Costa Rica, a country of waves wherever you look.

Our country is undoubtedly blessed with world-class waves. Wherever you go, whether on the Pacific coast or the Caribbean, you're sure to find a great spot for a fantastic surf session.

There are many waves, some world-renowned, while others are in more secluded locations, exclusively for surfers who prefer to keep them anonymous to protect that epic breaking peak.

A magical place that captivates many foreigners who visit our country, and with much less crowding than the beaches of Southern California, Hawaii, or even Brazil.

Many Costa Ricans don't travel to all the surf destinations, and in these times the term "travel" is even more complicated; however, in this article we will take you to discover eight of the best surf spots in our country from a view from outer space.

- Playa Hermosa, Puntarenas: With over 3.5 km of beach, located 5.5 km from the popular and frequently visited Jacó Beach on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, this area generally offers excellent surfing conditions year-round. It works best with swells from the south, southwest, and south-southwest. The best conditions occur at mid and high tide, with a northeast wind direction recommended.

- Naranjo Beach - Witch's Rock: Located within Santa Rosa National Park, this beach stretches for 6.6 km. Two estuaries run parallel to the beach, and the end of the beach is characterized by rock formations. Like Nancite, it is a protected nesting beach for turtles between August and December. Surfing is recommended with north, northeast, and "parrot wind" conditions. It works well with south and southwest swells, and at certain times of the year with northerly swells, with mid-high and low tides in the area known as "El Burro."

- Pavones Beach: A tourist paradise located in the South Pacific of Costa Rica, it has a long left wave with an epic wall when it has between 200 ° and 210 ° swell direction, it is recommended to surf with south swell directions, with north and northeast wind directions, the best time to surf is with low tide.

- Playa Negra: Located in the Santa Cruz Canton, Guanacaste, it is bordered to the northwest by Pargos Point and Estuary. It features rocky ends, 1.5 km of light brown sand, and many trees. Surfing is recommended with a south or southwest swell, east or northeast winds, and "papagayo" winds. The best tides are from mid-low to high tide.

- Matapalo Beach: This small, tranquil beach town is located at the tip of the Osa Peninsula on the southern Pacific coast of our country. It's a place brimming with nature and ecological richness. The Matapalo swell typically comes from the southwest to the west, and an easterly wind and low to mid-tide are recommended.

- Salsa Brava: Salsa Brava, or Puerto Viejo beach as it's also known, is a spot on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast with golden sand and few rocks. Over time, it has become a favorite destination for advanced surfers, who find world-class offshore waves during the Limón winter (December to March and June to August). Salsa Brava works best with a southeast swell and a west wind; the tide in the Caribbean sector doesn't significantly affect wave quality.

- Isla Uvita: Its correct name is Isla Quiribrí, however, it is popularly known as Isla Uvita. It is located 1.4 kilometers from the current port of Limón and has been a National Monument of Costa Rica since 1984. Its wave is a left with a submerged reef; a northeast to southeast swell direction is recommended, and the recommended wind direction is southwest. It works with all types of tides.

- Boca Damas : As its name suggests, it's a river mouth located on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near the town of Quepos. It features both left and right waves with a giant sandbar. It's recommended to surf it with a south, southwest, or west swell, preferably in calm conditions and at low tide.

It is important to mention that each "spot" may have some variables that influence the quality of the wave; however, in the vast majority of cases, its best waves occur in the recommendations mentioned above.

Our country measures 51,100 square kilometers and encompasses 3% of the world's biodiversity. It is known throughout the world for its spectacular tourist destinations, including its beaches, whose great beauty is noticeable even from outer space.

Satellite images taken from Google Earth .

Written by: Enrique Hernández

General Management: Marco Montero