Chances are if you’re staying at Escaleras Escape, you’re planning on taking advantage of the world renown waves that constantly hit our shores.

Escaleras Escape is conveniently located just 15 minutes outside the popular surf town Dominical and is just minutes from multiple other world renowned surf beaches.

And when it comes to surfing, there are a few things to note before jumping into the water…

The Escaleras Escape Surf Guide

If you’re a beginner surfers, who has never surfed before, you should start with a 2 hour surf lesson from Dominical Surf Camp.

Dominical Surf Camp is just a 15 minute drive from Escaleras Escape and is our number 1 recommended surf shop in the area.

With a 2:1 student to instructor ratio, these lessons are informative, worth your time and money, and crucial when it comes to improving your surfing skills and learning the basics.

Although Dominical is technically ranked as an advanced surfer’s beach, it’s a great place to learn as the powerful waves in the back create small whitewater waves for the lessons held near the beach.

Once you’re through the lesson phase, it’s time to decide where and when you should surf.

Best Beaches to Surf Based on Skill Level

Beginner Surfers: Playa Dominicalito, Punta Uvita, and Playa Chaman

Intermediate Surfers: Playa Hermosa

Advanced Surfers: Playa Dominical and Punta Achiote

When to Surf

Choosing the best time at which to surf is essential for amplifying your safety and the fun factor of your session.

The proper use of a local surf report and tide table can help you decide on the timing of your session.

Surf Report

Always check a local surf report before heading out.

If there’s a swell in the forecast, figure out how big it will be to make sure you are comfortable with the conditions.

It’s important to note that a large swell at low tide can cause the waves to close out—creating very powerful steep waves, while a small swell at high tide could potentially create mushy conditions.

Use the local surf report to decide on the timing of your tide.

If the swell is bigger than you prefer, surf closer to high tide. If it’s smaller than you were hoping for, try to surf closer to low tide.

Find our local surf report by clicking here.

Tides

If you’re comfortable with the swell size, Escaleras Escape would recommend surfing 3 hours before a high tide as the waves tend to be consistent and work best during this mid tide range.

If you want to be in the water when the waves are faster and more hollow, opt to surf at a lower tide.

In contrast, if you’d rather ride more forgiving waves, time your session when the water depth at the break is higher.

You can check the tide times by checking out our monthly bulletin or by clicking here.

We are very lucky in that some of our beaches are patrolled by life guards. The life guards and those at the local surf shops are great resources and readily available should you have any questions or concerns.

Other helpful links

To book your stay at Escaleras Escape click here.

For more information about Escaleras Escape click here.

For step by step driving directions to Escaleras Escape click here.