About Southern Costa Rica Surf Travel
When it comes to scoring epic Costa Rica, chances are you’ll be ending up in Provincia de Puntarenas at some point. The largest province in Costa Rica, it covers much of the wast coast. From the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula all the way south to the border of Panama, the potential is almost unlimited. Pavones is home to one of the longest left-hand points in the world, while Jacó and Dominical have some all-time beachbreak opportunities dotted with the occasional reef set-up. There is no shortage of surf resorts, camps and hostiles in the area, making it an extremely enticing option for just about any budget. The water’s warm the coastline is expansive if it’s a Central America surf adventure that you’re after Provincia de Puntarenas has the potential to tick a lot of boxes.
Pavones, a tiny beach community along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast.
Surf Crowds
From packed to remote, Provincia de Puntarenas has a little of everything going on. It just depends on how hard you want to work. More recognizable breaks around Jacó, Dominical and Pavones can get busy. Obviously the harder you’re willing to explore and the deeper you’re willing to dig the fewer humans you’ll have to share the lineup with.
Surf Hazards
Mosquitoes love surfers, especially the ones that don’t wear shirts at dusk. Saltwater crocs and stingrays may also be present in certain regions. There’s plenty of jungle and wildlife, so don’t be surprised if you come across a few critters that aren’t necessarily stoked to see you.
Surf Pollution
Tropical and lush, much of Provincia de Puntarenas is on the edge of the Costa Rican rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. Many areas are remarkably pristine. The biggest concern when it comes to ocean pollution around Santa Cruz, like anywhere in the world, is to try and avoid river or creek mouths after periods of heavy rain and urban runoff.
Best Surf Seasons in Puntarenas
1) Summer
(June-August) The most consistent surf comes from the southwest Pacific between late May and August. What swell makes it through the mouth of the bay is generally soft and closed out with the rare pick-and-choose corner if you’re lucky. Playa Carillo to the south and Isla Chira offshore are alternatives that are worth a look when the swell’s up. Mornings are often offshore and glassy, and afternoon rain showers dampen the dust and turn the landscape green. With a number of surf schools in the area expect to run into Americans on summer break from school or work.
2) Fall
(September-November) South swells come less frequently but pack more juice, arriving every other week from September to November. The rains now arrive in the morning, making for onshore winds and choppy surf, but they also thin out the lineups. Prices for rooms and rentals are cheapest during these months.
3) Spring
(March-May) From March to early May the cycle is complete as the winds back off and the southern Pacific comes back to life. The first infrequent major swells arrive right around the new moon.
4) Winter
(December-February) When the rains fade, the “Papagayo” winds arrive, bringing back offshore conditions between December and February and keeping the land rain-free. The south swells are gone and only the bigger northwest swells push the waves to more than head high, so the crowds amass at the better-breaking spots. This is also the priciest time of the year to travel, largely because of the religious festivals honoring Santo Cristo de Esquipulas.
Directions to Provincia de Puntarenas
In the northern region of Provincia de Puntarenas is Tambor Airport. It’s more of an airstrip than an airport, but you can fly in there. It’s where you’d fly into if you were going to Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Cabo Blanco. Further south is Palmar Sur Airport, which sits at the base of the Osa Peninsula. And closer to the Panamanian border is Coto 47 Airport.