The best kitesurf spots in Costa Rica (part 2)

Our recommendations for kitesurfing in Costa Rica continue!

Another interesting kitesurfing spot: Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal, particularly the northernmost end of the lake, is a well-known spot for wind sports. Rated among the best windsurfing lakes in the world, Lake Arenal offers some of the most intense wind sessions in the world. This makes it an ideal spot for kitesurfing. The wind is very strong and can blow continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the most intense months. So much so that it’s the epicenter of wind power in Costa Rica. It’s exciting, challenging and a great setting for your next kiting adventure.

There are two launch points around the lake: both well equipped. And there’s nothing like the views of those wind turbines, those green hills, that blue lake water and the incredible Arenal volcano in perfect cone shape at the other end of the lake. Not bad, eh?

All the kite launching and windsurfing spots on Lake Arenal are located on the northern part of the lake. There are usually several windsurfers in the water with kites at their side, but the volume of people is still quite low and not a problem.

Although there are several options, the best in our opinion is to launch on the east side of the northern tip, at TicoWind. The launch area is well laid out, with several services, a grassy area for resting, and a somewhat slippery slope to enter the water. From here, you’ll be able to kite to the south and visit small islands, crossing to the west side of the lake for longer rides.

Other smaller kitesurfing spots

Hermosa Beach, Guanacaste

In the same area of the north Pacific coast, we’ve spotted kitesurfers at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. It’s not a safe option and the wind there is mostly good during the off-season, from June to November. You’ll get around three to four hours of kiteable wind a day, but the surfers and extra waves make it an interesting choice and certainly worth the detour.

And, if you’re in the area, it’s a good idea to have both your surfboard and your kitesurfing gear, because when the wind picks up the surf isn’t as good, but obviously that’s the best time of day to get back in the water and kite.

Malpaís and Santa Teresa, Guanacaste

A little further south, but still in the northern province of Guanacaste, you can kite at Malpaís and Santa Teresa. In Malpaís, you’ll find 15 to 20 “knots across” of onshore thermal winds from January to April during the peak kiting season.

Here’s a great video of kitesurfing in Malpaís. But be warned: this is primarily surfer territory here. If you’re looking for full sessions in the water, keep your kiteboarding gear close by. That way, you’ll be able to get in a few good days’ exercise. The beaches of Malpaís and Santa Teresa have plenty of hotels, restaurants, waves and nature, but not yet many kiteboarding equipment vendors. It’s best to find local kiteboarders who can help you, or bring your own equipment.

Pavones Beach, Puntarenas

Costa Rica’s southernmost kite spot is also a well-known surfing beach. It is located in the interior of the Golfo Dulce, at the southern end of the province of Puntarenas, towards the Panamanian border. Pavones is one of Costa Rica’s most famous surf outings, offering one of the longest left-hand waves in the world. This wave can easily be transformed into a three-minute continuous ride on the same wave. Pavones has several points where you can kite when the wind picks up. The choice is yours. This area is pretty remote, but if you can get there on a windy day, it’s worth it.

If you’d like to take a kitesurfing lesson on your next trip to Costa Rica, ask your agent who will book you a lesson with trusted professionals.