# Surfing in Costa Rica: The Main Breaks by Region, Seasons and Safety > Costa Rica has surf on both coasts all year, with most of the well-known breaks on the Pacific, from Guanacaste's Tamarindo and Playa Negra to Santa Teresa, Jacó, Dominical and Pavones. The Pacific usually gets its biggest swells in the rainy season, while the Caribbean's best months are in the northern winter. Beginners can learn at almost any surf town; rip currents are the main hazard. Source: https://sportfishing-costarica.com/surfing-in-costa-rica/ Last checked: 2026-11-14 Beginner towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, Sámara, Santa Teresa, Jacó Famous breaks: Witch's Rock, Ollie's Point, Playa Negra, Playa Hermosa, Pavones, Salsa Brava Pacific swells: Biggest, on average, in the rainy season (about May to October) Caribbean swells: Best roughly December to March Park rule: In Santa Rosa National Park, surfing is allowed only at Playa Naranjo and Potrero Grande ## Surf and fishing, same coast A lot of the towns that work as fishing bases are also surf towns, so it's easy to mix the two on one trip: an early surf, then an afternoon on the water, or a morning offshore while the rest of the group takes lessons. Costa Rica's long Pacific coast picks up swell from the south and the northwest, and the Caribbean side gets its own waves in the northern winter, so there's almost always something to ride somewhere. ## Where to surf **Northern Guanacaste.** The far north has 2 of the most famous waves in the country, both inside Santa Rosa National Park: Witch's Rock (Roca Bruja), a beach break off Playa Naranjo, and Ollie's Point, a right-hand point at Potrero Grande. Most surfers reach them by boat from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa or Tamarindo. The Área de Conservación Guanacaste, which runs the park, allows surfing only at Playa Naranjo and Potrero Grande, and visits must be registered in advance, so go with a licensed boat that handles the permit and park fee. **Tamarindo and around.** [Tamarindo](/sportfishing-in-tamarindo/) is one of the country's busiest surf towns, with plenty of schools and gentle waves in the bay for beginners. Nearby Playa Langosta, Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra have more serious waves, and Playa Negra's reef break is one of Guanacaste's best known. **Nosara and Sámara.** Farther down the Nicoya coast, Nosara's Playa Guiones is a long, consistent beach break popular with surf schools and yoga retreats. Sámara's sheltered bay suits first-timers. **Santa Teresa and Mal País.** On the peninsula's southern tip, Santa Teresa and Mal País have a string of beach and reef breaks and a big surf scene. [Malpais Surfing](https://www.malpaissurfing.com/) covers the area's camps and schools in detail. **Central Pacific.** Jacó, about 2 hours from San José, is the closest surf town to the capital and has easy beach-break waves. Just south, Playa Hermosa is a powerful beach break that hosts contests. **South Pacific.** [Dominical](/dominical/) has heavy beach-break waves and strong currents, best for experienced surfers. Down near the Panama border, Pavones is known for a very long left-hand point wave that needs a big south swell. Cabo Matapalo, at the tip of the Osa Peninsula, has right-hand point breaks. **The Caribbean.** Puerto Viejo's Salsa Brava is a heavy reef wave for experts, and the beaches toward Cocles and Manzanillo have friendlier options. ## When to go The basic pattern, which local surf guides such as [Costa Rica Surfing](https://costaricasurfing.org/) describe in detail: - **Pacific, rainy season (about May to October).** Southern-hemisphere swells are strongest and most consistent. Mornings are often clean, with rain later in the day. - **Pacific, dry season (about November to April).** Swells are generally smaller, which suits beginners. In Guanacaste, offshore winds blow much of the season, grooming the waves. - **Caribbean (about December to March).** Northern winter storms send the most swell, and there's a second, smaller window around September and October. Conditions change year to year, so check a forecast before you commit to a spot. ## Learning to surf Nearly every surf town has schools that rent boards and teach group or private lessons, and many surf camps package lessons with a place to stay. For a list of well-regarded camps, see [Costa Rica Journeys' guide to the best surf camps](https://costaricajourneys.com/best-10-surf-camps-in-costa-rica/). The gentlest places to start are Tamarindo's bay, Sámara, Playa Guiones in Nosara and the inside waves at Jacó and Santa Teresa. ## Safety - **Rip currents** are the biggest danger on Costa Rica's beaches, for surfers and swimmers alike. If you're caught in one, don't fight it head on; paddle or swim parallel to the shore until you're out of it. - **Lifeguards** are posted on only some beaches, so don't count on help nearby. - **Reefs and rocks** sit under many breaks, including Playa Negra and Salsa Brava. Booties and a helmet aren't silly ideas on shallow reef. - **Sun.** Surf in the morning or late afternoon when you can, and wear a rash guard. - **Crocodiles** live in some river mouths. Ask locals before surfing a river-mouth break. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the best place to learn to surf in Costa Rica? Tamarindo, Sámara, Nosara's Playa Guiones, Jacó and Santa Teresa all have gentle waves and many surf schools. ### When are the waves biggest on the Pacific side? Usually in the rainy season, roughly May to October, when southern swells are strongest. ### Can I surf Witch's Rock on my own? It's inside Santa Rosa National Park, where surfing is allowed only at Playa Naranjo and Potrero Grande with a registered visit. Most surfers go with a licensed boat from Playas del Coco or Tamarindo that handles the permit. ### Is there surf on the Caribbean side? Yes, mainly around Puerto Viejo, with the best swell roughly December to March.