
When the winds subside, the waters become a playground for beginners and there’s no shortage of surf instructors. Kick off the day with dawn patrol, as early morning is when there are the best offshore winds and you’ll find big swells. Playa Guiones boasts consistent waves, fine white sands, laid-back charm, and beginner to intermediate-friendly beach breaks, making it one of the top contenders for family getaways in Costa Rica. It’s in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula. We love to unwind at Lola’s, some of the best Costa Rican appetizers and the coldest beer in the entire country! Photo Courtesy Guiones Beach Hotel Playa Guiones There are some gorgeous shells to be uncovered in those tiny rock crevices! For skilled surfers, the biggest wave (aka Little Hawaii) near the river mouth is really good.ĭone surfing? Lounge under one of the shrubby trees and feel the gentle breeze from the turquoise waters touching your face and body or just go explore the rocks with the kids. If you’re a beginner, head to the area near the parking lot to ride some of the smaller waves. Here, you’ll find seven different surfing points, offering a variety of waves for both newbies and experts. Starting from the Hacienda Pinilla and stretching all the way from the north of the river mouth to Playa Lagartillo is Playa Avellanas, another one of my favorite spots for surfing with kids. Related post: 7 Days in Costa Rica – With Kids! We love to visit the crocodiles from Jaco, and two of my favorite hidden beaches- Playa Mantas and Playa Blanca. Jaco is also famed for its beautiful sunsets and numerous bars, perfect for those lazy evening beach walks and nightlife. The northern end of the beach is the perfect place for more intermediate surfers to ride as there are much bigger waves. The waves are calm and slow and the water is quite shallow, which makes it one of the best places for children and beginner surfers alike to get acquainted with the waves. Next door, the southern end of Jaco beach is more beginner-friendly and there are plenty of surf schools here. I consider this a great beach for advanced surfers.

This also can mean wicked waves and rip tides, so it’s best to go with an experienced guide.

Hermosa Beach has been home to many international surf championships, making it one of the top surfing beaches in the country.

FAMILY SURF COSTA RICA ZIP
While Hermosa is well suited for families with intermediate and experienced surfers, there is a host of non-surf activities that can be enjoyed by the entire gang including horseback riding, birdwatching, zip lining, boat tours, and cultural experiences. The Playa Hermosa/Jaco area is the ideal locale for active family vacations and surfers who also love a party. Here are some of my favorite spots for surfing with kids. There are plenty of activities for non-surfers too, ensuring optimal fun for everyone. Safety first!Īnd don’t forget- at beaches with much gentler waves you can always rent a boogie board and play in the surf at almost any beach in Costa Rica- our favorites are Playa Blanca, Playa Nacazcolo, Playa Ocotal and Playa Mantas. I don’t recommend trying to do this on your own at all. These beaches are great for surfing and offer kids’ surfing lessons, but still be on your toes as you surf with little ones. There’s an abundance of surf camps and surf schools, providing safe surfing for every member of the family- including the little ones.ĭo note: waves in Costa Rica can be strong, and it’s important you go with an instructor who is experienced in working with kids to teach them to surf. The beauty of Costa Rica surfing beaches is that apart from having deliciously warm water, they also have reliable, consistent waves. RELATED POST: Costa Rica With Kids- The Complete Guide About Surfing in Costa Rica With Kids Planning a family surf trip? Where better to go than Costa Rica? With oodles of beaches both on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the country offers a balanced menu of terrific waves with a friendly environment for beginning surfers, making it a great place to surf for families (even those with young kids).
