Costa Rica: Surfing’s Jewel of Central America

Costa Rica is known for its lush tropical forests, retirement options and eco-tourism, but it also has a thriving surfing industry on both sides of the country. Costa Rica has the beauty of warm weather year-round and two oceans in which to play. Here is a guide to the best surfing vacation that money can buy when you visit lovely Costa Rica.
Locations

Summer and the dry season go hand in hand in Costa Rica and from November until March you will see the best surfing weather, but there will be larger crowds. If you want cheaper accommodations and lower amounts of people, the rainy season will be the time to go just be prepared to get wetter. Truly heavy rains happen from September to November with moderate rainfall from May until September.

In general, both coasts offer the best surfing when it is warmest during the summer. The northern Pacific coast and Caribbean coast are best from December until March and expect larger crowds. The southern Pacific coast is best when the weather gets wetter.

Lodging

Tamarindo is perhaps the best known and likely most crowded surfing destination in Costa Rica. However, Tamarindo is the best place to use as a jumping off point to several great beaches for surfing.

If you are on a budget, the best place is going to be the Hotel Camino A Tamarindo, a Best Western hotel. Rates for a single start at $89 a night, or take advantage of the three-for-two special when you reserve a room for three nights and only pay for two. A restaurant, bar, and outdoor swimming pool are on the premises. This hotel is within distance of many beaches and amenities nearby and is a great central location for whatever beach you’re hitting the next day. And oh, speaking of traveling to the beach, you might end up camping and so I recommend you use a durable tactical flashlight for you trip.

Equipment

Costa Rica Surf Club hosts equipment rentals, lessons, and even Surf Camp for those wanting to get a hold on the sport of surfing. Rent or buy short boards or long boards. Rentals are by the week, so indulge in a brand new board for $200 per week.

For surfing lessons, they have private, semi-private, or group lessons with not more than a five to one student to instructor ratio. The school is certified by the International Surfing Association, and offers a Surf Camp that lasts for seven days to get a feel for some serious surfing in Costa Rica. Whether you want to surf a little or a lot, Tamarindo has something for everyone when you surf Costa Rica.