Great Waves. Hidden gems. Dramatic Backdrops. Bordered by rainforest. Redefine your expectations of a “surf vacation” on the Osa Peninsula of Southern Costa Rica, where surfing beaches meet wild seclusion.
The saying is wrong. You can have it all. At least, when you’re on a surfing vacation in southern Costa Rica. You can spend days on end, challenging yourself to long waves and world-class barrels on Costa Rica’s most isolated beaches.
Have Surf, Will Travel – ANSWER THE CALL
In terms of surf royalty, Costa Rica’s southern Osa Peninsula is its crown jewel, offering miles of uncrowded beaches – a stark contrast to the throngs who flock to much of Costa Rica’s other surf hotspots. Compared to other Costa Rican surfing destinations like Tamarindo Beach, Espadilla Beach, Jaco Beach, or Hermosa Beach, the Osa provides a more quiet, sandy path to incredible surf breaks, barrels, and rolls suitable for anyone from spanking-new beginners to skilled surfers. From easiest to most challenging, here’s what’s in store:
PLAYA PAN DULCE: Literally translated as “Sweet Bread,” Pan Dulce Beach is the Osa’s top choice for surfing newbies and confident beginners. Located up from the mouth of the gulf, Playa Pan Dulce provides mellow right breaks and long swells that can build into perfect tubes, rideable for up to 500 meters when caught at the perfect moment.
BACKWASH BAY: Situated in the gulf between Playa Pan Dulce and Cabo Matapalo, Backwash Bay is a right-hand, rocky reef break. Quite an unpopulated beach, on big wave days, Backwash Bay draws longboarders seeking lengthy rides.
PLAYA MATAPALO: Also known as Playa Matapalo, this surf destination is located right on the peninsula’s point – at the convergence of western and southwestern swells – and delivers the Big Daddy waves to prove it. Since it faces open ocean, Matapalo more consistently delivers powerful waves that right-point break. Its barrels deliver excellent, challenging rides for intermediate and advanced surfers.
PAVONES: Located across the gulf from the Osa Peninsula on the eastern coast of Golfo Dulco that borders Panama, Pavones claim to fame is its second-longest lefthander waves in the world – up to 900 meters! Though it boasts Costa Rica’s most famous waves, its remote location and challenging surf – accessible only by boat or bumpy, unpaved roads – typically attract only the most diehard, barrel-hunting, advanced surfers. These surfers are the kind who seek world-class waves with few people on them.
With something for everyone – except crowds – surfing in Costa Rica’s southern Osa Peninsula area should be added to your must-do list. But maybe your days of roughing it are behind you. You have done your share of camping out in cars or staying in rustic cabins. You still love to surf, but you have elevated your lifestyle over the years. If that sounds like your type of surfing vacation, consider staying at a location that offers you high end mattresses, five-star cuisine, fresh-brewed 5:00am coffee delivered to your room, and more of the finer things in life that you have grown accustomed to. Consider a stay at nearby El Remanso.
Surfing Opportunities Arranged by El Remanso:
Surf Instruction LEVEL-UP YOUR WAVE PROWESS
Tap into the knowledge of El Remanso’s experienced instructors – experts not only in surfing (and the fine art of teaching others how to surf), but also in the Osa Peninsula’s unique surfing conditions. Make the kind of wave-splashed memories that become the best souvenirs to take home. For adults and children 8+.
Surfboard Rentals + Beach Transportation – YOUR SURF, YOUR WAY
Don’t need the lesson? Brought your own board and just need a ride? El Remanso is happy to handle surf board rentals along with beach transportation to Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay, Cabo Matapalo, or Pavones. Choose only what you need – just let us know those needs. For adults and children 8+.
Custom Itinerary Surf Vacations – GET THE COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
Whether you’ve been newly bitten by the surfing bug or if the waves are your second home, at El Remanso we’ll help you design a custom itinerary that froths with rollicking surf and exhilarating waves. Build in as many surf lessons, headlined by our experienced instructors, as you’d like. Adults and children 8+.
CONTACT EL REMANSO TO START YOUR SPECIAL SOUTHERN COSTA RICA SURFING VACATION TODAY!
