Hi, I am going to Costa Rica Apr.17-27 with my gf, we're both in our mid 20s. I can't decide where on the Pacific coast to go. What area, breaks would you recommend for surfing? Any places you recommend to stay? Any other tips? Thanks, Max
Go to Tamarindo. Its much more friendly and safe for traveling girlfriends. There is a ton of other things to do there outside of surfing.
I wouldn't recommend Dominical. Theres nothing around there and unless your girlfriend surfs she'd get really bored.
She doesn't, although she's going to try. We have a deal, I get to surf everyday until 1pm....me time haha Thanks I'll check it out.
Just youtube'd tamarindo and all the vids show knee high surf for april. Any particular breaks that are good around there? I want thissss...where to get it?
Surf Playa Grande! It's one of my favorite spots in Costa Rica. The are firing there so if you are less experienced i recommend Tamarindo. The local crowds can be huge there tho. PURA VIDA
You're gonna get that at a number of places from Witches Rock all the way down to Pavones if the southern swells are good from April through November. The Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica (I guess Jaco on down) will get some more Southern Hemi swell energy than the North (Guanacaste). However, think about the size of the country...It's tiny. Therefore, if there's a nice pulse of southern swell, all spots are gonna light-up (some better than others, but sheet man, at least you're in the tropics and in a world class place for surf). If you got a chick in tow, go to the Guanacaste area. First head to Tamarindo and then head south on the Guanacaste to spots like Santa Teresa, Nosara, etc. You won't regret it. Tamarindo can be gringo central and muy caro, but it's a good place to get your bearings and feet wet for a few days. Playa Grande (fun fun beachie) is right across the river mouth. It's all a playground. Enjoy!
Aren't you 27? would that still be considered mid-twenties? LOL And the pic above looks like it might be for a more experienced surfer, are you ready for something like that? You really let these guys talk you into posting pics of your girl? LMAO, I mean, that's cool.
Dominical is nice if you surf. Used to be one of my favorite places but last couple of times the beach has been kind of nasty and wouldn't go back with my wife (who is Tica). Check out Mal Pais area, the beaches are a lot nicer than Dominical and there are some nice areas to explore. You can heck out Montezuma for a day and see the waterfall there, there is a national park at the end of the road going South, lots to explore. If you don't have a car you will be stuck wherever you are and that is different. If that is the case go to Nosara/Guiones, you can be stuck there and still enjoy. Also Quepos/Manuel Antonio is good without a car, will be smaller but still fun, more so than Tamarindo, except there are more options in Tamarindo if you have a car. She will like Tamarindo a lot, you can still surf but it will be half the size compared to surrounding areas. If it is the week before Easter it will be PACKED wherever you are so decide now and book hotels, it may be too late. The whole country shuts down for Semana Santa and goes to the beach. Bottom line get a car and explore and anywhere is good. April is hit or miss for waves, hope you get some.
C'mon do you really think I'll be posting pics of my gf? LMAO And yea 27..late 20s start at 29.99999 haha Shes 24 so it averages out. And yea I think I am ready. Guess we'll find out.
Good stuff! I like the 29.99999 My first time surfing was 3 to 5 foot in Stewart, FL, on a short board. I was able to get to my feet, but not for long. LOL Good luck to ya and have fun in Costa!
if you got the time, go to Mal Pais like TommyH said. If only a week, Playa Hermosa Jaco. Centrally located between Dominical and Boca Barranca, a super long left hander. You also have Esterillos 20 min one way, and Guacalillio 25 the other. Then for your woman, you got tres pacinas 25 min away. 3 waterfalls filling 3 pools. Plus Chronic is rampant cause Kryp rd is located there.
I don't think the op actually meant surfing Tamarindo.... though you can.... it is small at best. More the town itself I think he was steering you toward as far as taking your girlfriend. Tamarindo and Playa Grande is a good central spot up in the Guanacaste area in which you can travel north or so of there within an hour and hit many good breaks like Negra, Nosara, Witches, Avenallas, etc... The best part about Guanacaste is that you can now fly directly into Liberia which is only about 30 min from the beach instead of going to San Jose and spending most of your day trying to get to the coast. I personally highly recommend Playa Grande and also have a friend that lives there with an incredible place to stay right on the water.... cheap!!! You would score points with your girl for sure if you took her there! PM me if you are interested. Another place you should take her is down to Quepos. Its about 45 min south of Jaco. There are some waves there but its more a cool spot to take your girl. I've been on many surf trips with and without the girls and there is definitely a big difference in what you do (and how you do it). The biggest key in taking your girl with you is that you show her the up side of surf trips so that she will be more apt to take more surf trips. Course.... some may not want their girl on surf trips with them so there's things you can do to make that happen too! This is my buddy Alan's place (Playa Grande) if you are interested. Don't mind the prices those are actually for the entire place. If you are just going with your girl he has two separate bungalows on the first flow which are complete with kitchens, bath (hot water) california king beds etc.... There's a pool in the front yard and a bar with hammocks on the back porch facing the ocean. The view is insane!!! There is also a really good reef break directly out front that can fire on the right swell. On the other side of the river is Tamarindo where there is nightlife and girl stuff to do. http://www.vrbo.com/4280