With four coasts and over 1,000 surf breaks, it’s safe to say that there is no surfing off-season in Costa Rica. Even better, the country is small enough that you can travel through it to where the best waves are at any given moment. These four corners of surfer’s delight are:

• Caribbean Suring in Costa Rica –  The season is short but sweet. And by sweet we mean that these are some of the biggest, fiercest waves; the undertow of tropical storms off the coast of Mexico. For example, a coral reef off the coast of Puerto Viejo can produce breaks that can hold as many as 20 surfers at the same time. Then there is Westfalia, which offers breaks left and right — literally — as well as jellyfish and riptides. Needless to say, these waves are for experienced surfers only.

• North Pacific Surfing in Costa Rica – Guanacaste is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations but is also home to several secluded spots where there’s nothing to do but go surfing. For instance, Playa Naranjo has no hotels or hostels to speak of, but it does play host to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, where beginners are shown the ropes by expert trainers. On the other hand, Playa Negra can be counted on to provide strong waves for those who have already cut their teeth. All in all, the North Pacific offers heavy offshore waves and reliable swells and breaks.

• Central Pacific Surfing in Costa Rica – By contrast, the Central Pacific is closer to San Jose which means is the closest to Spring Break there is in Costa Rica. Fret not, though; rest assured there are plenty of the kind of breaks you’re interested in. And they are not devoid of a certain mystic, either. According to the Travel Channel website, “some of the best breaks occur off a sandbar located in front of a large tree known as the Almendro. Ask a local to point out this primo spot.” And while you’re at it, look for the Singing Bush and the Invisible Swordsman.

• South Pacific Surfing in Costa Rica – Here is where you can do some guerilla surfing in the midst of the last Pacific Coastal rain forests (not to be confused with FernGully). If you’re willing to drive 8 hours from San Jose to Pavones you will be rewarded with a ¾ of a mile ride, among the longest in the world. Wetsuit up, Ted!

The following are just a few of the best surf breaks in Costa Rica, ordered by level of difficulty:

Beginner

• Jaco.
• Playa Colonia.
• Playa Samara.
• Playa Guiones.

Intermediate

• Ollie’s Point.
• Matapalo.

Advanced

• Playa Hermosa.
• Salsa Brava.
• Boca Barranca.
• Playa Avellanas.

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