With 12 lighted courts, luxury villas, and all-inclusive retreats, Coco Bay is leading the country’s pickleball boom—Pura Vida style.
As the sun slips behind the volcanic sands of Playas del Coco, the warm evening air fills with the rhythmic thwack of paddles on plastic balls. Parrots glide above the palm trees, monkeys chatter from the treetops, and on twelve glowing pickleball courts, Ticos and expats rally side by side under the lights. This is no casual hobby—it’s Costa Rica’s newest national passion.
Welcome to the heart of the country’s pickleball revolution, where the laid-back spirit of Pura Vida meets one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Mention the word “Howler” and choose your reward:
🌴 2-for-1 Day Pass to The Club at Coco Bay – bring a friend and only pay for one!
🍣 Or enjoy 10% Off Your Bill at Sugoi Restaurant – fresh flavors, even better savings!
Just say “Howler” at the door or table.
Limited-time offer – don’t miss out! 😘
Why Costa Rica Is Perfect for Pickleball
Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and famously relaxed way of life, has become a tropical haven for paddle lovers. What started as a niche sport among visiting North Americans has rapidly evolved into a cultural and athletic phenomenon embraced by both locals and tourists.
Here’s why pickleball thrives in paradise:
- Year-Round Play in a Dream Climate
Sunshine nearly every day, warm temperatures, and little wind make Costa Rica ideal for outdoor play throughout the year. Whether you’re on the coast or in the mountains, the conditions are just right. - The Perfect Cultural Fit
Costa Rica’s community-focused, joyful lifestyle matches the social energy of pickleball. It’s not just about winning games—it’s about connection, laughter, and living in the moment. - Expat Energy and Local Embrace
Communities like Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, and Nosara saw the first courts built by North American expats. But it didn’t take long for locals to join the fun. Now, pickleball is a cross-cultural pastime that’s breaking barriers and bringing people together. - Easy to Learn, Fun to Play
Less demanding than tennis and beginner-friendly, pickleball is popular with people of all ages. Families, retirees, and even total beginners can pick up a paddle and start having fun almost immediately.
Where to Play: Top Pickleball Spots in Costa Rica
Pickleball courts are popping up all over the country—from beachfront resorts to jungle hideaways.
🌴 2-for-1 Day Pass to The Club at Coco Bay – bring a friend and only pay for one!
🍣 Or enjoy 10% Off Your Bill at Sugoi Restaurant – fresh flavors, even better savings!
Just say “Howler” at the door or table.
Limited-time offer – don’t miss out! 😘
🌴 The Club at Coco Bay (Playas del Coco)
The epicenter of Costa Rica’s pickleball scene, The Club at Coco Bay features twelve professional-grade, lighted courts surrounded by tropical gardens. It offers:
- Daily open play
- Private and group clinics
- Tournaments and leagues
- International retreats
Players can book Stay & Play vacation packages including luxury villas, chef-prepared meals, fitness classes, guided eco-adventures, and—of course—plenty of pickleball. It’s a full-service resort experience designed around sport and wellness. Learn more at theclubatcocobay.com
🌿 Nosara Pickleball Club (Guanacaste)
Nestled beneath the jungle canopy, this intimate club features four well-maintained courts with night lighting. It’s a peaceful, nature-filled retreat that offers coaching, community play, and the soothing sound of howler monkeys as your background music.
🌊 Jungle Pickleball (Uvita)
A Southern Zone gem that opened in 2023, Jungle Pickleball offers modern courts, fitness facilities, tournaments, and extra activities like ping pong and cornhole—all in a lush tropical setting.
🏝 Pura Pickleball (Jaco/Samara) & Hotel Punta Islita
High-end resorts and wellness retreats are stepping into the game with their own branded pickleball programs, complete with clinics, spa services, and ocean-view courts.
🌋 La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Looking for the ultimate scenic match? Courts in La Fortuna are set beneath Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano, offering a surreal fusion of sport and sightseeing. Many are accessible through adventure tour companies or local lodges.
The Full Pickleball Lifestyle
Playing pickleball in Costa Rica isn’t just about hitting a ball over a net—it’s a full-on lifestyle experience. Here’s what players can expect:
- All-Inclusive Retreats & Camps
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned competitor, multi-day retreats offer intensive coaching, daily matches, and exciting off-court adventures like hiking to waterfalls, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, or sailing at sunset. Packages typically range from $1,800 to $3,200 per person. - Fun-Focused Tournaments & Social Events
Many clubs host open-play ladders, friendly competitions, themed mixers, and potluck nights, turning every game into a party. - Vacation Packages With Pickleball Included
Luxury hotels like the Four Seasons in Papagayo, boutique vacation homes in Punta Islita, and managed rental properties by companies like Zindis or Elysium offer accommodations with on-site courts, equipment rentals, and even personalized instruction.
A Sport on the Rise: What’s Next?
Pickleball in Costa Rica is growing at a pace no one predicted:
- Dozens of new courts are in development along the Pacific, Central Valley, and Caribbean regions.
- New clubs are opening in Playas del Coco, Arenal, Uvita, Nosara, Tamarindo, and Samara.
- Real estate listings are now advertising “pickleball amenities.”
- Wellness resorts and schools are starting to introduce the sport to new audiences.
- Community leagues, youth outreach, and national-level tournaments are on the horizon.
What began as an expat hobby is now a full-blown cultural shift. With Costa Rica’s natural beauty as a backdrop and its Pura Vida lifestyle as the foundation, pickleball has found a permanent home.
Game On in Paradise
Whether you’re planning a tropical escape, a lifestyle move, or just looking to pick up a new hobby, Costa Rica invites you to join the pickleball wave. From jungle rallies to seaside smashes, it’s more than just sport—it’s how Costa Rica plays.
🌴 2-for-1 Day Pass to The Club at Coco Bay – bring a friend and only pay for one!
🍣 Or enjoy 10% Off Your Bill at Sugoi Restaurant – fresh flavors, even better savings!
Just say “Howler” at the door or table.
Limited-time offer – don’t miss out! 😘
