Visit Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, and you’ll find countless beaches, each one more impressive than the previous. From snowy white coral shell shores to almond tree-backed stretches of sand, this incredible part of the country has it all. Plus, it’s an excellent spot for surfers of all levels.
You’ll find gentle beginner waves, towering intermediate ones, and the Holy Grail of surfing that’s mainly accessible by boat.
Beach Bar at Playa Conchal Near Tamarindo, Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is an hour-and-a-half drive from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica, making it an ultra-convenient spot for the start of your surfing adventure. This town is known for its party vibe and accessible, beginner-to-intermediate waves, plus a wide, golden beach perfect for catching those glorious tropical sunsets.
You’ll also find plenty of surf camps and surf hostels in Tamarindo, so you can find your community quickly and get some lessons if you’re rusty. More advanced surfers can head to Playa Langosta for bigger waves and a more secluded beach. Also, Tamarindo is one of the key points where you can grab a boat to Witch’s Rock in the northern part of the peninsula.
Witch’s Rock
You can get boats from Tamarindo to Witch’s Rock, or Roca Bruja, a roughly one-and-a-half-hour ride into the heart of Santa Rosa National Park, where this infamous surf spot is located.
Witch’s Rock is for experts only, with ten-foot waves, powerful beach breaks, and hollow barrels ideal for advanced surf moves. While riding the waves at Witch’s Rock is destined to be the most memorable part of your vacation, it’s imperative to do your research and be set in your skills before venturing there.
Surf Hostel on the Nicoya Peninsula, Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Sámara
Sámara is a good surf and swim spot and an excellent family destination about halfway down the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific-facing side. Its party scene is nowhere near on the level of Tamarindo, but you can still find plenty of hostels and live music near the beach. Plus, Sámara and nearby Playa Carrillo are excellent places to go for smooth, beginner waves and epic sunsets. Many surfers combined Nosara and Sámara into one vacation, hitting the comparably smoother waves in Sámara and then trying out the bigger ones in northern Nosara. You can get between the two spots by bus, although you need to go inland to Nicoya. You can also drive, although the roads can be dicey depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Nosara
If you’re looking for serious swells and truly breathtaking beaches, Nosara is the spot to go. Playa Guiones is the main beach, and you’ll find intermediate to expert waves there and a wide, wide beach perfect for sunbathing. If Guiones is a bit too varsity-level for you, check out Playa Pelada for smaller waves and a similar vibe. Nosara also has plenty of yoga studios and retreats and high-end boutique hotels overlooking the jungle. It’s a posh alternative to some of the Nicoya Peninsula’s more laid-back fare.
Banana Beach Bar in Santa Teresa, Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lavis
Santa Teresa
On the southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula’s Pacific side, Santa Teresa is an outstanding spot for beach-hopping, all types of waves, and on-land adventures like ATV riding. Essentially, this town is one long road with Playa Santa Teresa to one side and jungle to the other.
Playa Santa Teresa has consistent waves and beach breaks at low tide, and there are lots of surf schools right on the main drag that can help you get your surf legs or brush up on your skills to tackle them. If you’re looking for something a little calmer, head to Playa Carmen in the north. Playa Hermosa, south of Santa Teresa, is a viable option for bodyboarding, although the waves tend to be more powerful. A good pro tip is renting an ATV for the day and checking out all the beaches.
