
Surfs Up!
Surfing is one of the most popular sports to practice in Costa Rica. All around the world, some of Costa Rica’s beaches are well known for some of the best destinations to surf. With year round warm weather, warm air and offshore breezes, Costa Rica has the best conditions to surf during anytime of the year. The best times during the year to surf would be during the rainy season on the Pacific side and the hot dry season on the Caribbean side. Here are some of the best beaches in Costa Rica where you can find the best waves!
Playa Avellanas- Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Avellanas has been nicknamed “Little Hawaii” for its long breaking waves. The best surfing can be done during the rainy season in Playa Avellanas which is from mid- May through November.
Playa Grande – Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Grande is the closest surf spot from Liberia International Airport (LIR) and takes about one hour to get there. The best time of year to surf here would be March to November. This beach is family orientated and welcomes surfers all ages to come and catch a few waves!
Pavones – South Pacific, Costa Rica
Pavones beach is a 7 hour drive from San Jose airport and is located on the Southern Pacific coastline of Costa Rica. Pavones has very unpredictable waves as when there is a swell, experienced surfers can ride for almost 3 minutes at a time! Other days, you may just catch waves that are waist high.
Playa Negra – Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Negra is about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from the town of Liberia. The beach is famous for its right hand barrel waves that originate from a narrow channel between rocks. The waves are consistent all year around when the tide is high. Low tides usually expose the rocks underneath the water.
Playa Hermosa – Central Pacific, Costa Rica
Only a two hour drive from San Jose, Playa Hermosa is a great place for experienced surfers to catch a few waves. The currents here in Playa Hermosa are very strong and not suggested to swim in. The best time to surf at Playa Hermosa is from April to November when the tide is high and rising. Some waves here have reached more than 13 feet!