One of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica is a top destination for travelers. But with so many different amazing things to do and see in Costa Rica, how do you decide where to go?

Costa Rica is quite unique in that it has coastlines on two major bodies of water: the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The weather, topography, and even nature are much different on these two coasts. For example, when the Pacific Coast is experiencing hot, sunny days, the Caribbean coast might be colder and rainy.

The Caribbean coast has water temperatures that are a bit higher than the Pacific Coast but has less bio-diversity. Waves are less consistent with generally smaller waves but swells can bring in huge waves that break over a reef bottom that is only appropriate for advanced surfers. That’s why most people head to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica to enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, stand-up paddling, and fishing.

The Pacific Coast

If you’re looking for a great Costa Rica vacation, then head on over to the Pacific Coast. In particular, the middle part of the Pacific coastline, part of Puntarenas Province, has some of the most magnificent views, unspoiled national parks, and fantastic surfing.

Just a three-hour drive from the capital, the central area of the Pacific Coast is where you’ll find the Manuel Antonio National Park. Smaller than other parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations thanks to its astoundingly beautiful beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine waterways, and exotic wildlife.

Surfers from all around the world head to the Manuel Antonio area because a combination of coastal geography, tidal patterns, and seasonal effects ensure that this region enjoys amazing breaks, big swells, and consistent waves. The coastline is also astoundingly beautiful, adding to the allure of surfing in this corner of Paradise.

One of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica is a top destination for travelers. But with so many different amazing things to do and see in Costa Rica, how do you decide where to go?

Costa Rica is quite unique in that it has coastlines on two major bodies of water: the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The weather, topography, and even nature are much different on these two coasts. For example, when the Pacific Coast is experiencing hot, sunny days, the Caribbean coast might be colder and rainy.

The Caribbean coast has water temperatures that are a bit higher than the Pacific Coast but has less bio-diversity. Waves are less consistent with generally smaller waves but swells can bring in huge waves that break over a reef bottom that is only appropriate for advanced surfers. That’s why most people head to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica to enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, stand-up paddling, and fishing.

The Pacific Coast

If you’re looking for a great Costa Rica vacation, then head on over to the Pacific Coast. In particular, the middle part of the Pacific coastline, part of Puntarenas Province, has some of the most magnificent views, unspoiled national parks, and fantastic surfing.

Just a three-hour drive from the capital, the central area of the Pacific Coast is where you’ll find the Manuel Antonio National Park. Smaller than other parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations thanks to its astoundingly beautiful beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, pristine waterways, and exotic wildlife.

Surfers from all around the world head to the Manuel Antonio area because a combination of coastal geography, tidal patterns, and seasonal effects ensure that this region enjoys amazing breaks, big swells, and consistent waves. The coastline is also astoundingly beautiful, adding to the allure of surfing in this corner of Paradise.

The Manuel Antonio Surf School and Camp is the premier surf school in Costa Rica for surfing enthusiasts of all ability levels.