As the season of sand, swim and sun winds down in the United States, adventurous travelers begin to look elsewhere for their next warm-weather escape. For an increasing number of travelers, that means planning a getaway with surfing as a central part of the itinerary.
Though the most hardcore surfers have long dedicated time and money to searching out the best waves, surf tourism is a rapidly-growing industry, projected to grow from $68.3 billion in 2024 to over $95.9 billion by 2030. Surf tourism’s growing success, it seems, comes from how it fits squarely at the juncture of some of the most marked travel trends of the last several years, marrying adventure travel with themes like wellness that are increasingly motivating tourism among all age groups.
The industry’s growth with travelers of all ages and different levels of surf mastery is transforming surf destinations in the process. A surge in new surf retreats and resorts has begun to sprout up in its wake, many located in the Americas offering easy accessibility to the North American travelers who account for over 27% of the industry’s global market revenue.
Where are these beach-bound travelers headed? Read on for some of the buzziest spots helping rewrite the surf tourism industry in ways that even a few years ago visitors wouldn’t have been able to imagine.
Punta de Mita, Mexico
Few destinations in Mexico have seen a more dramatic transformation over the past decade than Punta de Mita, a once lonely stretch of Pacific coastline north of Puerto Vallarta that is now one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Travelers are increasingly flocking to the region’s new luxury resorts from brands as prestigious as Auberge and Four Seasons, but surfers will already know of the area as a fantastic place to catch a wave.
“For surfers seeking an exceptional year-round destination, Punta de Mita, situated along the Pacific coast of Mexico, offers a quieter, wilder alternative to the busier Caribbean shores,” says Charles Kronsten, Senior Latin America Travel Designer for Jacada Travel. “Its exposure to both south and north swells ensures consistent waves perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers on various reefs and beach breaks.”
Punta de Mita offers surfers a unique opportunity: a world-class resort stay coupled with excellent surf conditions, all in one seamless vacation. It’s an experience that feels tailor-made for beginners, or those looking to couple their stay with a little more rest and relaxation in the traditional sense. “While expert waves are less frequent, the area’s charm lies in its accessibility and diverse offerings,” says Kronsten. For those traveling with companions who aren’t interested in surfing, Punta de Mita checks all the boxes.
Few traditional resorts in the region are as surf-minded as Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, located on a stunning stretch of shoreline along Banderas Bay where whales breech in the colder months and waves crash year round. For those surfers seeking the harmonious marriage of sport with the frictionless experience of a resort stay, this adults-only, Hyatt-affiliated property is one to love.
The resort has a relaxed, surf-friendly vibe and offers complimentary surf lessons directly off the beach, as well as excursions to nearby waves breaks and a dedicated gear rental shop. Start and end the day with meals at any of the property’s thirteen different restaurants and twelve bars, or with a hydrotherapy circuit and massage at the oversized 33,000 square-foot spa. Secrets faces the family-friendly Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, which is an ideal alternatives for those traveling with kids or organizing a multi-generational surf retreat.
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Dedicated surfers have likely already checked Costa Rica off their bucket list, but well-loved destinations like Tamarindo and Nosara are just the start when it comes to the surf experience that awaits along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Its areas like Puntarenas, just a few hours south of the capital city of San José, that are now nurturing the next generation of surf tourism experience that feel totally unique to those in other parts of the country.
“The southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, especially near the Osa Peninsula…is hands-down one of the best surf zones in the country,” says Junior Vargas Salazar, Head Surf Instructor at Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort. “I grew up surfing Dominical Beach, so I know firsthand that this stretch delivers consistent waves all year. We’re just 15 minutes from four totally different breaks, so we can match each session to the [surfer’s skill level] and the day’s conditions.”
Less crowded shores, waves that offer options for surfers of all levels and new places to stay that create experiences tailored to those who might be newer to this style of travel place Puntarenas area on the cusp of this transforming industry.
Would you stay at a surf resort that isn’t just steps from the sand? If its the buzzy new Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort, you should. From its lush, hillside location complete with sweeping ocean views, Lamangata offers one of the most special surf retreats in the country. This boutique six-suite property is a quick ten-minute drive from the waves at Playa Dominical and offers daily group or private surf lessons with all the bells and whistles. A stay even includes video and drone analysis to help surfers spot ways to improve unlike ever before.
Lamangata also offers popular wellness features like a spacious yoga studio and farm-to-table dining experiences nourished by on-site gardens and an organic greenhouse. Even non-surfers will love the property’s variety of excursion and activity options, and can make the most of opportunities to explore nearby natures reserves, hidden beaches and jungle waterfalls during their stay.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Named one of the best places to visit this year by publications like Travel+Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, Nicaragua is having a moment. That’s due in no small part to the growing popularity of the surf town of San Juan del Sur. Surfers have always whispered about the wave breaks stretching up the country’s so-called Emerald Coast, anchored on the southern end by San Juan del Sur and just a stone’s throw from the border with Costa Rica.
“San Juan del Sur has long been one of Nicaragua’s best-kept secrets for surfers,” says Julio H. Arguello, CEO and Founder of La Santa María Boutique Hotel & Residences. “What makes it special is how consistent and accessible the surf is. There’s something for every skill level, from soft, beginner-friendly breaks to more powerful waves that challenge even seasoned surfers. Thanks to the offshore winds, you can surf here year-round, and most beaches are just a short drive from town.”
While San Juan del Sur once catered almost exclusively to backpackers, its increasing popularity has helped the destination grow beyond its roots to entice travelers at every price point. San Juan del Sur’s relative affordability even makes it ideal for remote workers and digital nomads, drawing visitors who stick around for weeks or even months at a time to catch waves between taking calls.
Nestled between the hillside and the coast for the most incredible sunsets overlooking the sea, La Santa María Boutique Hotel & Residences offers comfortable accommodations suited to both a quick surf escape or a longer stay. The property partners with trusted local instructors and surf schools like Tribu Surf Nicaragua and Makako Surf Academy to connect guests with surf lessons, and can also organize beach transfers and provide gear rentals or storage throughout a stay.
Surfers are just as home at La Santa María as are those who would rather experience the sea from beneath the shade of an umbrella. The boutique property is complete with an on-site gym, spa, pool and coworking space catering to the many different types of travelers drawn to the area. Its the type of place that will make you wonder how to take your work remote if you haven’t already, just so you can stick around a little longer.
Bocas del Toro, Panamá
Like Nicaragua, Panamá has long felt like a destination overshadowed by neighboring Costa Rica, and those who have visited will tell you it still feels like a hidden gem if there ever was one. Hidden within the Parque Internacional La Amistad nature preserve along the country’s north Caribbean coast, Bocas del Toro has quickly become arguably the country’s top travel destination, in large part due to its world-class surf.
With its pristine, protected surroundings, the Bocas del Toro archipelago offers an island hopping-style of surf adventure that feels totally unique to any other surfing trip visitors will have experienced before. The region has a few particularly famous beaches, including Playa Paunch which recently welcomes the esteemed ALAS Global Tour Conquistadores de los Mares international surf competition. However, the appeal of a stay comes from discovering different waves suited for every level of surfer, all of which can be found by spending a day boating around the islands, surf boards in tow.
Despite the area’s less-visited feel, its surprisingly easy to get to. Bocas del Toro is just a hour flight from Panama City, which is home to Copa Airlines’ Hub of the Americas, offering unparalleled access across the region. With Bocas’ unprecedented growth in recent years, it now offers a range of hotels and resorts catering to travelers of all budgets.
La Coralina Island House captures the area’s marriage of still untouched expanses of tropical jungle with the convenience and accessibility of Bocas Town, the archipelago’s capital. Located on Isla Colón and just a 20 minute drive from town, this plush property boasts just eight villas and 23 suites along a less-visited stretch of coast that backs up to a forested swath of shoreline for plenty of privacy.
Experienced surfers will swoon learning that the property is within walking distance of Playa Paunch, and appreciate its proximity to town for gear rentals and excursions to nearby islands. Its proximity to town also facilitates excursions to nearby islands in search of equally as enticing waves. Back at the Balinese-inspired property, each room features a private terrace with sea views, and an intimate spa along with wellness spaces including a yoga deck.