5 Reasons Why Costa Rica Is A Surfer (and Non Surfer) Paradise
With or without a surfboard, Costa Rica is a bucket list destination that has shown what a nation is capable of when nature is put first.
1) Every type of Wave For Every type of Surfer
From sponsored shredder, mid-length maverick to a learning longboarder, Costa Rica’s four main regions offer every type of wave for every type of ability. While the Caribbean Coast’s (Limón Province) and the North (Guanacaste), Central (Puntarenas), and Southern Pacific regions all have one showstopper, world-class wave, it is variety that makes Costa Rica one of the great one-size-fits-all surf destinations on this ball of molten lava we call Earth. Surfers can choose between punchy, hollow waves crashing on volcanic black sand like Witches Rock, easy peelers sparkling over squeaky white beaches, or reefs like Playa Negra, that offer options for slab hunters and twin-tail fun seekers.
2) Immerse Yourself In An Ecological Miracle
The transformation of Costa Rica has been called the most remarkable ecological turnaround on Earth. By the mid-1980s, logging had reduced the forest cover to 25%. Now, forests occupy 57%, which is about as much as it can handle. The new natural habitat hosts around half a million plant and animal species.
How’d they do it? A two-pronged attack by the government saw a ban on deforestation linked with a payment system to farmers to protect watersheds and conserve biodiversity. The icing on the cake was that the whole deal was paid for by a tax on fossil fuels.
The country’s respect for nature and success in keeping it, has led to a booming ecotourism sector. Even if it didn’t have incredible waves, this is a destination wedged between the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans that comes with volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and protected jungles teaming with wildlife. Basically, with or without a surfboard, it’s a bucket list destination that has shown what a nation is capable of when nature is put first. Check out Visit Costa Rica to get the best out of this beautiful country.
3) Two Seasons, Two Coasts (Year-Round Fun)
Instead of planning a surf trip around a country’s surf seasons, let Costa Rica deal with your busy schedule. With two coasts and two different surf seasons, it’s a country that provides 365 days of fun, rippable waves. The dry season from December to April is the best bet for the North Pacific Region. Consistent offshore breezes and on-tap swell light up the best breaks like Witches Rock, Playa Negra, and Playa Grande. This time of year is also prime season for the Southern Caribbean coast at spots like Salsa Brava or Playa Cocles. The Central and Southern Pacific Coasts, like southerly swells that push through the South Pacific, most often occur between May and November.
4) Pavones (Aka The Longest Lefthander)
If we are talking surfing Costa Rica, and we are, we have to talk Pavones. This river mouth left has been described as not only the longest and best lefthander in Costa Rica, but all the world. So how long is long? Well, legendary windsurfer Robbie Naish was filmed riding a single wave for 2 minutes 15 seconds, which saw him travel over a kilometre. Located on the Southern Pacific coast, near the Panama border, the wave wraps down a rocky point. The faster outside section suits the advanced surfer, while the inner wave is more user-friendly.
The laid-back fishing turned surfing village of Pavones is a small and remote, surrounded by lush rainforest filled with diverse wildlife. Such is its authentic, underdeveloped nature, it has been labeled one of Costa Rica’s last true paradises. If you are a surfer (or want to be one), there might be no better place on earth to travel.
5) It’s Not All About The Surfing (No, Really)
Political stability, clean water, modern medical and transport infrastructure, and solid security aren’t exactly the search engine loops when you think of booking a bucket list holiday. Yet, they sure do make for a smoother time aboard. No wonder then that in 2022 the World Database of Happiness collated surveys from 148 nations, and had Costa Rica taking the top spot for both Average Happiness and Happy Life Years.
The surfing is incredible, but so is the white-water rafting, fishing, diving, and snorkelling. Like manta rays and humpback whales? Well, Costa Rica delivers. Away from the coast, colonial cities of Heredia, Alajuela, and Cartago are full of pastel colours and vibrant nightlife. The country’s volcanoes provide relaxing hot spring experiences.
