Surf camps in Costa Rica: where to go and when
Spots with camps nearby and the best months to go.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Best waves in Costa Rica: May–October (around 1.5 m, water 30°C, no wetsuit).
- Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: March–May, July–October (around 1.4 m, water 30°C, no wetsuit).
- Top picks: Playa Avellanas, Playa Negra – Guanacaste & Nosara – Playa Guiones.
- For beginners: Nosara – Playa Guiones, Tamarindo & Jacó.
Camps near these spots
Playa Avellanas
- Avellanas Surf Hostel 0.8 km
- Dreamsea Surf House Avellana 1.3 km
- Mediterriano Surf Camp 1.6 km
Playa Negra – Guanacaste
- Marbella Surf Inn 14.6 km
Nosara – Playa Guiones
- Agua Tibia Surf Camp 0.5 km
- La Negra Surf Hotel & Soda 1.3 km
- Kaya Sol Surf Hotel 1.8 km
- Surf Samara 14.6 km
Santa Teresa
- Santa Teresa Surf Camp 0.3 km
- Believe Surf Camp & Yoga 0.4 km
- Blue Surf Sanctuary 0.9 km
- Santa Teresa Surf Vista Villas 0.9 km
- Cabinas Surf Paraiso 2.2 km
- Hotel Lavasurf 2.7 km
- and 1 more on the spot page
Tamarindo
- Zulu Surf Hotel 0.2 km
- Surf Ranch Hotel 0.7 km
- Witch's Rock Surf Camp 0.7 km
- The Surf House 1.2 km
- Dreamsea Surf Camp 2.1 km
Playa Grande – Tamarindo
- Playa Grande Surf Camp 2.1 km
Dominical
- Mavi Surf Hotel 0.3 km
Jacó
- Surf Camp Hotel Vista Guapa 2.9 km
Playa Hermosa – Jacó
- Surf Inn Hermosa 0.2 km
- Terraza Surf Hotel 1.2 km
- Loma del Mar Surf Club 2.4 km
Spots with surf or kite camps nearby, ranked by their best months for surfing from years of weather data. Camps and schools are from OpenStreetMap; check with them directly before you book.
Month by month in Costa Rica
| Month | Waves | Water | Wetsuit | Air |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryJan | 1.2 m | 29°C | no wetsuit | 31°C |
| FebruaryFeb | 1.2 m | 29°C | no wetsuit | 32°C |
| MarchMar | 1.2 m | 30°C | no wetsuit | 32°C |
| AprilApr | 1.3 m | 30°C | no wetsuit | 32°C |
| MayMay | 1.4 m | 31°C | no wetsuit | 31°C |
| JuneJun | 1.5 m | 30°C | no wetsuit | 29°C |
| JulyJul | 1.4 m | 30°C | no wetsuit | 30°C |
| AugustAug | 1.4 m | 30°C | no wetsuit | 30°C |
| SeptemberSep | 1.5 m | 30°C | no wetsuit | 29°C |
| OctoberOct | 1.4 m | 29°C | no wetsuit | 28°C |
| NovemberNov | 1.4 m | 28°C | no wetsuit | 28°C |
| DecemberDec | 1.2 m | 29°C | no wetsuit | 30°C |
Averages of the 9 spots on this page. Best months highlighted. Air: average daytime high.
Questions
When is the best time for a surf camp in Costa Rica?
Best waves in Costa Rica: May–October (around 1.5 m, water 30°C, no wetsuit). Smaller waves and the warmest water, good for beginners: March–May, July–October (around 1.4 m, water 30°C, no wetsuit).
What wetsuit do I need in Costa Rica?
It depends on the month: about 31°C water in May (no wetsuit) and about 28°C in November (no wetsuit).
Is Costa Rica good for beginners?
Yes, these spots suit beginners: Nosara – Playa Guiones, Tamarindo & Jacó.
Which airport is closest?
Nosara Airport (NOB), 35 km from Playa Avellanas; Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), 44 km from Playa Grande – Tamarindo; Quepos Managua Airport (XQP), 36 km from Dominical.