Surf Camps in Costa Rica

Find and compare 83+ Surf Camps and schools in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as a well-developed surfing destination. What's great about it is that the beaches not as crowded and are filled with many breaks, swells, and surf shops. Whether you are planning to improve your surfing skills on a Surf Camp or simply want to start learning, surf schools in Costa Rica will give you the challenge you are looking for!

What makes Costa Rica a great surfing destination?

Costa Rica is blessed not only with consistent waves year-round but also many great surf spots. Because of its double-sided coastline - Pacific Coast and the Caribbean shore -, the best time to go surfing in Costa Rica is year long. The Caribbean side has a short surfing season and produces large swells from tropical storms off Mexico. The Pacific coast has a smaller but more consistent surf generated by low-pressure systems located off New Zealand.

What's the best time to go surfing in Costa Rica?

During the wet or rainy season (from May to November) you’ll find the best waves in Costa Rica on the Pacific Coast in places like Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, and Jaco. Nevertheless, take in mind that because of the high rainfall, the roads toward the beaches become impassable. September and October are the two rainiest months, while from May to August it usually only rains at night. In terms of surf, the waves are bigger throughout the rainy season and are therefore perfect for beginners to experienced surfers.

In the dry season months (from December to April) you'll find the best waves on the Caribbean shore, in places like Puerto Viejo. These months are also the most popular months for travelers and backpackers, visiting the hot and dry weather. It’s a perfect time to learn how to surf then, as the waves will be waist to head high, with small and fun breaks.

The best surf regions in Costa Rica:

• Santa Teresa: besides being ranked as Top10 best beach in the world, Santa Teresa’s waves are also some of the best and consistent in Costa Rica, for beginners and advanced surfers. Great spots are Suck Rock, La Lora, Mar Azul, Malpais, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Carmen.
• Manuel Antonio: with left and right breaks, this region along the Pacific coast has multiple great spots for all surf levels, such as Playa El Ray, Playa Manuel Antonio, Playitas, Boca Quepos, and Boca Damas.
• Guanacaste: this northwestern region is very consistent with long-distance Pacific swells arriving from the S/SE around to the NW. Guanacaste has over 43 surf spots for beginners, advanced, or pro surfers.
• Jaco: surfers from all over the world come to Jaco for a dose of its fun waves. With more than 15 surf breaks, there’s something for all surf levels.