Costa Rica is famous for its surf breaks, and there are many; from beaches packed with “los ninos” and beginner adults learning to read waves and pop to their feet for the first time (an amazing sensation) to hidden coves with perfect arching barrels kept secret by the most dedicated surfers from around the globe. There are also tons of midway points with beach breaks right out the front door and perfect waves virtually free of crowds, hidden gems that have seemingly been overlooked by the explosion in local tourism. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of these places. Although there are some popular spots here, it is home to a few pristine – if somewhat forgotten – locations known to most people for giant stretches of barren beaches, and to others for the really, really good surf.
Guanacaste is the northwest state of CR bordering Nicaragua and stretching hundreds of kilometers down a rugged Pacific coastline. It is also home to ancient and active volcanoes, cloud forests, wildlife reserves, stunning waterfalls, great restaurants, amazing people, and some of the best surfing in Central America. The Peninsula juts out from the mainland, making up a good chunk of the Guanacaste coast. It is home to famous spots such as Coco Beach, Monte Zuma, and Tamarindo, as well as lesser-known locations like Samara Beach, Santa Teresa, and Malpais (literally translated as “bad country,” how awesome is that?). The peninsula is a massive stretch of land, better known for its agriculture; the peninsula’s entire tourism industry dots the coast. The beaches are stunning and the coastal scenery is part of what makes Costa Rica so famous worldwide. And there is surf to match.