Playa Hermosa: Costa Rica’s First World Surfing Reserve
Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica has gained significant recognition, becoming the first beach in Central America to receive the esteemed title of “World Surfing Reserve.” This accolade is due to its outstanding waves, rich biodiversity, robust community support, and a well-defined conservation strategy.
The World Surfing Reserves (WSR) program, established by Save The Waves, an international non-profit organization, aims to safeguard surf ecosystems globally. The initiative serves as a blueprint for the preservation of wave breaks and their surrounding environments by recognizing and protecting the vital environmental, cultural, and economic characteristics of surfing locales. Each year, surf communities worldwide submit applications to attain the WSR designation, with only one location selected annually.
Situated on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa boasts some of the most reliable waves globally, attracting surfers from around the world. This five-mile stretch of beach is a hotspot for surfing enthusiasts and has hosted prominent events like the ISA World Surf Championship in 2009, making it the 13th location worldwide to join the WSR ranks, alongside destinations such as the Gold Coast in Australia and Malibu in California.
The diversity of surfing spots in Costa Rica can be categorized into four main zones: the Caribbean coast and the Northern, Southern, and Central Pacific coasts. The Pacific region features the most numerous surfing locations, with many found in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, home to Playa Hermosa. Gustavo Segura Sancho, Costa Rica’s tourism minister, expressed excitement stating, “We are thrilled that our beautiful Playa Hermosa has been added to the prestigious WSR list.”
With a coastline exceeding 900 miles and optimal surfing conditions all year round, Costa Rica presents abundant surfing opportunities for both novices and seasoned surfers alike. Further details about exploring Costa Rica’s coastlines can be found here.
