Paddleboarding requires different conditions to surfing – you’ll probably be looking for calmer waters and fewer waves.
And Costa Rica is rightly famous for the quality of its surf and sealife, but it’s also a very convenient consideration for getting the water conditions just right, since its two coastlines will see favourable water conditions at different times of the year.
The western coast, exposed to the Pacific Ocean, will see powerful waves during the ‘green season’ (May-November), while the eastern coast, facing the Caribbean, will perk up from December-March for the dry season. So simply pick your coast depending on your sport – or do a cross-country trip to get a bit of both.
On the western coast, Tamarindo is well-known as one of the country’s most popular spots for watersports, with plenty of surf schools and paddleboarding classes or beginners – and just as many crowds.
But instead we’d take a trip over to the trendy town of Montezuma on the slightly more remote (and thus, less busy) Nicoya Peninsula. It’s got a huge nature reserve, a ton of reliable beaches, world-class restaurants, and a beautiful-but-possibly-haunted cemetery island if you happen to be into that sort of thing.
From there, head south along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and eventually you’ll come to the Osa Peninsula – and the waters of the sheltered Golfo Dulce.
This extraordinary ecosystem (actually one of the world’s few tropical fjords) offers calm waters for paddleboarding, as well as visits from humpback whales, whale sharks and more.
Those peaceful vibes are perfect for testing your mettle with a bit of paddleboard yoga, too. Just be careful not to drop the downward dog if a friendly whale bumps into your board.
While you’re in the vicinity, check out the absolutely stunning Golfo Dulce Retreat – it’s a fully-sustainable eco-lodge operating on its own power grid, only accessible by boat and sitting in a plum position between the rainforest and the beach.