Dive into the adventure: Family surfing in Costa Rica
Young children love the beach, but as they grow older, they crave more excitement. How about taking them on a sports-oriented trip in a tropical setting?
By Flávia Oliveira
If you’re seeking an exciting adventure with older children and teenagers that everyone can enjoy, why not consider a surfing vacation in Costa Rica? With its beautiful beaches and perfect waves, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for families looking to blend fun, relaxation, and the thrill of surfing. In this article, we will explore why Costa Rica is an excellent choice for a surfing vacation, the benefits of surfing as a family activity, tips for planning your trip, and the best surfing spots for families in Costa Rica. Let’s plunge into this adventure together!
Why choose Costa Rica for a family surfing vacation?
Costa Rica is a dream destination for surfers from around the world and is also perfect for families looking to experience the thrill of the waves. With a tropical climate, stunning beaches, and a welcoming culture, Costa Rica provides a unique combination of lush nature and excellent surfing conditions. Additionally, the country is renowned for its environmental preservation policies, ensuring you can enjoy clean and untouched beaches during your vacation. Costa Rica also boasts a fantastic tourist infrastructure with a variety of accommodation options and family-friendly activities. Therefore, if you’re seeking a surfing destination that offers fun for the whole family, Costa Rica is the right choice.
Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
Surfing is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. By choosing surfing as a family activity, you’ll be providing a unique experience of connection and fun. Surfing requires teamwork, patience, and respect for nature, which are important values to instill in your children. Moreover, surfing is a great way to exercise and spend time outdoors. By sharing this passion as a family, you’ll create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. So, why not take advantage of your vacation in Costa Rica to experience this adventure together? Those who already know how to surf can revel in the sport, and those who haven’t tried it yet can sign up for lessons. There’s a surfing level for everyone!
Best Surfing Spots in Costa Rica for Families
Costa Rica offers a variety of beaches and waves for all types of surfers, including families. Among the best surfing spots for families in Costa Rica, Tamarindo, Jacó, and Santa Teresa stand out. Tamarindo is known for its gentle waves, perfect for beginners, while Jacó offers more challenging waves for intermediate surfers. Santa Teresa is a quieter destination with consistent waves and a laid-back atmosphere. At these beaches, you’ll find surf schools that offer lessons for children and teenagers, allowing the whole family to enjoy the thrill of the sport. Always remember to respect safety rules and follow the instructors’ guidelines when surfing at any of these beaches.
Photo 1: Samara Beach / Photo 2: Relaxed atmosphere at Santa Teresa Beach
Surf Lessons and Camps for Families
If you’re looking to enhance your surfing skills or learn to surf from scratch, Costa Rica offers a variety of surf schools and family camps, such as Lapoint Camp, or the more laid-back Blue Surf Sanctuary, both located in Santa Teresa, or PeaksnSwells in Montezuma. These institutions specialize in teaching children and teenagers, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Surf lessons typically include both theoretical and practical instructions, along with necessary equipment. Moreover, many surf camps also offer additional activities like kayaking tours, jungle hikes, and yoga classes. By participating in surf lessons or camps, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and create incredible memories with your family.
Photo 1: Surf lessons at Santa Teresa Beach / Photo 2: Child surfing at Jacó Beach
Other Family Activities in Costa Rica
While surfing is an exciting activity, Costa Rica offers a myriad of other activities for families. You can explore the country’s rich biodiversity by visiting national parks such as Manuel Antonio National Park or Arenal Volcano National Park. Take zip-line tours through the rainforest, go quad biking, learn about the country’s fauna and flora (Costa Rica has over 214 species of amphibians in a small area, so you might encounter many different types of frogs). Also, visit the famous waterfalls of Costa Rica or enjoy water activities like snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding. Furthermore, Costa Rica is known for its exotic wildlife, so you can take wildlife safaris in their natural habitat. With so many options, you’ll undoubtedly find activities that will please every family member
Photo 1: Child with the gladiator frog / Photo 2: Rio Celeste Waterfall / View of Arenal Volcano
Services
How to get there?
There are no direct flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José (SJO); different airlines flying there have layovers in different capitals: Copa Airlines, Avianca, Latam, Gol, Azul, Aeroméxico.
Brazilians do not require a visa, but the International Certificate against yellow fever is required.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from December to April. It’s the high season as it is a drier period. In other months, there is more rainfall.
The ideal way for this trip is to rent a car, preferably a 4×4 or SUV, as the roads may not always be in good condition.
Visit Costa Rica: www.visitcostarica.com
Travel agencies Viajar com Crianças and Viajar com Adolescentes can help your family plan the perfect itinerary!
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