Why Costa Rica is the Best Place to Learn How to Surf

With over 300 beaches, warm waters, year-round waves, and the infamous Pura Vida attitude, Costa Rica is one of the top destinations on earth to learn how to surf. This is why you’ll find some of the best surf camps for beginners right here on the Pacific Coast. If you feel the itch to learn an exciting new sport that combines both the tranquility and the thrill of riding one of Mother Nature’s most powerful forces, then put a trip to Costa Rica on your bucket list!

Great Weather for Your Beach Vacation

Hot temperatures prevail along the coast of Costa Rica, especially in the North West part of the country. Depending on the time of year, you will see temperatures range slightly from about 27 to 34 degrees Celsius (80 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit) during the heat of the day. It can go as low as 22 degrees Celsius during the wee morning hours if you’re lucky! The water temperature doesn’t get much colder, with an average temperature of 26 degrees C (78 F).

During the peak season from December to May, you will have sunny days with plenty of rays to catch at the beach. Bring your hat, sunscreen, and bathing suit, and ditch the wet suit – you won’t need it!

Consistent Surf All Year Round

One of the reasons you will find some of the best surf camps for beginners in Costa Rica is the consistent waves. Because of where Costa Rica is positioned geographically, it has some of the most consistent surf in the world. Found next to the equator and wide open to the mighty Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica receives swells from both the Southern Hemisphere (year-round) and the Northern Hemisphere (November to March).

This blessed position in the world makes Costa Rica one of the top surfing spots and one of the best places to learn how to surf. Consistent waves mean no matter what time of year you visit, you will find some swell you can surf, which is very important if you can’t be too picky about your time off from work or school.

Ideal Waves for the Beginner Surfer

While Costa Rica has its monster swells best left to the experts, there are plenty of smaller waves close to shore that are ideal for the beginner surfer. The best surfing in Costa Rica for beginners takes place during the peak season of December to April. That’s because the waves tend to be smaller without the rains and storms of the low season (May to November), also known as the green season thanks to the deluge of rain that puts the plants into hyperdrive.

The best conditions for the beginner surfer are not just about waves. A soft, sandy bottom for landing is ideal as a beginner surfer is going to fall off of their surfboard. Also, waves that break close to the shore are ideal for the beginner because they don’t have to paddle out as far to reach the swell and tire themselves out before they get the chance to pop up on their board. These are the conditions you will find in places like Tamarindo Beach, which has a large community of surf camps and beginner surfers.

Check out the Best Tamarindo Surf Spots and Tips for Beginners

Large Community of Experienced and Beginner Surfers

There are a few places in Costa Rica that have a big surf culture such as Tamarindo and Jaco beaches on the Pacific side and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side. Here, surfing is part of daily life. You will see Ticos (Costa Ricans) going to surf after work or school, surfboards adorning the walls of businesses and homes, and a large number of schools dedicated to teaching beginners how to surf. It is ingrained in the culture.

So vital to life, in fact, surfing can be found in nearly every aspect of a place like Tamarindo Beach, from what time restaurants open for the early birds looking to catch the first waves of the day to the surf shops and surf camps lined along the beach. Surfing is essential to the economy in a town like Tamarindo and everyone here wants to see you catch that first wave!

Welcoming Atmosphere for Vacationing Surfers

Ticos live by a code called “pura vida”, which translates to “pure life”. The essence of this is enjoying the moment, taking it easy, being patient, and above all, welcoming. Costa Ricans are known for their relaxed, friendly attitude and politeness. This can be evidenced in their language, which uses more formal and polite phrases than much of Latin America.

Once you arrive you will feel it. Costa Ricans want you here. They want you to visit their country. They want you to enjoy its beauty. They want you to learn how to surf. And they want you to have a great time!

Best Surf Camp for Beginners

As we expressed previously, Tamarindo Beach is one of the best places to learn how to surf in Costa Rica. Its sandy shores and small but consistent waves draw beginner surfers from around the world. This is why Iguana Surf chose Tamarindo as the place to start its surf shop over three decades ago.

As one of the first surf schools on Tamarindo Beach, experienced instructors at Iguana Surf have taught over 125,000 beginner surf lessons over the years. Whether it’s a beginner surf lesson at our Tamarindo surf shop or a week-long surf camp at our boutique Iguana Surf Beach Hotel, we take pride in teaching others the art of surfing. 

Located beachfront in the heart of town, Our primary focus is creating the best and safest surfing experience possible. We are a fully insured company with professionally trained instructors in water and surf safety. 

At Iguana Surf, we offer some of the best surfing in Costa Rica for beginners, as well as surf lessons to advanced surfers. You can choose from one of our three options, including group surf lessons, semi-private lessons, and private lessons. All of our surf lessons include approximately two-hour instruction with a professional bilingual instructor, a rash guard, a soft-top surfboard, a locker, a shower, and a changing room.

While we offer accommodations at our five-night, six-night, and seven-night surf camps, you can get the surf camp treatment without staying at our beachfront hotel. We also offer three-day, five-day, and seven-day stellar packages.

Three-day Package

3 Private Surf Sessions
Surf Photo Package
T-Shirt to Keep
Unlimited board rentals for the duration of your package

Only $265 plus tax

Five-day Package

4 Private Local Surf Sessions
1 Surf Trip
Surf Photo Package
Video Analysis
T-Shirt to Keep
Unlimited board rentals for the duration of your package

Only $445 plus tax

Seven-day Package

6 Private Local Surf Sessions
1 Surf Trip
Surf Photo Package
Video Analysis
T-Shirt to Keep
Unlimited board rentals for the duration of your package

Only $529 plus tax

Costa Rica is home to some of the best surfing in the world, but it happily welcomes novices from all walks of life. Whether you just want to try a few lessons on your Costa Rica vacation or you come to the beach with the express intent to learn the sport, you will find the best weather, ideal waves, and a community of surfers with a friendly attitude welcomes you on your journey. 

Written by Jennifer LaCharite