These are the best places to surf in Costa Rica:
CARIBBEAN COAST
- Playa Cocles
- Puerto Viejo
PACIFIC NORTH COAST
- Playa del Coco
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Conchal
- Tamarindo
- Península de Papagayo
- Playa Naranjo
- Playa Grande
- Playa Langosta
- Avellanas
- Junquillal
- Nosara
- Playas Negra
- Santa Teresa
- Mal Pais
PACIFIC CENTRAL COAST
- Playa Jacó
- Playa Escondida
- Boca Barranca
- Playa Hermosa
- Esterillos
- Palo Seco
- Bejuco
- Dominical
- Manuel Antonio
PACIFIC SOUTH COAST
- Cabo Matapalo
- Playa Pavones
- Punta Banco
Table of Contents
CARIBBEAN COAST
PLAYA COCLES
Where is Playa Cocles?
It is located between La Playa Puerto Viejo and La Playa Chiquita in the province of lemon. It is 220 kms from San Jose.
How do you get to Playa Cocles from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus, or plane. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4 hours to get there. If you take a plane, it is 30 to 40 minutes to the lemon airport.
It has not-so-deep sandbanks. There are usually waves all day, so good weather for surfing is guaranteed. It is always important to be careful with the currents as this is common in many places in Costa Rica.
PUERTO VIEJO
Where is Puerto Viejo?
It is located between La Playa Puerto Viejo and La Playa Chiquita in the province of Limon. The property is located 217 kms from San Jose.
How do you get to Puerto Viejo from San Jose Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus, or plane. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 3:55 hours to get there. You can fly to lemon airport and take 30 to 40 minutes.
Thousands of tourists come every year to surf to this beautiful beach. The reef is something you cannot miss, although I do not advise it for beginners or very new people in this sport. The white sand adds to the incredible landscape of this area, where the Cahuita National Park is remarkably close.
PACIFIC NORTH COAST
PLAYA DEL COCO
¿Where is Playa del Coco?
It is a coastal community and is part of the province of Guanacaste.
How do you get to Playa del Coco from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. Or by plane to Liberia Airport. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 3:40 hours to get there.
The sand in Playa del Coco is dark. Young people love it and it is common to watch parties all along the beach on weekends. It is a famous tourist spot; due to the large number of fun activities it offers to nationals and foreigners.
PLAYA FLAMINGO
Where is Playa Flamingo located?
It is found in the province of Guanacaste in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. The property is located 274 kms from San Jose.
How do you get to Playa Flamingo from San Jose Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. Also, by plane to Liberia Airport. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:09 hours to get there.
Playa Flamingo is located on the Pacific coast, near Tamarindo Beach. Its sand is white and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Here you can find sport fishing trips among other things.
PLAYA CONCHAL
¿Where is Playa Conchal?
It is found in the province of Guanacaste, cantón Santa Cruz, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.
The property is located 273 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Conchal from San José Costa Rica?
You can reach Liberia Airport by car, bus and by plane. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:17 hours to get there.
Its sand is white, and the water has a bright blue color. It is close to Playa de Famingo and Playa de Brasilito, approximately 2 kms away, so it is possible to walk at the same time that you can enjoy an unforgettable landscape.
PLAYA TAMARINDO
¿Where is Playa Tamarindo?
It is found in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.
The property is 258 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Tamarindo from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus, or plane.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:04 hours to get there.
Here you can practice sport fishing, surfing, and other water sports, but without a doubt the most popular of all is surfing. With beautiful landscapes and good places to eat and drink. In Tamarindo the entertainment and good food for you and all your companions is guaranteed.
PENINSULA DE PAPAGAYO
¿Where is the Península de Papagayo?
It is located in the northeast of the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.
The property is 253 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to the Península de Papagayo from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus, or plane landing at Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 3:51 hours to get there.
It has a protected area of more than 350,000 acres of land and sea. There are, as of 7,000 species of plants, approximately 8,000 different species of butterflies, and a wide variety of birds and vertebrates. It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Papagayo Peninsula has now become a luxury destination.
PLAYA NARANJO
¿Where is Playa Naranjo?
It is found in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.
The property is 255 kms from San Jose. Orange Beach is a popular spot among surfers.
¿How do you get to Playa Naranjo from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:07 hours to get there.
It is also known as Roca Bruja. It is excellent for surfing. This beach is located in a desolate place and therefore preparing well is vital. Witch Rock is like the tip of a gigantic rock in the middle of the ocean and next to its splendid waves make this place an unforgettable landscape.
PLAYA GRANDE
¿Where is Playa Grande?
It is found in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.
The property is located 278 kms from San Jose. And it can only be visited during the day, due to the protection of turtles.
¿How do you get to Playa Grande from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:25 hours to get there.
Playa Grande is a white sandy beach located in the Bay of Tamarindo. Its length is ideal for resting, tanning and walking pleasantly to enjoy the picturesque landscape
PLAYA LANGOSTA
¿Where is Playa Langosta?
It is located south of Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica.
And it is located 259 kms from San José.
¿How do you get to Playa Langosta from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:14 hours to get there.
The beach of Playa de Langosta is perfect for experienced surfers. Instructors are available along the beach with team assistance if needed.
Among other things you can also visit national parks, ride horses, enjoy turtles or even hire excursions to farther places.
PLAYA AVELLANAS
¿Where is Playa Avellanas?
Avellanas Beach also known as Little Hawaii. It is found in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. And it is located 258 kms from San José.
¿How do you get to Playa Avellanas from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:084 hours to get there.
The beach of Playa de Langosta is an excellent beach for surfers. It is a quiet place, but not recommended for beginner surfers. It is important to be careful and be extremely cautious due to the existence of currents which can be strong.
PLAYA JUNQUILLAL
¿Where is Playa Junquillal?
It is located approximately 20 kms south of Tamarindo in Guanacaste province, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. The property is 256 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Junquillal from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:02 hours to get there.
It is a slightly lonely beach. It is a little hidden gem in Guanacaste Costa Rica. It is ideal for surfing especially when the tide rises. But there is so much more to do here. And as a side note, the Olive Ridley turtles come to shore to lay their eggs.
PLAYA NOSARA
¿Where is Playa Nosara?
It is located 5 kms from the village of Nosara in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. The property is 249 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Nosaral from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:14 hours to get there.
Here you will find an excellent atmosphere, full of good restaurants and splendid hotels. And for those who want to invest in Real Estate there is a variety of villas to buy or rent.
There are excursions where you can admire and appreciate different varieties of monkeys. The beaches are beautiful and the atmosphere quiet.
PLAYA NEGRA
¿Where is Playa Negra?
It is located south of Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. The property is 257 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Negra from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Liberia airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 4:00 hours to get there.
On this beach was filmed the famous surf film “Endless Summer II”. It is renowned for its incredible waves, being a paradise for any surfer. If you are a fan of fishing, you can also practice it.
PLAYA SANTA TERESA
¿Where is Playa Santa Teresa?
It is found in the province of Puntarenas, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. And it is 185 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Santa Teresa from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Tambor Airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 5:10 hours to get there.
Waves are guaranteed all year round. It has been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Walking along its white sandy beaches while watching the waves break ensures a hard-to-forget experience.
PLAYA MAL PAIS
¿Where is Playa Mal Pais?
It is located southeast of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Puntarenas, in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. The property is located 188 kms from San Jose. Once you arrive in Puntarenas you can also take a ferry.
¿How do you get to Playa Mal Pais from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car, bus or you can take a plane to Tambor Airport.
If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 5:14 hours to get there.
This is a small town on the coast, which despite being a highly coveted destination, there are usually not many people present which makes it a peaceful and extremely quiet destination to practice yoga.
PACIFIC CENTRAL COAST
PLAYA JACO
¿Where is Playa Jaco?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas. The property is located 98 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Jaco from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 1:30 hours to get there.
It is mostly visited by surfers from all over the world. It is considered one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing. Here you must also be careful with the currents. It is especially important to enjoy responsibly and always keep an eye on your surroundings, especially if part of your companions are children. Here you will find many tour operators that offer excursions, safaris, walks to parks and canopy.
PLAYA ESCONDIDA
¿Where is Playa Escondida?
Itis a coastal community and is part of the province of Puntarenas. And it is 105 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Escondida from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 1:40 hours to get there.
PLAYA BOCA BARRANCA
¿Where is Playa Boca Barranca?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas. And it is 85 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Boca Barranca from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 1:15 hours to get there.
In Playa Boca Barranca you can enjoy very long waves, but at the same time due to its slowness allows surfers to make many movements before finishing the trip.
PLAYA HERMOSA
¿Where is Playa Hermosa?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas. The property is 106 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Hermosa from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 1:36 hours to get there.
Do not confuse this Beautiful Beach with the Beautiful Beach that is in the Province of Guanacaste near the Jaco. The waves on this beach can reach a height of more than 12 feet, which attracts many surfers. Here streams are no exception, so it is recommended to always be careful and keep an eye on the environment.
PLAYA ESTERILLOS
¿Where is Playa Esterillos?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas. The property is 122 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Esterillos from San José Costa Rica?
You can arrive by car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 1:54 hours to get there.
It is a slightly secluded beach, with strong currents that do not allow you to fully enjoy swimming. But it is an amazing beach for surf lovers. Playa Esterillos is 7 kms long and its sand is grey.
PLAYA PALO SECO
¿Where is Playa Palo Seco?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas. The property is 93 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Palo Seco from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 3:00 hours to get there.
It is approximately 5 kms long and its sand is grey. The waves on this beach are strong and there are currents as well as on many other beaches in Costa Rica.
PLAYA BEJUCO
¿Where is Playa Bejuco?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas. And it is 130 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Bejuco from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 2:00 hours to get there.
Playa Bejuco is a beach of dark sand, with a swell conducive to surfing. Other tourist activities can be done in places near this Bejuco beach.
PLAYA DOMINICAL
¿Where is Playa Dominical?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas in the pacific south. The property is located 172 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Dominical from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus. If you drive a private car or go by bus it can take 3:23 hours to get there.
This is one of those beaches that is made to enjoy the sport of Surfing. Here the waves can reach a height of more than 9 feet. If you are a beginner surfer, I do not recommend this beach. This beach is more for experienced surfers.
PLAYA MANUEL ANTONIO
¿Where is Playa Manuel Antonio?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas in the pacific south, on the Osa Peninsula. The property is located 168 kms from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Manuel Antonio from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus, it can take 2:39 hours to get there.
Here you can surf, swim, snorkel. This is also the home of Manuel Antonio National Park, which is one of the most beautiful places that Costa Rica has. You have to visit him.
PACIFIC SOUTH COAST
PLAYA CABO MATAPALO
¿Where is Playa Cabo Matapalo?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas in the pacific south. The property is 390 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Cabo Matapalo from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus, it can take 6:00 hours to get there.
It is a world-class surf beach. It is one of the farthest beaches in Costa Rica. Surfers should be wary of rocks at the bottom of the sea.
Matapalo has other activities that may interest you. Although surfing is the quintessential king sport.
PLAYA PAVONES
¿Where is Playa Pavones?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas in the pacific south. The property is 378 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Pavones from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus, it can take 5:54 hours to get there.
This is considered the mecca of surfing in Costa Rica. Located in a quiet city that offers you an atmosphere of relaxation. Here you will find fun and unforgettable activities such as excursions, surf camps and more.
PLAYA PUNTA BANCO
¿Where is Playa Punta Banco?
It is located in the province of Puntarenas in the pacific south. The property is 383 km from San Jose.
¿How do you get to Playa Punta Banco from San José Costa Rica?
By car or bus, it can take 6:06 hours to get there.
The beach of Punta Banco is located close to Pavones in the south of Puntarenas. Here you can surf, ride horses, or just enjoy a variety of animals like sea turtles lora.
