Surf in Costa Rica is the top choice for surf vacations. Dominical is the best place for anyone wanting to learn to surf or improve their skills.
There are many good surf schools and shops that can provide you surfboards, surf gear and almost everything you need to surf.
But what else should you bring? And what if you want to bring your surfboard? Read on to discover the best Costa Rica travel surf tips.
What to Pack: Costa Rica Travel Tips for Surfers.
Surfboard: You certainly don’t need to bring your own surfboard to surf in Costa Rica. Every surfing beach has surfboard rentals. But for the dedicated surfer, nothing beats riding the waves on your own board.
If you do bring your own board, you need to know how to protect it.
Using a board bag with at least 10 millimetres (half-inch) of padding is best for international flights. Many bags come with nose or tail inserts to further protect your board from damage.
Depending on how many surfboards you want to bring, you need a bag with the proper dimensions to fit your boards. It is probably best to buy a bag with board-separating padding if you plan to do this. Otherwise, you will have to stack your boards with care. Don’t stack nose to tail. Keep your tails and noses lined up together at the same end. Be sure to use straps, tape, or rope to strap the boards together so they don’t get damaged moving around.
Most damage to the traveling surfboard will be to the nose, tail, or rails, so it is best to provide some additional padding to these areas. You can use bubble wrap or save the Styrofoam packaging from your pre-vacation Amazon shopping sprees, as these work really well.
Another travel hack for your surf vacation in Costa Rica is using your clothing as additional padding in your board bag. Just roll it up neatly and stuff it into any empty spaces. The less your boards move around, the better.
Costa Rica Travel Tip: Bring a roll of tape just in case airport security decides to search your bag and ruin all of your hard work.
What Else Should You Bring?
- Sunscreen: Costa Rica is in Central America, which means it is very close to the equator. This means that we are physically closer to the sun. Even if you’re a sun worshipper, you need sunscreen!
Since you will be spending a lot of time in the ocean on your surf vacation in Dominical, you will want to get reef-safe and waterproof sunscreen. Many surfers opt for a zinc-based sunblock to protect their skin.
If you forget the sunscreen don’t fret. Todo Sano Surf School has a locally made sunscreen called Las Olas. Which is completely natural, reef-friendly, and works great. It’s a favorite of our surf instructors.
- A few swimsuits: For surf classes, try to wear a comfortable swimsuit, that allows you to move easily and that does not fall off in the waves. Bring a few different swimsuits, just in case you have to throw on your swimsuit before it is dry.
At Todo Sano Surf School, we will provide you a rash guard to protect your skin. Nevertheless, you will practically be living in your swimsuit here, so it’s important to have more than one!
- Beach towel: Don’t forget to bring a towel. Another great thing to have at the beach is a sarong. You can throw it over your shoulders if you’re getting too much sun, wear it as a cover-up, or sit on it.
- Beach bag: Try to find a beach bag with a zipper or a separate compartment with a zipper to keep the sand out. This will be a good place to keep your phone or wallet.
Costa Rica Travel Tip: Never leave your valuables unattended, even in a locked vehicle.
- Sunglasses and hat: Remember, the UV here is crazy high! Protect yourself.
- Bug spray: The mosquitos can get bad at night, especially around sunset. Some people have a strong reaction to bug bites in tropical countries, so bring a tube of hydrocortisone or After Bite just in case.
- Reusable water bottle: From surfing and the heat, you will be drinking a lot of water. In Dominical tap water is drinkable. So there’s no need to buy plastic water bottles at the store throughout your surf vacations. It just adds to the mounting plastic problem and could end up in the ocean. Make sure you bring an insulated reusable bottle so your water stays cold.
- Warm weather clothes: The temperature rarely dips below 20 degrees Celsius (68 F) in Costa Rica, even in the cooler mountainous regions.
If you plan to stay at the beach, expect temperatures from 33 C to 26 C (91 F to 79 F) at all times of the year. Pack mainly warm weather clothes. When choosing your wardrobe, think light and breezy!
If you plan to come during the rainy season, it is good to bring a thin waterproof jacket.
- Go Pro or Camera: Bring home some awesome memories of your Costa Rican surf vacation. A good camera is nice to have if you plan to go on some sightseeing tours, like visiting waterfalls, diving or snorkelling.
- Costa Rica Travel Tip:If you choose one of the Private Todo Sano Surf Lessons or Packages you will be treated to some professional shots of yourself on the waves!
Packing for your surf vacation in Costa Rica is a breeze when you make a plan. That’s why one of the best tips is to make a list of the items you want to bring and check it off while you’re packing. If you have questions, you can rely on our Todo Sano Surf School crew to help. Whether you are planning your trip or you’re already here and realize you forgot something. 
