SURFING

Costa Rica offers some of the best surfing anwhere in the world. Combine that with one of the most beautiful countries in the world, friendly locals, and you cannot go wrong!

For many surfers, the region around Queps / Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to start. The range of places where you can go surfing seem endless. Without a doubt using Manuel Antonio as your base, you are within easy reach of some of the best surfing spots in Costa Rica. There are areas perfect for relative novices, while other area offer a level of surfing sure to please the most demanding surfer!

When you get back after a day surfing, Manuel Antonio still has plenty to offer. The area is home to an abundance of bars, restaurants, shops and hotels. There are lots of people to hang out with as well from all over Costa Rica and the rest of the world!

Part of the joy of surfing in Costa Rica relates to the locals (Ticos). Their favorite saying is "Pura Vida", which means, easy going, great, life is good, etc. They are a friendly, easy going people. Get to know some of the locals and they will show you around town, and of course if you are lucky, to those really special places to surf!

The following information will give you a general idea about some of the more popular surfing spots in and around Manuel Antonio.

1. Playa Hermosa beach- Very strong breaks, this long stretch of breaks peaks working any given day, but the preferred sand bar is located in front of a large tree known as the Almendro, waves are general best when the tide is rising.
30km north of Quepos and the Hotel California.

2. Esterillos Este, Esterillos Oeste, Bejuco, Boca Damas - Beach breaks, good waves,....... located very close to Playa hermosa , makes easy access, the wave conditions are very similar to them of Playa Hermosa 20Km north of Quepos and the Hotel California.

3. Quepos Beach- This small left point is found at the rivermouth in the city of Quepos, easy access. 2km from Hotel California and Manuel Antonio.

4. Playita / Manuel Antonio - Beach breaks, lefts and rights with good shape, this coast area need larger swell for the .... 4km from the Hotel California and Quepos.

5. Playa Del Rey - Right and left beach breaks peaks, beautiful wild beach, which hasn't been touched by civilization. 11km south of Quepos and the Hotel California.

6. Playa matapalo Beach - same conditions as Playa del Rey, offers small restaurants. 20km south of Quepos and the Hotel California.

7. Dominical Beach - Good strong beach breaks with lefts and rights. Beautiful landscape and very tropical. 30km south of Quepos and the Hotel California.

Much of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:

Courtesy of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.

Spanish Abroad, Inc. highly recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit his website where you can purchase this book or find out more about the author.