Thanks to consistently high-quality waves and a variety of breaks, Costa Rica is one of the world’s top surfing destinations, with waves for everyone from beginners to the pros. Dominical is known for its powerful waves best for the experienced, while Jaco is a great place for beginners with lots of surf schools. Tamarindo provides a little of both with beginner-friendly waves to the south and waves for the experts closer to the river mouth. The main surfing provinces are Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón, but no matter which you plan to visit, you’ll find the perfect Airbnb for your surfing stay on this list.
Large Home Walking Distance to Beach - Santa Cruz, Tamarindo
Casa Naranja was built with guests in mind, designed to provide a warm, welcoming feel with the comforts of home. It’s succeeded with five stars across the board, located a 5- to 10-minute walk to a quiet, less touristy locals’ beach or 20 to 30-minutes on foot to all the action in Tamarindo. After a day of surfing you’ll be able to come back and relax in your own private pool with lights for night swims, and prepare your meals in the large well-functioning kitchen or cook out on the grill. Laundry facilities are included too.
Sol Vista Ocean and Jungle View - Punta Banco, Pavones
Described as a “Yogi, Surfer & Wildlife Lover’s Paradise,” we have to agree as you’ll get both the jungle and the ocean here, waking up to the sounds of the waves and the calls of the birds and howler monkeys. This one-bedroom open-air bungalow is just a three-minute walk to the beach and outstanding surfing while bringing opportunities for wildlife encounters. It includes fabulous indoor-outdoor living spaces and even private yoga with a breathtaking view. Part of the Sola Vista Eco Lodge in the tropical rainforest, highlights include an outdoor waterfall shower and an observation/yoga deck for practicing yoga, watching the surfers or relaxing in a hammock.
6-Bedroom Luxury Villa on Dominical Beach - Dominical, Puntarenas
This 6,500-square-foot villa offers the ultimate luxury surfing vacation for up to 14 guests right on Dominical Beach, just 100 feet above the surf. Enjoy the tropical rainforest, dramatic ocean views and the sounds of the waves from every room. Just one of the highlights is the large, deep pool with an infinity edge that melds the pool and the sea into what looks like “one continuous span of tropical blue.”
Casa Mambo Tamarindo Surf House - Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Casa Mambo is a short boat trip to Witch’s Rock, the surf spot that put Costa Rica on the map, while providing the chance to enjoy the quintessential Costa Rican lifestyle, complete with great outdoor spaces for relaxation, including hammocks. You’ll be a short walk from the beginner-friendly Tamarindo beach, but if you’re looking for a challenge, it’s an easy shuttle ride to Playa Langosta. It includes an outdoor kitchen – wake up early and catch the sunrise while making breakfast.
Casa Nirvana - Santa Teresa, Puntarenas
Casa Nirvana is a luxury villa on a hill overlooking Santa Teresa, just 5 minutes from the beach with Playa Carmen, Suck Rock, and Playa Hermosa all nearby. It accommodates eight guests in four bedrooms, three of which are en-suite and include a swimming pool, both indoor and outdoor dining areas, a full kitchen, and a spacious living room with a Plasma TV. You’ll also have a terrace that overlooks the pool and a Rancho with a BBQ grill, providing a perfect spot to watch the colorful sunsets. Be aware, the host notes a 4X4 vehicle is highly recommended.
Casa Celeste - Malpais, Puntarenas
Casa Celeste is a two-bedroom beachfront home on a two-acre private property that’s just steps from a right point break, with Playa Carmen just over a quarter-mile away. You’ll stay in what feels like your own private nature park, with lots of wildlife, enjoying pportunities to swim in natural tide pools and incredible stargazing after dark before falling asleep to the sounds of the waves. It comes with an outdoor BBQ, outdoor shower, covered furnished veranda and an alfresco dining area. A full kitchen, Wi-Fi and TV with Netflix are all included too.
Caribbean Jungle Tree House by Sea - Cahuita, Limon
Treehouse Airbnbs have become increasingly popular in recent years, but this is one of the most authentic options we’ve seen. You’ll stay a giant ficus tree, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle while enjoying plenty of luxuries. It includes two decks, plus another small one for sipping coffee or a cocktail while gazing out at the treetops and occasionally wildlife like sloths too. The tropical wood deck on the first floor has carved posts with one side a full wall of the tree’s roots. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, bathroom and terrace that overlooks a tropical pond with orchids and lilies. While relaxing in the hammock you can watch parrots, hummingbirds and toucans fly by.
Surf Rental Oceanfront on Playa Hermosa - Puntarenas
Located on Playa Hermosa just south of Jaco Beach, this air-conditioned oceanfront apartment is truly that – you’ll be right in front of one of the most consistent surf breaks, tucked between popular local restaurants and bars, with markets and even a zipline nearby. Guests note that it’s a “surfer/beach bum paradise” just 75 steps to the water’s edge, outstanding surf and spectacular views from a massive window with sliding doors that open to the sounds of the waves.
Beachfront Property Casa Sonrisa - Playa Langosta, Provincia de Guanacaste
This two-bedroom beachfront property for four offers a peaceful setting in the quietest part of Tamarindo, ideal for a relaxed surfing getaway. Enjoy a gorgeous panoramic view from the garden and a courtyard with a large outdoor seating area while being just a five-minute walk along the beach to shops, restaurants and bars.
