Discover Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Surfing destinations in Central America - Sala de prensa Getting to Bocas del Toro: Air Panama has direct flights from Panama City (Albrook Airport) into Bocas del Toro. 1. And Honduras must have some spots, somewhere, no? Surfing Destinations: 15 Best Surf Spots In America 2020 | SportyTell Surfing is so important to Costa Rica that the government has declared October 19th National Surf Day, and called it an activity of economic importance. One more bout of waves tends to roll into places like Bocas del Toro and the Belize reefs in July. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. The most famous spots are Punta Roca (a onetime WQS event host) and Playa El Tunco, a swell magnet that also has some protected bays for beginner surfers. Its Lilliputian stature means getting around isn't as time-consuming as in other countries on this list. Unmasking the realities of La Aurora Airport in Guatemala and the urgent need for change. Over on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo has the best, wildest, most hardcore wave in Costa Rica, if not Central America. It would be a crime to not mention Santa Cruz as a top surf town in the United States. Even if you arent a surfer, spending the day cycling down the coast to a series of beautiful beaches before enjoying some good Caribbean-style food and partying with a real local feel is definitely worth the visit. 1. Surfing in El Salvador is government policy in the post-pandemic era. Think Tamarindo 20 years back. Getting to Tamarindo: A transfer or public bus from Liberia Airport takes no more than 2 hours. Not so much specific beaches, but the towns that have made or are making their names through surfing and surf culture. The best places to surf in Central America - Lonely Planet High or incoming tides tend to work best because a few of the named breaks rely on submerged rock reefs to work. Where to surf in Central America. The best surf destination in Central America Central America is riddled with awesome surf destination. Though their pad is just a five-minute walk from Main Break, their trips include up to three surf boat expeditions a pop. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. Around them are some of the worlds most animal-rich habitats. Just take the likes of Playa Venao, which was an unknown fishing hamlet as recently as 2010 but now flaunts a wide bay that hosts peaks for all levels, no matter the swell direction. Why? Whats more, the new interest has generated some pretty nifty new surf camps and cafes even Lapoint of Ericeira fame has set up shop, with a stylish surf hotel centered around a swimming pool. Basically, you click em and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. I know theres a lot more than that, but surfing is the first thing for me at least. In Tamarindo, visitors come to surf, eat, party and repeat lilly3 / Getty Images, 8 of the best places to surf in Central America for beginners to pros. Located about an hour from the capital San Salvador, and about the same time from the country's international airport (per Google Maps), the seaside town of El Tunco has waves, barrels, and sizeable walls that the Reef Breakblog declares make it a great option for surfers just starting out, or those that can shred on their board. I love surfing and surf culture. Im not exaggerating. Here, with jetties and piers breaking up the continuous flow of coastline, the swells meet resistance and breaks form. Forget writing books, they should write songs about this place. Since then, its fortunes have fallen and risen, transforming it into a center of sugar-cane production, a colony for artists, and more recently a retreat for tourists and surfers. Are you planning an epic surf trip? Low tide can get crunchy and big, but the rising water turns on the goods for learners, bringing glassy green waves out back and plenty of whitewash. Theres nothing else that immediately springs to mind about Central Americas smallest country than surfing. I guess theyre referring to Playa Gigante, the beach, which is huge. Browse our range of luxury surf resorts in Central America. Just be careful of crocs in the water should you join in. On top of that, you have enchanting colonial-era cities like Granada, in Nicaragua, and Antigua Guatemala, which have cobbled lanes and centuries-old churches dating to the age of the Spanish conquistadors. Location: Mirimar, Leon Province, Nicaragua. El Tunco is the best place in El Salvador to get the salt in your hair and ride some waves. I'm Lozzy, the backpacker behind the blog. The Best Surf Towns in America - Surfer The Best Surf Towns To Visit In Latin America - Explore Visitors can find plenty of places to stay, and eat, and even a good selection of art galleries here. These are not just words it means that the official government tourism agencies can promote surfing and pump money into it. Best Beginner Surf Spots in Central America - Beach Break Surf Camp The smallest country in Central America and Latin America as a whole El Salvador is about the size of Massachusetts (via National Geographic Kids). Of course, we're happy to help you plan your ideal surf trip at Beach Break Surf Camp, one of the best surf camps in Central America. This provides amazing views of the beach. Plan the best time for your visit to Panama with this seasonal guide to weather and events through the year. Or do you want to check out some new places to get into the ocean? A post shared by The Bocas Breeze Newspaper (@thebocasbreeze). Throughout our travels, we alternate between busy city life, stunning natural landscapes and relaxing beaches. Many will disagree with me and thats fine, but San Juan del Sur is my favorite surf town in Central America. This weekend rush means that locals flock to Montaita for long evenings drinking on the beach and endless rows of food trucks and pop-up cocktail stands before heading to one of a number of banging beachfront clubs. He talked of surfing for days and seeing no-one else in the water, not once. Remoter Malpais and Santa Teresa boast some harder reef breaks that can handle heavier swells. Because of this, Belize and Honduras have some of the best diving and snorkeling on the planet, but no surf. Optimal conditions are between April and October when winds produce consistent swells. Dont be too deterred by all the dressier visitors, though: Santa Teresa still has yoga camps clustered in along its hillsides, the vibes on the waves are nice and relaxed, and howler monkeys remain the morning alarm clock. Two Brothers Surf Resort, Nicaragua. (Aboat will really be the only way to get around.) Monkey Lala is the place to gather at the golden hour. Then comes Nicaragua, which has an ever-lengthening surf coast running north from San Juan del Sur. But they are well set to handle extra crowds, particularly the long and consistent beach breaks of Playa Guiones and Playa Hermosa. Central America is the squiggle of countries that connects South America to North America. Costa Rica beckons with national parks packed with three-toed sloths and other awesome creatures. My brother and I are planning on backpacking through central america with our surfboards (I know it can be a hassle), any reccomendations for. Regulars will lament the fact that the secret is out yet theres no way that such a prime surf destination could remain under the radar in Costa Rica, especially with its epic offering for total beginners. Central America Surf Resorts - Premium Surf Trips Here youll find a brickety-brack pueblo of only a few thousand people and a very close-knit community among the locals. Playa Negra is excellent for absolute beginners, who can then graduate further down the coastline to Playa Cocles where the waves get a little more fun! Mexico, Central America and South America are blessed with sunny skies, stunning coastlines and in certain locations- the ideal ocean currents for catching the perfect barrel! Its still small, and the surf is way better in El Paradon. Thankfully, this part of the globe is blessed with more fruit, organic ingredients and fresh veg than you can shake a papaya at. Surfers who know their stuff down here will say weve missed a bunch of places, and theyre absolutely correct. Where are the best Central America surf towns to visit in 2022? Central America's best places to snorkel and dive - Lonely Planet The water can be quite cool in southern Nicaragua (between San Juan del Sur and Pochomil) and northern Costa Rica (between Witches Rock, Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Nosara, Samara, Santa Teresa, Malpais Jaco, Playa Hermosa) in January, February and March, so bring a wetsuit top of 1 or 2mm. This gorgeous surf town with lovely sandy beaches attracts passionate surfers of all ages who enjoy the larger breaks as much as the smaller, beginner-friendly swells. Thats to be expected ones an ocean, the others a sea, after all. Surf Blog - The Best Surf Camps In Central America - Surfholidays.com Best Places In Central America For Solo Travelers - Stay, Work and Surf forecasting website Magic Seaweed observes that the water here has a left point break that is long enough to handle multiple wave riders at the same time. Then you get La Bocana, a fast and challenging left with hollow sections. This private hilltop retreat offers 32 acres of serene beauty combined with extraordinary hospitality. Every July through to October, humpback whales arrive having traveled here from Antarctica, giving birth in the Pacific. With Andy being a particular lover of the beach life, we seem to spend a fair amount of time hopping around beachy surfer towns some good, some not so good. Its ritual to retire to Tasty Waves Cantina on Playa Cocles once youre done with a session. We might use affiliate links in this post. Over 1,500 miles of coastline fringes the Central American nation of Panama. Getting to Santa Teresa: Direct public buses that cost around CRC 7,600 ($12) per person run from San Jos at least twice daily, taking 6 or 7 hours. From beaches as far as the eyes can see to wild nightlife to secluded yoga dens. They play out over more than 300km of coastline, on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. This is where youll find true jungle, with waterfalls and stunning scenery plus the nearby Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita. Main swell windows come with the dry season between December and April, but dont come expecting the consistency that lets you surf each day: This is the winter dry season, and it relies on strong northern storm systems to get things pumping. . Coming to El Tunco also means access to some of the best surf in the world, not only in the village itself, but in nearby La Libertad, El Zonte, and El Sunzal. When talking about top choice surfing locations in America, Hawaii is seen as the promised Land, and Paia is one of the top destinations on the island. While the surfing here isn't likely to give you the chills, it's a great alternative to the standard water sports roster of Belize. Skill level: All levels; Availability: All . But beginners can also get in on the action, with schools like Waluua letting trainees ride gentler swells, guided by instructors with deep knowledge of the local aquatic realm. Discover Coatepeque and Ilopango, the two great lakes of El Salvador in this trip down memory lane. Its all about the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, you see. The Surf Camps of Central America - TripSavvy A post shared by (@tribu_surf_nicaragua). There are also bus-boat connections from Panama City. Montaita, Ecuador. Right in town, the main beach is good for surfers with some solid know-how, while Suck Rock promises crisp right-hand breaks. Visiting Costa Ricas capital won't break the bank if you know where to go. Surf tourism paved the way in this part of the world many years ago, and will continue to do so. Wed just recommend keeping an eye on the political situation this isnt the most stable corner of the planet! The town is also an epicenter of surfing, with Soul Rider Camp running teaching programs from Playa Cocles, close to all the choice spots. You get the idea. This insider guide to Central America surfing will explore the region's best destinations, beaches, and seasons for surfing. Meanwhile, summer sees huge southerly groundswells come into play and that pumps up the bigger breaks across the Pacific coast, going all the way up to Mexico and beyond! blogherads.adq.push(['medrec', 'skm-ad-medrec-2']); Sitting on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica gives Puerto Viejo a pretty good starting point for being part of a gang of cool laid-back surfer towns in CR and it very much delivers. The Surf Atlas is written by surfers, for surfers. However, Montaita does have its differences. Surfing is king here and the ocean doesnt mess around. Please remember that I would never ever ever recommend anything I dont or wouldnt use myself. Costa Rica is justly known for its hedonistic surf-party towns fringed by coconut-strewn sands, whilePanama has archipelagos of reef-ringed tropical islands and tube waves that work in the wet season. Some are famous think Costa Ricas Tamarindo and Nicas San Juan del Sur. But from San Juan del Sur you have easy access to many top quality surfing beaches. El Cuco They are blessed with plenty of coastlines (the continent of South America alone has almost 16,000 miles of shore, according to Britannica), and are a haven for lovers of water sports. */ * indicates required Email Address *. On the one hand, that huge dash of dazzling coral reef that is the second largest barrier reef on the planet offers fantastic diving and all manner of marine life. Early risers and low-tide surfers will be rewarded with emptier lineups in a region that can get crowded with both day-tripping surf schools out of SJDS and the local crews. Central America surf means hitting some of the worlds most treasured breaks. Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama all offer world-class surfing on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The group of countries that fall under the umbrella of Latin America defined as Mexico, Central America, and South America finds itself sandwiched between the pounding Atlantic and Pacific oceans. There are waves here for all skill levels, and newbies can try out the gentle rolls right in front of the camp. So expect to see plenty of talent out on the waters here. Yet the area is also extremely popular with more wave-challenged travelers. But remember, were talking about specific communities here, not beaches on their own. Some famous and some secret. Read up on our picks of the can't-miss places to visit in the region, from coral reefs to Mayan ruins and beyond. Or at least made them into what they are now. Panama and Costa Rica tend to lead the way. Finally, there are amazing ancient ruins that pop out of the jungles up in Guatemala. This helps with the cost of keeping this site alive so I can continue to guide you on your travels. Type 'Belize water sports' into a search engine and inevitably the first thing mentioned is scuba diving. Nicaragua is a surfers paradise. The town? You can learn more about the activities in Sayulita, including golf, horseback riding, diving, mountain biking, birding, fishing, and many beaches. I'm a British gallivanter who fell wildly in love with Latin America when I first touched down back in 2017, and I've been obsessed ever since. Wildkite Peru dispenses kiteboarding lessons but also has a surf camp in Mncora (it can also arrange your stay) that can get a newcomer up and riding, or hone the skills of surfers with water time under their wetsuits. El Tunco is small but popular. There are great spots throughout the region, with the Pacific Ocean providing the top waves. Despite its reputation as a great place to dance the night away every night of the week with Go Backpacking arguing that Montaita is the pinnacle of party places in Ecuador this town has more going for it than drinking, discos, and nightlife. The 7 best places to see wildlife in Central America Actually, its my favorite beach town in Central America, period. So, where is the best surfing in Central America? The actual surf here is in Las Flores, right next door, but in terms of towns, El Cuco is what you get. Adventurers can learn how to surf with El Salvador Surf Camps, which has a school and lodging in town. Top 11 Best Surf Towns in the United States | Peter Pan Traveler Thrill seekers can also try their hand at windsurfing and kitesurfing here, while those more accustomed to leisurely strolls can wander around Ross Park, a national monument with century-old palm trees and a former casino (via Inspirock). This place is one to watch in the future. READ MORE: The Best Surfing Destinations in Latin America . ); and was certainly one of our favourite locations in Ecuador something weve heard from a lot of people. Getting to El Tunco: Direct buses from San Salvador to El Tunco take about an hour and cost about SVC 17 ($2) per person. In fact, El Salvador boasts some of the regions top right-hand points. Surfing is synonymous with the rugged, sunny California coast, and Santa Cruz is the heart of surf culture in the central part of the state. But that would mean missing out on some of the fantastic new camps, like Buena Vista Surf Club and its yoga deck perched above the coastal jungles. Santa Catarina Island sits off the east coast of Brazil and is home to Florianpolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state. El Paredon, Guatemala is the perfect example of a surf town on the rise. From water sports and mountain hikes to rainforest wildlife watching and cloud-forest birding, these are the best things to do in Costa Rica. Coolest surfer towns in South & Central America That helps to make it an obvious spot for a surf trip in the region, especially if youre after reliable but undiscovered wave territory. This part of the Americas has been a melting pot of human history for millennia. But I want to talk about specific surf towns in Central America. Nowadays San Juan del Sur is a glorious ramshackle collection of clapboard homes, hostels, high-end hotels, and bars/restaurants. To the north, Playa Hermosa offers find mushier waves for learning on. More natural beauty exists at Barra Honda National Park, that My Costa Rica explains has a limestone cave network with more than 40 caverns, and signs that humans lived here more than 2,000 years ago. Getting to Popoyo: Private transfers from Managua take just over 2 hours. The best way to get a grip on the surf season in Central America is to divide the region into two halves: The Pacific and the Caribbean. Central America is riddled with awesome surf destination. A good way to tick off the lot is to go for a surf package with NicaWaves Surf Camp. But non-surfers also love Dominical. Nicaragua Surfers kick back and watch Punta Miramar reel off in the sunshine.. But we dont have all day, Im afraid. 4 Days Surf Vacation in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica . Whether its the expansive sand dunes of Playa de la Viuda on one side of the centre or along to Playa Grande, just north of the main town (pictured), the untouched bliss just keeps on going. Our guide to the best surfing spots in Central America has all you need to find the top spots to catch waves for all levels, from beginner to pro. The best bet here is Puerto Viejo, also known as Salsa Brava, the surf epicenter on that side of Costa Rica. Peru And theres enough bars and restaurants in town to keep you busy. 14 best places to visit in Central America - Lonely Planet If you've been wondering where you should go surfing in South America, here's our breakdown of the best surf destinations on the continent and our favorite spots there: 1. Best Surf in Central America: The Insider List - Beach Break Surf Camp Both coasts offer surf breaks. Tamarindo, Costa Rica: m ixing hedonism and surf since 1991 However, it is the Santa Teresa tip of the peninsular which stood out to us. December to early April is the sweet spot, when consistent northerly offshore winds and SW swells combine. There are always swells. The waves near the town are suitable for non-experts, but those who want more challenging waves can hop on a 44 shuttle to nearby beaches where the reef breaks lie. Most people think of it as the top destination for shopping, dining, and experiencing Spanish-infused cultureand while that's true, the American Riviera is just as impressive when it comes to beach breaks. HOTEL FOR SALE https://hotelforsale.info/. Below you ' ll find the list of the best surf towns in the United States broken out by the east and west coast. And thats just the best-known spots. a stylish surf hotel centered around a swimming pool, plenty of awesome surf bays running north and south, 6 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heart, Central America's most thrilling volcano adventures, Why you should take a cacao tour in Latin America, 17 things to know before traveling to Panama, The 8 best free things to do in San Jos, Costa Rica, 11 incredible spring break destinations for 2023, 22 things you should know before traveling to El Salvador, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Theres not a single place in the region thats more than 125 miles from a wave. James Dyde is the editor of CentralAmerica.com. Have we missed anything out? In the small town of Paia, top surfing spots often visited all year by not just surfers, but by windsurfers and kite surfers includes, Ho'okipa Beach Park and Pai Bay. Accommodations here are rarely flashy, with the emphasis of a visit here firmly on the outdoors. A soft curve of a bay that angles ever so slightly due southwest into the Pacific, its a swell magnet with a kaleidoscope of breaks that form on the ever-shifting sandbanks. blogherads.adq.push(['medrec', 'skm-ad-medrec-1']); Often compared with Mncora due to having a bit of a reputation as a party-town and a fairly close proximity to the northern coast of Peru, Montaita is very much Ecuadors answer to one of Perus coolest spots. The geography here is stunning, with churning waters, rocky shores, and sheer cliffs that line the shore (via Chile Travel), and for surfers, the excitement doubles with the chance to ride 30-foot waves. For those who dislike the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo and Jaco and seek something a little more mellow, Santa Teresa is it. Many of the hostels in Popoyo also do board rentals and surfing lessons for beginners. Each of those counts over 1,100 miles of shore. Still tiny and home to fishermen and salt farmers, the surf scene is bringing opportunity here. Meanwhile, blinding beaches you have to see to believe await in Panam. The scene is at its biggest in summer on SW swells, but has a year-round consistency that would make Roger Federer blush. Our guide to the best surfing spots in Central America has all you need to find the top spots to catch waves for all levels, from beginner to pro. Visa requirements for Costa Rica vary depending on your nationality, reasons for travel, and how long you want to stay. Better surfers usually head over to Playa Grande for the faster, hollower, right-hand break that forms on the Estero estuary. That said, it doesn't have much tourist infrastructure, (viaAlong Dusty Roads),and travelers might find it more convenient to stay at San Juan del Sur, where accommodation, restaurants, and shops are plentiful. The 6 Best Surfing Destinations in South America Now that youve reached the end of this post on the coolest surfer towns in Central & South America, you may also be interested in reading: Give it a cheeky pin on Pinterest to be able to find it again later! 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Santa Catalina remains the highlight in these parts. More for beginners/intermediates than experts, this is a great place to learn and practice your surfing. Best Surf Towns in America - Fodors Travel Guide That's not surprising; after all, this English-speaking Central American nation has barrier reef reserves that received UNESCO World Heritage status. Floripa, as it's known, has terrific swells from the South Atlantic and even Antarctica, (perWanna Surf),and consistent waves, especially during the periods between March and May and September and November. Mirimar Surf Camp - Nicaragua. Weve said it before, but Guatemala isnt the first place many surfers would think of traveling to. Looking to go surfing in Central America? Yep, the gastronomy is a real draw for surfers heading to this corner of the globe. Getting to Nosara: Direct buses from San Jos take up to 5 hours, while buses from Liberia take about 3 hours. Planning a trip to Central America? . The Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole, spans 1,000 feet across and is the largest formation of its kind in the world (via Belize Tourism Board). Whether you surf or not, if you like a cool backpacker party surf town with killer sunsets, youll love El Tunco. However, farther down the coast, in a town that is much less known, you'll be treated to the longest wave in the world. Interestingly, the men's event was won by Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira, showing the world that surfing and South America are a winning combination. best backpacking surf towns in central america? - Plan Your Trip Online Theres oodles to go around. Belize is a bit of a strange surf destination. Riders have plenty of options on waves to ride, with Surf Atlas identifying a number of surf spots in and around the town, graded by skill level (a number of them are suitable for beginners).