In Costa Rica, waves draw surfers from around the world. Surf tourism has become a powerful driver of local economies in coastal communities. From surf schools to hotels, restaurants, and transportation, surf generates jobs and income across multiple sectors. Visitors come not only for the waves, but for the experience of the culture, the people and the food.
Coastal zones are dynamic spaces where multiple livelihoods coexist. Small-scale fisheries provide fresh seafood, support local traditions, and sustain families. At the same time, aquaculture contributes to food security and economic diversification. Surf tourism operates within this same coastal environment. Clean water and healthy ecosystems are essential for these activities, making the well-being of these sectors interdependent.
Restaurants and hotels rely on local seafood to meet visitors' expectations for fresh, authentic culinary experiences. Every meal served to a visiting surfer is an opportunity to support local producers if supply chains are aligned and sustainable. When managed sustainably, fishing and aquaculture can become strategic partners of the surf tourism sector. By strengthening local supply chains, businesses can source seafood responsibly, increase local economic benefits, and enhance the visitor experience.
Mussel production from ASOCMEMA, Chira Island, shows the complete cycle of the shellfish.
Photo by Jose Quirós-Orlich.
To strengthen and advance these concepts, a GEF IW project is promoting a series of actions that link blue economy activities with the importance of conserving marine ecosystems. The project, Surf Ecosystem Management and Blue Economy, seeks to demonstrate the critical role that effective management of marine and coastal ecosystems surrounding surf breaks plays in protecting biodiversity and ecosystem function, while also generating economic benefits that incentivise long-term conservation.
What better way to bring this connection to life than by uniting communities, fishers, aquaculture producers, local businesses, and chefs? This is precisely what took place in April 2026 in Nosara, Guanacaste, one of the country's most famous surfing destinations. An event organised by Harmony Projects and Conservation International created a dynamic space for knowledge exchange, culinary demonstrations, and a local products fair. The event provided clear evidence of the opportunity to better connect small-scale fisheries and aquaculture sectors with the hospitality and gastronomy industries in Costa Rica’s coastal regions.
Oysters, mussels, shrimp, and fish sourced from communities such as Palito and Montero in Chira Island, Costa de Pájaros, Colorado, and San Juanillo were prepared by local chefs, who highlighted not only their quality, but also their sustainable origin. Participants learned how responsible production practices, combined with conscious consumption choices, can strengthen local economies, generate dignified livelihoods, and simultaneously protect marine resources.
Right: Chefs Daniel Cordero and Marta Montiel from Harmony restaurant explain how they create the fish burger. This burger is made from filleting trimmings, helping to reduce food waste. Left: A “Nicoyan paella” from chef Paulo Valerios at Huacas restaurant.
Photos by Jose Quirós-Orlich.
The exchange among fishers and aquaculture producers was particularly meaningful, but the experience went even further. The producers decided to step outside their comfort zone and try surfing for the first time. None had ever stood on or been in front of a surfboard before. With the support of Surf Celeste school in Guiones Beach, they received guidance, equipment, and encouragement to take on the waves. For some, it came more naturally; for others, it was more challenging. But for all, it was an opportunity to connect with the ocean in a completely new way. This experience marked an important moment, helping them realise that to surf, to fish, and to cook are deeply interconnected. Ultimately, the wave that attracts a surfer—and the fish or shrimp that sustains a family—depend on the same healthy ocean.
Aquaculture producer, “sea cultivator”, and researcher Rodrigo Mendez successfully riding a wave
Photo by Jose Quirós-Orlich.
About the Project
“Expanding blue economy benefits and the conservation of critical biodiversity and ecosystem services by managing surf ecosystems” aims to leverage the passion of surfers to protect waves and their surrounding ecosystems in Costa Rica, Panama, and Peru. The project is implemented by UNIDO and executed by Conservation International (CI) in alliance with Save The Waves Coalition (STW) and the Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental (SPDA), with the collaboration of national and local governments and environmental authorities, as well as local communities.
For more information, please contact: Christian Lavoie / project coordinator: [clavoie@conservation.org] and visit the project website.
Words by Jose Quirós Orlich.
Thumbnail by Tim Marshall / Unsplash.