Whether you're the type who's just curious to see if you can catch one of these waves you've heard so much about, or the kind who regularly catches air on a reef break, the appeal of surfing in Costa Rica is pretty strong. Not only are there over 730 miles (1200 kilometers) of coastline, but that shore contains water at a blissful 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) [source: TravelCostaRicaNow.com].
Costa Rica is in the unique position of having two oceans (the Pacific and Atlantic) a mere six-hour drive from each other. It's no wonder, then, that it's the third largest destination surfing spot, after Hawaii and Indonesia [source: Murillo]. When you can catch your first wave of the day on the Caribbean Sea and take a last ride before dinner on the Pacific, you know it's a surfer's paradise. Just be aware that the Pacific side has pretty terrific swells most of the year, while the Caribbean side can be a bit more seasonal.
Rookie or veteran, keep reading to get some inside tips and helpful hints to getting the big breaks on your Costa Rican vacation.
