Costa Rica Surf Trip Planner - South pacific Coast - Uvita, Pavones, 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? – Central & Southern Puntarenas
Itinerary Overview
Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days
Region: Central and Southern Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Locations: Uvita (2nd furthest), Pavones (furthest), and Playa Hermosa (Jaco area, closest)
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):
Oxygen Jungle Villas: Luxurious boutique hotel with jungle views and breakfast.
Vista Celestial: Stunning ocean-view villas with breakfast included.
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge: Adults-only eco-lodge with breakfast.
Hotel Vista Ballena: Affordable, with ocean views and breakfast included.
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:
Sibu Café: Healthy, organic meals and great coffee.
The Bamboo Room: Live music and fresh seafood.
La Parcela: Stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.
El Hornito: Delicious wood-fired pizzas.
Bar y Restaurante Los Laureles: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Humpback whales (seasonal)
Dolphins
Scarlet macaws
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Sloths
Iguanas
Coatis
Toucans
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):
Whale Watching Tour: Seasonal tours to spot humpback whales.
Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour: Hike or horseback ride to the falls.
Snorkeling at Marino Ballena National Park: Explore vibrant marine life.
Kayaking in the Mangroves: Paddle through lush mangroves and spot wildlife.
Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or intermediates.
Days 4-6: Pavones (3 Nights)
Why Pavones?
Pavones is a remote surf town famous for its legendary left-hand point break, offering a peaceful and authentic Costa Rican experience.
Drive Time from Uvita: ~4.5 hours (200 km / 124 miles)
Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):
La Ponderosa Beach and Jungle Resort: Beachfront, eco-friendly, and includes breakfast.
Caza Olas Hotel and Villas: Comfortable rooms, close to the surf, and breakfast included.
Tiskita Jungle Lodge: Unique jungle experience with ocean views and organic breakfast.
Pavones Point: Modern villas with ocean views and breakfast.
Cabinas Rio Claro: Affordable, rustic, and includes breakfast.
Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):
Pavones: Legendary left-hand point break for advanced surfers.
Punta Banco: Less crowded, with waves for all levels.
Zancudo Beach: Gentle waves, great for beginners.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Cafe de la Suerte: Great coffee and healthy meals.
La Bruschetta: Authentic Italian cuisine.
Tico Mex: Mexican-inspired dishes with a local twist.
Pavones Bakery: Fresh pastries and breakfast options.
Rio Claro Restaurant: Local dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Scarlet macaws
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Sloths
Iguanas
Coatis
Toucans
Dolphins
Sea turtles
Humpback whales (seasonal)
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Golfo Dulce: One of the world’s only tropical fjords, perfect for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
Piedras Blancas National Park: Lush rainforest with hiking trails.
Rio Claro Waterfalls: Hidden waterfalls in the jungle.
Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):
Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour: Spot marine life in the Golfo Dulce.
Rainforest Hike: Explore the lush jungle and spot exotic wildlife.
Fishing Charter: Catch tuna, mahi-mahi, or snapper.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Glide through calm waters and enjoy the scenery.
Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or intermediates.
Days 7-8: 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 Pavones: ~5.5 hours (280 km / 174 miles)
Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):
Hotel Terraza del Pacifico: Beachfront, family-friendly, and includes breakfast.
Hermosa Beach House: Boutique beachfront hotel with breakfast.
Backyard Hotel: Surf-focused hotel with ocean views and breakfast.
Las Brisas Resort and Villas: Affordable, cozy, and includes breakfast.
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.
Top 5 Restaurants:
Vida Hermosa Bar & Restaurant: Beachfront dining with fresh seafood.
Backyard Bar: Great food and live music.
El Pelicano: Upscale seafood restaurant.
Soda Marea Alta: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.
Tsunami Sushi: Fresh sushi and ocean views.
Top 10 Animals to Spot:
Crocodiles
Scarlet macaws
Howler monkeys
White-faced capuchin monkeys
Iguanas
Coatis
Toucans
Frigatebirds
Dolphins
Butterflies
Sights of Interest/Attractions:
Carara National Park: Famous for its scarlet macaws and crocodiles.
Tarcoles River: Spot massive crocodiles on a boat tour.
Jaco Viewpoint: Stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):
Rainforest Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour: Glide through the rainforest canopy.
Crocodile Safari on the Tarcoles River: Spot massive crocodiles and exotic birds.
ATV Adventure Tour: Explore the mountains and hidden waterfalls around Playa Hermosa.
Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills.
Catamaran Sunset Cruise: Snorkeling, open bar, and stunning sunset views.
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!
