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Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with an incredibly rich flora and fauna. The Costa Rican natives, called Tico’s, have a big share in the fact that, visitors quickly comfortable in this country due to the locals great friendliness.

Nowhere on earth can you find such a diversity of species in such a small country. Protected areas offer a home to more than 800 different bird species, hundreds of different mammal species, 400 reptile species and thousands of plant species. Mountains covered with jungle, deep valleys and canyons and with many rivers and waterfalls that shape the landscape.

The fantastic underwater world rewards every diver on every trip below the surface. Surf wise Costa Rica has a lot to offer with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific ocean on the other.

The climate of Costa Rica is mainly subtropical and tropical however its changes greatly depending on the altitude you’re at. An equally big influence also comes from the mountain chain of the Cordilleras, which separates the country into one constantly moist Atlantic region and a periodically wet Pacific region.

There are only two seasons: The rainy season lasts from May till November and the dry season from December till April. During the dry season, depending on the region, some rainfall, for some hours, or even for a day, can still be possible. During the rainy season you can experience 2-3 hours of long heavy rain, especially in the afternoon. The rest of the day is mostly sunny and dry. During October and November you can also count on some strong rain.

On the Caribbean side however, the weather is just about the contrary. The months from June till October and from January till March are relatively dry. The amount of rain here in the Atlantic sphere is higher.

The inland temperatures are highest in January and February with 24°C, and lowest from September till December at about 22°C. It’s a different picture on the west coast of the country. Temperatures rise in the month of April and May up to 29°C and fall during November down to 26°C. On the east coast temperatures show a constant level of 25 to 27°C all year long.

Costa Rica is one few countries with both an Ocean and a Sea with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. On the Caribbean side you can find, during two seasons, powerful waves, often from short frequency swells.

In contrast on the Pacific side you can find year long, medium sized, regular ground swells that are enjoyable for all surfing ability levels. Water temperatures are constant all year at about 26-28 degrees so you can surf all the time in just board shorts and a rash vest.

The largest swells are during the months from June till October, so during this season Costa Rica is very suitable for advanced surfers but unfortunately this is also the time with most rainfall.  

Best season for beginners: September - May
Best season for advanced surfers: June - October

Crowd factor: High in the summer month

Costa Rica is easily accessible from many Central and South American countries as well as from the US. International flights arrive at the Aeropuerto International Juan Santamaria, located 17 kilometres northwest from San José. The airport "Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport" is located in the province of Guanacaste and is mainly used by American airlines (American Airlines, Continental und Delta) and the Airline Sansa. This Airport is due to be expanded in the near future.

Costa Rica shares its borders with Nicaragua and Panama. A modern and inexpensive bus network connects to the Central American capitals and many visitors travel by bus into the country. International busses go from
San José to: Changuinola, David & Panama City, Guatemala City, Managua, San Salvador and Tegucigalpa.