Costa Rica Padel Fever: Why Padel Is the Fastest-Growing Sport in Guanacaste

Padel is exploding across Costa Rica, and nowhere is the excitement bigger than in Guanacaste. What was once a niche racquet sport is now one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in Costa Rica, attracting locals, expats, retirees, families, and travelers who want a fun, accessible, social way to stay active. With the rise of modern padel courts in Guanacaste, the region has officially entered its “padel fever” era.

At the heart of this movement is Tres Volcanes, a growing Golf & Country Club that is quickly becoming a hub for padel lovers, fitness-driven residents, and vacationers seeking the best of Costa Rica's sports activities.

Why Padel Is Taking Over Guanacaste

1. It’s Easy to Learn, and Addictively Fun

Padel mixes the power of tennis with the strategy of squash, but with smaller courts, simpler rules, and a more forgiving learning curve. This makes it:

• perfect for beginners

• fun for mixed-skill groups

• accessible to older adults

• enjoyable for kids and teens

According to the International Padel Federation, over 25 million players worldwide have taken up the sport in the past decade. Costa Rica is now following the same trend, especially in regions where active lifestyles and outdoor living are part of everyday life.

2. Ideal for Outdoor Living in Costa Rica

With year-round sunshine, warm coastal breezes, and vibrant outdoor culture, Guanacaste is the perfect setting for padel. Travelers often want quick, fun physical activities that fit into their vacation schedule, and padel delivers exactly that.

Whether you’re staying near Playas del Coco, Hermosa, Ocotal, Panama, Potrero, or at luxury resorts like Waldorf Astoria or Planet Hollywood, padel has become a “must-experience” activity.

How Tres Volcanes Elevated Padel in Costa Rica

What sets Guanacaste apart is not just the rise of padel, it’s the way local communities are embracing it. And Tres Volcanes is one of the leading forces behind this movement.

Premium Padel Courts with a Community Focus

The club’s modern padel courts were designed to give residents and visitors an environment that blends fitness, fun, and social connection. Whether you’re booking a lesson, playing with friends, or jumping into a casual match with locals, the atmosphere is welcoming and energetic.

A Case Study: The “Vacation-to-Lifestyle” Effect

Last year, a family from Colorado visited Guanacaste on a two-week vacation. They tried padel for the first time at Tres Volcanes after hearing about it from another family at their resort.

The result?

• Their kids played every single day.

• The parents met other expats and locals through pickup matches.

• They extended their stay by one week.

• Six months later, they purchased a property in the region, and Padel was one of the top reasons they chose Guanacaste over other coastal destinations.

This is becoming a common story, as the sport brings people together in meaningful ways. The combination of padel + community + lifestyle is becoming a magnet for new residents and long-term vacationers.

What Players Love Most About Padel at Tres Volcanes

1. Social Atmosphere & Friendly Competitions

Padel is inherently social; the enclosed court brings players closer, encouraging laughter, fast rallies, and spontaneous teamwork. Tres Volcanes regularly hosts:

• friendly competitions

• social game

• community mixers

• beginner sessions

• family days

2. Convenient Location for Residents & Tourists

Just minutes from top beaches and resorts, Tres Volcanes is one of the most accessible padel experiences in Guanacaste. Tourists love that they can play a match in the morning and still make it to the beach for sunset.

3. Active Living Meets Resort-Style Amenities

After a padel session, players can enjoy:

• the swimming pool

• the indoor air-conditioned restaurant

• sports simulators

• golf

• events & parties

This “play + relax + dine” model is what makes Tres Volcanes stand out among Costa Rica sports activities.

The Growing Demand for Padel Courts in Guanacaste

Real estate developers, resorts, and private communities across Guanacaste have begun adding padel courts due to rising demand. According to tourism trend data:

• Sports tourism in Costa Rica grew by 19% in the last three years

• Padel-related Google searches in Costa Rica doubled between 2022–2024

• The majority of players are 25–55 years old, with increasing participation from retirees

Tres Volcanes saw this trend early and created one of the most community-driven spaces for the sport.

Testimonials from Visitors & Players

“The padel courts at Tres Volcanes were the highlight of our trip. Clean, modern, and the community vibe was amazing.”Daniel & Maria, Toronto

“I had never played padel before. Their staff explained everything and made it super fun. Now I’m obsessed!”, Josh H., USA

“Perfect mix of sport and socializing. The courts, the people, the environment, 10/10.”, Sofia R., Costa Rica

Why Padel Will Continue Growing in Guanacaste

Padel aligns perfectly with Guanacaste’s identity:

• outdoor lifestyle

• health-focused community

• Tourism demand for short, fun activities

• social connection

• accessible, beginner-friendly sports

As Tres Volcanes continues expanding its active-living community, padel is becoming a defining part of the region’s wellness and recreation culture.

Conclusion

The rise of padel in Guanacaste isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle shift driven by community, outdoor living, and the desire for fun, social fitness. Whether you’re a resident, a traveler, or someone seeking the best outdoor sports in Costa Rica, Tres Volcanes delivers the perfect place to experience the energy of padel.