The Top 20 Surf Spots in Costa Rica Every Surfer Needs to Know — Part 2
Costa Rica’s surf odyssey continues! If the first 10 spots got you stoked for adventure, the next wave of top surf destinations is guaranteed to fuel your wanderlust and keep your paddle arms burning. From legendary lefts in the southern zone to wild Caribbean barrels and secret Nicoya gems, part two of our guide delivers the same local knowledge, transparent breakdowns, and surfer-to-surfer tips that The Costa Rica Surf Company is known for.
Each entry below is packed with honest pros and cons, best-for recommendations, and travel tips—so you never miss the info (or the wave) you’re chasing. Ready to level up your Costa Rica surf trip? Wax up, scroll on, and let’s drop into spots 11–20.
11. Pavones
Why It’s a Must-Surf
Pavones is a pilgrimage for goofy-footers and wave hunters alike. Boasting one of the longest left-hand point breaks on earth, this remote southern treasure delivers rides measured in minutes, not seconds, on a good south-swell day. Jungle views, uncrowded lineups, and the kind of waves you’ll dream about forever—Pavones is Costa Rica surf royalty.
Pros
Marathon-length lefts (bring extra wax!)
Raw, natural beauty and truly peaceful vibes
Cons
Off the grid—reaching Pavones is a mission (think bumpy roads & no quick stops)
Highly swell-dependent, especially for those bucket-list sessions
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers looking for long, high-quality rides and unspoiled wilderness.
Pro Tip: Stock up before you arrive—surf shops and supplies are few and far between.
12. Cabo Matapalo
Why It’s a Must-Surf
A wild Osa Peninsula hideaway, Cabo Matapalo is where rainforest meets reef and surf collides with untamed nature. With three distinct breaks (Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay, Matapalo), you’ll find everything from friendly rollers to thumping barrels—all set to a jungle soundtrack of squawking parrots and howler monkeys.
Pros
Selection of waves for all skill levels
Close encounters with Costa Rican wildlife
Cons
Very remote—expect limited amenities and an off-grid vibe
Strong currents, especially at Matapalo’s main peak
Best For: Adventurous and eco-minded surfers wanting a true nature-immersive escape.
Pro Tip: Stay at a nearby eco-lodge and snag first-light sessions before anyone else.
13. Playa Negra
Why It’s a Must-Surf
A Guanacaste classic, Playa Negra offers up fast, hollow right-handers over shallow reef. Less crowded than nearby Tamarindo, its world-class waves and friendly locals make for an unforgettable session. Confidence and timing are a must.
Pros
Technical, powerful rides—perfect for advanced carvers
Laid-back small-town scene
Cons
Rocky reef is unforgiving at low tide
Fewer amenities—come prepared
Best For: Intermediate and advanced surfers who love precision and power.
Pro Tip: Target mid to high tides and bring your reef booties.
14. Marbella
Why It’s a Must-Surf
Still flying under the radar, Marbella is a dreamland of punchy, quick beach breaks that push your limits while keeping crowds to a minimum. Its flexibility across tides and open, high-energy vibe make it a favorite among locals in the know.
Pros
Consistent, powerful beach break for high-performance surfing
Lineups are rarely packed—even on good days
Cons
Heavy rips and currents; not for beginners
Barebones amenities—bring your own snacks, water, and spare leash
Best For: Advanced surfers chasing crowd-free sessions and critter-free barrels.
Pro Tip: Get there early for glassy A-frames and check the latest Marbella Costa Rica surf forecast before hitting the road.
15. Manzanillo
Why It’s a Must-Surf
Tucked south of Santa Teresa, Manzanillo swaps hype for hush. Long, mellow rides, soft takeoffs, and a near-empty lineup make it a sanctuary for longboard lovers, newbies, and anyone hunting a soulful reset.
Pros
Long, rolling waves built for style and flow
Calm energy and jaw-dropping sunsets
Cons
Swell-dependent for size—check the forecast in advance
Remote with few restaurants or places to stay
Best For: Longboarders, beginners, and those seeking chill, nature-rich sessions.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and kick back for the sunset show—this is pura vida at its finest.
16. Playa Bonita (Caribbean Coast)
Why It’s a Must-Surf
Break out of the Pacific routine and head east—Playa Bonita on the Caribbean is a visual and surf treat. Turquoise waters, coral reefs, and fun, challenging waves put this spot high on the adventure list during its November–March surf window.
Pros
Tropical beauty and unique Caribbean vibe
Small crowds and a variety of breaks
Cons
Short surf season and tricky reefs
Not much infrastructure—be self-sufficient
Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers craving a change in scenery and new wave flavors.
Pro Tip: Snorkel between sessions for a double dose of stoke.
17. Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa area)
Why It’s a Must-Surf
North of Santa Teresa, this quieter Hermosa is a swell magnet with open, uncrowded beaches and long, rippable peaks. It’s the answer for intermediate surfers wanting to escape the Santa Teresa hustle without sacrificing quality.
Pros
Consistent surf and lots of room to spread out
Clean, long rides built for progression
Cons
Needs a bigger swell for peak performance
Services are limited—plan ahead
Best For: Intermediate surfers chasing improvement and peace.
Pro Tip: Dawn patrol is the ticket—offshore winds and empty lineups.
18. Dominicalito
Why It’s a Must-Surf
A gentle bay south of Dominical, Dominicalito serves up mellow, forgiving waves perfect for learners and fun-boarders. It’s family-friendly and beginner-approved but still wrapped in southern Costa Rica’s laid-back soul.
Pros
Safe, soft waves ideal for learning
Welcoming local surf schools
Cons
Smaller waves may not excite advanced surfers
Gets busy with lessons midday
Best For: Beginners, families, and intermediates dialing in basics.
Pro Tip: Surf early or late for uncrowded conditions and playful sets.
19. Puerto Viejo – Salsa Brava
Why It’s a Must-Surf
In the heart of Costa Rica’s Caribbean, Puerto Viejo’s Salsa Brava is the stuff of legend—a thick, barreling reef break for the fearless and experienced. When it’s firing, few Latin American spots compare. The town’s Afro-Caribbean flavor and reggae spirit add serious personality.
Pros
Salsa Brava: world-class, heavy barrels for true chargers
Unique cultural experience and lively local scene
Cons
Shallow, razor-sharp reef—extremely dangerous conditions
Sharky on big swell days—confidence (and respect) essential
Best For: Expert surfers only—spectators and sunbathers will love the show.
Pro Tip: Only paddle out if you’re truly ready; otherwise, take in the atmosphere from shore with a cold coconut.
20. Playa Coyote
Why It’s a Must-Surf
Gently curving along the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Coyote is the kind of untouched expanse most surfers only read about. Rarely crowded and boasting everything from playful beach breaks to punchier sets, it’s a sanctuary for those who value space and a true back-to-nature vibe.
Pros
Roomy, empty lineups and wild beach energy
Waves for every level, depending on swell
Cons
Out of the way—requires dedication to reach
Basic amenities: bring everything you’ll need
Best For: Travelers and surfers looking for peace, solitude, and unscripted surf adventures.
Pro Tip: Camp out for dawn glass—sunrise solo sessions here are second to none.
“Waves of Wisdom” - Bringing It All Together
Costa Rica’s surf scene is nothing short of legendary, and with these final 10 surf spots you’ll experience the full spectrum—from marathon lefts to hush-hush beach breaks and Caribbean power. Like Part 1, this guide provides honest pros and cons, and clear local advice to help every curious traveler and stoked surfer find their perfect wave.
Be sure to check out our Costa Rica Travel 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!
