Im planning a trip to costa rica in early august. I think I want to go to the Tamarindo area it avellanas, playa negra and tamarindo, or the jaco/ hermosa area. Which one of these places would be the best bet for early august, I have read that the hermosa area picks up the swell/ offshore winds for longer times during the day in early august but would like the opinion of someone who knows first hand. Im planning on renting a car so I want to be able to surf often and have spots that are accesible by walking or biking
www.surfcosta.com please check us out rvb@surfcosta.com for any questions/info. we have a page in the travel section of swellinfo as well. good luck
Yes, rent a car. That is clutch in Costa Rica. I would stay in one place and then branch out from there. Its hard to predict a surf trip this far in advance, you never know with weather / winds. Personally, I have been to Tamarindo and Playa Negra quite a few times. I have been to other towns as well, but I really like the accessability in both towns (plenty of boat trips, fun places to drink, cool locals). Just pick a place that meets your budget and enjoy yourself. Its hard to predict what the weather is going to be like in August. Things change day to day.
I just got back from costa rica if u want the best surf go to hermosa and stay at surf inn hermosa its right on the beach u wont need a car and everyone their is super nice also its very cheap just bring ur boards and laptop and ur set unless u have money and u want a very nice place stay at los suenos resort its cool their but a decent amount of money but def worth it
I am taking a Tamarindo / Playa Negra trip, June 26th - July 4th... We have a hostel right on the beach in Tamarindo for a few days, going to surf Playa grande and maybe a little further south of Tamarindo break. Then depending on the swell, hopefully get a taxi down to Playa Negra and stay there for a few days if it is really good. Hope it works out well. never been down there
If there is a nice swell you should book a Witches Rock/Ollies Point day trip, a few places in Tamarindo will set you up, well worth it if there is good size. I know Witches Rock Surf Camp offers a good tour there, and others as well.
August can be good everywhere. I got it last year BIG, Boca was easy double overhead and all breaks were firing. If you are in Hermosa and it is this big you will have to drive more (on nice paved roads), but in Tamarindo area you have a lot of different options you can walk to or drive shorter distances (on dirt roads and maybe some river crossings). Tamarindo is much classier ($$) than Hermosa area too.
The whole pacific coast is good. Each area offers something different. My wife and I have a condo in Jaco and have been traveling to Costa Rica for over 8 years. Playa Hermosa, near Jaco, is one of the most consistent places on earth. It's a wave magnet because of the deep waters offshore. There are many other places within a short drive. My friend owns a house in Playa Grande and I've been there too but my heart is down around Jaco and Hermosa. There are other breaks near there as well such as Boca Barranca (a river mouth 45 minutes north of Jaco with 300 - 500 yard leg burning rides). We have all the hook ups in Jaco if your interested in that area, car rental, tours such as zipline, horseback riding, atv, etc... Let me know if you want more info on the central pacific. This is like my second home and I love to point people in the right direction. Pura Vida!!!
Considered Nosara? Pura vida! No matter where you go, you will likely have a great time! I have surfed Hermosa/Jaco, Guiones (Nosara) and the Tamarindo area with Witch's Rock Surf Camp - a very nice place. All of my visits have been in March - I am a school counselor and go on spring break - and my favorite wave is Playa Guiones. The week I was there it was consistently 5-7 feet every day and it is my understanding that this is pretty normal. There is a motel called Harbor Reef that is in walking distance to the beach and to the town (Nosara Surf Shop and Coconut Harry's - both good places to rent boards) and it has a nice little restaurant, too. I stayed there and would recommend it. In Hermosa I stayed at Fuego del Sol, another nice place. Have fun!!
getgnar, you should definitely check out Surf Costa. I spent 10 days with those guys a month or so ago and had a great time and got some really good waves. They're down in Esterillos (a short drive from Jaco/Hermosa) with some really great breaks right down the street. They also offer day trips up north if you're interested in branching out a little. Have fun!
