Surfing

The central pacific coast of Costa Rica offers some of the best surfing the country has to offer. It is arguably the most consistent year-round surf destination in the world with excellent exposure to swells from almost any direction.  It is generally known for having long clean barrel rides but all types of waves can be found in the area.  Top breaks such as Playa Hermosa, Playa Escondida, Playa Bejuco, and Boca Barranca are all easily accessible from the vacation home.   The strongest swell activity in the area is between May and November when southwest swell energy is highly active. But there is always a warm water head high peak to be found anytime of year.   It is the home of the Billabong World Surfing Games and the annual International Quicksilver World Championships held every August drawing surfers from all over the globe.

This area has waves for all skill levels.  Its beaches with long gradual sloping sandbars are great for beginners.  Others with steep sloping sandbars provide great barrels and many peaks to spread out the crowds.   Reef breaks in the area offer great “A” frame waves accessible only by boat and perfect point break waves can be found in various spots.

Barranca river mouth is a fantastic longboard wave on a moderate to large sized southwest swell allowing for rides up to 500 yards.  Second only to the legendary left at Povones (southern tip of Costa Rica), the wave at Barranca offers the opportunity to walk back up the beach to the line up after kicking out to save your arms from the long paddle back.

Playa Bejuco, just south of surf Mecca Playa Hermosa and the location of “Costa Rica Comfort”, is a long stretch of beach with many sandbars.  Because it is somewhat secluded, crowds are never a factor.  Often times, you and your buddies are sharing your own peak before anyone else paddles over.  Bejuco faces southwest and is best on days with a south/southwest swell.  Yet due to the fact it is relatively exposed, it receives waves from all swell directions and there is always fun waves to ride for all skill levels.  On days when the swell is small, Bejuco is a great place to learn to surf and take the family boogie boarding.  When the swell is large, it can hold size up to 15 feet with stand up barrels.  It must be mentioned that during times of large south/southwest swells, swimming is not advised as rip currents are present and recommended for experienced surfers only.

With your confirmed reservation, we can provide your party with specific surf knowledge including what breaks offer the best barrels, the longest rides, the fewest crowds, and the best for beginners.  We can recommend the best locations for surf lessons and places to rent surf boards.  Know what breaks are best on which tide and the best place to be on specific swell directions and swell size.  You can be sure you will know what to bring to be well prepared for great surfing experiences along the central coast of Costa Rica.