Best Surfing in Costa Rica

Best Surfing in Costa Rica

Surfing image: flickr.com/photos/senoranderson/6873800332

There are a lot of places that get mentioned when talking about great surfing.  Costa Rica doesn't usually come up in those conversations, but let it be known, Costa Rica has some great spots for surfing.

Given the fact that Costa Rica has five percent of the world's total biodiversity, it is a fascinating destination. Natural treasures abound in this region, ranging from the airy cloud forests of the Amazon to the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean, among other things.

It provides many visitors with an opportunity to experience a range of varied microclimates while also discovering exotic and endangered rainforest creatures, making it a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for many. And, more importantly, what is the most effective manner of processing all of these intense memories? A day or two at the beach will do wonders for your stress levels. The beaches in this captivating country are also diverse, with everything from rocky surf spots to white-sand Caribbean charmers to be discovered.

Costa Rica has some of the best surfing in the world! Costa Rica is a world-class surfing destination for both novice and advanced surfers, and it is known for its surf breakers in particular. The warm water and year-round waves attract surfers from all over the world who come to Costa Rica to enjoy the fantastic surfing on both coasts, which includes point and beach breaks, lefts and rights, reefs and river mouths. In many cases, what the waves lack in size, they more than makeup for with their length. It's possible to find one of the world's longest left breaks right here! A large number of the distant beaches and breaks along both coastlines are reachable, but the following world-class surf spots are the most popular among surfers everywhere.

In order to begin your exploration of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches, here are a few suggestions for where to start.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific Coast

Parque Nacional Manual Antonio, Central Pacific Coast
Image:  pxhere.com

 

It's no surprise that the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, with its white-sand beaches and lush jungle alive with wildlife, is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful and popular tourist destinations. It is the rocky outcrop known as Punta Catedral, which juts out into the water and gives an almost limitless amount of photo opportunities, that dominates this length of coastline. When referred to as Playa Tres, it is the most scenic of the park's three beaches (there is a fourth just outside the entrance), which are all beautiful, with Playa Manuel Antonio being the most popular. It is the safest beach in the area, and snorkelers will enjoy the superb snorkelling chances - head to the rocks at the end of the beach to see a variety of marine life. The beach is a popular weekend destination for locals, so if at all feasible, visit during the week instead of on weekends.

How to Get There

There is a variety of species in Manuel Antonio National Park, which is a short drive south of the city of Quepos. On a daily basis, buses to the park depart from the cities of Quepos and San José. If you're arriving by car, there is additional paid parking available on the road leading to the park, which is a short distance away.

Where to stay

In this ultra-chic boutique hotel, the standards of elegance and service are raised to an entirely new level of excellence. Gaia Hotel and Reserve - Aside from additional facilities, the stylish terraced suites and villas include natural flooring and are furnished with huge cloud-soft beds as well as flat-screen televisions and views of the rainforest. Aside from the two pools, one of which is a cascading waterfall into the other, you could easily spend your whole holiday dining at the outstanding restaurant, which serves an extensive menu and has a wine list that spans the globe. A complementary treatment at the on-site spa is included in the hotel rate, as is a continental breakfast. There will be no under-13s in attendance.

What to do

At Rainmaker Mountains, take a walk across the suspension bridges and discover the flora and animals that surround you. At the conclusion of the tour, enjoy a refreshing swim in a waterfall to unwind and rest.

Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas

Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas
Image: mummytravels.com

 

The moniker Playa Hermosa (beautiful beach) is used by many different beaches in Costa Rica, so it's always a good idea to double-check that you're on the right road. According to locals, this particular Hermosa is a six-mile-long (10-kilometer-long) strip of dark grey sand located just south of the town of Jaco, and it is considered one of the best surf beaches in Central America, especially during the rainy season. The beach is particularly popular with surfers during the rainy season (May to August). Surfers of all skill levels and abilities will find themselves challenged on a regular basis by the close proximity to the shoreline due to steep sandbars out to sea. Because of the high rip tides in this area, it is not suggested to swim in this area unless absolutely necessary. It's also not the best place to learn to surf if you aren't already confident in your skills. For those with a little more experience, on the other hand, you can nearly guarantee yourself a memorable day on the water by following these tips. In the afternoons of Friday and Saturday afternoons during the Backyard Surf Series competition, viewers may relax in the comfort of their own homes or offices and watch the action unfold on television.

How to Get There

On every day of the week, buses go from Jacó to Quepos and back again, with a stop at Playa Hermosa in between on the way to and from the airport. There are a variety of transportation alternatives available from Jacó, including taxis, driving, and parking lots.

Where to stay

Located on the shore, The Backyard Beachfront Hotel is a popular choice among surfers who have a lot of money to spend. The air conditioning, television, and toilets are provided in each of the hotel's light and spacious rooms. It is possible to swim laps in the pool, which is located directly outside your balcony, have a good time at the popular bar and restaurant next door (see below), and take advantage of one of Hermosa's most prominent surf breaks, which is located directly outside your door.

What to do

The adventure capital of the world, Jaco, offers activities such as ziplining through the forest and driving an ATV through muddy terrain and rivers.

Islas Tortuga, Nicoya Peninsula

Isla Tortuga
Image:  commons.wikimedia.org

 

Islas Tortuga is the ultimate island hideaway due to the fact that it is deserted and (as of yet) completely untouched. Because the islands, which are made up of Isla Tolinga and Isla Alcatraz, are heavily forested and have picture-perfect golden sand beaches and bright turquoise water, they are a popular tourist attraction in the region. Even the most pessimistic traveller will be able to crack a smile when they come across these characters. Both of Isla Tolinga's gorgeous beaches are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply resting and taking in the sights and sounds. Visitors visit by boat for the day because there is no overnight housing on the island due to the lack of available space. Although the islands are normally peaceful throughout the week, boatloads of visitors arrive on weekends, which disrupts the peace and quiet. A weekend visit should be avoided at all costs, if at all feasible.

How to Get There

The Islas Tortugas are a collection of islands off the southern tip of Costa Rica's the Nicoya Peninsula, near the town of Paquera, that are home to a diverse range of marine life. Excursions depart twice a day from the Playa Curi beach region in Paquera, Costa Rica. In addition to cruises from the country's capital of San José and the Pacific coastal cities of Jacó and Quepos, which are located on the country's central coast, boat tours are available from other locations.

Punta Uva, Caribbean Coast

Punta Uva
Image: commons.wikimedia.org

 

This particular spot is known as Punta Uva, which translates to "grape point," and if you were to get a bird's eye view of the surroundings (or get on board a drone), you'd see that the name was completely suited for the setting. In addition to being one of the few places in Costa Rica where you can swim to a coral reef that is fantastic for snorkelling and is within swimming distance from shore, Punta Uva beach is also a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Playa Grande, located to the east, is lined with palm trees in the traditional Caribbean style, albeit the water here is rougher and less suitable for swimming than the other beaches in the area. In the right circumstances, you might be able to observe a green macaw, which is a rare bird in this area. If you're lucky. It has been breeding and releasing critically endangered birds at the Ara Project in Manzanillo, which is close by, since 2011.

How to Get There

Punta Uva is a small fishing community located in Limón Province, just south of Playa Chiquita off Highway-256, before the town of Manzanillo. It is the last village before the town of Manzanillo. When travelling between Puerto Limón and Manzanilla, the bus will stop at a number of locations along the way.

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional

Reugio Nactional de Vida Silvestre Ostional
Image:  incostarica.com/places/guanacaste-province/santa-cruz/attractions/refugio-nacional-de-vida-silvestre-ostional

 

The coffee-coloured beach at Ostional is one of the most important nesting locations in Costa Rica for the olive ridley turtle, and it is also one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the green turtle (Caretta caretta). It is during the months of September and October that the female olive ridley turtles return en masse to their birthplaces to lay eggs. This process is known as arrabida or arrival, and it literally translates as "returning in vast numbers." It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of turtles climb out of the surf and onto dry land to lay their eggs during each arrabida, which can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The number of eggs laid each day during this time period can reach 11 million per day. Seeking for wildlife in its natural environment is one of the most popular motivations for travellers to embark on their journey. When it comes to the annual spectacular, you won't believe your eyes when you see it. Swimming is not recommended on the beach at Ostional, particularly during the nesting season. Because of the enormous quantity of turtles in the area, it is possible that sharks will be drawn to the area.

How to Get There

Located in the region of Guanacaste, Ostional is approximately 15 minutes by car from the village of Nosara, Costa Rica. Remember that there are no organized taxi services or regular public transportation options available in the neighborhood.

Where to stay

Occidental Tamarindo.  

This laid-back all-inclusive resort overlooking the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas is located along a calm beach on the Pacific Ocean, about 2 kilometers from shops and restaurants in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi, as well as terraces or balconies, are available in casual settings. Ocean views and/or whirlpool tubs are included in bi-level suites, which also include living spaces with pull-out sofas.

Parking is included in the price, in addition to the meals. Furthermore, a seafood restaurant, a buffet restaurant, a lobby bar, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool with a snack bar and live entertainment are all available. Other amenities include a spa, a gym, and a tennis court, as well as access to the beach and other outdoor activities.

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