Many if not most people come here for the waves, and the area continues to not disappoint. Relatively consistent surf, perfect water temps, and plenty of breaks to go around place Santa Teresa and Mal País among the best surf spots in Costa Rica, with conditions and waves to suit every level.

Smack in the middle is Playa El Carmen, with a set of sand bars that serve up some nice left breaks and longer, gentler rights that are popular with long boarders. Riptides are less powerful here than they are further north, making it a good choice for beginners. As you head up or down the beach waves tend to roll in steeper and faster and rocks and reef poke through the surf.

To the north toward Santa Teresa the surf gets bigger and more hollow than at Playa Carmen. Heading south toward Mal País is Los Suecos, a fast lefthand reef break that gets hollow with a good swell and offshore winds. Mal País is also home to Punta Barrigona, another reef break with a long left that wraps around the point.

Conditions can change overnight, so be sure to check in with one of the surf shops in town for the latest forecast before heading out. There are several shops in both Santa Teresa and Mal País that rent surf and boogieboards, and a handful of surf schools and camps that offer lessons and longer stay packages.

Surfing

By Caroline Bennett

exploring, laughing, wanderlust, strangers. 120 film, making art, cyanotypes, vintage. scotch on the rocks & coffee, black. the unknown. the sound of...