This topic comes up a lot, but I believe that my situation is fairly unique and want to post here for some recommendations. Most people that post about CR are looking for a safe place to bring the girl and/or kid but I'm traveling alone this time and only looking for cheap hostels, good times, and hollow waves. I've been to CR several times but only in our summer months when everything is cheap and the southern swells are pumping. What I'm wondering is how much difference should I expect with regard to prices and waves in February/March? (I know that they are both not as good as during the rainy season, but if you have more info please explain). I was actually in CR this past summer and noticed that everything got more expensive compared to about 8 years ago. I want to find a way to do this without spending too much money on things, well things that aren't directly related to partying and/or wave riding. Here's my plan so far: I'll fly into San Jose (SJO) because it's cheaper. I'll probably hit up Jaco to find a board because that tends to be cheaper and better than traveling with one. I'll just sell it at the end of my trip for a loss, still better than paying $150 each way and lugging the board around the airport/bus system. From there I'll head up north, or just spend some time around Hermosa, or go wherever I think might have the most ideal wave conditions. If it's more offshore and epic up in Nicaragua, I'll head up there. I'm hoping that the offshore wind is a factor and that we get lucky and receive a swell. I'm wondering, can I still find a cheap place to stay in the beach towns, this time of year? In our summer months (their rainy season) it seems like there's always budget accommodations available... but I understand it's different in the high-season - but HOW different? Can I still manage to find a spot to sleep with a fan and a screened window for $10-$25 per night? Can I still find a meal for way under $10? I'm used to staying at hostels, cheap hotels, with other backpackers, and I actually prefer that vibe more. Also, the waves I tend to like the most are chest to overhead+ with offshore winds. I ride a shortboard and love hollow waves. When I was there in July, Playa Avellanas was head high to overhead everyday for 2 weeks straight... but the on shore winds always got going by about noon, wrecking the shape until the sunset session. I have a strong preference for offshore wind and decent surf, I love places like Witches Rock... but I'm wondering: during February/March, do the offshore winds prevail all day long, all over the Nicoya Peninsula and even further South? If so, How far south does this occur? Could I expect to see offshore winds all day, down in Hermosa/Jaco or further south? How about the central Nicoya coast, places like Nosara- do they get off shores all damn day like Witches Rock does?
From my experience living in Costa Rica last year and on the nicoya during february and march the beach you mentioned avellanas was offshore all day long. When I traveled down to santa teresa and mal pais the winds weren't blowing offshore all day.. just mornings and cleaning up in the evening. The waves were fun and pretty consistent this time of year but nothing compared to swells in march through rainy season. hope this helps!
northern Costa should be offshore most of the day, if not all day. Feb into March we can get strong offshore winds here in Southern Nica, too much of a good thing i guess. this year its been pretty mellow but we still have about a month + to go. the water can get chilly too. its about 70-72 right now. so bring a topper. the SPAC forecast looks decent. if u decide to go up to Nica, shoot me a PM, my place is a 5 minute walk down the beach to Santana, 25 min walk to popoyo. the crowds have been light lately. www.facebook.com/LasPalmasSurfLodge
Rooms are $25-55 a night depending if you want Fan only or AC, private bath or shared bath. 2 people per room. Shoot me a PM if you need more details. or gnurider7@gmail.com.
Things have really changed in good ol Costa! Best I can recommend is to avoid Jaco. Its really gone to hell! More of a latin hood now. If you can arrange it and its not too late I would highly recommend flying into Liberia and surfing up north, like you were talking about Avellanas etc... Either that or stick to way down south.
hope this isn't redundant but if you're a regular footer then you really should get to know playa negra(CR)…i mean theres' a reason mr august gets all messianic there.
If you're gonna stay in Jaco I would try Las Camas Mini Hostel. I stayed with the guys there in October and they were pretty chill. They were great guys and really made you feel welcome. They invited me along to parties and invited me to have dinner with them, that kind of thing. On the other hand, the leash I was given on my rental board didn't velcro and the key I was given the first night also didn't work so I had to scale a 12 foot fence to get in. So if you're easy-going and looking to party they would be good to stay with. If you're uptight and don't want to put your own sheets on your bed then try somewhere else. The rest of your questions, I'll differ to the experts...
If you want to stay some days in Tamarindo I can give you really good prices at Dreamsea Surf Camp, we also do surf trips to different beaches with our clients and you can join or free.
