Top 8 Surf Spots in Central America

Central America boasts some of the best waves in the world.

Consistent swells from both the Pacific and Caribbean offer a range of surf experiences year-round. Costa Rica is famous for its vibrant surf towns lined with palm-fringed beaches, while Panama features stunning archipelagos with reef-filled islands and epic tube waves during the rainy season.

El Salvador entices surfers with its powerful A-frame waves right next to laid-back beer shacks. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Our comprehensive guide highlights the finest surfing locations in Central America, catering to surfers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

1. Bocas del Toro, Panama

Ideal for barreling waves on picture-perfect beaches

With an abundance of overwater bungalows, Bocas del Toro in Panama can feel reminiscent of the Maldives, but it’s the thrilling activities like boating, scuba diving, and surfing that truly define this collection of six inhabited islands, 50 coral cays, and over 200 tiny islets.

The range of surf breaks reachable within a quick boat ride from Bocas town is remarkable (you’ll need a boat to get around).

Beginners can head 20 minutes to Wizard Beach for smooth, 5ft swells with minimal crowds. For the experts, Bluff Beach is just 15 minutes away, offering powerful tubes that can break boards. Isla Bastimentos serves as a perfect spot for intermediate surfers.

One drawback of surfing in Bocas del Toro is its relatively brief season. The ideal time is from December to early April, when reliable northerly offshore winds and SW swells come together. The rest of the year transforms this area into a tranquil paradise for coconut sipping and snorkeling, with water as smooth as a Panamanian hojaldre flatbread.

Traveling to Bocas del Toro: Air Panama offers direct flights from Panama City (Albrook Airport) to Bocas del Toro, with bus-boat connections also available from the city.

2. Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Ideal for a blend of surfing and nightlife

Surf, dine, party, and repeat: that’s the vibe in Tamarindo. This town has experienced remarkable growth since Bruce Brown and his crew filmed Endless Summer II in the early '90s. Nowadays, everyone wants to be part of the action – and it’s easy to see why.

Tamarindo centers around Playa Tamarindo, a long stretch of white sand with waves suitable for all skill levels – from beginner-friendly whitewash to lefts and rights ideal for intermediates looking to sharpen their skills.

More experienced surfers typically venture to Playa Grande for its quicker, hollow right-hand breaks that form near the Estero estuary. Just watch out for crocodiles if you decide to join in.

Surfing during high or incoming tides is recommended, as some popular breaks depend on submerged rock reefs. Try to get up early to hit the waves, as morning crowds in Tamarindo are often reduced by the hangovers from lively bars like Sharky’s and Crazy Monkey the night before.

How to reach Tamarindo: A transfer or public bus from Liberia Airport takes under 2 hours. From San José Airport, expect a bus ride of about 5 hours.

3. Popoyo, Nicaragua

Ideal for skilled surfers

Playa Popoyo, located in southwest Nicaragua, stretches only 0.8 km (0.5 miles), yet it boasts more waves than you could ever enjoy with a plate of gallo pinto (rice and beans). It's gained a reputation as one of Central America's more challenging surf spots, as it accommodates substantial swells and features a combination of point breaks and reefs, each presenting unique challenges.

The highlight here is Popoyo Main Break, a nearly perfect A-frame that delivers rapid yet enjoyable right and left waves at almost any tide. In contrast, the Outer Reef unleashes powerful, triple overhead waves, ideal for the most adventurous surfers. Goofy-footers should check out Stoney’s, a left-point break reminiscent of Bali's famous Uluwatu.

A great way to experience it all is by booking a surf package with NicaWaves Surf Camp. Located just a five-minute walk from Main Break, the package includes up to three surf boat excursions.

How to reach Popoyo: Private transfers from Managua take a little over 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a public bus, but note that it stops just outside of Popoyo, so you'll need to walk the last couple of kilometers.

4. El Tunco, El Salvador

Ideal for surfing and sunsets

El Tunco is the prime spot in El Salvador to feel the salt in your hair while catching waves. Beyond being a surf town, El Tunco is a vibrant, party-friendly hippie enclave, home to a mix of locals and plenty of Willie Nelson lookalikes.

This coastal stretch of 3 km (2 miles) features four incredible surf breaks, offering something for surfers of all skill levels.

Just starting out? Numerous surf schools provide lessons at either El Sunzalito or the nearby Playa San Blas, both known for their sandy bottoms and gentle waves.

At the western end of the beach lies the El Sunzal point break, a right-hander perfect for improving intermediate surfers. Next up is La Bocana, a fast and demanding left with hollow sections.

Monkey Lala is the ideal spot to gather during golden hour. Here, you can witness the sun setting behind the iconic rock stack of El Tunco, which is said to resemble a pig, while local surfers shred it up at La Bocana.

How to reach El Tunco: Direct buses from San Salvador to El Tunco take around one hour.

5. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Ideal for consistently perfect waves

It seems like everyone and their partner (and maybe their dog) is flocking to Santa Teresa these days. Once a quiet stretch of bumpy roads and fishing shacks at the end of the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, it has now evolved into one of the most fashionable places to hit the waves in the land of Pura Vida and Central America.

Don't let the influx of trendy visitors deter you: Santa Teresa still hosts yoga retreats nestled in its hills, the wave vibes remain chill, and howler monkeys still provide the morning wake-up call.

Additionally, this newfound popularity has led to the emergence of some excellent surf camps and cafes – even Lapoint from Ericeira has established a stylish surf hotel centered around a swimming pool.

In terms of waves, Playa Santa Teresa features an endless stretch of cocoa-colored sand with peak after peak. The waves are at their largest during summer with SW swells, but the year-round consistency is impressive enough to make Roger Federer envious.

To the north, Playa Hermosa provides softer waves ideal for beginners. Head south to Mal País for more challenging reef breaks and point breaks.

Getting to Santa Teresa: Direct public buses operate from San José at least twice a day, taking about 6 to 7 hours. For those in a rush, a propeller plane to Tambor with a 35-minute transfer is an option.

6. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Best spot for when the Pacific is calm

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast is the go-to place when the waves drop on the Costa Rican Pacific. From December to March, strong tropical storm systems off the Colombian coast send consistent southeast swells into the bays around town.

Salsa Brava is undoubtedly the most renowned spot here, often considered the Tico equivalent of Hawaii’s Pipeline, featuring powerful, hollow barrels crashing onto shallow reefs filled with urchins.

For a more manageable option, Playa Cocles is where you'll find local surf schools operating amid the swaying coconut palms.

After your surf session, it’s customary to head to Tasty Waves Cantina on Playa Cocles. This charmingly chaotic reggae and dub bar offers cold Imperial beers, hearty pub fare, and vibrant late-night gatherings.

Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Autotransportes Mepe provides bus service from San José approximately five times daily. Direct buses are also available from Limón.

7. Nosara, Costa Rica

Ideal waves for beginners

After spending years overshadowed by Tamarindo, Nosara is finally stepping into the limelight. Regulars might bemoan the newfound attention, but it was inevitable for such a prime surf spot to be recognized in Costa Rica, especially given its exceptional offerings for novice surfers.

Playa Guiones is the crown jewel. This gently curving bay, which subtly tilts southwest into the Pacific, acts as a magnet for swells, featuring a vibrant array of breaks that emerge from the constantly shifting sandbanks.

At low tide, the waves can be rough and sizable, but as the tide rises, it creates perfect conditions for learners, revealing smooth, green waves and plenty of whitewash.

The vibe? Imagine Tamarindo two decades ago. While major names like Selina have arrived, you can still discover jungle-covered B&Bs where howler monkeys roam, just a short stroll from Guiones' surf. Notable spots include The Sunset Shack and Ride On Beach House, both highly rated.

Getting to Nosara: Direct buses from San José take up to 5 hours, while those from Liberia require around 3 hours. A 4WD is recommended for transfers, as some roads leading into Nosara are still unpaved.

8. Playa Maderas, Nicaragua

Best A-frame catering to various skill levels

Numerous fantastic surf bays stretch north and south of San Juan del Sur (SJDS) in southern Nicaragua, but Playa Maderas truly shines with one of the best A-frames in the region. Ideal for intermediates and above, it offers rideable waves both left and right, and occasionally delivers mini barrels.

Early risers and those surfing at low tide will enjoy less crowded conditions in an area that can become busy with day-trippers from SJDS and local surfers.

Alternatively, you might charm a local guide into sharing their knowledge of hidden spots between the town and Playa Yankee, near the Costa Rica border.

While it's easy to stay in San Juan del Sur and make the trip to Maderas for surfing, doing so would mean missing out on amazing surf camps like Buena Vista Surf Club, which features a yoga deck overlooking the coastal jungles.

Getting to Playa Maderas: Start by reaching San Juan del Sur via a direct bus from Managua to Rivas. From there, you can take a taxi or, for a more adventurous option, a water taxi to Playa Maderas.