ok, this is my first excursion post-baby and i am finding myself really stressing over our itinerary in Costa Rica.
this will be my 5th time there but my husband's first. I feel pressure to make it great for him. I haven't been there in over 5 years though and have to say I am so disheartened by what reviews I'm reading over the places I used to love down there. Overcrowded, over-developed, over- everything.

My husband wants to take a surfing lesson - that's about all I have to go on so far. I have no clue where would be good to do this for an absolute beginner (Tamarindo is OUT - too far for our too short trip).

I am debating between Manuel Antonio and possibly Jaco (although I have yet to read a good review of that place) - any other ideas for surfing spots that are good for beginners?


I am open to suggestions and any help!

Maybe you can base yourselves in Manuel Antonio and drive down to Dominical (about a 30 minute drive). Supposedly good surfing there.

What's your basic itinerary at this point? Where will you be -- or is that to be decided?

Hi - It is true lots of areas have changed in the last 5 years including Manuel Antonio. Can I suggest the Dominical / Uvita area, it is still not crowded or over-developed for the moment. They have fixed the Highway from manuel Antonio to Dominical it will only take about 3.5 hours to get there from San Jose Airport. Otherwise you can fly from San Jose to Quepos and rent a car in Quepos Airport and its a 45min drive. There are some great Surf learner beaches Dominicalito and Playa Hermosa.

Great surf school - Bodhi surf school www.bodhisurfschool.com
another good option is Dominical surf adventures - www.dominicalsurfadventures.com

Acomodation:
I stayed in Tikivillas Rainforest Lodge and loved it - Is a new Boutique Hotel in the area very near Playa Hermosa www.tikivillas.com its on Tripadvisor

other option i considered but higher budget - Rancho Pacifico up in the mountains of uvita: www.ranchopacifico.com

Wherever you go enjoy Costa Rica its a special place!




Other options:

Are you bringing baby?

I don´t think Jaco is a good place, in any sense, and specially if you are traveling with a baby. There are also other place in the north Pacific to take surf lessons, for example Mal País, Santa Teresa, this place is not over crowded yet, and you will be able to find good accommodations and surf schools. I know a hotel very beautiful, relaxing with the beach front bungalows, spa and surf lessons, you can even buy a whole package, included everything. The place is really warm, and the owner is a surfer, so even he will be able to help your husband. http://www.tropicolatinohotel.com/, check out the surfing package.
There is also Tamarindo, but this place is overcrowded.