#longbboard

Costa Rica Surf Trip and Visa Requirements

So you’re finally planning a surf trip to Costa Rica? If it’s your first international surf trip or you are a regular to the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, you can expect great waves, warm water, peaceful locals, delicious and cheap food, and endless surf. Costa Rica is a great surf trip destination because it has a peaceful, relatively uncorrupt government, and there are always good waves to be found. Don’t listen to the hype that it’s been overcrowded for ten years. Sure, it’s not a desolate wasteland, but if you want simple, mellow waves in a good atmosphere, Costa Rica is waiting for you.

Costa Rica is a simple, affordable flight from anywhere in the U.S.A. and for Americans, it’s a great place for a surf trip. The Costa Rican motto for life is ‘Pura Vida’, which means ‘pure life’. You’ll find Costa Ricans, or Ticos as they call themselves, are generally happy-go-lucky people.

You won’t need a visa beforehand, but you will need a valid U.S. Passport and proof of onward travel or proof of a ticket home. You’ll also be charged $29 when you leave Costa Rica. But since there are no visa fees, you’ll be pleased to pay that.

Once you land in San Jose, you’ll likely want to catch a small plane to Tamarindo or take a cheap but long bus to the west coast. There are waves everywhere on the west coast, but check the swells and season, as the north fires on different times than the south.

Costa Rica is a very easy place to travel, and is highly recommended for beginner surf travelers. The quality of waves are for all skill levels, so be prepared for barrels and also for mellow little rolling long-boarder waves. You don’t need to bring your quiver, as boards are cheap and easy to get there. It’s recommended to bring your own board or two if you are particularly picky as you never know what you’ll get once you get down there. Another option is to sell your board when you leave if you don’t want to pay for the over-sized baggage fee. You’ll likely be able to sell it for a fair price too.