Surfing has been a prime attraction for foreigners in Costa Rica for decades. The Endless Beach surf movie immortalized Tamarindo in the 1990s. The great thing about surfing in Costa Rica is the proximity of a wide variety of breaks within relatively short distances.

Nicoya Peninsula and Northwestern Pacific Coast

You can surf all along the Northwest Pacific and the Nicoya Peninsula. This is where many of the best “secret” breaks are and also some of the most famous. Tamarindo Beach has a nice, consistent break, ideal for beginners. Playa Grande is nearby and draws better surfers, while Ollie’s Point and Witches’ Rock are great for experienced surfers.

Central Pacific Coast

The Central Pacific offers many local surfers great waves and also hosts some of the biggest tournaments. Prime spots include Boca Barranca near Puntarenas, Jaco Beach, and Playa Hermosa. Many other spots further south can be good for surfing, but Dominical is the most dynamic and well known.

Southern Pacific Coast

This has great surfing, most people will go here if they are on an extended surf vacation, and quite often they come back for more directly here. There is a good change of pace break at Zancudo. The most famous break is at Pavones, tthis is the world’s longest left hand break, you can surf for several minutes at a time on this break. Across the Golfo Dulce is the break at Matapalo, which is a long right hand break.

**Article from the archives of the American-European Real Estate Group**