Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country which has not had an army in place since 1949. The overall stability which resulted has allowed Costa Rica to become one of the most welcoming international surf destinations. A direct flight from most US airports and a flight time of under 6 hours, going to Costa Rica is about as simple as to Hawaii.

In recent years, Costa Rica has enjoyed a tourism boom largely a result of the surfing community. It has become an outdoor lover’s wonderland, where on any given day you can surf great waves, zip through the canopy of a rainforest, hike a hidden trail ending at a panoramic ocean view, or horseback to the cascades. End it all of with an abundance of tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and Costa Rica proves itself as Central America’s wonderland.

Where surf is concerned Costa Rica has it all. From hollow beachbreaks to wrapping pointbreaks, offshore reefs to rivermouth A-frames, few countries in the world have such a high concentration of quality waves. This fact devalues the stigma that Costa Rica is “too crowded.” Though it does get crowded at some of the more well known waves it is by no means the rule. For every crowded spot there are numerous others, similar in quality, with few takers. The tube hunter and nose rider alike can still find their own piece of Costa Rica heaven with a little local knowledge, or willingness to stray from the pack.

Costa Rica is a good bet for surf any time of year. The Southern Pacific Ocean sends South Swells to Costa Rica’s coast year-round, though strongest from April thru September. The Northernmost region of the country, from Tamarindo to the Nicaraguan border, sticks out like an elbow also allowing it to pick up Northwest Swells as well as the Souths from November to April.

There are only two seasons in Costa Rica, wet and dry. The wet season generally runs from May to November and is characterized by tropical showers with variable winds. The rainiest months are September and October often resulting in washed out roads and riverbeds. The dry season, December to April, brings consistent strong offshore winds and the coolest weather despite little to no rainfall. Water temps average 80 degrees year round.