Costa Rica Surf Trip Planner - Central Pacific Coast - Uvita, Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, Playa Hermosa (Jaco)

The Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Surf Trip Vacation -Built by Surfers for Surfers with all the local know-how and booties on the ground REAL info you can handle Bra! – Costa Rica Surf Trip Destination? – Pacific Central

Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days

• Region: Pacific Central, Costa Rica

• Locations: Uvita (1st), Santa Teresa or Mal País (2nd), and Playa Hermosa (Jaco area, 3rd)

• Focus: Surfing, wildlife, and adventure

• Budget: Mid-range ($150–$250 per night for hotels, $100–$200 per tour)

• Airport: San José International Airport (SJO)

Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to Uvita

• Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (210 km / 130 miles) from San José International Airport (SJO)

• Activity: Settle into your hotel, explore the area, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Days 2-3: Uvita (2 Nights)

Why Uvita?
Uvita is a serene surf town known for its stunning beaches, lush jungle surroundings, and the famous whale tail-shaped sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park.

Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):

1. Oxygen Jungle Villas: Luxurious boutique hotel with jungle views and breakfast.

2. Vista Celestial: Stunning ocean-view villas with breakfast included.

3. Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge: Adults-only eco-lodge with breakfast.

4. Hotel Vista Ballena: Affordable, with ocean views and breakfast included.

5. La Cusinga Lodge: Eco-friendly lodge near Marino Ballena National Park with breakfast.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Hermosa (Uvita): Beginner-friendly waves with a long, sandy beach.

• Playa Uvita: Gentle waves, great for beginners and intermediates.

• Playa Dominicalito: Smaller, fun waves for all levels.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Sibu Café: Healthy, organic meals and great coffee.

2. The Bamboo Room: Live music and fresh seafood.

3. La Parcela: Stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.

4. El Hornito: Delicious wood-fired pizzas.

5. Bar y Restaurante Los Laureles: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Humpback whales (seasonal)

2. Dolphins

3. Scarlet macaws

4. Howler monkeys

5. White-faced capuchin monkeys

6. Sloths

7. Iguanas

8. Coatis

9. Toucans

10. Poison dart frogs

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Marino Ballena National Park: Famous for its whale tail-shaped beach and marine life.

• Nauyaca Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls perfect for swimming and hiking.

• Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary: Rescue center for local wildlife.

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Whale Watching Tour: Seasonal tours to spot humpback whales.

2. Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour: Hike or horseback ride to the falls.

3. Snorkeling at Marino Ballena National Park: Explore vibrant marine life.

4. Kayaking in the Mangroves: Paddle through lush mangroves and spot wildlife.

5. Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or intermediates.

Day 4: Travel from Uvita to Santa Teresa or Mal País

Why Santa Teresa or Mal País?
Santa Teresa and Mal País are neighboring surf towns offering world-class waves, a bohemian vibe, and breathtaking sunsets. Mal País is quieter, while Santa Teresa is more vibrant.

Travel Details:

1. Drive from Uvita to Herradura:

• Distance: ~3 hours (160 km / 99 miles)

• Details: Scenic drive along the Costanera Sur (Route 34), passing through Quepos and Jaco.

2. Water Taxi from Herradura to Montezuma:

• Departure Times: ~9:00 AM or ~2:00 PM

• Duration: ~1 hour

• Details: A fast and scenic way to cross the Gulf of Nicoya, offering stunning views of the coastline and islands.

3. Drive from Montezuma to Santa Teresa or Mal País:

• Distance: ~45 minutes (15 km / 9 miles)

• Details: A short drive through lush jungle and small villages.

Total Travel Time: ~5 hours (including transfer times and waiting for the water taxi).

Days 5-7: Santa Teresa or Mal País (3 Nights)

Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):

1. Hotel Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience: Luxurious beachfront bungalows with breakfast included.

2. Casa Marbella: Boutique hotel with ocean views and a hearty breakfast.

3. Hotel Tropico Latino: Beachfront, yoga classes, and organic breakfast options.

4. Hotel Casa Chameleon at Mal País: Adults-only boutique hotel with stunning views and breakfast included.

5. Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat: Beachfront villas with a focus on wellness and breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Santa Teresa: Consistent waves for all levels.

• Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa): Beginner-friendly with long, gentle waves.

• Mal País: Quiet reef breaks for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Koji’s: Renowned for its sushi and fresh seafood.

2. The Bakery: Popular spot for breakfast and pastries.

3. Habanero Mex-Grill: Beachfront Mexican cuisine with a great vibe.

4. Mary’s Restaurant: Farm-to-table dishes with a local twist.

5. Katana Asian Cuisine: Fusion Asian dishes with a creative twist.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. White-faced capuchin monkeys

3. Iguanas

4. Coatis

5. Scarlet macaws

6. Sea turtles

7. Parrots

8. Anteaters

9. Hawks

10. Butterflies

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Montezuma Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls perfect for a refreshing swim.

• Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: Costa Rica’s first national park with lush trails and wildlife.

• Mal País Tide Pools: Great for exploring at low tide.

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Montezuma Waterfalls Tour: Hike to stunning waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim.

2. Snorkeling at Tortuga Island: Crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

3. Horseback Riding on the Beach: Ride along the pristine coastline at sunset.

4. Yoga and Wellness Class: Rejuvenate with a beachfront yoga session.

5. ATV Adventure Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden beaches around Santa Teresa.

Days 8-9: Playa Hermosa (Jaco Area, 2 Nights)

Why Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is a quieter alternative to Jaco, offering consistent waves, a laid-back vibe, and proximity to nature.

Drive Time from Santa Teresa or Mal País: ~3.5 hours (150 km / 93 miles)

Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):

1. Hotel Terraza del Pacifico: Beachfront, family-friendly, and includes breakfast.

2. Hermosa Beach House: Boutique beachfront hotel with breakfast.

3. Backyard Hotel: Surf-focused hotel with ocean views and breakfast.

4. Las Brisas Resort and Villas: Affordable, cozy, and includes breakfast.

5. Selina Playa Hermosa: Budget-friendly surf camp with a social vibe and breakfast.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Hermosa (Jaco): Advanced surf spot with consistent, powerful waves.

• Jaco Beach: Great for beginners and intermediate surfers.

• Esterillos Oeste: Quiet beach with fun waves for all levels.

Day 9: Sunday – Departure

• Drive Time: ~1.5 hours (90 km / 56 miles) from Playa Hermosa to San José International Airport (SJO).

• Activity: Enjoy breakfast and a final stroll before heading to the airport.

Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!

Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!