
Costa Rica Surf Adventure Self-Drive
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Start in San José and finish back in San José on a 10 day coastal escape that puts the Pacific’s best beaches within easy reach. Pick up your wheels and head to Tamarindo – a lively surf hub with golden sands and epic sunsets – then cruise to Jacó for more waves, nightlife and the El Miro viewpoint. Nature lovers can detour to Carara National Park to spot scarlet macaws and crocodiles along the Tárcoles River. Continue south to laid back Dominical – think consistent surf, rainforest hikes, waterfalls and caves. Expect relaxed drives, plenty of beach time and a great mix of adventure and chill.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
Standard (3*) or Superior (4*) hotelsStarts
San JoseEnds
San JoseMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Costa Rica that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
NoCountry
Costa RicaPassengers
$5,092.50
$2,546.25
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
NoGroup Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
On this tour, all arrangements such as accommodation and transportation are pre-arranged for you. You may enjoy included activities and guided sightseeing, but you will need to navigate your way through the tour by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, we’ll meet you and guide you to your transport for the journey to your hotel, where you’ll spend your first night in Costa Rica. Overnight in San José.
Day 2 - San Jose - Tamarindo
After breakfast, meet the car hire representative in the hotel lobby in San José to collect the vehicle, then drive to Tamarindo on the North Pacific coast. This Guanacaste beach town rose to surfing fame after Bruce Brown’s 1966 film Endless Summer and is part of Costa Rica’s Golden Coast. On arrival, check in to your selected hotel.
Tamarindo offers access to well-known surf spots including Langosta, Playa Grande, Playa Negra and Roca Bruja. The climate is tropical, averaging around 32°C. Expect a dry, hot and sunny season from November–April, and a greener rainy season from April–October, typically with bright mornings and heavy afternoon downpours that often produce striking sunsets.Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 3 - Tamarindo
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then the day is yours in Tamarindo. There are no scheduled activities today – you can relax on the beach, enjoy the surf and explore the area at your own pace. If you wish, use your rental car to reach nearby spots and viewpoints.Overnight in Tamarindo.
Day 4 - Tamarindo - Jaco
After breakfast, check out and drive to Jacó, the closest beach to San José and one of the country’s most visited coastal spots. Its 4 km stretch of sand includes world famous breaks such as Playa Hermosa – host of the ISA Surfing World Championship in 2009 – with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The town has plenty of amenities and an active nightlife, so you can surf, dine and enjoy the beach at your own pace. Overnight in Jacó.
Day 5 - Jaco
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to make the most of Jacó. You might surf, unwind on the beach or head up to El Miro – a hillside path with sweeping views over town. Along the way you could spot wildlife such as monkeys, frogs and toucans, and see walls covered in colourful graffiti. If you fancy a spin, you can take a leisurely ride on a beach cruiser or banana-style bike, then round off the day with sunset – from the sand, a viewpoint, your hotel balcony or a restaurant table. Overnight in Jacó.
Day 6 - Jaco
Choose how to spend your final day in Jacó – relax on the beach, go surfing, or drive to Carara National Park to explore its distinctive transition forest and marshes. Wildlife is often seen here, from crocodiles reaching around three metres in the Río Grande de Tárcoles to water birds such as pink herons and needle ducks. Overnight in Jacó.
Day 7 - Jaco - Dominical
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart for Playa Dominical in the South Pacific.Dominical is a small beach town in the province of Puntarenas, surrounded by tropical forest. Its beach stretches for around 2 kilometres at the mouth of the Barú River and is known for strong, consistent waves and open sea – a favourite with surfers all year. The town began as a fishing village and has grown into a well known tourist destination, especially for surfing. Overnight in Dominical.
Day 8 - Dominical
The day is free for you to enjoy Dominical at your own pace – relax on the beach, catch some waves, or explore the area independently. Overnight in Dominical.
Day 9 - Dominical
The day is yours in Dominical. If you fancy a break from the waves, you can trade the beach for the rainforest and head out on a hike – the coastline here is fringed by dense tropical forest with several waterfalls and caves that make for a memorable outing. Enjoy the evening at your own pace, and we overnight in Dominical.
Day 10 - Dominical - San Jose
Enjoy your final breakfast in Costa Rica, then check out and drive from Dominical to San José in good time to return the hire car at the location provided when you collected it. Proceed to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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