North Pacific Coast

Centered around Guanacaste Province, the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is a mecca for tourists, both the surfing and non-surfing variety drawn to the region for its bio-diversity and natural beauty.

Perhaps the most popular surfing spot in the area is Playa Naranjo (literally “Orange Beach”), known by locals as “Witch’s Rock,” which enjoys strong winds and big breaks between December and March. Not a developed area with resorts and hotels, the Witch’s Rock area is home to several surf schools.

Other nearby hotspots for surfing include Playa Grande (“Big Beach”) and Playa Tamarindo with waters suitable for swimming and quiet beaches perfect for relaxing in the sun. Swells are fairly consistent if not world record-breakers in this area. The most thrilling spot is found in nearby Playa Negra (“Black Beach”) that enjoys a right-hand break that produces reliably powerful waves.