The Top Surf Spots in Central America

Jack Guy

If you want to surf without too many crowds, head to Central America. There are great spots throughout the region, with the Pacific Ocean providing the top waves. Here are some of the best places to surf.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

El Tunco, El Salvador

Found just one hour from the capital, San Salvador, this spot is great for advanced surfers and beginners. There are also good hotels and restaurants where you can chill out between sessions. Come for a weekend and the place will be full of visitors from the city who want to party.

This quiet spot gets little attention from international surfers, but ask the locals and they’ll tell you this is the place to be. It’s a two-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala, so you can come down for a day if you like, but it’s best to book a stay at one of the surf camps on the beach. There is little else around, but you’ll probably be ready to relax after a long day in the waves.

Witches Rock, Costa Rica

This break was made famous by surf film The Endless Summer II, and it’s not hard to see why they filmed here. There are lefts and rights to be surfed, and amazing photos to be had with the rock in the background.

Bocas del Toro, Panama

While most of the best spots are on the Pacific coast, Bocas del Toro is found on the Caribbean. It’s great for surfers of all levels, and the town has a reputation as a great spot for partying too.

Playa Colorado, Nicaragua

Spots in Nicaragua are so far fairly undiscovered by outsiders, and Playa Colorado tends to be quiet. Book in for a stay at the Hacienda Iguana on the beach and enjoy some of the best waves in the hemisphere.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

This town was once a quiet surfing spot, but it soon became popular with backpackers looking to party. It’s now a firm favourite on the backpacker trail, but there are some great spots just outside town that are still fairly quiet.

Playa Jaco, Costa Rica

Come here if you’re in a mixed group of different surfing abilities. There is a variety of waves for beginners and experienced surfers, and the break is famous for its consistency. Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is also a great place to hang out on amazing beaches, so you don’t even have to surf to have a good time.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article