Best Surf Spots in Central America

For an incredible surf adventure pack your board and head to Central America. These are some of the very best spots and if you’re lucky, you can hit more than one.

Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica

At Playa Avellanas is a spot called El Estero, or The River Mouth. Waves are big, hollow, and fast, creating incredible tubes. The beach is named for its hazelnut (Avellana) shaped tubes that allow even intermediate surfers to ride these tubes to their content. Best conditions are during the dry season and the gold sand beach studded with black rocks and lined with palms is a gorgeous place to relax as well.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Arguably one of the best beach breaks in the world, the sandbars off Playa Zicatella create incredible, hollow barrels. The surfing is rough here and you’ll get pounded if a fall, so no amateurs.

CC Image courtesy of Jeff Rowley Big Wave Surfer on Flickr

Witches Rock, Costa Rica

Witches Rock, popularized in Bruce Brown’s “The Endless Summer II,” is a classic beach break with perfect lefts and rights. Named for a giant rock sitting off-shore, the beach is huge and part of a national park. Check out Witch’s Rock Surf Camp while in Tamarindo for a great place to get lessons, a rental, or a room.

Punta Roca, El Salvador

El Salvador seems to have it all-perfect weather, no crowds, friendly locals, and great food. This long, fast, powerful right point break is El Salvador’s gem.

Astillero Beach Break, Nicaragua

A little known break in front of a river mouth near the small fishing town of Astillero, this is one of the best and least crowded spots in Nicaragua. Find a place to crash in the Popoyo area and try to catch a ride down the beach on a 4WD to avoid a long walk. Also check out Playa Colorado, a fantastic beach break with no crowds, if you have more time in Nicaragua.

Lead Photo: CC Image courtesy of Mario Pleitez on Flickr

ryan

Ryan is a writer, photographer, and teacher living and volunteering throughout Latin America.

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