Best surf beaches in Costa Rica, 2026
25 surf beaches in Costa Rica that score highest on the OnlyBeaches Index for what matters to surf travellers.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Backwash Bay
Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Small Matapalo cove prized by surfers and travelers seeking a tucked-away feel.
2OBI 7.5+
Callejones Beach
Playa Negra, Costa Rica
Local surf-oriented beach near Playa Negra with fewer visitors
3OBI 7.5+
Playa Avellanas
Pinilla, Costa Rica
Major surf beach near Tamarindo known for Lola’s, long sands, and several wave peaks
4OBI 7.5+
Playa Backwash
Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Local surf beach near Cabo Matapalo with wild Osa jungle backdrop
Playa Bananito Norte
Matina, Costa Rica
Quiet southern fringe beach with a raw Caribbean atmosphere
6OBI 7.5+
Playa Barra del Parismina
Parismina, Costa Rica
River-mouth beach with strong wilderness and sport-fishing village character
7OBI 7.5+
Playa Barrigona
Barco Quebrado, Costa Rica
Remote-feeling pale-sand beach known for photogenic water, privacy and stronger waves.
8OBI 7.5+
Playa Bejuco
Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica
A spacious southern transition beach often paired with Esterillos trips and valued for open sand.
9OBI 7.5+
Playa Boca Pacuare
Pacuare, Costa Rica
Isolated river-mouth beach useful for wilderness and turtle-nesting context
10OBI 7.5+
Playa Bonita
Limón, Costa Rica
The best-known beach near Limón city with easy access, surf and local food scene
11OBI 7.5+
Playa Cabo Matapalo
Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Rugged cape shoreline with dramatic Osa scenery and limited mainstream visibility.
12OBI 7.5+
Playa Caletas
San Francisco de Coyote, Costa Rica
Secluded coastal beach south of Coyote with surfable water and a more off-map feel.
Playa Camaronal
Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica
Wildlife-refuge beach south of Carrillo with open surf and a rugged natural setting.
Playa Carbonera
Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Rugged lesser-known Matapalo shoreline with tidepool and surf appeal.
Playa Cocles
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Best-known surf and beach-day stretch near Puerto Viejo with broad golden sand.
16OBI 7.5+
Playa Copal
La Cruz, Costa Rica
Windy Salinas Bay beach known for kitesurfing and open bay scenery
Playa Dominical
Dominical, Costa Rica
The area’s iconic surf town beach, known for consistent waves and a laid-back traveler scene.
18OBI 7.5+
Playa Dominicalito
Dominicalito, Costa Rica
A smaller protected bay near Dominical favored for beginner surf and fishing-boat scenery.
19OBI 7.5+
Playa Escondida
Jacó, Costa Rica
A secluded break and cove-like beach south of Jacó, best known among surfers and locals.
20OBI 7.5+
Playa Espadilla
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Main public beach for Manuel Antonio with wide sand, surf lessons, sunsets, and easy services.
Playa Esterillos Centro
Esterillos Centro, Costa Rica
A low-key middle section of Esterillos valued for space, sunsets, and fewer crowds.
22OBI 7.5+
Playa Esterillos Este
Esterillos Este, Costa Rica
A wide, quieter strand with room to spread out and consistent Pacific beach scenery.
Playa Esterillos Oeste
Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica
A long surf-friendly beach town with a relaxed local feel south of Jacó.
24OBI 7.5+
Playa Grande
Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Long protected surf beach north of Tamarindo and a key nesting coastline
Playa Grande
Manzanillo, Costa Rica
A popular surfing beach with great waves and beautiful natural surroundings.