-Tours by Activity-
SURFING
With
755 miles of coastline and two oceans, Costa Rica has more breaks than you
can imagine. The country's selection of surf spots range from idyllic beach
breaks to coral platforms where the water leaps up and tubes like a miniature
Pipeline. The good thing about the two coasts is that when one ocean is flat,
there is usually something breaking on the other side of the country. Often
enough, there is good surf pumping on both coasts. Since the Pacific is almost
5 times longer than the Caribbean it has boast more surfing spots than the
Caribbean.
Whether you’re a veteran or a beginner, you can usually find great
conditions to have a great time; although the country gets plenty of the big
waves that true surf fanatics live for, there are also days and spots that
are perfect for people who have little experience with the sport, or who have
been away from the ocean for a long time, and would like to try it again.
Contact us for a list of hotels, tips, car rental deals
& surfing itineraries. Although many consider that the best way to find
good surfing spots is to rent a car and drive around looking for them, this
might just meaning losing precious time on the road. Let us assist you with
the best option for your time of travel.
Some Surfing Spots:
1. Caribbean Coast:
We divide the Caribbean Coast in two regions: The North Caribbean and the
South Caribbean. North Caribbean Coasts comprises Tortuguero & Barra del
Colorado, where main activities include nature observation and fishing; conversely,
not a surfing sport. On the other hand, we find the South Caribbean, famous
for its white sand and black beaches, on which some good surfing breaks, can
be found. Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are the better known areas for the sport.
Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo is the legendary break in the area with some
great surf especially in January and February when it’s visited by many
experienced surfers, so, if you are not a fan of big crowds or still a beginner,
we recommend Cocles, just south of Puerto Viejo, which is generally a good
break when the swell is small, but note that it tends to close out when it’s
big. Also, try the beach breaks at Manzanillo or Cahuita’s Black Beach.
The laid back and relaxed ways of life of the Caribbean Coast are an invitation
for backpackers, eco tourists and surfers.
2. Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula (North and South
Pacific):
The
Northern Pacific Coast is probably the most consistent destination between
the months of the dry Season, from December to April. At this time, when the
temperatures are high and the chances of rain are little, strong offshore
winds combine with ideal swell directions to put its well known breaks in
perfect form. Moreover, bear in mind, that being the summer season you will
find most areas to be crowded, especially during Christmas and New Year’s
period.
Break points include, Potrero Grande: Right point break in Santa Rosa National
Park, only accessible by boat; no camping. Playa Naranjo: Great beach break
by Witch's Rock, in Santa Rosa National Park, accessible with four-wheel-drive
vehicle or boat; camping permitted. Playa Grande: Very consistent beach break
north of Tamarindo. Tamarindo: Good beach break, excellent base for surfing
nearby beaches. Playa Langosta: River mouth break south of Tamarindo. Avellanas:
Very good beach break further to the south. Playa Negra: Right point break
further to the south.
In Nicoya Peninsula, there’s Mal País & Santa Teresa, with
10 kilometers of white sand beach, ideal for surf and with options for all
the different budgets. This secluded location, is not one of “all inclusive
hotels”, contrary, until a few years ago it was the best kept secret
of adventurer and surf lovers. Definitely an eclectic area, were you will
find travelers from all over the world, different cultures and different interests;
and the waves are just great. So if you’re looking for something remote
and quiet with very good surf, search no more, Mal País is the place.
If you don’t mind sporadic showers, which change some of the break
points conditions, we recommend traveling between the months of June to August.
Although these months are technically part of the rainy season, weather usually
consists of sunny mornings and afternoon showers, which provide good surfing
opportunities. The greatest advantage is that since these months are considered
part of the low tourism season, prices at hotels and car rentals are much
better.
3. Central Pacific Coast:
The
beaches here have, most probably, the least completely flat days per year.
Playa Hermosa, south of Jacó is the place to go if there isn’t
a big swell in Guancaste, besides it takes less than 2 hours to get there
from San José. Even if Hermosa is flat, there’s always something
rideable at one of the nearby breaks.
Continuing south of Jaco is Manuel Antonio, a town boosting with attractions
and activities to do besides surfing – a great option for beginners
or those traveling with non-surfers. Gliding through the trees in the Titi
Canopy Tour will boost your adrenaline, same will do the rafting trips on
the Savegre or Naranjo Rivers; the white beaches inside the National Park
are incredible and an invitation to relax.
Further south of Manuel Antonio is Dominical. The surf here is mostly beach
break, however, tends to close out on bigger swells as it is not as steep
as Hermosa. There is a point break just to the south which offers some good
surf on a bigger swell.
HONEYMOON &
