Central America’s Best Waves for Beginner Surfing
It’s no secret that Central America is home to some of the most sought-after waves on the planet. Inspired by classic surf films like Endless Summer II, which depicts idyllic right-hand point breaks deep in the jungle of Costa Rica, surfers have been traveling south of the border searching for perfect waves for decades. For a traveling surfer, Central America has it all: warm water, consistent surf, and tropical weather. With so many world-class waves, picking a destination along Central America’s winding Pacific Coast can be a bit overwhelming. New surfers must be particularly careful about which surf destinations they choose, as not all waves are beginner surfing friendly. To find the best beginner surfing waves in Central America, continue reading below.
Santa Catalina, Panama, the ultimate beginner surfing wave
Santa Catalina Panama may just be the best beginner surfing destination in all of Central America. Santa Catalina sits in Western Panama on the country’s Pacific Coast. This charming coastal town has evolved from a tiny fishing village into a traveler’s paradise. The town is known equally for its proximity to Coiba Island and as a launching point for otherworldly scuba diving expeditions as it is for its waves. While experienced surfers will relish the opportunity to surf Santa Catalina’s right-hand point break, the town is actually the perfect destination for beginner surfing. Just east of the point break on Santa Catalina’s south-facing coastline sits miles of beach break, where reliable sandbars produce beginner-friendly surf. The main draw for learning to surf in Santa Catalina, besides its proximity to Panama’s most wild national park and diving location, is the lack of crowds. Most traveling surfers occupy themselves with the point break, so lessons at the beach break occur in relative isolation where new surfers have room to spread and test the waters.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is one of the region's most visited surf destinations. Thanks to its proximity to famed waves like Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point, and Playa Grande, Tamarindo attracts surfers of all abilities from all over the planet. Playa Tamarindo, the town’s main beach, offers user-friendly waves ideal for beginner surfing. Beyond the surf, the town has plenty to do and see, with restaurants, nearby wildlife tours, and nightlife. While the waves in Tamarindo are beginner friendly, they’re also extremely crowded. As perhaps the most visited surf destination in all of Central America, crowds are expected. Be prepared to be haggled on the beach and walking through the town.
Popoyo, Nicaragua
Just north of San Juan del Sur, Popoyo, Nicaragua, serves as a lesser-known, yet highly reliable option for traveling surfers. Popoyo boasts a quality reef break where intermediate and advanced surfers can draw unique lines on long, open walls. In addition to the reef break, which gives the town its name, there’s also a protected beach break known as Beginners Bay. Beginners Bay offers new surfers a sheltered cove where big swells are broken up and transformed into gentle, beginner-surfing-friendly waves. Popoyo is a great option for surfers traveling during the rainy season (June to September) when the Lake Nicaragua Effect creates gentle all-day offshore winds. During the dry season, the Papagayo Winds combine with the lake effect to produce powerful gusts that can blow out the surf. Like Tamarindo, have your wits about you, especially when walking around at night. Your surf camp may offer you a local guide to escort from your surf camp to the near by beach bars and restaurants to avoid being haggled.
Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara, Costa Rica, used to be an off-the-beaten-track destination in Northern Costa Rica where a traveling surfer could find an isolated peak to themselves along the town’s several miles of beach. Today, it’s one of the region’s trendiest destinations. While the waves are more crowded than they used to be, there’s still plenty of room to spread out. With dozens of surf schools to choose from, Nosara is great pick if you looking for the combination of great surf, safety and a trendy cafe, dining and shopping scene.
Playa Maderas, Nicaragua
Situated in a small bay north of the popular town of San Juan Del Sur, Playa Madras offers visitors a scenic stay away from the hustle and bustle of town. The waves at Playa Madras are consistent and beginner surfing friendly, but like Popoyo, best during the rainy season. What Playa Madras lacks in a food scene and charming digital nomad cafes, it makes up for in its proximity to nature.
At Waluaa, we provide a safe and friendly environment for new surfers to learn and thrive during a week of complete rejuvenation. Santa Catalina, Panama is our own slice of paradise, away from the crowds and a safe destination where you’ll immerse yourself in a wonderland of surf, yoga, and natural beauty. Learn more about our All-Inclusive Surf Retreats and Professional Surf Coaching.
