Costa Rica has surf on both coasts, and these towns live by it. Tamarindo and Jacó have friendly waves for lessons, while Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo, the long left at Pavones, and Playa Hermosa are for people who already surf. The early hours are usually cleanest, and respect in the lineup goes a long way with local surfers.
For breaks and seasons, see best surf spots in Costa Rica.
A surf town on a dirt road, easy for a first lesson. The beach at the end of the drive is the reward.
A long left point south of Golfito. The ride lasts minutes, and surfers gladly come a long way for it.
The largest lowland rainforest on this side, and the way into Corcovado. Worth a night among the trees.
A quiet surf town at the end of the Santa Teresa road. An unhurried beach, where the coast finally slows down.
The busiest beach town on the central Pacific. An easy lesson wave, and a lively town a short drive from San José.
A small surf town that stayed small, between forest and beach. Come for the wave, with the forest at your back.
A long, quiet beach between Jacó and Quepos, lined with palms and almond trees.
A long beach of bigger waves, a short drive south of Jacó. A strong open beach for anyone who wants the swell.
The town sits on the sand. Sunset fills the beach, and easy waves out front suit a first lesson.
The long beach north of Tamarindo, where leatherbacks nest. Wide, peaceful sand across the estuary from town.
A surf beach south of Tamarindo, with forest behind the sand. Come for the wave, trees right at the beach.
A small beach town with a dirt main street and calm water for a swim.
Guiones is the long surf beach. Pelada, just north, is the sheltered place to swim.
Rocky points and sandy coves just south of Tamarindo. Surf on the rocks, and coves made for a swim.
The long surf beach at Nosara, forest behind the sand. People stay gladly for the wave and the trees.
A south Caribbean surf town, with reef close to shore. A lively base for food, surf, and the beaches just south.
