Costa Rica

As a rugged, rainforested country, it makes sense that travelers come to Costa Rica and expect an epic adventure. While a lot of that adventure can take place on land, the most legendary experiences are more likely to happen in the water. 

Costa Rica is a mecca of Central American surf. Heck, it’s even a mecca of worldwide surf. The waves here range from gentle and forgiving to wild and barrelling, and there are plenty of breaks that even the pros can appreciate. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, don’t be surprised if you spend your entire vacay in the water.

Costa Rica surfing quick facts

Most important first

The destination

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-globe” title=”Country” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Costa Rica
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-globe-africa” title=”Region” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Central America
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-deaf” title=”Language” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Spanish (official), English
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-users” title=”Population” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
4,755,234
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-temperature-high” title=”Temperature, land” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
21-30 °C
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-tint” title=”Water temperature” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Around 28 °C
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-ticket-alt” title=”Visa” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
30 days for most countries
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-wallet” title=”Daily budget” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$30 and up

The surfing

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-water” title=”Number of waves” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
100
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-user-graduate” title=”Surf level” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Pro
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-campground” title=”Surf camp cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$700 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hotel” title=”Hotel cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$75 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-snowboarding” title=”Board rental cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$20 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-glasses” title=”Surf lesson cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$50 and up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-bed” title=”B&B cost” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$50 and up

Latest Costa Rica surfing guides

Insider guides to surfing in Costa Rica

Local details

[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-wifi” title=”Internet” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
22.77 Mbps
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-user-shield” title=”Safety” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Generally okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-baby” title=”Family friendly” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Mostly true
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-heartbeat” title=”Healthcare” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Mostly good
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-glasses” title=”Nightlife” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Relaxed and chill
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-walking” title=”Walkability” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Generally low
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-hamburger” title=”Dinner” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$8 up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-beer” title=”Beer” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
$4 up
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-traffic-light” title=”Traffic” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
Okay
[evc_icon_with_text type=”icon-left” icon_library=”fontawesome” title_tag=”p” icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-plug” title=”Electricity” icon_size=”15″ custom_class=”amenities-title”]
115V, 60Hz

Popular areas of Costa Rica

The best areas of Costa Rica

Latest surf camps in Costa Rica

Explore the cream of the crop surf camps for your next surf trips

Latest surf stays in Costa Rica

Hotels, villas, apartment, anything goes – as long its close to a break

Planning you next surf trip?
Save up to 90% on the best surf camps.

  • Save hours of research, we do it for you
  • Get alerts about surf trip deals, up to 90% off
  • Get direct access to last minute, cancellations and exclusive deals