Central Pacific Costa Rica

The beaches of the central region can be the most crowded, likely due to being the closest to main airport in San Jose. Also, the terrain near the coast is a bit mellower than other parts of the country and generally makes for smooth travel. But the other factor is that there’s nearly always surf in this area, making it a safe bet for virgins and veterans alike.

The best break of the region is Boca Barranca, a rivermouth/pointbreak left that can run over 800 yards with a sizeable south swell. Other premiere spots can be found within fifteen minutes of centrally located Jaco including the stellar black sand beachbreaks of Playa Hermosa and Esterillos, where occasionally waves can break up to 600 yards out to sea on a far-reaching rock shelf. The city of Jaco has a variety of shops, bars, restaurants, and accommodations to fit every budget, but it is not the ideal place to get back to nature. If you want variety, comfort, and nature, be sure to check out the serene beauty of Manuel Antonio. The predominately southwest orientation and the fact that the Nicoya Peninsula can block the steeper northwest swells is something to keep in mind during the winter months. Read more