Last Updated: 18.10.2023
If your idea of the perfect destination to learn to surf includes palm trees, white-sand beaches, and playful waves beneath a hot sun, you’re not alone. We also believe that there’s nearly no better environment in which to hone your wave riding skills than places like Playa Avellanas, Playa Grande and many such spots in Costa Rica.
The sun-drenched shores of Costa Rica beckon adventure seekers and surf enthusiasts from around the globe. With the pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and epic waves, this tropical paradise is the perfect destination for a surfing adventure. However, before you dive headfirst into the Pura Vida lifestyle and book your dream surf camp in Costa Rica, there are essential considerations and preparations that can make or break your experience.
In this guide, we will take you, we’ll take you through everything you need to ensure your surf trip to Costa Rica is a seamless, unforgettable, and most importantly a safe experience. From choosing the right surf camp to understanding the local surf culture, mastering the waves, and embracing the Pura Vida way of life, this blog is your ultimate resource for planning surf adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica. So grab your board, eco-friendly sunscreen and sense of adventure as we embark on this journey to the Costa Rica’s surf scene.
Surf Camps Located Conveniently Close to the Best Surf Spots
While there are many excellent surf spots in Costa Rica, we are going to focus on Playa Avellanas in this point. Situated on Guanacaste Province’s Golden Coast, Playa Avellanas ranks very high in most lists of best surf spots in Costa Rica. Visitors to this unique location can look forward to offshore winds, consistent waves, and a picturesque beach that’s most definitely Instagram-worthy. Just point your camera or phone in any direction for a shot that’ll give everyone back home a serious case of travel envy.
This is a very coveted location for a surf camp with a few like Rapture Surfcamps located here. It has long since been regarded as a sanctuary for surfers who want quality waves without the usual crowd that attracts them. An advantage of booking a surf lesson in Costa Rica at our Playa Avellanas camp is that the immediate area isn’t overdeveloped. There are a few budget accommodation options and some food joints, but for the most part, it is quiet and therefore peaceful. This makes it a great alternative to the more touristy Tamarindo to the north.
All in all, Playa Avellanas lends itself to those of you looking for a slower pace of life, but with a few modern conveniences and some epic surfing setups. In other words, it’s a wake-up-early and surf your brains out kinda place.
Waves for All Skill Levels
Our surf lessons in Costa Rica take place at gentle beach breaks, but the country is also home to reeling points, slabby rock shelves, and tempting river mouth waves that are epic one day, perfect the next.
This means that on any given day you can find a peak to surf somewhere along its Pacific coastline. Where we have our surf camp, however, offers up some of the most primo surfing opportunities in the country. A bold claim for sure, but hear us out.
For starters, Playa Avellanas isn’t just the site of one wave. Instead, it’s home to five very different but equally as fun surf breaks: La Purruja, El Parqueo, El Palo, El Estero de Avellanas and Little Hawaii.
El Parqueo and El Palo are beach breaks that work nearly all year round. They are both great for learner surfers, but El Parqueo offers up the most user-friendly waves, with El Palo delivering little barrels when the conditions are perfect.
La Purruja and El Estero de Avellanas, on the other hand, are for intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills. El Estero de Avellanas is regarded as one of the best surf spots in all of Costa Rica due to its A-frame peaks, while La Purrua is a lefthand reefbreak that’s mainly surfed during the rainy season.
The ideal time to surf Playa Avellanas is between low to mid-tide, but it’s not a wave for everyone. In fact, only skilled surfers should paddle out here. Given that it has a tendency to punish anyone too inexperienced to make the take-off.
In addition to these five spots, we’re also located close to a number of other great surf locations, such as Playa Negra of Endless Summer II fame, Playa Langosta and Playa Grande. All of which can be accessed via our transport service at the camp for when you’re sick of surfing one perfect wave and want to surf the next perfect one.
Perfect Weather for Surf Lessons in Costa Rica
Everything you’ve ever heard about Costa Rican weather is true. The air temperature rarely drops below 25˚C on the Pacific coast and even the mountainous highlands offer little respite from the heat. This means boardshorts and bikinis are the uniform of choice for just about everyone who visits.
If you’re booking surf lessons in Costa Rica with Rapture Surfcamps, you’ll be happy to know our region receives the least rainfall and has more sunny days than anywhere else in the country. The actual wet season, which runs from May to November, also starts a little bit later on the Gold Coast. This means you have a bigger window for good weather and surfable waves.
Average rainfall in Costa Rica is around 100 inches a year. Some areas in Costa Rica’s mountains, however, can get an unbelievable 25 feet of rainfall annually. With higher elevations receiving considerably more.
On any given day the water temperature is between 27 – 30˚C. This makes it feel more like a bath than the ocean when you’re in it. The only difference is that you can’t score epic waves in your tub.
Sunscreen is a must and you’ll be forgiven for wearing a waterproof hat in the surf. That big yellow ball of fire has got some serious bite to it, after all. And nothing puts a damper on a surf trip like third-degree sunburns on the first day.
Costa Rica offers plenty of adventures for Nature Lovers
Whether you’re surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, hiking in national parks, or spotting wildlife, the appeal for people booking a surf camp or surf lessons in Costa Rica is that you can choose your own adventure.
If the waves are firing, well of course you’ll want to paddle out and catch a few rides. When you’re all surfed out and looking for something else to do though, why not take part in a spot of game fishing or embark on a canopy tour?
For entertainment, head north to discover whether Tamarindo really is the party capital of Costa Rica. And do some shopping, grab a bite to eat at a trendy new restaurant or simply enjoy a change of scenery while you’re there.
Staying fit and keeping active when the swell doesn’t cooperate is also easier than ever. Stretch out your limbs at a local yoga retreat and foster a little inner peace with a meditation session. Or, hire a stand-up paddleboard from a nearby store and drink in that awesome coastline while cruising along the water.
About our Surf Camp in Playa Avellanas
Our camp is located roughly 20-minutes from Tamarindo. It has been built to exceed expectations so that everyone booking surf lessons in Costa Rica will be blown away. But that doesn’t mean we’ve gone OTT.
Rather, we’ve made the Rapture surf camp at Playa Avellanas a place that features modern conveniences. Whilst still remaining sympathetic to the local environment and its immediate surroundings. The result is a charming, down-to-earth space that can easily cater to numerous people without feeling cramped.
Upon coming here for the first time, you’ll find yourself dropped into the middle of a jungle on a pristine white sand beach. Where you’ll be greeted by a spacious house complete with common area, fully-stocked bar, and a terrace that leads to a tropical garden.
Thanks to its unique location and layout, our site feels like one of the best-kept secrets in the world. Far from the hustle and bustle of city life and equipped with everything you need to get into that holiday groove.
The room types on offer include a stylish dorm that sleeps four, another accommodating dorm that sleeps six, and a luxurious double room with a TV and private balcony. All rooms come with hot water, big windows, air conditioning, and mosquito nets, plus shared bathrooms.
If you’re here to do some relaxing, you can kick back by the pool or rock yourself to sleep in our hammocks. Nightly reviews of surf pictures taken that day trips to the local markets, and even our pizza night or all you can eat BBQ dinners also make for the perfect opportunity to see more of the area and do some socializing.
Visit www.rapturecamps.com today to book your surf lessons in Costa Rica!
Hear What Rapture Surfcamps’ Guests Have To Say:
Ready for surf lessons in Costa Rica? PLAYA AVELLANAS
Join our Surf School and go from wave riding hopeful to total shredlord after just a few sessions!
Our experienced instructors will explain every aspect of surfing to you: from how to choose the right equipment to identifying where the best place to paddle out is.
TAKE ME TO THE CAMPFAQs About Surf Camps in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is renowned for its consistent waves, diverse surf spots, and warm water, making it a sought-after destination for surfers of all levels. The country’s picturesque coastline and friendly surf culture add to its popularity.
The best time to surf in Costa Rica depends on the coast. Generally, the Pacific coast experiences prime conditions from December to April, while the Caribbean coast’s surf season is typically best from October to February. However, waves can be found year-round.
Yes, Costa Rica offers numerous surf spots suitable for beginners, including Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco. These spots feature mellow waves and are ideal for those learning to surf.
Experienced surfers can find challenging breaks like Witch’s Rock in Tamarindo, Pavones on the southern Pacific coast, and Ollie’s Point in northern Costa Rica. These breaks offer more advanced and powerful waves.
Costa Rica’s surf culture is characterized by a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Locals often embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle, welcoming surfers from around the world. The community is diverse, creating an inclusive environment for surf enthusiasts.
