Beaches & Surfing Vacations in Costa RicaThe Pacific side of Costa Rica is fast becoming one of the preferred vacation spots for surfing in Central America. Areas such as Nicoya Peninsula and Dominical are the best destinations for surfing because there are many gorgeous beaches and the water conditions are excellent for this outdoor activity.
Trips to Nicoya are very popular because beaches lying there offer great facilities for all people, from novices who try this sport for the first time up to veteran surfers. Due to this reason Nicoya has a fantastic reputation in the entire international surfing community!
A few years ago places such as Santa Teresa were small fishing villages, but with the boom of tourist industry the things have changed and today this locations are popular vacation spots in Costa Rica amongst holiday makers coming from North America, especially USA and Canada.
Dominical is probably the most famous surfing place in this country. It is less isolated than the Nicoya region, providing easy access to the national parks from nearby, being also settled much closer to the country's capital city, San Jose. The area is renowned for the "surfing camps" where use of facilities, accommodation and meals are featured in all inclusive vacation packages. Trips to Dominical are recommended generally to beginners, but even experienced surfers can spend there magnificent vacations!
Tamarindo
Some people say that the surfing capital in Costa Rica is Tamarindo, located in the northwestern Pacific region. Tamarindo, maybe the most famous of the vacation spots in the country, is a lively town visited by young holiday makers and features numerous schools for beginner surfers.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is located just north to Tamarindo, being characterized by strong surf and therefore recommended to experienced surfers only. Plenty of secluded beaches are present in the area and consequently tourists can get away from the crowded hotels or all inclusive resorts and spend a more intimate beach vacation.
Playa Naranjo
Playa Naranjo, also known as "Witche's Rock", features usually huge waves; to south is settled Playa Negra that provides volcanic black-sand and great conditions for this sport.
Malpais
Settled on the southern part of Nicoya Peninsula, Malpais offers fantastic amenities without the crowded environment from Tamarindo, being great both for beginners and expert surfers.
Playa Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa has became very popular nowadays, providing both budget and luxury resort accommodations.
Playa Jaco
Settled in the central Pacific region, Jaco is just great for surfing, being considered also the most lively town on the entire coastline!
Playa Hermosa
Trips to Playa Hermosa, located south to Jaco, are also popular because this vacation spot has miles of sandy beaches. Still, it is recommended just for experienced surfers.
Playa Pavones & Zancudo
The southern Pacific region of Costa Rica has also many great beaches, particularly in Golfo Dulce and Osa Peninsula, from which the best are considered Zancudo and Pavones.
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