Wave quality and consistency come wrapped in warm water, tropical weather, biodiversity, and stunning scenery. But how does Costa Rica tick every box?
Variety Is The Spice Of Life
From semi-pro shortboarder, mid-length maverick to a just-learned-to-longboard, Costa Rica’s four regions offer every type of wave for every kind of ability.
While The Caribbean Coast’s (Limón Province) and the north (Guanacaste) central (Puntarenas) and Southern Pacific regions all have one showstopper, world-class wave, it is the variety that makes Costa Rica one of the great one-size-fits-all surf destinations on Earth. Surfers can decide between punchy hollow waves smacking on volcanic black sand, easy peelers sparkling over squeaky platinum beaches or craggy reefs offering options for slab hunters. The choices are all yours.
Come For The Surf, Smell The Flowers
Sure, it’s about the waves. But as you watch the sunset at your Encanta La Vida beachfront lodge in Matapalo, on the Osa Peninsula, and clock the vibrant bird species and spot sloths, it is unsurprising that this is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
However, it wasn’t always like this. By the mid-1980s, logging had reduced the forest cover to less than a quarter. A forward-thinking government banned deforestation, paid farmers to protect watersheds and conserve biodiversity, and in a neat twist, funded the whole deal with taxes on fossil fuels. The country’s respect for nature and success in keeping it, have led to a booming ecotourism sector. Sure, the fun rights of Pan Dulce and the powerful walls of Matapalo (or a boat charter if Pavones turns on) are the honey that attracts the surfer bee, but once down there, smelling the flowers is almost its own reward.
365 Days of Waves
Consistency is the key to most surf destinations, and on this highly ranked box, Costa Rica is benchmarked ridiculously high.
With Pacific and Caribbean coasts and two surf seasons, it is rare that there isn’t a fun, rippable wave on any given day. The dry season from December to April is the best bet for the North Pacific Region. Consistent offshore breezes and swell on tap swell light up the best breaks, Witch’s Rock, Playa Negra and Playa Grande. Nosara, and its uber-consistent Playa Guiones, is a known swell magnet, with good, ever-changing, banks
This time of year is also prime season for the Southern Caribbean coast at spots like Salsa Brava or Playa Cocles. The Central and Southern Pacific Coasts, like the southerly swells that push through the South Pacific, most often between May and November.
The Non-Bucket Bucket List
Now for the sexy stuff: Political stability, clean water, modern medical and transport infrastructure and solid security.
Sure, it may not be a wishlist for an epic surf adventure, but it does make for a smoother travel experience than elsewhere in Central and South America. A recent World Database of Happiness collated surveys from 148 nations had Costa Rica taking the top spot for both Average Happiness and Happy Life Years. And that shows in the Costa Ricans’ daily interactions.
Surfing and what else…
The jungle canopy tours are always worth checking out, and we’d recommend white-water rafting, fishing or snorkelling at the Isla de Tortugas.
The colonial cities of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago attract international visitors who gawp at the pastel-lined streets. The country’s volcanoes provide relaxing hot spring experiences, while the Pacific coastline’s humpback whales, manta rays and great diving for all levels are more extra-curricular bonuses. Or just go surfing…