CR Surf Travel News for March 2007

March is one of the best months to visit Costa Rica . Not only is the Caribbean coast the most consistent for big surf, but the first Southern swells arrive on the Pacific. Also, it’s still the dry season, so offshores and sunny skies are on tap for most of the month. The only drawback is that it’s high season, and that means a high number of surfers in the lineup, and a higher cost of travel. To help those on a tight budget, but dying to catch some tropical juice, listed below are a few of my favorite hostels.

San Jose – You need a place to camp out in the city, if you get in late or have to leave early the next day. One of my favorite joints is The Backpackers Hostel – www.costaricabackpackers.com For $10 per person it has a swimming pool, tropical gardens, hammocks, sunbathing decks, BBQ night, bar-restaurant, cheap phone calls, cable tv, movie theater room and ALL FREE, internet, coffee, storage, parking, kitchen use. What more do you need? They also can get you a shuttle to the airport for $14.

Tamarindo – The Botella de Leche hostel – www.labotelladeleche.com – Dorms with A/C are as cheap as $10 per person ($12 pp for a double) and the house has a huge living area, all access kitchen, outdoor pool, and is within a five minute walk to the beach in Tamarindo. With most hotels charging $60 and up per night, this is a great option for staying in town. They also offer free coffee and tea, lockers, free bicycle use, surf lessons, surfboard rental, and ding repairs.

Santa Teresa - Just north of Mal Pais is the Cuesta Arriba Hostel, located 100 meters from the ‘La Lora’ surf break. For $10 per night per person ($12 in the high season), you get a fully equipped kitchen, free breakfast, TV lounge, and a free bicycle. It’s six to a huge shared coed room - sounds like fun! There’s also a laundry service and it’s open 24hrs. Go to www.santateresahostels.com for more information.

Jaco - I always stay at Chuck’s Cabinas Rutan, only $7.50 per night per person (up to 3 people per room) They have secure accommodations and are only two blocks from the beach in Jaco. This is a true surfer’s cabina, with surfboard storage, outdoor (and indoor) showers, and onsite board repair. Check out www.surfoutfitters.com for more info.

In Dominical I recommend Cabinas Antorchas - www.campingantorchas.net . Besides having safe campsites and lockers available on the property, they have shared rooms for $6 pp per night ($8 from Nov. to April). The best thing about this place is that it’s only 50 yards to the one of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica .