Tamarindo | Costa Rica

Surfing in Tamarindo Bay

Season

Peak surfing is December through March

Skill level

There’s perfect waves for beginners and pros

Tamarindo Bay has sandy-bottoms and crystal clear breaks

Tucked away on Costa Rica’s Pacific-facing northwestern coast is the little town of Tamarindo with big, big waves. While the big waves are a draw for veteran surfers, especially with breaks like Isla Capitán and Pico Grande, the bay’s white, sandy-bottomed beaches are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers who don’t want to worry about rocks and coral if they wipe out. Surfers can expect decent action at Tamarindo Bay year-round, but December through March brings the best swells during high tide. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of good to be had in the other months. Tamarindo Bay is a popular destination, but there are at least twelve spots you can look for waves and get away from the crowds — and even more if you want to travel just a little bit north.

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Tamarindo Bay has all the breaks you need to go from beginner to pro. The amount of quality breaks is incredible.

by Maijaliisa Burkert – Outdoor enthusiast

Read 57hours article about surfing in Tamarindo Bay

Most popular packages and classes in Tamarindo Bay

Private Lessons

$80 per person · 2 hours

The perfect course for those surfers out there who may just need some pointers and refreshers, all done under the watchful eye of an experienced surfing instructor. Work on whatever techniques you want in Tamarindo Bay’s multitude of breaks.

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Beginner Surf School

from $1,141 per person · 7 days

Located directly on the beach, this all-inclusive week-long surf school has everything you could possibly need on a surfing vacation. The soft, ocean sand is perfect for beginners, and your instructors guarantee you’ll be riding waves before the course is over. There’s in-class surf seminars and video analysis, too, helping you make the most out of your surfing needs. Intermediate and advanced camps are available too.

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3 Lesson Surf Course

Send an inquiry · 3 days

So, you’ve got turns nailed and are comfortable in whitewater, but it’s time to bring your surfing knowledge and game to the next level. Over the duration of three lessons, you’ll work on deepwater surfing and riding your first, unbroken green waves. This program is for surfers with more experience but can be tailored to your needs and abilities.

Send an inquiry

Things you need to know

When is the best time to go?

The peak surfing season is from December through March, but you can pretty much surf year round. April through November is a generally more calm, but there’s still plenty of waves to be surfed.

What's a typical itinerary?

A typical beginner’s lesson involves familiarizing yourself with your board on the beach, and then more instruction in the ocean. Some of the camps offer morning classroom instruction with seminars in the afternoon and lots of surfing in between!

What about bad weather?

Inclement weather can very rarely get in the way of surfing, but, if in doubt, ask your guiding service for more information.

What about group sizes?

Group sizes are usually between 1 – 3 people with one instructor. Also, remember that the costs can often decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to surf with friends and family.

Getting there

Liberia (LIR) is the closest airport, and some of the larger tour providers offer shuttle service. Tamarindo is about an hour away by car.

Guides we recommend

Blue Trailz

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Catch amazing breaks right outside your door, or get boat access to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock

We weren’t joking about the twelve breaks just a stone’s throw from wherever you’re staying. There’s also breaks not too far away that are accessible only by boat. The first is Witch’s Rock. This beach is located within the gorgeous Santa Rosa National Park and offers consistently strong surf with larger outside waves with an a-frame wave that breaks right and left, leaving plenty for everyone who makes the journey via jungle or sea. The other spot that’s gained worldwide fame is Ollie’s Point, named after the Oliver North. Located near the border with Nicaragua, surfers will find big waves during high tide and a gorgeous secluded beach too. So whether you surf what’s outside your door, or venture farther afield, Tamarindo Bay has something for everyone.

Who should go surfing in Tamarindo Bay?

With white, sandy beaches, and a dozen breaks outside your door, every surfer should put Tamarindo Bay on their list of places to visit.

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