Surfers Paradise

Warm Water, Offshore Winds, consistent breaks and great people!

In 2009 Costa Rica was the host of the World Surfing Games and its no wonder really as the country is the perfect surfing destination for surfers of all ages and abilities.

For the beginner surfer there is no better place to learn or improve your skills than Tamarindo which is a large beach with perfect learner waves. There are many surf schools in Tamarindo where you can get a few lessons for fun or some intensive week long programs for those people who really want to become surfers.

The North West Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers both famous world class breaks as well as beaches that are perfect for the beginner, new or young surfer. Surfing in the Guanacaste region hit the media in the early 90's when the surf breaks "Ollie's Point" and "Witch's Rock" where surfed in the Bruce Brown film "The Endless Summer II" which documents the travels of two surfers "Wingnut" and "Pat O'Connel".

The region receives waves all year round but does have two main surfing seasons which are December till March when the waves are usually a little smaller however during this time there is a weather phenomenon called the "Papagayo Wind" which is caused by cool drier air which originates on the North American Continent and blows over Lake Nicaragua creating very strong offshore winds that blow almost every day during this period.
December till March is the high season in Costa Rica where you will find more people in the water but there are usually enough waves to go around, a crowd in Costa Rica is nothing like the types of crowds you will get if you are surfing popular breaks in California or Florida.

The second season is from May till July when the North West Pacific Coast receives its fair share of South Swells which are the perfect direction for beaches in the region. There is not really a bad time to visit Costa Rica for a surf trip, there are only good times and then better times and no matter what time of year you visit there will probably be waves to be found and surfed.

If you are already an experienced surfer and are coming to Tranquilo Village with nothing more than surfing and exploring then we recommend renting a car for the during and then planning your days around which of the regions beaches you want to surf and the conditions when you get here. If you just want to try surfing or would like to go on some surfari's then we can arrange lessons, tours and board rental either in advance or when you get here, simply contact us.

Tamarindo (10 min's)

Tamarindo is a short car journey from Tranquilo village and is a perfect beach break for beginner surfers but also offers some quality waves in the river mouth. Tamarindo has a sand bottom and is a resort town with plenty of restaurants and activities to keep you occupied when you are not surfing. Tamarindo is usually surfed during a window of 3 hours before till 3 hours after the high tide. If you are an experienced surfer in Tamarindo and fancy a change and maybe a few less people then paddle over the estuary to La Casita which is the just the other side of the rocks which offers rights and lefts which are usually a little steeper.

Langosta (15 min's)

Langosta is the next village along from Tamarindo and offers a nice steep beach break as well as a wave breaking both right and left off the river mouth. Langosta works better on a low to mid tide. The beach is generally sandy but there are a few rocks to watch out for.

Playa Grande (20 min's)

Playa Grande is to the North of Tamarindo and the other side of the estuary, although the whole bay is termed Playa Grande the main peak is right at the other side of the bay from Tamarindo. To drive to Playa Grande from Tranquilo Village you take the road to Huacas, Matapalo and then follow signs to Playa Grande. Playa Grande is not a wave for beginners and is a powerful beach break which is usually a few feet larger than Tamarindo. As Playa Grande is not a beginner wave then its usually a little less crowded but it does cater to a hardcore crowd so show respect and be prepared to work hard but you will get rewarded.

Playa Avellanas (30 min's)

Playa Avellanas is a perfect beach which offers several beach breaks as well as a reef to the North. The beach break works best on a rising and falling tide, has a sandy bottom with a few large rocks. The beach break can be surfed by all levels of surfers.

Playa Negra (60 min's)

Playa Negra is one of the regions premier surf spots and offers a fast, powerful and hollow wave that is only for experienced surfers, works best at mid to high tide. This wave has a tight take off zone so it does not hold a crowd very well but if you can get it then its a great surfing badge to have.

Marbella (90 min's)

Marbella is a beach break which is very consistent and rarely crowded. This is not a beach for beginners as the waves are fast and powerful. This beach works best at mid to high tide.

Witch's Rock and Ollies Point (2.5 hours by boat / car)

Witch's Rock and Ollies Point are probably the best waves that the region has to offer, if you want to see more about these breaks then rent the movie Endless Summer II. Both Ollie's Point and WItch´s Rock Ollie´s Point are located within the Santa Rosa National Park so there is no development at all and you are surrounded by un spoilt nature, aside from the surfing the location really is "edge of the earth" stuff and the type of place you see in National Geographic. Ollie's Point is only really accessible by boat and is a right point break in a secluded bay, the wave works better on a low to mid tide and on a good day you can get rides over 300m - 500m.

Witch´s Rock or "Roca Bruja" is a beach break offering both rights and lefts. There are several peaks but the main peak breaks near the rock and at the river mouth. The waves at Witch's Rock are powerful and hollow working best at mid to high tide. Witch´s Rock is one of those places where you can find yourself getting barrelled on every wave!

If you are looking to surf Witch´s and Ollie´s then there are several companies in Tamarindo who can arrange to take you there by boat. Usually the boats leave from Playas Del Coco which is an hours drive from Tranquilo Village and then an hour to an hour and a half to get to Ollies by boat. On a surf charter then its standard to surf Ollies at low tide and then Witch's at high tide depending on the conditions. There are a few tour operators with larger boats which are leaving from Playa Flamingo which is only 20 min's from Tranquilo Village which may be more suitable for some people but it does mean a longer boat ride.

During the dry season is it possible to drive into the National Park to surf Witch's Rock. This is not an option for everyone as it does involve renting a 4x4 which can really be used off road. To drive to Witch's Rock then you first drive to Liberia and then 30 min's north to the park entrance, once you enter the park then the road falls apart and you will have a difficult (in places) drive down to the beach which takes at least an hour. Once you get to the beach you have to walk 30 min's to get to the break. There are some benefits to driving into the national park as its a wonderful adventure however if you get stuck you are on your own so be prepared to walk out of the National park which is full of wildlife which quite possibly may want to eat you or at least taste you. Contact the National Park before leaving to find out what condition the road is in.

More Information

If you want more information on surfing in Guanacaste then check out the website below for details of most of the breaks in the region:

http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/Central_America/Costa_Rica/Guanacaste/

• Local Knowledge

  Go with those who know

  

  This is Bryan and his job is to make sure that you have the best vacation possible. Bryan is available to make sure that you get to see the best of Costa Rica. Bryan is from Costa Rica and has lived in the Guanacaste area for many years so he knows the best places to visit, restaurants to eat at and tours to go on.

• Gone Fishing

  Pura Vida Eh!

  

  Ken spends his summers in Canada and then his winters in Costa Rica. Ken and Brian work together to ensure that your vacation experience is the best that you can have. Ken has been visiting Costa Rica for many years and decided to open Tranquilo Village to share the wonders of Costa Rica.