Costa Rica Surfing Location Guide

North Pacific Coast

Potrero Grande (Ollies's Point) - One of if not the best rights in Costa Rica. It has fast and hollow waves that take a south/southwest swell. There's a right point off the river mouth with a left reeling off the south end of the bay. There is no road access so first go to playas Ocotal or Del Coco and then by boat. Playa Naranjo (Witch's Rock) – Another one of the best breaks in the country with strong off-shore winds, best time is from Dec – Mar. There are no facilities. It's definitely an adventure but it is accessible in the dry season. Make sure to bring a four-wheel drive and mosquito nets! There are no facilities in this wilderness point situated in the Santa Rosa national park, so be prepared to camp.
Playa Grande - A beach break located about 20 min north of Tamarindo. It is accessible by road or a paddleboat from Tamarindo. Good for short day trips or multiday adventures relaxing with the consistent high tide surf.
Playa Tamarindo – A cool little town that boasts a variety of surfing spots in the immediate area. Two main points include a rocky point in front of the hotel Tamarindo and here's also a river mouth (el Estero), beach breaks, a reef, and a right point (Langosta around the southern point). It has a great central location with accesses to Playa Grande, Playa Negra and Avellanes. You’re sure to find accommodation, food and entertainment along with all your supply needs taken care of in this area.

Playa Negra – Fast waves that break right, over a rock reef. 350 km from San Jose and 5km south play Avellanas. Great waves at mid/low tide and it holds the swell at high tide making it consistent as long as the wind isn't blowing too hard or the tide too low. One of the best breaks in the country.
Playa Nosara – Breaks left and right and a left rock reef with a northern stretch of beach and reef breaks (Ostinal). It’s located about 350 km/5 hrs by car from San Jose. After San Jose go to Nicoya and then jump off to Nosara.
Nicoya Península and the Mal País Area - Nicoya includes Camaraonal, Playa Coyote, Manzanillo, Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Cabo Blanco. The whole place is excellent for exploring (but often impassible between Playa Coyote and Playa Santa Teresa in the rainy season). It is not as developed in the Northern parts. Also possible head farther south where it's still very smooth and hit the consistent beach breaks, with left points that rise up on the larger swells.

Other surfing areas in Costa Rica:

"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey."
Babs Hoffman