Kiteboarding and Windsurfing in Costa Rica 2024-2025

A tropical paradise with two coastlines washed by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is a perfect spot for water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing. Strong, steady winds guarantee excellent gliding almost every day from November through April. The peak season with daily winds of 18-23 knots runs from December to March. Thanks to Costa Rica’s warm, tropical climate, water sports enthusiasts most likely won’t need to wear a wetsuit in any season.

Kiteboarding on the Pacific Coast

West coast of Costa Rica facing the Pacific Ocean offers the best kite spots with plenty of rentals and good infrastructure. Bahia Salinas (Salinas Bay) is one of the most popular places for both beginners and professional kiteboarders. The are several beaches within the Salinas Bay area, including the popular Playa Copal, Playa Papaturro, and Playa Coyotera, where local kite schools operate. Down south along the coastline, the beaches of Santa Teresa and Malpais other excellent kiteboarding spots. They are popular with surfers, but from January to April, it’s common for these areas to get some 15-20 knots of clean cross onshore wind, which makes these beaches great for kiteboarding. The peak season on Pacific Coast lasts from December through March. At this time, wind power can get over 25 knots on some days. Riders can share the sea with whales and turtles, surrounded by incredible views.

Windsurfing on the Pacific Coast and Lake Arenal

Bahia Salinas is also a good spot for windsurfing, especially off the coast near Puerto Soley, located near the border with Nicaragua. However, the best windsurfing opportunities await at Lake Arenal that offers consistent winds and a safe environment for windsurfing enthusiasts of all levels. This area offers plenty of rentals for windsurfers and kiteboarders as well as quality lodging and food facilities. Kiteboarding and windsurfing lessons are also available there. Lake Arenal boasts high winds over 20 knots from mid-November through April. Another perk of the area is proximity to Arenal Volcano.

Kiteboarding on the Caribbean Coast

Many enthusiasts also fly the kites on the Caribbean Sea, but it has less infrastructure and facilities. One of the places where kiteboarding could be practiced is Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Limon province, but it's more popular with surfers than kiteboarders.