For families with a mix of surfing levels we recommend Hotel Capitano Suisso in Tamarindo (beginners can learn on Tamarindo Beach, intermediates will love neighbouring Playa Grande) whilst for families with non surfers and a taste for luxury should head for the Four Seasons or Andaz Resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula from where the serious surfers can take morning boat trips out to Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock. Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock are located on the Guanacaste Coast and can be reached by boat from Tamarindo ot the Papagayo Peninsula. Best Surf Spots for Experienced SurfersĬosta Rica's most famous surf spots for experienced surfers are enticingly located in easy distance of beginner friendly surf beaches and resorts with plenty to do for other non surfing members of the family. Both Tamarindo and Nosara (Playa Guiones) have loads of good surf schools for beginners and there are a tonne of good boards available to hire. In Tamarindo, we recommend Hotel Capitan Suisso, a friendly four star option right on the beach but far enough from town to be peaceful. Intermediate surfers are going to prefer to head over to Playa Grande, which although just over estuary is a good 20 min drive from Tamarindo. Tamarindo Beach itself is fantastic for beginners and becomes becalmed at high tide, making it a lovely swimming beach. Tamarindo is more built up and mass market than Nosara with several larger mid range resort hotels, but there are still a few good independent hotels around.

It also has a first rate surf school and mountain bike centre.

We recommend The Gilded Iguana in Nosara for surfing families, it is a beautiful boutique hotel with lovely pool and a perfect location in walking distance of beach and restaurants. Nosara also has a seriously good yoga scene hosting Costa Rica's most renowned yoga institutions. What really appeals about Nosara is that a families' whole surfing needs can be catered for on one beach without the need for transport to other spots. Like anywhere, Guiones can get big and dangerous when a huge swell rolls in, but when it is small to mid sized it is perfect for intermediates (out back) and beginners (in the white water). The rainy season (May to October) can be a little messier and potentially bigger, but trust us there is still plenty of good surf to be had. Conditions are cleanest (and usually smaller) during the dry season (November to April) with reliable offshore winds in the morning. This is one of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica. It is a long beach which peaks at various points providing plenty of space to spread out. Playa Guiones is best with a mid, long or short with plenty of bouyancy. Of these, our favourite is Nosara (Playa Guiones) for its beginner and intermediate friendly beach break, laid back charm, independent accommodation and fab restaurant and bar scene.

Our two favourite spots for families with a mix of surfing abilities are Nosara (Playa Guiones) and Tamarindo. Best Surf Spots for Mixed Ability Surfing Families When you are not surfing there is plenty to explore inland from pristine rainforest to volcanic hot springs, world class rafting and incredibly diverse wildlife. Costa Rica boasts deliciously warm seas, reliable Pacific Ocean swells and a good mix of beginner, fammily and intermediate friendly surf spots. Whilst the Reef breaks of Fiji, the Maldives and Indonesia attract the serious surfers, Costa Rica holds the crown as the most family and beginner friendly surf destination.

Family surf trip