Witch’s Rock is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic waves. Located inside Santa Rosa National Park, this powerful beach break turns on during south and southwest swells, delivering hollow lefts and rights over a sandy bottom. Offshore winds and raw beauty make this spot unforgettable. Accessible only by boat, it’s a must-surf for intermediate and advanced surfers chasing fast walls and clean barrels.

Tucked into a remote jungle bay, Ollie’s is a long, right-hand point break that fires with a clean south swell. Known for its long rides, open faces, and racing sections, this spot is pure surf indulgence — think fast, playful, and uncrowded. With boat-only access and zero development nearby, Ollie’s offers a pristine and private surf experience best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Don't expect light crowds. Playa Grande — a broad, open beach break with fun, consistent waves year-round. With multiple peaks offering both lefts and rights, this is a versatile wave perfect for groups with mixed surf levels. From cruisy longboard sessions to punchier sections on bigger days, Playa Grande delivers laid-back surf in a stunning national park setting.

Swell direction: North to South

best time of year: AllYearLong​

A lively surf town with mellow beach breaks, Tamarindo is where many surfers catch their first wave — and where veterans come to unwind. The main break offers friendly, rolling waves ideal for beginners and cruisers, while rivermouth sections occasionally serve up more punchy rides. It's also a perfect stopover before or after a charter to the more remote breaks.

A few minutes south of Tamarindo, Langosta offers a more refined experience. This reef-and-beach setup breaks over shallow rock, offering fast, clean rights and lefts when the tides and swell line up. This wave is a little fickle due to the exposure, but doesn't need a ton of swell to start working. A true locals spot, with fewer crowds and a more advanced takeoff zone, Langosta is great for confident surfers looking to escape the bustle, challenge their skills, and rub elbows with the locals. 

Known for holding even the largest swells that hit this coastline. Nicknamed "Little Hawaii" for good reason, this break in Playa Avellanas delivers long, powerful right-handers that roll through with surprising force. It's a favorite among locals and traveling surfers who want quality without the crowds. Best on mid to high tide with a decent south swell, this spot offers a perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and flow.

Tucked between Avellanas and the long right-hander of LH, the Avellanas Rivermouth  sand-bottom break produces rippable lefts & rights depending on the sandbar setup. It works best on a mid to low tide with a clean south or southwest swell, smooth walls perfect for turns and down-the-line flow. This zone is a favorite among locals for its playful shape, lighter crowds.

Ideal for intermediate surfers who want something more technical.

Known for for its raw power and range of breaks, Playa Avellanas is a surf playground. From the forgiving waves near Lola’s beachfront to the barreling rights at the river mouth and reefy takeoffs out back, there’s something here for every level. The setting is stunning—untouched coastline, dry forest backdrop, and clean water, all just a boat ride from crowded lineups.

A world-class right-hand reef break, Playa Negra is one of Costa Rica’s crown jewels—and for good reason. It’s fast, powerful, and beautifully mechanical when the tide and swell line up. With its flat volcanic rock reef and laser-sharp takeoffs, this wave draws experienced surfers looking for speed, steep drops, and the occasional hollow barrel.

Negra handles both medium and large swells with grace. It shines on mid to high tide, offering short, punchy rides with a reliable shoulder. On the right day, it’s about as perfect as a right-hander gets in Central America.

Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Break Type: Right-hand reef break
Tide: Mid to high
Swell: Southwest, South

Ideal Board Type: Advanced longboarderd, short board, step-up

A hidden powerhouse, Marbella is known for its heavy, hollow beach break barrels and punchy A-frames. This wave breaks hard and fast over shallow sandbars, making it a favorite among advanced surfers chasing adrenaline and raw power.

Marbella turns on with a solid southwest swell and offshore winds, especially in the early mornings. Peaks up and down the beach, offering short but intense rides and deep tube potential. Not for the faint of heart—but a dream for experienced shortboarders looking to score, thumping waves.

• Best For: Advanced surfers

• Break Type: Beach break

• Best Tide: Mid to high

• Best Swell Direction: SW to S

• Ideal Board Types: Shortboard, step-up

• Wind Conditions: Best with light offshore (morning tradewinds); sensitive to onshores

More than just famous for sea turtles - a rare combo of surf and nature that makes this place unforgettable.

Tucked just north of Nosara, Ostional is a remote and underrated gem offering long, uncrowded beach break waves in a raw, natural setting. On the right swell, it delivers long walls and rippable sections — plus, the chance to surf with sea turtles nearby.

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers

• Break Type: Beach break with scattered reef patches

• Best Tide: Mid to high

• Best Swell Direction: SW, S

• Ideal Board Types: Shortboard, fish, mid-length

• Wind Conditions: Best with light offshore (early mornings are ideal); can hold up to moderate wind due to open beach

Nosara’s main break at Playa Guiones offers one of the most consistent beach breaks in Costa Rica. With long, open shoulders and soft rolling waves, it’s ideal for all levels—perfect for high-volume boards and stylish carves. What makes it even better? The mellow vibe, lush jungle surroundings, and miles of uncrowded peaks along the shoreline.Ideal for intermediate surfers who want something more technical than the inside but less demanding than the outer reef.

• Best For: Beginners to intermediate (advanced during larger swells)

• Break Type: Beach break

• Best Tide: Mid to high

• Best Swell Direction: SW, WSW

• Ideal Board Types: Longboard, mid-length, funboard

• Wind Conditions: Cleanest in the early morning with light offshore winds

Jacó Beach is one of Costa Rica’s most accessible and beginner-friendly surf destinations. The mellow beach break offers fun rolling waves ideal for learning, improving skills, and enjoying long sessions in warm water. Combined with a lively beach town atmosphere, restaurants, nightlife, and easy access, Jacó remains a favorite for traveling surfers of all levels.

• Wave Type: Beach Break

• Direction: Lefts & Rights

• Surf Level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Best Swell Direction: Southwest

• Best Wind Direction: Northeast Offshore

• Best Time of Year: May–November

• Wave Type: Beach Break

• Direction: Lefts & Rights

• Surf Level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Best Swell Direction: Southwest

• Best Wind Direction: Northeast Offshore

• Best Time of Year: May–November

Nosara’s main break at Playa Guiones offers one of the most consistent beach breaks in Costa Rica. With long, open shoulders and soft rolling waves, it’s ideal for all levels—perfect for high-volume boards and stylish carves. What makes it even better? The mellow vibe, lush jungle surroundings, and miles of uncrowded peaks along the shoreline.Ideal for intermediate surfers who want something more technical than the inside but less demanding than the outer reef.

• Best For: Beginners to intermediate (advanced during larger swells)

• Break Type: Beach break

• Best Tide: Mid to high

• Best Swell Direction: SW, WSW

• Ideal Board Types: Longboard, mid-length, funboard

• Wind Conditions: Cleanest in the early morning with light offshore winds

Nosara’s main break at Playa Guiones offers one of the most consistent beach breaks in Costa Rica. With long, open shoulders and soft rolling waves, it’s ideal for all levels—perfect for high-volume boards and stylish carves. What makes it even better? The mellow vibe, lush jungle surroundings, and miles of uncrowded peaks along the shoreline.Ideal for intermediate surfers who want something more technical than the inside but less demanding than the outer reef.

• Best For: Beginners to intermediate (advanced during larger swells)

• Break Type: Beach break

• Best Tide: Mid to high

• Best Swell Direction: SW, WSW

• Ideal Board Types: Longboard, mid-length, funboard

• Wind Conditions: Cleanest in the early morning with light offshore winds

Nosara’s main break at Playa Guiones offers one of the most consistent beach breaks in Costa Rica. With long, open shoulders and soft rolling waves, it’s ideal for all levels—perfect for high-volume boards and stylish carves. What makes it even better? The mellow vibe, lush jungle surroundings, and miles of uncrowded peaks along the shoreline.Ideal for intermediate surfers who want something more technical than the inside but less demanding than the outer reef.

• Best For: Beginners to intermediate (advanced during larger swells)

• Break Type: Beach break

• Best Tide: Mid to high

• Best Swell Direction: SW, WSW

• Ideal Board Types: Longboard, mid-length, funboard

• Wind Conditions: Cleanest in the early morning with light offshore winds