Costa Rica Surfing
For years, Costa Rica has been known for its abundance of perfect waves as seen in the surf film The Endless Summer II. But Costa Rica’s waves are not the only reason that make this place great for surfing, there is also:
- warm water year-round
- uncrowded breaks
- inexpensive flights
- friendly Ticos
The country’s natural beauty and Pura Vida spirit are characteristics we value and try to share with all who visit, which is why Bodhi Surf School is proud to call Costa Rica “home”.
Waves On The Pacific And Caribbean Coasts
Costa Rica has surf on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. While the Pacific is the more popular surfing destination, with 631 miles of coastline, the Caribbean, with 132 miles of coastline, also offers some good surf.
The Nicoya Peninsula in the Northwest of Costa Rica offers a variety of volcanic rock, reef, and sandbar breaks. This region is home to popular breaks such as Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. In the areas around Tamarindo, Avellanas, Nosara, and Mal Pais there are tons of surf breaks with waves for surfers of all ability levels.
On the Central Pacific coast the popular areas for surfing are around Jaco and Manuel Antonio. Each region has a solid number of breaks with the Jaco area being better known for Playa Hermosa and other challenging surf breaks for the experienced surfer, while the Manuel Antonio region is better suited for the beginner and intermediate surfer.
In the South Pacific the more recognized areas for surfing are around Dominical, Matapalo, and Pavones. This region of Costa Rica offers waves for about six months out of the year with excellent breaks for intermediate and experienced surfers but without the crowds of the Northwest or Central Pacific. Some of the more popular breaks being Playa Dominical, Pavones, Playa Matapalo, Pan Dulce, and Punta Banco.
The Caribbean coast offers a completely different vibe than the Pacific with some excellent options for the experienced surfers that include the famous Salsa Brava, a Hawaiian-style reef break that can hold surf up to triple overhead, Isla Uvita and Playa Cocoles.
No Better Place For Learning How To Surf
Costa Rica has some of the best conditions for learning how to surf. Costa Rica’s extensive Pacific coastline offers plenty of waves for surfers of all levels. While experienced surfers will find the warm waters and uncrowded surf spots a nice break from the typical surf scene back home, novices benefit greatly from the same conditions which allow them to stay in the water for longer periods of time and catch many more waves than they would at a crowded spot.
Let’s Go Surf!
Just as no two waves are alike, no two surfing experiences with Bodhi Surf School are alike. Regardless of whether you’ve taken surf lessons or participated in a surf and yoga retreat before, the Bahia Ballena – Uvita region is an ideal destination that continues to offer visitors the raw, natural wonders that Costa Rica is known for. So, whether you’re already in Costa Rica and looking for a place to take a surf or yoga lesson, or you’re planning a surfing vacation, take a look at the following :



