Surfing the Peninsula
For decades, surfers have descended to this rugged peninsula in search of the perfect wave. Now the spectacular coastline is dotted by enticing beach towns with good vibrations and epic surf. You can surf almost anywhere along the coast, but here are a few of our favorite spots.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is across the river and a world away from tourist-jammed Tamarindo. It doubles as a national park that protects leatherback turtle nesting grounds, which means the wide, rambling beach is damn near pristine. The wave shapes up beautifully with head-high sets year-round. The village has a little hub at either end of the beach, where you’ll find a handful of tasty kitchens and comfy inns catering to the visiting surfers. However, marked and numbered building plots suggest that development may change things quickly.
Playas Avellanas & Negra
South of Tamarindo, you’ll find two of the most celebrated surf spots on the peninsula, though the nearby villages still retain an appealing atmosphere of rusticity and remoteness. Playa Avellanas is an understated yet elegant place to nest, within reach of white-sand beaches and a break that’s kind to beginners. Nearby, the surf swells big and gnarly at Playa Negra, breaking on beautiful dark sand. To dodge the crowds, seek out the still-hidden waves tucked between all the big names.
Nosara
Within striking distance of three different beach breaks, Nosara offers consistent surf and a welcome cloud of hippie-chic comfort. The town is a maze of rough dirt roads, backed by lush rainforest – although it is growing and changing rapidly (the long-promised paved road into town is underway, folks). Here, yoga studios and spa treatments are the antidote for your surf-sore body.
SURF CAMPS
In addition to room and board, most all-inclusive surf camps include equipment and daily instruction, as well as some nonsurf tours and other activities. Camps may cater to beginners, budget travelers, families, women, yogis and more. Places that specialize in all-inclusive surf camps include the following:
A Malpaís Surf Camp, Mal País
A Peaks & Swells Surf Camp, Montezuma
A Safari Surf, Nosara
A Casa Surf, Playa Avellanas
A Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Tamarindo
A Blue Trailz, Tamarindo
A Playa Grande Surf Camp, Playa Grande
Mal País & Santa Teresa
At the southern end of the peninsula, Mal País and Santa Teresa are favored by young, hip and sexy surfers from around the world. The beach is long and the swell is consistent, which means you can generally find your own space – particularly if you drive to the far northern beaches. There’s a wonderful farm-to-table movement happening here, so you’ll be well fed throughout your stay.