditions to the northern Pacific, while the May to October wet season can bring larger southern swells to many of the country's Pacific breaks.
For beginners, the smaller and cleaner conditions of the dry season can be a great time to visit. More experienced surfers may prefer the bigger swells of the green season.
Ready to surf Costa Rica?
From mellow waves in Nosara to powerful barrels in Playa Hermosa and legendary long rides in Pavones, Costa Rica has a surf spot for almost every type of surfer.
And wherever you surf, don't forget the essentials: your board, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and swimwear that actually stays in place when you hit the waves.
Planning a surf trip? Check out our surfwear collection at Esdushi and find your perfect surf bikini or rash guard for the next adventure.