Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular surf destinations, and with good reason. This small Central American country seems to have been made with surfers in mind. Bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; Costa Rica is blessed with an infinite variety of waves: challenging reefs, A-frame beachbreaks, and long, wrapping points. With warm water year-round, delicious and inexpensive food, affordable lodgings, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is a great pick for traveling surfers worldwide.
    One of the advantages Costa Rica has over other surf destinations is that waves can be found there 365 days out of the year, due to the fact that it has two coastlines and two distinct seasons. The wet season, which goes from May to October, produces consistent swells on the Pacific side, setting off such surf spots as Witch’s Rock in the north, to the famous point break Pavones, in the far south on the Osa Peninsula, and countless other breaks in between, including Costa Rica’s swell magnet, Playa Dominical.
    There are 4 specific regions to look at before planning your surf trip to Costa Rica. By spending a little time researching these areas to coincide with the correct season (wet season or dry season) and time of year, you can maximize your chance of getting great waves and fulfilling your dream surf safari.

PACIFIC NORTH:
(Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula) This area has consistent swell year-round with bigger southern swells during the wet season. During the dry season you can expect steady offshore winds and beautiful weather day after day. Recommended months: May through September for size and consistency, December through April for clean conditions and easy travel.

CENTRAL PACIFIC:
            Best in the rainy season with large consistent south swells. Best conditions are usually in the early morning and late afternoon. Recommended months: April through September.

PACIFIC SOUTH:
            Shares the same characteristics as the Central Pacific, although rainfall can be heavier. Recommended months: April through September.

CARRIBEAN COAST:
            There is a definite wave season here, and that is from December through February (dry season) and again in July and August. The waves here are more for the experienced surfer, consisting of heavy reef breaks. Expect big swells through the dry season months.
Recommended months: December through February, July and August.

            Besides surfing there are plenty of other fun things to do in Costa Rica, including visiting national treasures such as Arenal where you can watch the lava erupting from this live volcano, and observing exotic wildlife such as toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys and much more in their natural habitat. No matter what time of year you choose to go to Costa Rica, there will always be an array of waves to choose from, along with friendly locals, and the Pura Vida vibe that this little Central American country is famous for.