Advanced Surf Spots in Costa Rica
10 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Costa Rica: Backyards Playa Hermosa, Punta Río Claro, Terrazas, The Tree Playa Hermosa, Pavones, Playa Hermosa, Salsa Brava and Witch's Rock and 2 more.
Last updated · Counted from the surf breaks we map — each break's own season, level and wave type
- Beach breaks
- 4
- Reef breaks
- 3
- Point breaks
- 2
The advanced breaks
Best months are filled in where the break states a season. Open a break for its map, photos and the property nearest the lineup.
- Backyards Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa
- Wave
- Beach break · Right / Left / Aframes
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Tide
- Mid + High / Incoming
- Watch out
- Powerful shorebreak • strong currents and side-current • heavy closeouts on larger swells • very shallow low tide • competitive lineup • crocodiles possible • stingrays • rapidly changing wind and tide conditions.
- Punta Río Claro
Drakes Bay
- Wave
- Left-hand point / river-mouth-influenced break
- Level
- Intermediate to advanced
- Season
- April–October
- Swell
- S - SW
- Tide
- Mid-tide, depending on sand and rock exposure
- Watch out
- Remote access, rocky bottoms, strong currents, and shifting river-mouth conditions present hazards. Limited emergency services, seasonal flooding, and potential crocodile activity make local guides and careful planning essential.
- Terrazas
Playa Hermosa
- Wave
- Reef break / Beach Break · Right
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- April to October
- Tide
- Low–Mid / Rising
- Watch out
- Submerged rocks • exposed rocks at lower tide • very fast takeoff • hollow barrels • strong currents • powerful surf • heavy closeouts nearby • concentrated lineup. The rocks are the defining hazard: at lower tide some become visible, while others boil beneath the surface and effectively mark the takeoff zone.
- The Tree Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa
- Wave
- Beach Break · Left / Right
- Level
- Itermediate to Advanced
- Season
- April to October
- Tide
- Mid + High, preferably incoming
- Watch out
- Strong currents • heavy beach break • closeouts at low tide • closeouts when oversized • powerful shoreward impact zone • competitive lineup • vehicle theft risk. Multiple local guides specifically warn against leaving valuables in vehicles at The Tree.
- Pavones
Pavones
- Wave
- Point break · Left-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Rocks and strong currents run around the point, so plan your entry and exit carefully.
- Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa
- Wave
- Beach break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; sandbar-dependent
- Watch out
- Rip currents form between the sandbars — always check conditions before paddling out.
- Salsa Brava
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Wave
- Reef break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- December to March (Caribbean swells), with a second window around June and July
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Very shallow, sharp coral reef with powerful lips and heavy barrels. Critical take-offs and serious reef impact on a wipeout. Strong currents. The take-off zone is crowded and the local lineup is established; respect it. Not a wave for surfers learning to ride reef.
- Witch's Rock
Playa Naranjo, Santa Rosa National Park
- Wave
- Beach break · A-frame peaks (lefts and rights)
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; sandbar-dependent
- Watch out
- Remote location inside Santa Rosa National Park; difficult overland access; boat access commonly used; strong rip currents between sandbars; rapidly changing sandbars; powerful surf when large; crocodiles/caimans associated with the river/estuary environment; sharks; limited services; and little immediate emergency infrastructure. Check current national-park access rules before attempting to drive in.
- Ollie's Point - Potrero Grande
Puerto Castilla
- Wave
- Point break · Right-hand
- Level
- Intermediate
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- All tides; best on a pushing tide
- Watch out
- Boat access only; remote national-park setting; rocks; strong currents; long paddle-backs after long rides; sharks; crocodile risk associated with the rivermouth environment; sea lice; and extremely limited access to emergency medical care. Because Ollie’s is within a protected area, visitors should also confirm current park and access regulations before traveling.
- Playa Negra
- Wave
- Reef break · Right-hand
- Level
- Advanced
- Season
- March to October (south swells)
- Tide
- Best on a mid-to-high tide
- Watch out
- Breaks over shallow coral or rock reef — booties are recommended and mind the take-off zone.
Other levels in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
Where can advanced surfers surf in Costa Rica?
10 surf breaks we map are rated for advanced surfers in Costa Rica: Backyards Playa Hermosa, Punta Río Claro, Terrazas, The Tree Playa Hermosa, Pavones, Playa Hermosa, Salsa Brava and Witch's Rock and 2 more.
When is the best time for advanced surfers to surf Costa Rica?
The advanced-rated breaks we map in Costa Rica are mostly at their best in April to October.
What kind of waves are the advanced surf spots in Costa Rica?
Of the 10 advanced breaks we map in Costa Rica, 4 are beach breaks, 3 are reef breaks and 2 are point breaks.