Guanacaste

13 Surf spots
families beginners
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Positives
  • Consistent year-round
  • Fun-sized waves
  • Waves for all abilities
  • Rich in wildlife
Negatives
  • Crowded
  • Oppressively hot weather
  • Millions of insects
  • Tourist price inflation

Guanacaste surf travel guide

Volcanic black sand, squeaky white sand and craggy reef can all be found in the northern province of Guanacaste, where long distance Pacific swells arrive from the near 180º swell window with reliable consistency, firing up the well-documented wonder-walls like Potrero Grande, Roca Bruja and the busy peaks of Tamarindo. Quality reefs at Avellanas and Playa Negra provide the challenge and laid-back beachbreaks around Nosara cater for the steady influx of new surfers. Tamarindo has become the epicentre of Costa Rican surfing, particularly during the dry season when clean, offshore conditions, sunshine and easy access make it a veritable tropical paradise for experienced surfers and beginners alike.

Surf spots in Guanacaste

Research the 13 surf breaks in Guanacaste and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Guanacaste.

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When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Guanacaste

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Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Guanacaste.

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Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
3,017,000
Population
5,094,118
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
CRC
Exchange rate
$1 = 580 CRC CRC

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+506
Dialing out
00
Emergencies
911
Language
Spanish, Creole
Electricity
Plug Type
a
b
Visas

Most countries do not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days. For more details visit. Dep tax = $29

Getting There

San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the main airport, although flights land straight in Daniel Oduber Quir—s International Airport, Guanacaste (LIR). There are daily flights to Tamarindo with carbon neutral Sansa (1 board = $20o/w) and Nature Air ($40o/w). San José to Tamarindo is a 5h drive.

Getting Around

The road system has improved dramatically over the years, but 4X4 is still essential in the wet season (<$45/d) and they still might get stuck. Rental cars cost at least $30/d. Don’t drive at night. The bus system is efficient and cheap.

Accommodation

Costs have risen fast over the years, stay in one of the many Tamarindo hotels ($90+/dble) or in cheaper cabinas ($35/dble). Avellanes, Junquilla and Nosara are good places to stay. A typical restaurant bill is $12-15.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

National parks (e.g. Santa Rosa) swarm with monkeys, toucans, crocodiles and snakes. Lots of the beaches are prime turtle nesting sites. On the odd flat day the volcanoes (Arvenal) are spectacular.

Hazards & hassles

Playa Grande saw a fatal shark attack in 2011, plus 3 crocodile attacks in 4 years at the rivermouth. Although it's almost malaria-free, there are tons of zancudos (insects). Stingrays, sea-lice and the occasional jellyfish swarm will sting you in the line-up. Non-violent rip-offs (cameras, cash etc.) occur, especially from vehicles or on the beach.

Handy Hints

Reading the Tico Times can reveal some bargains for rental cars and hotels. There are a multitude of surf shops in Tamarindo or Nosara and many surf camps and hotels rent boards. Surf schools and lessons are easy to find. Costa Ricans are well educated and often speak good English.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

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