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.
Practical info
When is the peak season for kiteboarding and windsurfing in Costa Rica?
From December to March is the peak season for kitboarding and windsurfing in Costa Rica. These months have daily winds of 18-23 knots, reaching up to 25 knots, which makes it ideal for both experts and beginners. The season starts from November and goes on up until April. You do not need to wear a wetsuit while kiteboarding as the tropical climate provides warmer temperatures all year round. Show more
Which are the most famous kiteboarding spots in Costa Rica?
Bahia Salinas (Salinas Bay) is said to be the most popular kiteboarding spot in Costa Rica, ideal for everyone from novices to seasoned experts. It is located on the west coast and has all the required facilities, beaches, and kite schools to make your trip comfortable. Santa Teresa and Malpais are also great for kiteboarding with wind speeds of 15-20 knots from January to April. Lake Arenal is perfect for windsurfers, and winds exceed 20 knots from November to April. Show more
What weather and wind conditions should you expect in Costa Rica for kiteboarding and windsurfing?
Costa Rica is considered an all-year-round destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing. However, November to April's months are considered the best for this activity due to the afternoon winds that range from 15-25 knots. The peak season starts from December to March and experiences daily winds of 18-23 knots that may reach maximum speeds of 25 knots. There is no need to wear a wetsuit as water temperatures are comfortable all year round, except in the Caribbean where it may be colder and calmer. Rashguards can protect against the sun’s rays. Show more
Is a wetsuit necessary while kiteboarding and windsurfing in Costa Rica?
You do not need to wear a wetsuit while kiteboarding in Costa Rica, regardless of when you go. Costa Rica's warm tropical climate ensures that water temperatures remain comfortable all year round. Rashguards are highly recommended to protect your skin against the sun’s rays. The Caribbean coast is colder and calmer but is still ideal for kiteboarding without a wetsuit. Wearing a wetsuit is unnecessary in any of the water sports activities available in Costa Rica. Show more
What other water sports are available in Costa Rica besides kiteboarding and windsurfing?
In addition to kiteboarding and windsurfing, there are many other water sports to enjoy in Costa Rica. White water rafting is present on many of the country's turbulent rivers, while surfing is available on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling are also great activities to engage in. You can rent jet skis and wakeboards, which are other popular options throughout Costa Rica. You can easily access these water sports at any of the many rental shops in Costa Rica. Show more
