Surfing Costa Rica: fly to the best breaks

2026-06-06 · 5 min read

Warm water, year-round swell and dozens of breaks make Costa Rica a surfer’s dream — but the lineups are scattered across two coasts and long, slow roads. Flying gets you paddling out the same morning instead of losing a day behind the wheel.

Guanacaste and Nicoya

Tamarindo and neighbouring Playa Grande suit all levels; Nosara’s Playa Guiones is a consistent, uncrowded beach break; Santa Teresa and Mal País (via Tambor) are the cool-kid hub. Fly to Tamarindo or Nosara to start surfing right away.

The south and the legends

Pavones, near Golfito, is one of the world’s longest left-hand point breaks — a genuine pilgrimage on a good south swell. The remote Osa hides quiet, powerful waves for the adventurous.

The Caribbean

Puerto Viejo’s heavy reef break, Salsa Brava, fires in the dry-season-to-early-year window — a different, hollower kind of wave from the Pacific beach breaks.

When to go

• Pacific swell is consistent most of the year.
• Dry season (December–April) for offshore winds and cleaner faces.
• Green season for bigger south swells and emptier lineups.
• Caribbean (Salsa Brava) peaks roughly December–March.

Boards fly too

We arrange board transport in advance — tell us your quiver and board lengths when booking so we assign an aircraft with capacity. Details in boards and luggage. Request a flight and chase the swell, or ask us on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my surfboard on a charter?

Yes — declare your board lengths when booking so we assign an aircraft with capacity.

Which break should a beginner choose?

Tamarindo and Playa Grande are forgiving and well-served; Nosara is ideal for progressing.

When is the best surf season?

The Pacific works year-round; dry season for clean conditions, green season for bigger south swells.