Costa Rica's dry season is almost here, and if you've been thinking about booking a surf trip, now is a pretty good time to start planning. On the Pacific coast, November marks the transition out of the rainy season, with December through April bringing sunnier days and plenty of opportunities to surf. Whether you're heading to a surf retreat in Nosara, spending a week in Santa Teresa, or exploring the breaks around Tamarindo, there's a lot to look forward to.
The water is warm, the days are hot, and chances are you'll spend most of your time either surfing or hanging out somewhere near the beach. Packing is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things worth thinking about, especially when it comes to the sun. Costa Rica is close to the equator, and the UV exposure can be intense, even when it's cloudy.
Here's what we'd bring along.
What to Wear in the Water
One of the best parts about surfing in Costa Rica is leaving the wetsuit at home. For most Pacific coast breaks, the water is warm enough to surf comfortably in a bikini or one-piece year-round.
For a bikini, we love the Salt Gypsy Drifter 2.0 Reversible Bottoms in Baby Blue and Chilli Red, paired with the matching Bralette Top. Salt Gypsy designs swimwear specifically for women who surf, so the focus is on pieces that actually stay on in the water. The bottoms have a high waist, an internal elastic waistband to help keep them in place, and they're reversible, which is always a plus when you're trying to pack light. We recommend sizing up in the bottoms, as they run a little small.
It's also worth packing a one-piece for days when you'd rather not think about your bikini at all. The Seea Rosita is one of our favorites. It's made from Seea's supportive recycled C-Skin fabric, with adjustable straps and a beautiful low scoop back. It's a classic surf silhouette that looks just as good out of the water as it does on a board.
And don't forget a rashguard. Even if you prefer surfing in a bikini, having something to cover your shoulders and arms can make a huge difference when you're spending hours in the sun. The Sisstr Seeker Rashguard is lightweight, stretchy, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. It comes in Kona Brown and Blissful Blue, and is an easy layer to throw on over your swimsuit for a longer session.
Protect Yourself From the Sun
We really can't emphasize this one enough. The sun in Costa Rica is strong, and when you're in the water for a few hours, it's surprisingly easy to get burned without realizing it.
A good surf hat is one of those things you might not think you need until you start wearing one. The Sunward Bound Cocoa Reef Surf Hat offers UPF 50+ protection, with a structured brim that won't flop into your eyes while you're paddling. It also has an adjustable neoprene chin strap and rear toggle to help keep it secure in the water. We love the cocoa print, too.
Zinc is another must. We carry SurfDurt's Tinted SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, made with non-nano zinc oxide and packaged in a reusable bamboo container. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for surf sessions. Make sure to bring a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen for the rest of your body as well, and reapply regularly, especially after being in the water.
Between a good hat, a rashguard, and sunscreen, you'll be much better prepared for those long days outside.
For Everything After the Surf
Part of the fun of a surf trip is everything that happens between sessions. Coffee in town, breakfast with friends, wandering around barefoot, or finding somewhere to watch the sunset. We love packing clothes that work for all of it.
The Atmosea Ellis Canvas Boardshorts are a great example. They have that classic '90s boardshort look, with a high waist, three shades of blue, and white piping. They're made from 100% cotton canvas rather than the usual synthetic boardshort material, so they feel a little more like everyday shorts. You can wear them surfing and then throw on a tee to head into town for coffee. Just keep in mind that cotton takes longer to dry than traditional boardshort fabric.
For something softer, we'd bring the Atmosea Terry Towelling Après Surf Shorts in Chocolate. They're made from absorbent cotton terry, with a relaxed fit and adjustable drawstring waist. Perfect for throwing on after a surf, lounging around your accommodation, or heading out for a slow morning.
And if you have a little extra room in your bag, the Atmosea Delfi Après Surf Robe is worth bringing. Made from plush cotton terry with a full zipper, hood, and roomy fit, it doubles as a towel and an easy way to change out of your swimsuit after a session. Especially useful if you're staying at a surf retreat or driving between breaks without somewhere private to change.
A Few Other Things Worth Packing
Aside from your surfwear, we'd bring tropical-water surf wax, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, and a small dry bag for wet swimsuits. A light rain jacket is also worth tossing in, particularly if you're traveling in November or early December when the weather can still be a little unpredictable.
If you're bringing your own board, double-check your airline's baggage policy before you fly. Otherwise, most surf camps and retreats can help arrange rentals, which makes traveling a whole lot easier.
The best thing about a Costa Rica surf trip is that you really don't need much. A few swimsuits you trust, good sun protection, and some comfortable clothes for after the surf will cover most of your days.
And if you're anything like us, you'll probably end up wearing the same favorite pieces all week anyway.
What to Pack for a Surf Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica's dry season is almost here, and if you've been thinking about booking a surf trip, now is a pretty good time to start planning. On the Pacific coast, November marks the transition out of the rainy season, with December through April bringing sunnier days and plenty of opportunities to surf. Whether you're heading to a surf retreat in Nosara, spending a week in Santa Teresa, or exploring the breaks around Tamarindo, there's a lot to look forward to.
The water is warm, the days are hot, and chances are you'll spend most of your time either surfing or hanging out somewhere near the beach. Packing is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things worth thinking about, especially when it comes to the sun. Costa Rica is close to the equator, and the UV exposure can be intense, even when it's cloudy.
Here's what we'd bring along.
What to Wear in the Water
One of the best parts about surfing in Costa Rica is leaving the wetsuit at home. For most Pacific coast breaks, the water is warm enough to surf comfortably in a bikini or one-piece year-round.
For a bikini, we love the Salt Gypsy Drifter 2.0 Reversible Bottoms in Baby Blue and Chilli Red, paired with the matching Bralette Top. Salt Gypsy designs swimwear specifically for women who surf, so the focus is on pieces that actually stay on in the water. The bottoms have a high waist, an internal elastic waistband to help keep them in place, and they're reversible, which is always a plus when you're trying to pack light. We recommend sizing up in the bottoms, as they run a little small.
It's also worth packing a one-piece for days when you'd rather not think about your bikini at all. The Seea Rosita is one of our favorites. It's made from Seea's supportive recycled C-Skin fabric, with adjustable straps and a beautiful low scoop back. It's a classic surf silhouette that looks just as good out of the water as it does on a board.
And don't forget a rashguard. Even if you prefer surfing in a bikini, having something to cover your shoulders and arms can make a huge difference when you're spending hours in the sun. The Sisstr Seeker Rashguard is lightweight, stretchy, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. It comes in Kona Brown and Blissful Blue, and is an easy layer to throw on over your swimsuit for a longer session.
Protect Yourself From the Sun
We really can't emphasize this one enough. The sun in Costa Rica is strong, and when you're in the water for a few hours, it's surprisingly easy to get burned without realizing it.
A good surf hat is one of those things you might not think you need until you start wearing one. The Sunward Bound Cocoa Reef Surf Hat offers UPF 50+ protection, with a structured brim that won't flop into your eyes while you're paddling. It also has an adjustable neoprene chin strap and rear toggle to help keep it secure in the water. We love the cocoa print, too.
Zinc is another must. We carry SurfDurt's Tinted SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, made with non-nano zinc oxide and packaged in a reusable bamboo container. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for surf sessions. Make sure to bring a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen for the rest of your body as well, and reapply regularly, especially after being in the water.
Between a good hat, a rashguard, and sunscreen, you'll be much better prepared for those long days outside.
For Everything After the Surf
Part of the fun of a surf trip is everything that happens between sessions. Coffee in town, breakfast with friends, wandering around barefoot, or finding somewhere to watch the sunset. We love packing clothes that work for all of it.
The Atmosea Ellis Canvas Boardshorts are a great example. They have that classic '90s boardshort look, with a high waist, three shades of blue, and white piping. They're made from 100% cotton canvas rather than the usual synthetic boardshort material, so they feel a little more like everyday shorts. You can wear them surfing and then throw on a tee to head into town for coffee. Just keep in mind that cotton takes longer to dry than traditional boardshort fabric.
For something softer, we'd bring the Atmosea Terry Towelling Après Surf Shorts in Chocolate. They're made from absorbent cotton terry, with a relaxed fit and adjustable drawstring waist. Perfect for throwing on after a surf, lounging around your accommodation, or heading out for a slow morning.
And if you have a little extra room in your bag, the Atmosea Delfi Après Surf Robe is worth bringing. Made from plush cotton terry with a full zipper, hood, and roomy fit, it doubles as a towel and an easy way to change out of your swimsuit after a session. Especially useful if you're staying at a surf retreat or driving between breaks without somewhere private to change.
A Few Other Things Worth Packing
Aside from your surfwear, we'd bring tropical-water surf wax, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, and a small dry bag for wet swimsuits. A light rain jacket is also worth tossing in, particularly if you're traveling in November or early December when the weather can still be a little unpredictable.
If you're bringing your own board, double-check your airline's baggage policy before you fly. Otherwise, most surf camps and retreats can help arrange rentals, which makes traveling a whole lot easier.
The best thing about a Costa Rica surf trip is that you really don't need much. A few swimsuits you trust, good sun protection, and some comfortable clothes for after the surf will cover most of your days.
And if you're anything like us, you'll probably end up wearing the same favorite pieces all week anyway.