Night surfing in Playa Hermosa
Surf Nights in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
The first live televised night surfing event in Central America: the surf at Playa Hermosa, near Jaco, lights up for competitions, community, brands and spectators under the stars.
- When
- Announced per edition
- Registration
- Free for competitors
- Location
- Beach in front of the hotel
- Prizes
- $300 / $200 / $100 USD
Overview
Overview
Surf Nights is the first live televised night surfing event in Central America, turning the waves of Playa Hermosa, one of the best-known surf beaches near Jaco, into a nighttime stage for surfers, spectators and the local community.
Hotel Terraza del Pacifico is one of only 4 places in the world with professional infrastructure to illuminate the open ocean and allow night surfing competitions with safety and competitive visibility.
The experience combines sport, professional lighting, music, gastronomy, local energy and the hotel setting, as a true festival and spectacle.
Gallery
Explore in photos
Surf Nights with the illuminated ocean
Surfers during Surf Nights
Official Surf Nights shirt
Surf Nights winners
Sunset in Playa Hermosa before the event
Surfer on the black sand of Playa Hermosa
Surf Nights in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica — image 3
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Night surfing in Playa Hermosa
Professional lighting
The lighting system provides visibility in the ocean and creates an atmosphere that makes the event unique in the area. The competition takes place in a safe, crocodile-free zone in the open sea, where the beach becomes a visible, safer and exciting stage for competitors and spectators.
Night surfing in Playa Hermosa
Competition format
The format may vary by date, conditions and number of participants. The last edition made history with the first live nationwide television broadcast of a night surfing event, via Canal 33 / Trivision, with professional narration by Freddy "Salsiboy" Camacho and international certified judges. Competitors compete for cash prizes: $300 USD for first place, $200 USD for second and $100 USD for third. The goal is to create a memorable competition that celebrates Playa Hermosa surf.
Night surfing in Playa Hermosa
Registration
Registration for participating surfers is announced before each date and is usually managed directly with the team. We recommend checking by WhatsApp to confirm spots, timing and requirements.
Night surfing in Playa Hermosa
Spectator experience
Guests can watch from the beach and pair the event with dinner, cocktails and the Terraza del Pacifico atmosphere. It is a night to gather, support surfers and experience Playa Hermosa differently.
Night surfing in Playa Hermosa
Sponsor opportunities
Surf Nights also creates opportunities for brands that want to connect with sport, tourism and the local community. Ask about participation, coverage and activation options for upcoming dates.
More photos
The event in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is Surf Nights?
- Surf Nights is the first live televised night surfing event in Central America. The ocean in front of Terraza del Pacifico, at Playa Hermosa near Jaco, is lit with professional infrastructure so surfers can compete after dark, with music, food and spectators on the beach.
- Can spectators attend Surf Nights?
- Yes. Spectators can watch from the beach and pair the event with dinner, cocktails and the Terraza del Pacifico atmosphere. It is a night made to gather, support the surfers and experience Playa Hermosa in a different way.
- Is Playa Hermosa good for beginner surfers?
- Playa Hermosa de Jaco is a powerful, consistent beach break, recognized as a World Surfing Reserve, and is better suited to experienced surfers than to beginners. It should not be confused with the calmer Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste: the surf identity belongs to this Central Pacific beach.
- When is the best season to surf at Playa Hermosa?
- Playa Hermosa offers consistent surf year-round, and typically receives its largest, most consistent swell during the wet season, roughly May to November. Surf Nights is announced by date, so we recommend checking by WhatsApp to confirm the next edition.
Plan your event
Ready to plan Surf Nights in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica?
Share your date, guest count and the type of celebration you have in mind. The events team will guide you through the next steps.
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