costa rica surfing townscosta rica surfing towns

By bus: There is a direct bus from San Jose to Dominical everyday at 6 AM and 3 PM with Empresa Tracopa. Consistent waves and warm water, what more could you ask for. However, it doesnt have to be! Puerto Viejo boasts delicious Caribbean food,reggae music, heavy surf, and very lively nightlife. A lot like how people debate which side of the road you should drive on. Shops, tour operators, and restaurants are only a short walk from the beach. If youre traveling in a large group, this adds up quickly, and it might just be worth it to rent a car. If youd prefer to get away from the beach and into the rainforest, head to nearby Carara National Park, where you can go hiking, horseback riding, or even ride ATVs through the park. Playa Tamarindo is one of the top surfing destinations in Costa Rica for both beginners and experienced surfers. Just like the differing breaks that you can find around the country, each of these towns is unique in their own way and offer different experiences. Because of this, Dominical mostly caters to surfers of an advanced skill level, though youll find plenty of schools and resources for beginners in this area as well. Nosara is a beautiful surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula. With its long stretches of beach and consistent but manageable swells, Tamarindo is the perfect spot to catch your first wave or hone your skills. There are many relaxing beaches to choose from, a bunch of hip eateries to drool over, shops selling local handmade crafts, and fun nightlife! Especially if youre going to be heading to the Limn or Guanacaste provinces, it would make sense to go for a 44 vehicle, as the roads and terrain can be sometimes challenging. On small days in the dry season, the surf in Dominical is good for all levels, and if its too big at Playa Dominical, beginners can always head over to neighboring Playa Dominicalito. Places worth to mention are: Lapoint Surf Camp: in Santa Teresa. Youve got the main beach, Playa Tamarindo, where youll find waves suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced all in one place. Your email address will not be published. 12 Best Surf Towns in Costa Rica to Catch a Wave - Hey Explorer These include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and various boat ride options. None of the breaks rise as tall here as they might on a lucky day in Quepos, but then again, you dont have to be lucky to catch a good one here, either. Costa Rica is known for being a mecca for surfers from around the world. Also located in the province of Puntarenas, Santa Teresa is another great place for surfing. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So, what are the most popular surf spots in Dominical? Ill kick off this list with arguably the most popular and largest of all the amazing surf towns in Costa Rica. There are vast stretches of jungle and many national parks. The Best Beach Towns in Costa Rica for Fun, Sun & Surf Other fun things to do in Puerto Viejo include visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center, taking a local chocolate tour, and visiting nearby Cahuita National Park. Costa Rica has a large span of coastline that covers the left and right sides of the country. If you want to combine hiking with sunbathing on your Costa Rica trip, Jac is the ideal beach town. Once youve gotten your feet wet and wish to explore something more challenging, Jac also offers plenty of connections to some of the other nearby surf spots on this list. Costa Rica is not wide but rather has a long and narrow shape. If you like spending your days in the sunshine followed by good food and fun adventures then this is definitely a stop you should add to your itinerary. Smara is a totally adorable and mellow beach town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The most famous break in the area is Salsa Brava, a very heavy reefbreak. These range from boating or guided tours through the nearby national parks to scuba diving, yoga classes, and more. However, its popularity comes from avid surfers, digital nomads, and ex-pats who enjoy the area. Traveling in Costa Rica is easygoing and there are plenty of options, so your only challenge will most likely be deciding where you want to go. In all honesty, each of these surf towns is absolutely incredible, and youll have a great time wherever you decide to go. Tamarindo now has a rep as the liveliest surf and party town on the Costa Rican west coast. However, its very beautiful in the wet months when everything is the healthiest and most luscious, you just have to enjoy the rain. Selina Jaco is a gorgeous hotel. I love exploring the world on a backpacker budget and teaching others how they can do the same. This creates ample opportunity to find great waves along the coast. What is the best time of year to surf in Costa Rica? Input your search keywords and press Enter. Known for its consistent waves and sandy bottom beach break, it's an excellent spot for beginners to hone their skills. Its also a real haven for surfers, being the yearly host of the Quiksilver International Surf Championships, usually taking place in August. The rest of the year is considered wet season and it could potentially rain every day, depending on where you are. It is an amazing country with so much to offer. Book your rental car here. The surfing in Jaco is definitely a local experience, as Jaco is the largest beach town in Costa Rica that is near San Jose, the capital. If youre looking for the best surf spots in Costa Rica- thats a bit of a different question, and you should head on over to my Costa Rica surf guide for that. Nosara is located in Guanacaste on Nicoya, the peninsula that occupies most of Costa Ricas extreme West. It's all about the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, you see. On Many More Maps, you'll find my tried-and-tested, practical travel tips, destination resources, and the occasional hilarious travel fail! Dominical is one of my favorite surf towns in Costa Rica for its lack of tourists, fun waves, and lush surrounding jungle. It is known for its world-class surfing, stunning beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. This town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming or just relaxing in the sun when youre not surfing. Santa Teresa - The most beautiful surf town in Costa Rica! If youre planning a surf trip to Costa Rica, I recommend renting a car. Let's take a look at the best surf breaks the country has to offer. The 10 Best Surf Towns in Costa Rica: Ultimate Surfing Destinations Its now a bustling little town but more remote than the rest of the country. In terms of surf, Tamarindo definitely delivers. I dont recommend trying to surf this wave if you are just getting started. The three main surfing provinces in Costa Rica are Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limn. Surfing In Costa Rica: Everything You Need To Know The Ultimate Guide to Jaco Surf - Surf Atlas Dominicalito Beach nearby is a better spot for beginners. December 21, 2021; View Post. One of the best surf towns in Costa Rica. The most unique beach in Tamarindo is Playa Conchal. Still, you will likely need to hitch a ride once arriving at your destination anyway, as there is no airport thats directly on the coast. The most accurate bus schedules are going to be the ones you find right at the bus terminal. Well, tough luck. Always lock up your valuables, and never leave anything of value unattended in your car. Megan has lived in Costa Rica, Mexico, and France and has sailed around the Caribbean. Where can I surf in Costa Rica for beginners? Given that, adrenaline junkies and real pros should probably look somewhere else in the area. Playa Smara is the perfect surfing beach for all abilities youll get different conditions depending on the tide, but in general this beach is very beginner-friendly. Because the waves are strong, its a better area for intermediate and advanced surfers. While this small Central American country has attracted expats and foreign travelers from all walks of life for a long time, surfing culture has been the most influential import by far. The town is relatively small and not riddled with tourists. On an average day, he divides his time between photo walks and hunting for the next big thrifting bargain. The trickiest thing about surfing in Pavones isnt being there, but getting there. Surfing Costa Rica: A complete surf travel guide - Surfers Hype Dont add too many clothes to your Costa Rica packing list, because youll want to buy a bunch when youre out here. It is the perfect surf town that mixes nightlife with ridable waves. The first is that its beaches are protected in the Ostional Wildlife Preserve, so nobody can build within a certain distance of the beach. Renting a board will typically cost around $25 per day, but you can get this down as low as $10 per day if you want to arrange a weekly rental. Costa Rica has pretty consistent temperatures and it rarely ever goes below 70 F or 20 C. Despite being a country about half the size of Tennessee, Costa Rica offers a dizzying amount of surf spots, both for beginners and pros and everyone in between. Jaco really has a lot going on, including high rises going right up to the beach, department stores, pollution, and nightclubs. This charming country has great beaches for surfing, amazing lush jungles, and a beautiful landscape. Assuming you go for one of the top places listed in the following section of this guide (and you really should! Be aware though that this mostly has an effect on relative humidity, not so much on temperatures. Its located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula which is a very different area compared to the rest of the country and has more greenery, rivers, and hills. The town has a small, nature-loving vibe thats welcoming of visitors. The real surfing gem in Jaco for more advanced surfers, is the neighboring Playa Hermosa, complete with world-class barrels. It used to be a huge party town (and still has plenty of parties) but its now calmed down and is more family-friendly. Tourists and locals alike surf here, and you might even see a monkey on the beach. What to Expect in Costa Rica Surf Towns One of the major settlements within Guanacaste, it has the character of a large resort town with lots of amenities, a sizable expat population, and many miles worth of surf to tackle. This wave is truly a playground for the experienced surfer. When you are done with your activities for the day, Nosara has many great food and drink options. There are backpacker havens with crazy nightlife. Tamarindo - The best surf town in Costa Rica for luxury travelers! The paddle-out can be very long and tough here, and the crowds can make the lineup a bit hectic at times. Santa Teresa has a longer beach and, with a good swell, many different spots start to peak including La Lora and Roca Mar. I cant forget to mention Playa Chiquita! 7 Beautiful Costa Rica Beach Resorts for Surfing, Swimming, and Sunbathing. Suck Rock - "Suck Rock" is at the northern end of Santa Teresa in front of Roca Mar. Overall, Dominical is a must-visit Costa Rican beach town for anyone looking to experience the best of the countrys surf culture. These days, there are also plenty of shops, a large wellness and yoga scene, as well as modern luxury homes all around. Whilst there are many awesome places available, we thought we'd give you a helping hand by taking a closer look at the top surf camps Costa Rica offers below: 1. Take care not to walk along on the beach paths, especially at night. Manuel Antonio Ive comprised a list of the absolute best gifts for surfers. But if youre looking for the constant sunshine and clear skies you might identify with this part of the world through postcards, then itd be a better idea to come during the dry season. The best surf spots in Costa Rica - SurferToday.com its one of the best surf beaches in Costa Rica! Surfing in Costa Rica - Surf Packages in Paradise The biggest surf break here is called Salsa Brava, and this is where most people go when the weather allows for it (which is more often than not, as you might imagine). Alex Hickman 1 year ago Just a short flight from the major US airports, take your surfing up a level in some of the most perfect waves in the world at the best surf camps in Costa Rica. Even if you dont surf you will want to stay in a surf town. Nosara is not cheap, so if youre traveling on a budget, I recommend booking accommodations early, or visiting a less expensive surf town in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known for being a mecca for surfers from around the world. This is fine if you are planning to ride all the way to the terminus, but what about all the stops in between? Those routinely hover between about 25 and 30 degrees celsius. Tamarindo is the nicest beach town in Costa Rica. Theres no doubt that being in Costa Rica during this time of year can be picturesque. Great for travelers who dont like seeing loads of tourists. Santa Teresa the best Surfing Town. Keep in mind that showers usually happen in the afternoons. In terms of surf towns in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is by far the most westernized. However, when you arrive, youll be rewarded with lush jungles, very few tourists, and the second longest left in the world! 2023 Gathering Waves - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, The Best Time to Surf: Wind, Tides and Crowds, Popoyo Surf Guide: Nicaraguas Most Famous Wave, How to Visit Nosara Costa Rica on a Budget. Unfortunately, car ownership in Costa Rica is quite expensive. Costa Rica Surfing - Surf the best waves of your life in Costa Rica This means that over the course of 12 months, Costa Rica . 1. Once there, you can relax on the beach or snorkel. Costa Ricas pacific coast is the area of the country with the best surf. Located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Dominical is a surfers paradise! Surf Costa Rica has been blessed withits location, because it is located between two big and important water masses: Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this is one of the reasons why we have some of the best surfing beaches. Only 1.5 hours from San Jose, it is easily accessible and full of adventure for the whole family. To reach the little town from lodges, you'll likely need to take a small boat arranged in advance by your chosen lodge or a Costa Rica Expert. In the dry season, there are plenty of small days with fun, peeling waves to be had at Playa Dominical. Costa Rica surf: Nosara beach amongst World's 20 Best Surf Towns 11 Best Beginner Surf Spots in California, 11 Best Cheap Surfing Destinations in the World. The surfing scene is not as huge here comparatively speaking. The best time of year to surf in Costa Rica is the wet season, between May and November. 12 BEST Places to go Surfing in Costa Rica - Surfing Guide! So, to help others like me who were dreaming of a surf trip to Costa Rica, Ive pulled together this list of the 7 best beach and surf towns in Costa Rica!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'manymoremaps_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Top tip: TheCosta Rican currencyis the Costa Rican Coln, but US Dollars are also widely accepted at all of these Costa Rica surf towns. A major expat haven and tourist destination, expect ample accommodation options, plenty of nightlife, and busy surf breaks throughout the whole Quepos-Manuel Antonio area, which covers many miles. Its on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica and a popular surfing destination. Most Costa Rican surf towns will have plenty of surf schools, where you can join a surf lesson and rent equipment. This way, I hope anyone from those whove never seen a wave in person to those who surf religiously can take something from this guide! When other beaches in the country are flat, you can almost always still surf in Nosara. In recent years Nosara has grown into a wellness and yoga hub. While each particular beach will likely have a pattern of surf that hardly ever changes throughout the whole year, different beaches within the same province can be night and day, from calm and beginner-friendly to absolutely ferocious. For booking accommodation in Costa Rica, I recommend Hostelworld for hostels and Booking.com for hotels, guesthouses and apartments. On the Southern Caribbean Coast, the main attraction of the popular beach town of Puerto Viejo is Salsa Brava, the largest wave in Costa Rica. Santa Teresa is not only of the best surf towns in Costa Rica it is also one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica. Its about 5 miles outside of the city, but you will have a beautiful day of swimming and sunbathing ahead of you. Its technically possible to jump from the second-highest and highest falls, and youll probably see locals doing this, but it really is best to avoid this to stay safe. The beach town Dominical Dominical is 205 kilometers (127 miles) from San Jose. It is a great place to check out while on your vacation in Costa Rica. The Best Surf Beaches in Costa Rica - Culture Trip Best Surfing In Costa Rica: Top 12 Spots and Towns in the Country Youll be pleasantly surprised by the anything-goes vibe that permeates this quieter town. If youre traveling in a group and splitting the cost of the rental car, its often cheaper to rent a car than to take public transportation. There are plenty of rental shops, and you can rent anything from beginner boards to high performance shortboards. The waves are some of the most consistent within the whole country, but they dont tend to grow very tall and dont crash very hard either. Whether entering, leaving, or moving within the country, Costa Rica gives you three basic options: going by bus, by private car, or by plane. You can expect pretty consistent and strong waves in the warm turquoise water to get you in the surfing spirit. Playa Negra Playa Negra is a gorgeous black sand beach located about an hour south of Limon. Usually, the best time to visit Costa Rica is in the dry months of December through April. Costa Rica; Basic Costa Rica Tour with G Adventures - Review & My Experience. First up is Dominical Beach itself, which offers consistent waves for both beginners and advanced surfers. That said, if youre a beginner youll find that the surf is good enough year-round. Before you book anything, make sure you have solid travel insurance in place its way too risky, and downright, idiotic, to travel without it! The good: Uber-consistent SW swells on the Pacific It's one of the world's best intermediate playgrounds Costa Rica is SO relaxed The bad: It's getting pricier every year Lineups are getting bigger What will I find in this guide to Costa Rica surf? Selina Surf Club: with several locations in Costa Rica. The Pacific Ocean side has 630 miles of coast and the Caribbean Sea side has 130 miles of coastline. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a vast landscape and an amazing coastline. The conditions are consistent and there are lots of surf breaks to choose from here, regardless of whether youre a newbie or a surfing pro. Its very hot and dry during these months. However, if youre looking to spend time in a larger town with famous surfing and fun nightlife, add this beach town in Costa Rica to your list! Its a great town to visit during your future surfing adventure in Costa Rica. The bay is rather protected and picks up most swells, so you can almost always find a surfable wave. During both high and low tide, you can find some good waves. There's something in store for every traveller here, with yummy seafood, surfing, yoga, and great beaches at your fingertips. Salsa Brava harbors some of the tallest and most aggressive waves in Costa Rica, making it primarily suitable for those with a lot of experience under their belt. Youve got warm water, delicious food, constant swells from both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, and friendly locals. On the other hand, rentals are much better, and most foreigners I know use a mix of rental cars and Uber to get just about anywhere they need to go. About Costa Rica: Why It's the Perfect Destination for Your Next Surf Trip 2. Dreaming of fun in the sun vacation with sizable surfing waves and famous nightlife? There are several different factors that affect the best time to surf, and while surfing conditions are genuinely best in the mornings, that isnt always the case! Its one of the least developed beaches in this area thanks to its proximity to a wildlife refuge and a national park. In terms of surfing, Santa Teresa really delivers. Most of the West, especially the Northwest bordering Nicaragua, is relatively dry and doesnt see as much humidity or rainfall as the rest of the country. Jaco - The best surf town in Costa Rica for families! Join the party & subscribe to my newsletter, FAQs About Beach & Surf Towns in Costa Rica. There are also plenty of great surf schools to teach you how to surf. Driving in Costa Rica is fairly safe and easy- Ive driven all the way from Puerto Viejo to Nosara in a single day! Here, youll get a delicious,100% plant-based dinner.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'manymoremaps_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_11',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); Surfing may draw visitors to Nosara, but the food and relaxing environment will make you want to extend your stay. This is definitely one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica when it comes to adventure! 8 Best Costa Rica Surf Towns You Can't Miss! (2023) This list was compiled over living there for 6 years and me picking out my favorite towns. This area isnt too crowded so surfers can really take advantage of the space and not having to battle for waves. Surfing in Jaco Costa Rica: Your Ultimate Guide! Costa Rica is one of the most popular places to learn to surf in the world, and its definitely possible to learn to surf in Costa Rica. Here, smaller towns, villages, and tiny communities dotted around the shoreline dominate. A true paradise for goofy surfers. Its not the best place for swimming or snorkeling in Costa Rica due to the strength of the waves so keep that in mind if youre traveling with non-surfers. More Amazing Costa Rica Surf Spots 9. This Laid-back Beach Town in Costa Rica Has Beautiful Beaches, World-class Surfing, and Stunning Sunsets. So, whether you want to lay on the white sand beach, stay at a luxury hotel with a spa, or explore breathtaking landscapes this is the place for you! 2. This is great for surfers who visit because theyll have a lot of ocean space to themselves. It is recommended to rent a 44/4wd for Dominical. The National Park is a must-see for anyone stopping by. Jac is just a 1 hour and 40-minute drive from the capital city, San Jose. The Center contains the provinces of San Jos (the capital and its outlying satellite cities), Cartago, Alajuela, and Heredia. Which is the main reason why I ended up here for 6 years. I wish I could rate Nosara a 5 in terms of safety, but sadly there have been some incidents as of late. In addition, the country is officially sectioned into distinct provinces that are handy to know about if youre planning a trip there, especially if youre staying for longer than a few days. Puerto Viejo Best Caribbean surf town in Costa Rica. 9 Best Beaches in Costa Rica Youre also only a short drive from more exciting surf breaks like Playa Avellanas, Playa Grande, and Playa Negra. Surfing in Costa Rica can be very affordable. 3. In the wet season, the average temperature is mid-70s Fahrenheit or mid-20s Celsius. Looking for more ideas of what to do here? Suck Rock point break With year-round waves, warm water, and plenty of accommodations for every budget, it's no wonder Costa Rica has become one of the most popular surf travel destinations. The skies clear up, the forests go into a state of rest, and the sun comes out much more often. Thankfully, Costa Rica is not really like that. After a long day of surfing, Tamarindo is the perfect beach town to let loose and party. Literally called Beautiful Beach, Playa Hermosa offers way more than some of Latin Americas most beautiful scenery. So whether you are more of a budget hostel traveller or want to go all out, this Costa Rican beach town has everything you need for a pleasant vacation. This adventure is definitely a little more dangerous, so make sure to proceed with caution if you choose to join in. The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica Surf - Surf Atlas This locale is definitely one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica for relaxing, rolling out your yoga mat and connecting with yourself. Surf Tamarindo Year-Round 5. Because of the countrys proximity to the equator, seasonal changes are rather subtle, and you experience mostly the same temperatures and wave patterns throughout the whole year. Main risks include rip tides, sharks, and crocodiles. Avellanas and Playa Negra. Festival Latinoamericano TAMARINDO 2023. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'manymoremaps_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-manymoremaps_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); For advanced surfers, you wont want to miss Salsa Brava surf spot. To get to really good surf for higher levels, you may want to drive to nearby beaches, like Playa Grande, Playa Negra, or Playa Avellanas. There isnt much to do in Pavones besides surfing, and the closest ATM is over an hour away. In some parts of the country, peak wet season also brings with it taller, denser waves another consideration to make when narrowing down your travel plans. Its a surfers paradise located on the southern part of the country's northern peninsula, the Nicoya. 5 Best Surf Towns Costa Rica in 2023 | Where you should go Witch's Rock Surf Camp: In Tamarindo. It has better waves for surfing because they are consistent and have some great breaks. Costa Rica has some of the best surfing in the world. On the Pacific side, June through September generally have the best waves while on the Caribbean Coast, October to April have the better surfing conditions. There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. The Caribbean Side is more untouched and there are fewer tourists there, just hard to find good waves. Its also known as one of the best surf towns in Costa Rica. If you're hoping to surf here, there are four regions: North, South, Central, and Caribbean. Once you get to the waterfalls, you can reward yourself by swimming in the pools and jumping from the lowest falls. If you want to dance the night away with your friends, The Crazy Monkey Bar should definitely be on your list for the evening. The Center of the country is the most populated and urbanized, but also for surfers the least interesting part of Costa Rica. An introduction to Costa Rica surfing Quality and quantity - the hallmark of Costa Rica surf