Costa Rica has long been a dream destination for surfers from all over the world, and in 2025 it continues to deliver some of the most thrilling and scenic surf spots on the planet. Known for its warm waters, consistent waves, and breathtaking tropical landscapes, Costa Rica offers surf experiences for all skill levels. From the powerful swells of the Pacific Coast to the pristine breaks along the Caribbean, the country is blessed with year-round surf conditions that attract both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners. The top ten best surf spots in Costa Rica for 2025 showcase a perfect mix of world-class breaks, stunning beaches, and vibrant surf cultures that make each location unique.
These destinations not only provide excellent wave quality but also immerse visitors in the laid-back lifestyle that defines Costa Rican beach towns. Travelers can expect everything from long, smooth rides perfect for longboarding to challenging barrels that test the skills of advanced surfers. With surf schools, local guides, and surf-friendly accommodations available at every major beach, Costa Rica remains one of the most accessible and exciting surf destinations in the world. Whether chasing the perfect wave or soaking up the sun between sessions, these surf spots promise an unforgettable adventure.
Top Ten Best Surf Spots In Costa Rica (2025)
10. Playa Hermosa de Jaco
Playa Hermosa de Jaco is a staple on lists of the best surf spots in Costa Rica for good reason. Located a short drive from the tourist hub of Jaco, this beach delivers strong, powerful beach break waves that appeal to experienced surfers looking for heavy, consistent surf. The seabed is mostly sand which creates fast peaks and hollow sections when south swells roll in. Surf season intensity varies but Hermosa offers reliable conditions year round with the biggest swells arriving between May and November.
The town infrastructure supports surf tourism with multiple surf schools, board rental options and experienced local guides for those seeking spots and tide tips. Safety is paramount at Hermosa because the waves can be unforgiving and currents can form quickly. Lifeguards are present in peak months but knowledge of local conditions remains essential. The local surf culture is energetic yet grounded in respect for the lineup and the beach environment. Photographers and videographers are drawn to Hermosa for dramatic swell days while learners can find gentler sections during low tide windows. Playa Hermosa de Jaco remains a must visit for surf travelers chasing performance waves and lively surf community energy.
9. Puerto Viejo and Salsa Brava
Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast offers a completely different surf experience than the Pacific side and that contrast makes it one of the top surf destinations in Costa Rica. Salsa Brava is the marquee break here and is famed for its steep powerful tubes and shallow reef. This spot is for advanced surfers only and local knowledge is essential because the wave packs intensity and the reef can be hazardous. The Caribbean swell window is distinct from the Pacific so many surf travelers plan to include Puerto Viejo in a broader Costa Rica surf trip to sample both coasts.
The town itself is vibrant with Afro Caribbean culture, good food and a relaxed vibe that complements the surf scene. For those learning to surf, nearby beaches such as Cocles and Playa Chiquita provide softer beach breaks and more forgiving conditions. Traveling surfers will find smaller surf camps and guest houses that cater to visiting surfers and local shuttles that can offer safe boat rides to remote breaks. The uniqueness of Salsa Brava keeps Puerto Viejo on the radar for experienced wave seekers looking for raw and dramatic surf.
8. Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of the most well known surf towns in Costa Rica and it continues to be popular thanks to its consistent beach breaks and strong support for surf tourism. The bay creates waves suitable for a broad range of abilities so Tamarindo remains a top pick for families, beginner surfers and those interested in nightlife and dining after sessions. Surf schools line the shoreline providing beginner lessons and guided board hires.
Intermediate surfers can find more challenging peaks near the river mouth while advanced riders often head to nearby Playa Grande for heavier waves. Tamarindo also functions as a convenient base for day trips to other Guanacaste surf locations which makes it a practical choice for planning a surf trip. The town infrastructure is well developed with variety in lodging, restaurants and surf shops. Conservation efforts are visible here as well with sea turtle nesting programs attracting eco conscious travelers. This combination of accessible waves, local surf culture and tourist amenities makes Tamarindo a dependable choice for those seeking both surf and convenience in one destination.
7. Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas earns attention as a premier surfing destination in Costa Rica for its quality of waves and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Often called Little Hawaii by locals, Avellanas blends long open beach breaks with sections that can produce fast hollow rides when swell aligns. The break favors intermediate and advanced surfers but there are usually pockets of softer surf suitable for learners on calmer days.
The beach’s consistent swell exposure makes Avellanas attractive from May through November yet favorable conditions can appear outside those months too. A handful of small surf camps and boutique lodgings have grown up around the beach, providing friendly local guidance and surf guiding services. Natural scenery is dramatic here with rocky points and river mouths that shape the surf into playful lines and occasional barrels. For surfers who appreciate a less commercialized environment with strong wave quality and clear water, Playa Avellanas is a reliable pick on any Costa Rica surf trip.
6. Playa Negra
Playa Negra is recognized across surfing circles as a heavy and consistent reef or point break delivering powerful right hand rides and hollow sections that reward experienced surfers. This break sits in Guanacaste and often produces world class waves that are featured in many lists of top surf spots in Costa Rica. The take off can be steep and the wave sustains speed across the rock bottom which makes it suited for surfers seeking performance conditions rather than beginner friendly lessons. Local surf shops handle board rentals and guiding while seasonal swell patterns determine the intensity of the sessions.
Playa Negra’s coastline retains a more rugged and authentic feel compared to busier tourist towns which appeals to surfers who prefer quieter lineups and a focus on surf quality. Accommodation ranges from modest surf lodges to private villas and food options are sufficient for extended stays when chasing swell windows. Respect for local knowledge and reef safety protocols is important here because conditions can change rapidly and the reef bottom adds risk.
5. Witchs Rock and Ollies Point
Witchs Rock and Ollies Point are two iconic breaks within a protected national park area that consistently appear in conversation about the best surf spots in Costa Rica. Access normally requires a boat trip which helps preserve the quality of the waves and reduces crowd pressure on peak days. Witchs Rock is famous for its steep and powerful right and left handers and Ollies Point is celebrated for long, fast walls that reward skilled surfers with extended rides. Both breaks perform best on larger northwest swells and when tides align to produce clean faces.
Because these breaks are located in a marine protected zone, the surrounding environment is rich in wildlife and dramatic coastline scenery which adds value beyond the surf itself. Surf operators in nearby towns offer guided trips and safety briefings which are recommended since the ocean conditions can be unforgiving. For high performance surfers seeking consistent swells and the thrill of point and reef breaks, these locations remain essential on any Costa Rica surf trip.
4. Santa Teresa and Mal Pais
Santa Teresa and the neighboring Mal Pais area on the Nicoya Peninsula combine beautiful beaches and quality surf which secure their place among the top surf destinations in Costa Rica. The shoreline features multiple breaks that work on both offshore and onshore winds so surfers can often find favorable conditions regardless of short term weather changes. Santa Teresa attracts a diverse surf crowd from long board enthusiasts who enjoy mellow rides to high performance short board surfers chasing more hollow sections during strong swells.
The surf scene blends with a growing selection of cafes, yoga studios and boutique accommodations which makes this spot attractive for those seeking a balanced surf and lifestyle experience. The area also supports surf instruction and board rentals making it easy to plan lessons or guided sessions. Travel logistics require some planning because access involves ferry crossings or small plane transfers but the effort is rewarded by a dynamic surf landscape and a distinctive coastal culture. Conservation is increasingly visible here with local groups focused on beach protection and sustainable tourism.
3. Dominical
Dominical is a rugged beach break on the southern Pacific coast that draws surfers who appreciate powerful open face waves and often heavy conditions. The break offers long runs when the swell and tide cooperate which makes it a favorite for surfers looking to test their skills on fast and sometimes ripply sections. Dominical has a strong local surf scene with experienced riders who know the lineup intimately which contributes to a supportive yet serious surf culture.
The town maintains essential surf services with shops offering board repairs, rentals and local guiding options which is important for those chasing consistent surf windows. Dominical is also a hub for eco tourism and jungle meets beach scenery with waterfalls and trails nearby that appeal to visitors beyond surfing. Safety and respect for local lineups are emphasized here since currents can be strong and the waves can shift quickly. For surfers who prefer raw beach break energy and fewer crowds than major resort towns, Dominical represents a compelling stop on any Costa Rica surf itinerary.
2. Nosara and Playa Guiones
Nosara and Playa Guiones are celebrated for consistent sand bar setups and famously friendly waves which place them high on lists of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. The long, forgiving rides make Guiones ideal for learners and intermediate surfers while still offering peaks and sections that more advanced surfers can enjoy during larger swells. The town of Nosara has cultivated a wellness oriented lifestyle with yoga, organic dining and surf coaching which creates an appealing balance between active surf days and restorative downtime.
The beach benefits from protective coastal management which helps maintain the sand bars that shape the waves and fosters a sustainable local tourism model. Nosara also offers surf camps and programs tailored to different levels so progression is possible within the same visit. Travel logistics are straightforward enough with nearby airstrips and organized shuttles from major hubs. For surf travelers seeking consistent surf quality, supportive surf community and a holistic coastal experience, Nosara and Playa Guiones are among the top destinations to consider.
1. Pavones
Pavones earns the top ranking for many surf travelers and publications as one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica due to its legendary long left hand point break. When conditions are right Pavones produces one of the world’s longest rides and the point can deliver rides that stretch for hundreds of meters which is rare and alluring. Suitable primarily for intermediate and advanced surfers, the break rewards skill and patience with long drawn out walls and occasional tube sections. The village of Pavones preserves a tranquil and authentic vibe that is less commercialized than many other surf towns which appeals to surfers seeking an immersive wave chasing experience. Pavones sits on the southern Pacific coast and swells arrive with consistent directionality during certain months providing predictable windows for long rides. Local guest houses and camps cater to visiting surfers and offer guidance on timing and tide selection which is crucial for making the most of the point. For those prioritizing unforgettable long rides and classic point break performance, Pavones remains a must visit destination on any Costa Rica surf trip.
