A list by Sara Fuchs & Karl Franke. Updated March 2024.
We have created a list with the best surf hotels in Costa Rica. We have also included surf-friendly resorts and hostels. Hope you enjoy it. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
TAMARINDO. Facing the beachfront, Surf Ranch Tamarindo offers 4-star accommodation in Tamarindo and has a garden, terrace and restaurant. The property is set a few steps from Tamarindo Beach, 400 metres from Grande Beach and 2.5 km from Langosta Beach. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer, all guest rooms at Surf Ranch Tamarindo have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms also offer a balcony. The area is popular for hiking, and car hire is available at Surf Ranch Tamarindo. The hotel also offers free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service. At the hotel, all rooms come with a desk. At the accommodation all rooms have bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options. There is an in-house bar and guests can also make use of the business area. The nearest airport is Tamarindo Airport, 3 km from the hotel.Show full description
TAMBOR. Bed and Breakfast. Lodge Margouillat is situated on a property of 4 hectares with an abundance of exotic wildlife and maintained gardens. From a pristine outdoor pool overlooking a stunning jungle and mountain view, guests can watch a colorful Costa Rican sunset and countless birds and monkeys. Guests have the option to try the Balinese Gazebo for full immersion in nature, the Deluxe Bungalow for a luxury retreat, or Villas for a longer term stay. 10 km away guests will find Montezuma, where waterfalls and zip lining are a few of the activities available. Other activities include Curu Reserve, Isla Tortuga, Cabo Blanco National Park, horseback riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, ATV tours, fishing, surfing, hiking, bird watching, yoga, and massages. Enjoy luxurious amenities and the privacy of individual bungalows enclosed by tropical plants and trees. Tambor Beach is 4 km from Lodge Margouillat and Panica town is 1 km away.Show full description
SANTA TERESA BEACH. Hostel. La Posada is located 4 minutes’ walk from Santa Teresa Beach and 5 km from Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. It features free WiFi in all areas. Activities as surf lessons, canopy tours, ATV rental, sport fishing and visits to the Turtle Island can be arranged at this property. The property offers private rooms and shared dorms. Enjoy the pool table after cooking in any meal in the fully equipped shared kitchen, with water purifier. This hostel is 25 metres from a bus station and 19 km from Montezuma Town in the Gulf of Nicoya.Show full description
PLAYA GRANDE. Hostel. Located just steps from Playa Grande beach, Playa Grande Surf Camp offers an outdoor pool, BBQ area, full shared kitchen and lounging hammocks. Free WiFi access is available throughout. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including horse riding, fishing and hiking. The rooms come with air conditioning, fans and either private or shared bathroom with shower. Just ask us for more information. Shuttle service from any part of the country or airport can be arranged. The property also features free parking. This hostel is 17 km from Tamarindo Beach and 36 km from Brasilito town and beach. Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport is 66 km away.Show full description
LA CRUZ.Opened June 2021. Located in La Cruz, a few steps from Bolaños Beach, Nandel Beach Resort provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. Featuring a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Activities such as hiking, windsurfing, fishing can be enjoyed in the surroundings, and guests can relax along the beachfront. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Playa Coyotera. At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a patio with a garden view. Every room is equipped with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV, and certain rooms at Nandel Beach Resort have a balcony. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving American, Italian and Seafood cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. Speaking English and Spanish, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical guidance on the area at the reception. Coco Beach is 1.8 km from Nandel Beach Resort, while Parque Nacional Santa Rosa is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International, 77 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
TAMARINDO. Resort. Live the essence of Costa Rican in a luxury hacienda style resort in Guanacaste. This resort & spa sits oceanfront and is surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rican rich biodiversity. Off-site activities such as surfing lessons, zip lining, horseback riding, white water rafting, kayaking, bird & monkey watching and ATV tours can be arranged on site. The hotel features an award winning spa, a spectacular infinity pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, a fully equipped fitness center, biking and jogging trails and a Kids Club. This hotel is the closest international branded resort to Tamarindo. All air-conditioned guestrooms have balconies either with garden, pool or ocean view. The resort is located right at Mansita beach and guests can choose from 4 other beaches within Hacienda Pinilla. Next to the resort you will find an equestrian center, tennis courts, and an 18-hole golf course with a coastal layout. Within the resort guests will find an array of gastronomic options such as Azul Grill beach front restaurant, Tamarine our Asian fusion cuisine restaurant, Sabanero is a genuine Guanacastecan Steakhouse or Mansita Restaurant.Show full description
UVITA. Luxury Hotel. Vista Celestial is located in Uvita, Costa Rica and offers Luxury Ocean View Villas with an indoor and an outdoor shower, ocean view soaking tub, and private hot and cold infinity pool. The Villas are elegant and modern. Activities such as boat tours, rafting, zip lining and surfing lessons are available, plus whale watching, bird watching and waterfall tours. Kayaking, rappelling, quads rental and paddle boarding are other options. Each Villa features a private pool, terrace with lounge seating, and stunning ocean and jungle view. Each villa also includes a kitchenette, dining area, and complimentary bath products. Vista Celestial’s 9 Degrees Restaurant features fresh daily cuisine created by our chefs. You can also enjoy a swim up bar and a zen lounge. Spa services, a small gift shop, and airport and local transportation services are available.Show full description
UVITA. Villa. Located 50 metres from Dominical Beach, Villas by Tekoa offers a sun terrace with a swimming pool, a garden and free Wi-Fi. It features stunning Bahía de Ballenas Bay views. Activities such as rafting, aquatic tours, fishing, catamaran, surfing and snorkelling can be arranged. Other options such as kayaking, horseback riding and canopy tours are available. The villas will provide you with a cable TV, air conditioning and a seating area. There is a fully-equipped kitchenette with a refrigerator. Some of the properties have a private pool and a terrace. Guests can find a variety of restaurants at Uvita Town Centre 17 km away. At Villas by Tekoa you will a garden. Other facilities like a tour desk, luggage storage and a laundry are offered. The property offers free parking.Show full description
TAMARINDO. Resort. Offering a beautiful setting on Playa Langosta Beach and next to Las Baulas National Park, Occidental Tamarindo features an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Occidental Tamarindo has attractive décor throughout. Langosta Beach is a popular surfing destination and other activities include deep-sea fishing, kayaking and snorkelling. Each air-conditioned room has a flat-screen TV, minibar and coffee maker. This property is beachfront. Guests can enjoy a range of international cuisine at the buffet and à la carte restaurant. There is also a poolside bar and a lounge bar. La Fontana (Italian) and Kyoto (Japanese) restaurants only serve à la carte dinners; Only one courtesy a la carte dinner is offered for every 3 nights of lodging in the restaurant of your choice (La Fontana or Kyoto). Guests staying for fewer days may pay an additional fee to access these restaurants. Occidental Tamarindo’s spa features a hot tub and sauna and offers treatments including massage. There is also a gym and beauty salon. The resort also features tennis courts and volleyball pitches.Show full description
SANTA TERESA BEACH. Located in Santa Teresa Beach, Vista del Alma offers an outdoor swimming pool and garden. The property has a terrace, as well as a shared lounge. Surfing classes, fishing boat, ATVs are among the activities that guests can enjoy near Vista del Alma. The accommodation features, ticket service and organising tours for guests. At the hotel, the rooms include a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All the units will provide you a kitchen. All guest rooms will provide guests with a toaster. Montezuma is 15 km from the accommodation, while Tambor is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tambor Airport, 31 km from the property.Show full description
JACÓ. Amid a natural garden, this hotel has free Wi-Fi connection, terraces, gardens, and barbecue facilities. Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel offers its guests an outdoor pool, jetted tub, and spa facilities on site. "Gourmet Adventures" is a special menu available on site that includes the menus of different restaurants at the guest service. Some of the popular activities that can be practiced while staying at Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel are rafting, kayaking, surfing and visiting Tortuga Island and the Arenal Volcano. Featuring a modern décor, the rooms have LCD cable TVs, equipped kitchens, coffee makers and private bathrooms with shower and free toiletries. The breakfast is included with the rate. Only 4 km from Pumilio Mountain & Ocean Hotel is located Jacó, where guests may find food and entertainment options. Juan Santamaría International Airport is 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive away. Jacó Beach and Herradura Beach are 3 minutes' drive away.Show full description
SÁMARA. Bed and Breakfast. Situated in Sámara, LA DOLCE VITA - on the Beach - Samara offers beachfront accommodation 200 metres from Samara Beach and features various facilities, such as a garden, a terrace and a bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Windsurfing and cycling can be enjoyed nearby, while a bicycle rental service and a private beach area are also available on-site. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. There is a private bathroom with shower in some units, along with bathrobes, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the bed and breakfast, all units are allergy-free. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. Yoga classes and fitness classes are arranged at the fitness room in house. You can play billiards and table tennis at the bed and breakfast, and car hire is available. Buena Vista Beach is 2.9 km from LA DOLCE VITA - on the Beach - Samara, while Barra Honda National Park is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nosara, 26 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
COCO. Resort.Opened June 2021. Situated in Coco, 200 metres from Matapalo Beach, Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Boasting a kids' club, this property also welcomes guests with a restaurant, a water park and a terrace. The area is popular for windsurfing and snorkelling, and car hire is available at this 5-star resort. The property has a hot tub, nightclub and a shared lounge. The resort will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi is accessible to all guests, while some rooms include a patio. At Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Buffet and American breakfast options are available each morning at the accommodation. Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive offers a children's playground. Speaking English and Spanish at the 24-hour front desk, staff are always at hand to help. Edgardo Baltodano Stadium is 44 km from the resort, while Marina Papagayo is 44 km from the property. The nearest airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, 28 km from Riu Palace Costa Rica - All Inclusive.Show full description
COCO. Resort.Opened May 2023. Facing the beachfront, Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive offers 5-star accommodation in Coco and features a garden, restaurant and bar. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a water park. The resort provides an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, nightclub and a kids' club. You can play tennis at the resort, and the area is popular for windsurfing. The resort will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi is available to all guests, while selected rooms are equipped with a terrace. At Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive each room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Buffet and American breakfast options are available daily at the accommodation. Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive offers a hot tub. Matapalo Beach is a few steps from Riu Guanacaste - All Inclusive, while Edgardo Baltodano Stadium is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, 29 km from the accommodation.Show full description
MANUEL ANTONIO. Luxury Hotel. Surrounded by spectacular rainforest and wildlife, Gaia Hotel and Reserve is located near Manuel Antonio Beach, 7 minutes' drive from the coast in Costa Rica and offers chic accommodation. The luxury hotel features a luxury spa, gym, pool and one day tours. This resort is set within the Gaia Nature Reserve in Manuel Antonio, and the property provides transportation to beach area and the national park from 07:30 until 16:30. The air-conditioned rooms are beautifully decorated in neutral tones, with wood and wicker furnishings. They enjoy views over the tropical rainforest and come with a flat-screen TV. The adults-only area of the hotel offers 18 suites with exclusive access to a 3-level infinity pool. Gaia Hotel and Reserve offers a spa area with a steam bath, sauna and beauty salon. Guests can enjoy fine dining in the on-site restaurant or 24-hour room service. Quepos Managua Airport is approximately 3 km away.Show full description
TAMBOR. Lodge. Set on a 60 hectars farm in the spectacular Tambor Hills, Fidelito Ranch and Lodge offers accommodation surrounded by private gardens, tropical forest and small streams. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are included. Fidelito Ranch & Lodge can help arrange activities such as snorkelling, diving, sport fishing and boat trips on the nearby River Panica. Hiking and horse riding are popular in the surrounding hills. The rooms are decorated with a rustic style, feature seating and dining areas and an equipped kitchenette with fridge and coffee maker. The bathroom is private, comes with a shower, and offers a hairdryer and free toiletries. The on-site restaurant serves local dishes, seafood meals, pastas and pizzas for breakfast and dinner. Special diet menus are possible under request. From July to November: whale watching tours, in the area of Playa Tambor Tambor Beach is 3 km from the property and Tambor Airport is 10 minutes’ drive away. The bus station can be reached in 15 minutes by car.Show full description
PAPAGAYO, GUANACASTE. Resort. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo – A concept by Hyatt is a luxurious resort located in the Costa Rican jungle near Culebra. It boasts an on-site spa and gym, plus a swimming pool and 3 on-site restaurants. There is also a tennis court, water sports on-site or zip-line between trees and canopies. The property can arrange outdoor activities like snorkelling, paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming. The gorgeous rooms at this property feature stunning views of the jungle and the Pacific Ocean. They boast wooden décor and a large private bathroom with free premium toiletries. Guests have the choice of three on-site restaurants that serve fresh farm-to-table ingredients, with locally inspired dishes and an extensive wine-by-the-glass menu. The beach is just a 2-minute walk from the resort, while Arenal Volcano National Park is 159 km away. Palo Verde National Park is a 1-hour drive, while Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport is just 25 km from Andaz Papagayo.Show full description
TILARÁN. Offering an outdoor pool with a large water slide, Hotel Cielo Azul Resort is located in Tilarán, surrounded by gorgeous rolling hills. It featuresincludes free Wi-Fi and a shared lounge. Staff at the tour desk can help guests arrange outdoor activities like hiking, with the Arenal Lagoon just a 10-minute drive away. The rooms here feature bright, functional décor and come with a cable TV, a microwave and a private balcony overlooking the mountains and pool. The suite has a seating area. Tilaran Town Centre can be reached in 5 minutes by car, while Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia Canton is a 1.5 hour drive from the property.Show full description
MONTEZUMA. Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a garden, Hotel El Jardin is located in Montezuma town centre and less than 100 meters from the beach. WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge. The property can help guests book and organise many types of activities and transportation services, such as: shuttles, boat taxis and activities including snorkeling, horseback riding, diving, etc. The rooms here will provide you with a terrace, desk and a fridge. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with free toiletries. You can enjoy a garden view from some rooms. You can also rent a car at this property or arrange a private taxi. This property is 100 metres from Playa de los Artistas and a 3-hour drive from Daniel Oduber International Airport.Show full description
PAPAGAYO, GUANACASTE. Resort. Offering 4 swimming pools, 2 private beaches, golf courts, gym and a business centre, this complex is set on Papagayo Gulf and 35 minutes’ drive from Daniel Oduber International Airport. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Snorkelling, sea kayaking, horseback riding and tours to Palo Verde National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park and to Nicaragua can be arranged by this complex with a surchage. The rooms offer stylish décor with rattan and bamboo furnishing, air conditioning, a seating area, flat-screen cable TV and dining area. The terraces may feature ocean views, and the bathrooms come with bath, shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests at Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo can choose from 4 restaurants that serve salads, vegetarian dishes, Italian cuisine, seafood, steak dishes and local food. Children’s menu is available and there is a sushi bar at the Tico’s Lounge. This resort has the exclusive Tuanis Teen Centre where teenage guests will find flat-screen TV, DVD player, video games, computers with free Internet and iPod docking stations.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list very up to date. It was last edited in March 2024. If you know of a surf hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
Check out these other cool hotel lists for Costa Rica: