Surfing

Freedom on the Water

Farm to Table

Surfing

While the Papagayo Bay itself is renowned for its tranquil, turquoise waters, the immediate peninsula is more of a nursery for aspiring surfers than a destination for experienced ones. The sheltered coves and nearby beaches, such as Playa Prieta or Iguanita, offer gentle, rolling waves that are perfect for first-time lessons and families looking to get on a board in a safe, forgiving environment. Many resorts in the area provide high-end instruction, but the true surf reputation of this region lies just beyond the bay's calm horizon, where the open Pacific coast begins to show its power.

The Papagayo Peninsula serves as the primary gateway to the legendary, world-class surf spots of Costa Rica's northwest coast, located within the protected Santa Rosa National Park. This is where you will find the mythical breaks of Witch's Rock (Roca Bruja) and Ollie's Point, accessible almost exclusively by boat charters departing from nearby areas like Playas del Coco. These are not beginner waves; they are powerful, fast, and often hollow barrels that attract experienced surfers from all over the globe, made famous by surf films for their pristine conditions and raw Pacific power. Surfing here is a pilgrimage, offering a remote, untamed experience against a stunning backdrop of protected wilderness.