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Is Body Boarding Really Surfing?

This video is not from here, but I included it because there are some really great body boarders who visit our waves. This action seems like surfing XX!X!? Can surfing really be more fun when...

Can You Learn to Surf?

If you are able we highly recommend surf lessons. If you are wondering if you are able to surf, here is some advice from some pros: "There are two main factors that determine whether or not...

The Best Surf Spots

If you’re here to surf, I highly recommend splitting the cost among your surf buddies and buying a copy of Jonathan Yonkers Chavarria’s, “H2O, “Surf Travel Guide of Costa Rica”. You’ll find...

Surfing Etiquette – 6 Basic Rules

Surfing is a sport for free spirits, but there are well-established rules that promote safety, common sense, and courtesy. The law of the land-less and the camaraderie of the sea dictate that experts and...

The Best Surf Spots
Surfing - Famous Points
If you’re here to surf, I highly recommend splitting the cost among your surf buddies and buying a copy of Jonathan Yonkers Chavarria’s, “H2O, “Surf Travel Guide of Costa Rica”. You’ll find it at the tour desk of many hotels and operators. Written by a local, native surfer, it gives you the details about every surf spot, including the best swell directions and tides, crowds, places to stay, local color, etc. You spent a lot of money to get here to surf and he spent a lot of time and money putting to together so much detailed information, so just do it and buy the book! But, just in case you’re down to your last taco, here is a very general overview. Also, the locations of these surf spots are shown on the enclosed map. 

Ollie’s Point

This famous point break an hour’s boat ride north of Playa del Coco was once a secret military base built by the USA to provide logistical support to the Contras in Nicaragua. During the secret war local surfers re-named it for its secret commander, American Colonel Oliver North. A right break with a friendly, long ride, this point is featured in the movie, “Endless Summer II”. To get there, it is best to reserve a place on a boat. 

Witch’s Rock  

One of the most famous beach-breaks in the country, this is a remote spot located in the Santa Rosa National Park. Although it is possible to access with a four-wheel drive vehicle, most people opt to take a boat from Playa del Coco, a much easier option. Camping is permitted, but no facilities exist. If you do decide to rough it on the beach, make sure you pack a mosquito net! Beach access is closed during the rainy season (July - November). Expect very strong offshore winds from December to March.  

Playa Grande 

This popular spot—about a 30 minute drive from Tamarindo—boasts some great beach breaks. Not just your average surf break, it can get epic at times!  

Tamarindo 

This is a site widely favored by both beginners and experts. As such, ocean gridlock can sometimes ensue. Here, surfer’s etiquette most definitely applies. If you are not a confident swimmer or have children in tow, the safest waves are in front of Hotel Capitan Suizo. Sometimes there are lifeguards at the more popular beaches, but while in the water your first safety plan should be to look after your self. 

Playa Avellanas 

This area is distinguished by quality beach breaks and a notable reef break just north dubbed “Little Hawaii” just a few minutes walk north along the beach. When the waves are big, this is a prime surfing spot.

Playa Negra

Just south of Playa Avellanas, this is an excellent right reef point break with solid tubular waves. Waves hold up even during large swells

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