Best Surfing in Costa Rica for Beginners: 4 Spots to Get You Started

Costa Rica has long been a go-to for learners. Warm water, long beaches, and a laid-back vibe make it perfect for those just getting started.

>>Check out our full guide to surfing in Costa Rica for more information on the specific surf towns in this amazing country

The best beginner surf destinations in Costa Rica at a glance

Town	Pros	Cons
Tamarindo	– Loads of surf schools – Consistent waves year-round – Lively town with restaurants and nightlife	– Can get crowded – More developed and touristy – Pricier than other towns
Nosara	– Spacious beach with lots of room – Mellow vibe, wellness-oriented – Great for progression from whitewash to green waves	– Expensive and remote – Limited nightlife – Long walk from most stays to the beach
Jaco	– Easy access from San José – Reliable beach break surf – Good infrastructure and surf camps	– Urban and less scenic – Beach can get dirty in wet season – Not the most peaceful vibe
Santa Teresa	– Stylish surf town with a great vibe – Beginner-friendly sections at Playa Carmen – Mix of yoga, cafes, and surf culture	– Beach can get punchy for total beginners – Infrastructure still developing – Gets crowded in high season

Tamarindo – The all-rounder for first timers

Tamarindo is easily the most popular beginner surf town in Costa Rica. It’s not hard to see why. The main beach here stretches for over a kilometre and picks up consistent Pacific swell most of the year. The waves roll in on mellow sandbanks and tend to peel softly left and right, making them ideal for learning to pop up and ride the face.

There’s also no shortage of instructors — dozens of surf schools and rental outfits line the shore. They’ll usually take you straight to the southern end of Playa Tamarindo, where waves are a touch smaller and crowds a little thinner. Bonus: When you’re not surfing, Tamarindo’s buzzing with restaurants, bars, and yoga spots. It’s the kind of place where one week turns into a month.

• Best for: Total beginners, surf lessons, and lively town life
• Wave type: Sand-bottom beach break, lefts and rights
• Season: Works year-round, but dry season (Dec–April) has cleaner conditions

>> Read our full guide to surfing in Tamarindo right here

Nosara – Zen vibes and beach breaks galore

Nosara is the spot if you want to pair your first green waves with some serious chill. Playa Guiones is the main break — a wide, crescent-shaped bay that receives reliable SW swell but breaks over a forgiving sandy bottom. Beginners typically stick to the whitewash close to shore, but the paddle out isn’t too daunting once you’re ready to progress.

What’s great about Nosara is the setup: There’s loads of space, so you won’t feel like you’re battling for waves. Surf camps and instructors are well-established here and often blend lessons with yoga or wellness stays. Plus, Nosara has managed to keep a rustic charm despite growing in popularity, thanks to protected nature zones and low-rise development.

• Best for: Learners wanting space and a slower pace
• Wave type: Sand-bottom beach break with wide shoulders
• Season: Peak swell from May–Nov, but dry season is cleaner and better for learning

Jaco – Easy access and loads of hotels

Jaco is Costa Rica’s closest surf town to San José, and it’s long been a go-to for quick learner trips and weekend surf packages. The main break is a straight-up beach break with consistent waves that rarely get too heavy. The town is spread along a big stretch of grey-sand coast, so it’s easy to find your own patch of whitewater.

It’s not the most beautiful surf in Costa Rica, but it is among the most reliable. And if you want to graduate quickly, there’s always Playa Hermosa just 10 minutes down the road — a heavier, hollower break for when you’re ready to step it up.

• Best for: Quick surf getaways, weekend learners, good infrastructure
• Wave type: Sand-bottom beach break, mostly rights
• Season: Dry season (Dec–Apr) is ideal for clean conditions

Santa Teresa – A bit of a hipster getaway + ultra-consistent beach breaks

Santa Teresa sits on the Nicoya Peninsula, where jungle meets beach and the surf scene oozes style. While the main Playa Santa Teresa can get punchy and fast, there are sections further north (towards Playa Carmen and Mal País) that are much friendlier for beginners.

The waves there are long, foamy whitewash runners, and you’ll find lots of surf schools offering soft-top boards and daily lessons. What sets this apart is the vibe — think hip cafes, yoga studios, eco stays, and a strong community of long-term surfers. You won’t just learn to surf here; you’ll get sucked into the lifestyle.

• Best for: Quick surf getaways, weekend learners, good infrastructure
• Wave type: Sand-bottom beach break, mostly rights
• Season: Dry season (Dec–Apr) is ideal for clean conditions