Garabito Surf City Pro and WSL Surfing in Costa Rica

From August 13 to 16, 2026, Playa Hermosa looked a little different.

Surfboards lined the beach. Competitors watched the horizon between heats. Families found their place in the sand while the next generation of surfers watched athletes from around the world do what they dream of doing one day.

The Garabito Surf City Pro brought a World Surf League Qualifying Series event to this stretch of the Pacific, with surfers from 19 countries competing in the waves of Playa Hermosa.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. From the shoreline, what mattered was the atmosphere.

Surfing became the reason everyone was there, but the day became about much more: spending time outside, sharing the beach, supporting athletes, and enjoying a place that locals are proud to call home.

That is what happens when sport becomes part of a destination rather than simply an event taking place inside it.

Playa Hermosa: A Costa Rica Surf Destination

Anyone who spends enough time in Playa Hermosa understands that surfing is not something added to the identity of the beach.

It is part of it.

Early in the morning, boards are already moving toward the water. Cars pull over along the coast. Someone is checking the waves. Someone else is coming out of the ocean.

And life continues around it.

That natural relationship with the sport is one of the reasons Playa Hermosa surfing continues to attract people from Costa Rica and around the world.

The Garabito Surf City Pro simply made that relationship visible on a larger stage.

For a few days, the same waves local surfers know so well became an international arena.

And visitors who may have arrived to watch a competition discovered something else along the way: a beach, a community, and a lifestyle worth returning to.

Surf Tourism and Sports Tourism in Jacó, Costa Rica

A surf competition does not end when the last heat finishes.

Visitors still wake up the following morning. They have breakfast at restaurants near Los Sueños. They explore the coastline. They book an activity. They visit shops and local businesses. Maybe they stay another day because someone recommended a waterfall, a boat trip, or another beach.

That is where sports tourism in Costa Rica becomes interesting.

An event can introduce someone to a destination, but everything surrounding the event gives them a reason to stay.

Jacó and Garabito are particularly well-positioned for that kind of travel because sport already fits naturally into life here.

Surfing, hiking, fishing, cycling, running, waterfalls, ocean adventures, and other outdoor experiences can easily become part of the same trip.

For travelers staying nearby at Los Sueños Resort & Marina, the area offers the chance to combine the comfort of a private vacation rental with the energy and outdoor lifestyle of the Central Pacific.

Family Activities and Outdoor Adventures in Costa Rica

One of the advantages of having so many different experiences nearby is that everyone can enjoy Costa Rica in their own way.

Some family members might want to watch an international surf competition or try surfing themselves. Others might prefer a waterfall, a wildlife tour, a boat trip, a sport-fishing experience, or a relaxed day at the resort.

That flexibility makes the Central Pacific particularly appealing for a Costa Rica family vacation.

You do not need to follow the same itinerary every day, nor do you need every person to want the same activity.

The best vacations often combine adventure with slower moments: an exciting morning outside, lunch together, an afternoon by the pool, and dinner overlooking the marina.

Garabito Surf City and the Future of Tourism

The Garabito Surf City Pro arrived during an important moment for the region.

Garabito has joined the international Surf City Network, connecting the destination with other communities worldwide where surfing plays an important role in culture, sport, and tourism.

What happens next is what makes that recognition exciting. Because becoming known as a surf destination is not simply about attracting more surfers.

It can mean creating more reasons for people to visit, supporting local businesses, encouraging sport among younger generations, and developing experiences that reflect the place's identity rather than replacing it.

Playa Hermosa already has the waves. Jacó already has the energy and tourism infrastructure.

The Central Pacific already has rainforest, beaches, wildlife, and adventure.

Surfing naturally connects many of those pieces.

And events like the Garabito Surf City Pro allow the rest of the world to see what has been here all along.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities are available near Los Sueños Resort?

Travelers can enjoy surfing, sport fishing, waterfalls, wildlife experiences, rainforest adventures, beaches, and many other Costa Rica tours and activities throughout the Central Pacific.

Are there international surfing events near Los Sueños Resort?

Yes. Playa Hermosa hosts surfing competitions, including national and international events. With Playa Hermosa a short drive from Los Sueños Resort, guests may have the opportunity to experience competitive surfing during their stay, depending on the event calendar.

Is Playa Hermosa worth visiting if I don't surf?

Yes. Playa Hermosa is part of Costa Rica's Pacific surf culture, but visitors can also enjoy the beach, watch experienced surfers, and experience sporting events when they are taking place. Visitors should be cautious when swimming because the beach is known for powerful waves and currents.

What can families do near Los Sueños Resort?

Families can combine beach days with waterfalls, wildlife, ocean adventures, sport fishing, and other Costa Rica activities. Different activities can easily be combined within the same vacation.

Where can I stay while exploring Costa Rica's Central Pacific?

Stay in Costa Rica offers vacation rentals at Los Sueños Resort, allowing travelers to enjoy the resort's amenities and comfort while staying close to Jacó, Playa Hermosa, and a range of activities throughout the Central Pacific.

Experience Costa Rica's Central Pacific from Los Sueños Resort

Eventually, the competition ends. The tents come down. The athletes move on to the next event. Playa Hermosa becomes quieter again.

But the waves keep arriving. The event was temporary. The lifestyle behind it is not.

Surfing, outdoor living, family, community, and the Pacific Ocean are already part of everyday life here.

When you stay at Los Sueños Resort & Marina, you are close enough to become part of that world while still returning each day to the privacy and comfort of your own Costa Rica vacation rental.

Spend a morning watching the waves in Playa Hermosa. Have lunch in Jacó. Take the family on one of our Costa Rica tours and adventures. Then come home as the Pacific sun begins to disappear.

Our Stay in Costa Rica Concierge Services can help connect the pieces and create a stay centered on the experiences you want to have.

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