COSTA RICA SURFING BEACHES

JACO TO QUEPOS

What’s Costa Rica surfing like on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica?

Let’s put it this way. Outstanding.

For many, it's the center of their Costa Rica vacation and. . . its epicenter is Jaco.

Let’s see.

Oh, yea. Jaco is a famous party-town. At night the streets and bars are alive (if you don't like to party, this might not be the place for you). Surfers and wanna-bes head to the water during the day and flock to watering-holes at night.

Indeed, many Costa Rica vacations start and stop at Jaco.

For the moment I'm going to skip nightlife and tell you about surfing and other daytime activities.

Jaco is such a big deal for surfers that it deserves its own separate page. So, here it is. Jaco and beaches north of it are here, just click

This webpage is about the beaches, great Costa Rica surfing, and other things to do south of Jaco to Quepos.

Playa Hermosa

Home of the Quicksilver Surfing Championships

While Jaco has good waves for beginning and experienced surfers (which may explain its popularity), this Playa Hermosa (don’t confuse it with other Costa Rica beaches with the same name!) is really suited for experts because its waves reach 13 feet and there are very strong currents.

In fact, every August the International Quicksilver Surf Championships are held here. Hundreds of the world’s best surfers descend on this Costa Rica beach during the day and party at Jaco during the night.

Not a pro? OK, come anytime but if you want the biggest waves, you should plan to surf between April and early December.

Playas Esterillos to Boca Damas

Come during the week if you want a bit of solitude because lots of Ticos and Ticas flock here on weekends and holidays. Both beaches have good surfing but the best waves are on the Oeste. Be sure to pay attention to the currents here.

As you head south, you’ll come to Boca Damas, just a mile north of Playa Quepos. While surfing here, you can enjoy lots of wildlife, from monkeys to macaws and flocks of parrots.

You’ll also enjoy the left and right breaks and excellent swell but be careful close to the mouth of a river that comes out here.

Why? Crocodiles. Yep, crocodiles.

Like this one (with the idiot).

Waiting for a meal.

Why go close to the mouth of the river where the crocodiles are, you ask?

Because there’s a very strong hollow right—-and you can only reach this spot by boat (unless you’re a very big hungry reptile!).

Be Still My Heart!

Laid Back Quepos

Excellent Surfing and World-Class Fishing

But, for now, avoid swimming or surfing at the beach directly in front of the town right now because the water quality is very poor (I’ll tell you when it’s better so stay tuned here). Click here to see why

Where to swim or surf if you're staying in Quepos?

Simply walk a few hundred yards up or down the beach and you’ll find excellent water quality and great surfing.

That is correct: though the water quality directly in front of Quepos is often poor, a short beach walk takes you to great, clean water.

Why would you want to consider staying in Quepos? Well, it's close to magnificent Manuel Antonio National Park (a must-see), but offers more modestly priced accommodations (probably one reason it’s popular with Costa Ricans).

Not to mention some of the best offshore fishing you'll find anywhere.

Anywhere. It is a great place to catch your Grand Slam while on your Costa Rica vacation, click for more

Or. . .you can do these things (and more) along this part of the coast

• Horseback Riding • ATV Tours • Mangrove Wildlife Tours • Spa Treatments • Butterfly/Reptile Gardens • Learn Spanish • Surfing Classes • Scuba Diving • Canopy Zipline Tours • Whitewater Rafting • Mountain Biking • Kayaking Trips • Jet Ski Tours • Snorkel & Dolphin Watch • Ultralight Flights • Parasailing Excursions • Crocodile Watching • Birdwatching

Finally, don't forget to take in world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, just down the road from Quepos!

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