Yes. Costa Rica has a lot of beach breaks that can be ideal for learning and improving, especially when you pick a base with the right conditions for your level. We will guide you to the best sessions each day and keep progression safe and steady.
To The Best Destinations
Surfing in Costa Rica | Complete Guide | Outer Reef
Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world for a surf holiday because it is warm, friendly, and built for wave chasing. With two coastlines and a huge variety of beach breaks, it is a destination that works for first-timers, improvers, and experienced surfers who want consistent sessions and a proper adventure.
Most surf trips focus on the Pacific coast, where the country has two main travel seasons: the dry season (mid-December to late April) and the green season (May through mid-December). Different regions and microclimates can feel slightly different, so the best approach is always to match your dates to the right coast and the right base, not just pick a month and hope for the best.
What makes Costa Rica special is that the trip can be more than surfing. You can stack your surf sessions with waterfalls, wildlife, jungle hikes, national parks, and sunset beach time, then reset with yoga and recovery so you can keep surfing day after day.
Outer Reef makes it easy by pairing you with the right surf camp for your level and travel style. In Costa Rica, our camps are based on the Pacific coast in Playa Avellanas near Tamarindo and in Santa Teresa, giving you two very different but equally iconic surf zones to choose from.
Choose your destination
Top Surf Regions in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has loads of forgiving beach breaks that are ideal for learning and improving, plus punchier days for confident surfers when the swell turns up. The key is choosing a base with the right mix of waves nearby so your week stays fun and progression stays steady.
Easy First Surf Trip
North Pacific - Guanacaste and Tamarindo Area
Warm water, loads of beach breaks, and straightforward travel make this one of the easiest regions to plan. It is a classic dry season area, often with clean mornings and simple day to day logistics. Playa Avellanas (near Tamarindo) sits here, giving you a quieter base while still keeping lots of nearby surf options.
Surf Town Lifestyle
Nicoya Peninsula - Santa Teresa
Nicoya is all about the surf rhythm: beach breaks, dusty roads, great cafes, and a strong surf community feel. It has consistent waves and suits everyone from improvers to confident surfers when the swell turns up. Santa Teresa sits here and is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic surf destinations.
Closest To The Capital, San Jose
Central Pacific
If you want consistent surf with the simplest travel from San Jose, this is the most convenient region. It can be a great choice for mixed ability groups because there are usually multiple breaks within reach, so you can adapt the plan to the conditions and the level of the group.
Wild and Remote
South Pacific
Lush landscapes, fewer crowds in many areas, and a more adventurous feel. This region can really light up during the greener months when Pacific swell is more consistent, and it is a strong option if you want to combine surfing with bigger nature experiences and a more off the beaten track itinerary.
Seasonal and Powerful
Caribbean Coast
A totally different vibe and more dependent on timing. When it is on, it can be powerful and fast, but it is generally more seasonal than the Pacific. Many travellers keep the main surf holiday on the Pacific for simpler planning, then add the Caribbean as an optional extra if conditions line up.
Surf trips made simple. Trusted camps. Real local knowledge.
Our Costa Rica Surf Camps
Costa Rica is all about choosing the right base for your level and the season you are travelling in. Some guests want an easy, progression focused surf camp with coaching, good food, and a comfortable setup where everything is sorted. Others want a surf town vibe with variety, great cafes, and loads to do between sessions.
That is why our Costa Rica collection focuses on two proven zones on the Pacific coast. Playa Avellanas gives you a quieter surf village near Tamarindo with consistent waves and plenty of nearby options. Santa Teresa gives you a classic Nicoya surf town feel, with warm water surf year round and a relaxed camp setup close to the beach.
Costa Rica has two main seasons
Best Time To Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (mid December to late April) and the green season (May through mid December). The best time to visit depends on what you want most: sunshine and easier logistics, or more consistent swell energy and a quieter feel. The good news is that with the right base on the Pacific coast, you can plan an excellent surf trip across a wide window of the year.
Sunshine and Easy Travel
December to April
This is the classic dry season window, with hot days and reliable weather. It is a great time for first time surf travellers, beginners, and improvers who want comfortable conditions and a simple itinerary built around daily surf, rest, and exploring.
Pacific Swell Season
May to October
This is the heart of the green season for the Pacific coast, when the ocean tends to deliver more consistent swell energy. It is ideal for confident intermediates and advanced surfers who want more powerful sessions, while still keeping plenty of options for improvers depending on the day.
Best of Both Worlds
April and November
These shoulder months can be a sweet spot if you want decent weather, a little more space in the line up, and a mix of conditions. If you are flexible with expectations and happy to surf what turns up, it can be a great time to travel.
Optional Coast Swap
Caribbean Window (Roughly November to March)
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast can have its own strong window. If you want to add variety to your trip, you can consider a split itinerary, but most surf holidays with our camps focus on the Pacific for the easiest and most consistent planning.
Pure Costa Rica
Waterfalls and Jungle Swims
Add a waterfall mission between sessions for a proper reset. It is one of the easiest ways to get the Costa Rica rainforest feel without over planning your week.
Wildlife Time
National Parks and Nature Walks
Costa Rica is famous for wildlife and protected nature. A guided walk is perfect for a rest afternoon when you still want an adventure without draining your energy for the next surf.
Adrenaline Break
Ziplining and Canopy Tours
If you want something different from surfing that still feels high energy, a canopy day is a classic. Great for groups and a fun way to break up a surf heavy week.
Recovery Mode
Yoga, Mobility, Massage
A little recovery work is the difference between one good surf day and a full week of back to back sessions. Build in yoga, stretching, and massage so you stay loose and surf better for longer.
Simple Pleasures
Sunset Beaches and Local Food
Keep it simple: surf, eat well, hydrate, and finish the day with a sunset beach session. Costa Rica is made for that rhythm.
Getting there and transport
The offer transferred and can explain exactly where to fly to if you have connecting flights or boats we can organise everything for you as a hassle free adventure.
Best for Playa Avellanas
Fly into Liberia (LIR)
If you are heading to Playa Avellanas near Tamarindo, Liberia is usually the most convenient arrival airport for the Guanacaste coast. From there, you can continue by shuttle, private transfer, or car hire depending on how you want to travel.
Best for Santa Teresa
Fly into San Jose (SJO)
For Santa Teresa, San Jose is the main international gateway. The onward journey is part of the adventure and often involves a road trip style route, sometimes combined with a ferry crossing, or a domestic flight option if you want to cut down travel time.
Easy Local Connections
Transfers and Getting Around
We can help organise transfers so you are not figuring it out on the day. Once you are in camp, you can keep things simple with local taxis, shuttles, or rentals depending on your location and how much exploring you want to do.
Quick admin
Visas and entry requirements
Entry rules can change, so always check the latest guidance before you fly. Most UK travellers enter visa free, but you may be asked for proof of onward travel and you will need a passport that is valid for your trip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Costa Rica good for beginner surfers?
Where are your surf camps in Costa Rica?
Our camps are on the Pacific coast in Playa Avellanas near Tamarindo and in Santa Teresa (Playa Hermosa area). Each has a different feel, so we will help you choose based on your level, dates, and trip vibe.
When is the best time to surf Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a strong year-round surf destination, but the feel of the trip changes with the seasons. The dry season (mid-December to late April) is best for sunshine and easy travel planning. The green season (May through mid-December) is when the Pacific often has more consistent swell energy.
Costa Rica is tropical and warm. The dry season is sunnier and less humid, while the green season brings more rain and lush landscapes. Rain is often in bursts rather than all-day drizzle, and conditions vary by region.
Most surfers do not need a wetsuit for warmth, but a rash vest is a good idea for sun and rash protection. If you get cold easily or surf at dawn a lot, you can bring a thin top.
Yes, but baggage rules vary a lot by airline, so check your ticket type before you fly. If you prefer to travel light, both destinations have board options and we can help you decide what makes sense for your week.
Yes. Santa Teresa has surf and yoga package options, and we can help tailor the right setup depending on which camp you choose.
What currency is used in Costa Rica and should I bring cash?
Costa Rica’s currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). In many tourist areas you can also pay in US dollars, but you will often get change in colón. For day-to-day travel it is worth having a mix: a small amount of cash for tips, small shops, and taxis, and a card for larger payments. ATMs are common in bigger towns, but it is smart to withdraw before you head to more remote areas.
How do I get from the airport to camp?
For Playa Avellanas, most travellers arrive via Liberia then continue by transfer. For Santa Teresa, most travellers arrive via San Jose then continue by road and ferry or a domestic connection depending on preference. We can help organise transfers so it is easy.
Yes. Make sure it covers surfing and any other activities you plan to do, plus medical care, cancellations, and luggage or board cover.
Do I need a visa and what are the entry requirements?
If you are travelling on a full British citizen passport, you can usually visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days (the exact length is decided by the immigration officer on arrival). Your passport must have an expiry date at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave Costa Rica. You may be asked to show an onward or return ticket, and you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. Always check official guidance before you travel.
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