Your Guide to the Best Surf Breaks in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific

Surf’s Not Just a Sport — It’s a Story

You arrive in Costa Rica seeking more than just waves. You want connection: with the ocean, nature, locals, yourself. The Central Pacific offers that. But to fully experience it, you need to read the ocean, know the breaks, and ride when conditions align.

Here are some of the best surf breaks in the Central Pacific, with what to expect, when to be there, and how to surf like a local.

Top Surf Breaks in the Central Pacific

• Playa Hermosa (near Jaco) Intermediate → Advanced Head‑high to overhead (≈ 4‑10 ft peak); sweet spot 5‑9 ft for “Almendros” section. Best with south‑west (SW) swell. Best wind: east (E‑offshore). Best on a dropping/mid tide. During big swell periods, higher tide helps, but too high → closing out. Dry season (Dec‑Apr) = cleaner conditions. Wet season (May‑Nov) = bigger, more powerful waves. Hermosa is more serious surf. Breaks like “Almendros”, “Backyards”, “La Curva” are well known. Be prepared for strong currents, coral or rock in some sections. Less shade on the beach — bring sun protection. Weekends can get crowded; weekdays are calmer.
• Jaco Beach Beginner → Intermediate but has advanced sections Usually in the 2‑4 ft range for learning waves in the bay. On bigger SW swells can reach overhead or more in exposed sections. Works year‑round. Dry season gives cleaner, easier surf especially mornings. Swells from SW are best. Mid‑tide coming in (rising) tends to help avoid closeouts. Low tide can be shallow in sandbanks; high tide sometimes causes lumps or backwash. Jaco has many surf schools & rentals, great for beginners. South end tends to be steeper and more challenging.
• Esterillos (Este, Centro, Oeste) Beginner → Intermediate, some advanced when swell is big Long beach‑breaks; in moderate swell chest‑high to a few feet over (≈ 3‑7 ft). Stronger swells bring more power in certain zones, especially Esterillos Oeste. Best during rainy season SW swells (May‑Oct) for bigger surf. Dry season gives smaller, cleaner conditions for learning. Tide matters: higher tide helps in some rocky / reef sections, but mid‑tide either rising or falling tends to be more forgiving for beach breaks. Esterillos offers more room and fewer crowds compared to Hermosa/Jaco. Lots of sand bottom, though some parts have rocks or promontories. West (Oeste) tends to have more variety of peaks; Este and Centro are gentler. Great place to base if you want consistent surf + quieter atmosphere.

When and How to Catch the Best Conditions

• Seasons
  • Rainy/Green Season (roughly May‑November): SW swells are more powerful, giving more advanced surf. Conditions can be raw.
  • Dry Season (December‑April): winds tend to be lighter onshore → better clean mornings; waves generally smaller, more forgiving.
• Tides
  • Mid‑tide (rising or falling) is often safest bet: enough water over shallow parts, less backwash, more work in beach breaks.
  • High tide gets tricky in some spots (Hermosa reefs, rocks), closures or slams.
  • Low tide may expose reef, rocks, or create break‑downs.
• Wind
  • Early morning (before 9am) tends to have calmer or offshore winds, especially in dry season.
  • Afternoon usually brings onshore breezes, which reduce wave quality.
  • In Hermosa, east wind is best (offshore), helps clean up face.

Local Community and Culture: More Than Just Waves

• Hermosa and Jaco are well developed for surfers: surf schools, gear rental, community vibe. Hermosa has more serious surf culture; Jaco more touristy, more amenities.
• Esterillos gives more space, more peace. Local Tico culture, fewer crowds, more natural feel.
• The people matter: whether it’s the surf instructors at Jaco, the restauranteurs, the folks holding it down at the lineups. Respect, humility, patience go a long way. Bring cash, good attitudes, and tips when service is good.

Local Tips to Surf Like a Pro

• Watch the swell forecasts (MagicSeaWeed, Surfline, local surf cams). If you see a SW swell building, plan to hit Hermosa or exposed breaks.
• Talk to locals — often they know current reef changes, sandbank shifts, where the best peaks are today.
• Bring proper gear: leash, good surf wax, board types matched to conditions (maybe a mid‑length for bigger beach breaks).
• Water safety: rip currents, changing tides, hidden rocks. If unsure, surf with someone experienced or take a lesson.
• Avoid peak crowd times: sunrise and weekdays help, but weekends are busy. For less crowded lineups, early morning or later afternoon can help when wind is okay.

Why These Breaks Capture the Pura Vida Spirit

Surfing in the Central Pacific is more than catching waves—it’s about rhythm. Rhythm of nature, of community, rhythm of peace. Whether you’re a beginner just standing up for the first time, or a carved‑up veteran chasing perfect tube walls, these breaks give you a chance to connect with more than just a surfboard.

Connect with our local REMAX agents to find out more about the local culture and pura vida that is waiting for you in Costa Rica.