Guanacaste & Nicoya
Costa Rica
Pura vida, Pacific swell, and warm water year-round. Tamarindo for beginners, Nosara for intermediate progression, Santa Teresa for character. The #1 surf trip destination for North American travelers.
Why Costa Rica
Warm water (26–29°C) all year, two reliable swell seasons, and a tourism economy built around English-speaking surf instruction. If you're Levels 2-4 and travelling from North America, this is the lowest-friction option.
When to go
- **Apr–Oct (wet season):** Bigger swell, more rain, fewer people. Best surf for Level 5+.Apr–Oct (wet season): Bigger swell, more rain, fewer people. Best surf for Level 5+.
- **Dec–Mar (dry season):** Smaller and busier, but every day is rideable for Levels 2-4.Dec–Mar (dry season): Smaller and busier, but every day is rideable for Levels 2-4.
Getting around
Fly into Liberia (LIR) for Guanacaste; San Jose (SJO) for Nosara/Santa Teresa with an internal flight or 5h drive. Rent a 4x4 — the roads to Santa Teresa are unsealed.
Best months to visit
Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct