Costa Rica has become one of the world’s top surf destinations. Sometimes called ‘the Hawaii of Latin-America surfing’, this place has it all: warm water, year round surf, easy access to breaks, affordable prices, more than 700 miles of coastline, access to the Pacific and the Caribbean, international surfing tournaments, and surf camps.
Less crowded than other popular surf destinations (Sydney, Hawaii, or Southern California), the beaches of Costa Rica have a lot to offer. They are known, for example, for inexpensive accommodations, local clinics and surf rental shops which are all strongly supported by the Costa Rican culture. There are many surf schools to choose from. Whether you use the surf school associated with your hotel, or join a group online, you can be sure you won’t be disappointed in the breaks on the Caribbean coast and the Pacific coast (which offers more consistent). Some great all-inclusive hotels are: Balcon Del Mar, Bercelo Tambor Beach, and Jw Marriott Guanacaste.
Major swells can be found on the Costa Rican Coast between the months of April to October, but it is from December to April that the surf is at its cleanest. Some of the best surf destinations in Costa Rica are at Playa Hermosa, Playa Grande, Pavones, Witches Rock and Salsa Brava.
Besides surfing, Costa Rica’s lush vegetation and rustic wilderness provide great vacation activities such as exploring active volcanoes, white water rafting, hiking, canopy tours, snorkeling, mountain biking, windsurfing, sailing, great food, and the list goes on and on.