These are the two classic long-haul surf trips from Europe, and they're very different. Indonesia is reef country: long, powerful waves, but most of them are for intermediate surfers and up, and the season runs from April to October. Costa Rica is mostly beach break with warm water and easier waves to learn on, and it has surf all year, so it fills the gap when Indonesia is in its wet season. Indonesia is cheaper once you land; Costa Rica is the shorter flight.
Which one should you pick?
April to October
Indonesia. It's the dry season and the south swells are at their best.
November to March
Costa Rica. Guanacaste has its dry season with offshore mornings, while Indonesia is in the wet season.
Learning
Costa Rica, with warm beach breaks and lots of schools. In Indonesia, beginners mostly stay around Kuta and Canggu in Bali.
Experienced reef surfers
Indonesia. Long, powerful reef waves are what it does best.
When to go
Indonesia is at its best from May to October, and Costa Rica from December to October. Both are in good shape from April to October.
| Month | Indonesia | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder (Bali) | Prime (Guanacaste) |
| February | Shoulder (Bali) | Prime (Guanacaste) |
| March | Shoulder (Bali) | Prime (Guanacaste) |
| April | Good (Sumatra-Nias) | Prime (Guanacaste) |
| May | Prime (Bali) | Prime (Golfo de Nicoya) |
| June | Prime (Bali) | Prime (Golfo de Nicoya) |
| July | Prime (Bali) | Prime (Golfo de Nicoya) |
| August | Prime (Bali) | Prime (Golfo de Nicoya) |
| September | Prime (Lombok) | Prime (Golfo de Nicoya) |
| October | Prime (Mentawai Islands) | Prime (Golfo de Nicoya) |
| November | Good (Lombok) | Quiet (Guanacaste) |
| December | Shoulder (Bali) | Prime (Guanacaste) |
More in our guides to Indonesia and Costa Rica.