With some of the best surf spots on Earth, Costa Rica is a longtime favorite when it comes to surfing destinations. This country is gifted with consistent waves, amazing tropical weather and a genuine “Pura Vida” surfing vibe.
While surfing conditions might be very good and consistent, Costa Rica is still a pretty big country and deciding where to settle yourself on a surf trip can be confusing and overwhelming.
Here are 5 surf towns in Costa Rica that are considered as some of the best places to stay on a surf trip down in paradise!
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our free WaveFinder search engine!
1. Santa Teresa
Located on the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is great place to venture off the beaten path and get a raw Costa Rican surfing experience.
Read our complete surfing guide to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
The small surf town of Santa Teresa has great beach breaks that will suit both beginners and advanced surfers. There are many hostels, restaurants and surf schools that help implement this great surfing atmosphere in Santa Teresa.
Find a Surf Camp in Santa Teresa Starting at US$199
2. Nosara
Just slightly up the coast is Nosara, another charming Costa Rican surf town. The main beach break is Playa Guiones, a perfect place to learn how to surf in Costa Rica.
Read our complete surfing guide to Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara is also a pretty laidback and quiet town but still offers many places to eat, sleep and go out. You can also find several surf camps and surf schools in the area.
Book a Surf Camp in Nosara Starting at US$159
3. Tamarindo
Tamarindo is probably the most popular, but also the most Americanized surf town in Costa Rica. The heavy infrastructure along its wide beach brings a lot of options when it comes to places to stay but it makes the beach and surfing line up pretty packed as well.
For an easily accessible and convenient place to surf, Tamarindo is a great option. However, if you are looking for some tranquility and an uncrowded surf town, it might not be the best place for you…
Read our complete surfing guide to Tamarindo, Costa Rica
4. Jaco
Jaco is about an hour away from San Jose, the Costa Rican capital city making it one of the most accessible surf town in the country. Obviously, this feature comes at the cost of being pretty busy and crowded.
Read our complete surfing guide to Jaco, Costa Rica
However, Jaco is a great surf town that has a mix of party and surf for people looking to enjoy their days and nights in Costa Rica!
Book a Surf Camp in Jaco Starting at US$149
5. Pavones
Pavones is the longest wave in Costa Rica and probably the best surf spot as well! Being fairly more remote than most other Costa Rican breaks, Pavones enjoys more reasonable crowds than any other popular surf spots. The ones who do make it down here are certain to enjoy some of the best surf in Costa Rica!
This tiny jungle village is right next to a world-class point break that every surfer dreams about!