Famous Pacific Waves in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has now become a global surfing hotspot, thanks to its consistent waves, warm waters, and incredible biodiversity. Bodhi Surf and Yoga’s “home break” Playa Chaman is neighbored by over 800 miles of coastline, split between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This offers plenty of opportunities to explore other exceptional waves that the area has to offer. 

What makes the waves of Costa Rica so appealing to surf tourism is that it offers a wave for every type of surfer. The Pacific coast, in particular, has become famous for its world-class breaks, hosting some of the most popular destinations like Pavones, Witch’s Rock, and Playa Hermosa. The country’s commitment to eco-tourism, coupled with its thriving surf culture and diverse marine environments, makes Costa Rica a dream location for surfers seeking both adventure and epic waves. 

In this post, we will look at some of the most famous waves on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica, with an honorary mention to one of the most well-known waves on the opposite Caribbean side of the country.  

Pavones: The Legendary Left

Pavones, a small village tucked away in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, has gained international fame for its long left-hand break, which stretches over half a mile. The combination of Pavones’ strong, consistent swells from the south and a point break setup results in a ride that seems endless on the best days. Surfers who catch Pavones on a good swell are in for a memorable experience, riding for well over a minute in some cases. Some hazards to watch out for are rocks and, as in most point breaks, crowds when the swell really gets going. 

Pavones has also become more than just a wave; it’s a breeding ground for Costa Rican surf talent. Many of the country’s professional surfers, such as Leilani McGonagle and Brisa Hennessy, grew up here and started surfing on this wave. Despite being such a special surfing destination, the town remains a quiet destination, fostering an environment focused more on the love of surfing than on tourist appeal, although its reputation has increasingly drawn the curious and the experienced alike.

Matapalo: A Right-Handed Gem

Across the bay from Pavones lies Matapalo, a picturesque right-hand point break that offers a contrasting experience for the regular footers. Matapalo is known for its solid right-hand waves that roll into shore and is best in mid to high tide. This break requires skill, as it can be fast and powerful in a bigger swell. Matapalo’s point break setup makes it an ideal spot for those who love long, peeling waves. 

While not as isolated as Pavones, Matapalo still retains a sense of seclusion, surrounded by an expansive jungle that teems with wildlife. The area is famous not only for its surf but also for its natural beauty, where surfers might spot monkeys and scarlet macaws in the surrounding forest. Aside from the wave itself, the challenges of Matapalo include getting there from international airports. Often, surf tourists are required to book an international flight to either Liberia or San Jose, then either rent a vehicle and make the very long drive, or take a small plane to the nearby town of Puerto Jimenez. 

Witch’s Rock: The Power of Guanacaste

Further north, in the province of Guanacaste, lies the stunning Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja). This surf break, made famous by its appearance in the iconic surf film Endless Summer II, is known for its powerful and often challenging waves. Named after a large rock formation that photogenically appears off the shore, Witch’s Rock provides consistent waves; particularly from November to April, when offshore winds create perfect conditions. The break itself can produce waves up to 15 feet, making it an exciting destination for advanced surfers.

Surfers should be aware of Guanacaste’s unique climate issues, including seasonal water shortages. As tourism and development have increased in the area, water rations and infrastructure issues have become more prevalent. Witch’s Rock is located in Santa Rosa National Park, so access requires a bit of planning and respect for the surrounding environment. The area is protected, and while there are minimal amenities, its isolation only enhances the allure for surfers who crave raw, untamed waves.

Playa Hermosa: Fast and Fun Barrels

Moving along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast brings us to Playa Hermosa, a beach renowned for its consistent waves and a really engaged local surf culture. Not to be confused with the Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste, this spot is known for hosting both national and international surf competitions, drawing attention from both amateurs and seasoned professionals. With its fast and heavy waves, and a short 1.5-hour drive from the main International Airport in Costa Rica (Juan Santamaria International Airport), Playa Hermosa offers the opportunity for surfers on a tight schedule to experience a strong, fast beach break. 

However, the popularity of Playa Hermosa has brought significant change to the area. Gentrification and tourism development have led to rapid increases in property prices, transforming the local community and creating disparities in income and living standards. As more hotels and resorts have sprouted along the coast, concerns over environmental impact and social inequality have surfaced. While the surf remains world-class, local residents face the difficult task of balancing economic opportunities with the preservation of their community and natural resources.

Dominical: Local Surf Culture and Competition

Dominical, which is about a 25-minute drive from Bodhi Surf and Yoga’s home break, is known for its powerful waves and vibrant community. This beach break has long been a favorite among surfers for its consistency and energy. For those in the area looking for a slower longboard wave, Dominical has a smaller, beginner wave located nearby called Dominicalito. “Domi” is often considered an intermediate-advanced wave, but with some guidance and resources here at Bodhi, it is definitely possible to get out there and experience this wonderful wave. 

A hub for surf competitions, Dominical plays host to both local and international events, highlighting its importance in the Costa Rican surf scene. These competitions bring together talent from across the country and beyond, fostering a strong sense of community and sportsmanship among surfers. One of the best local competitions that runs from approximately December to March every year is Domi Sunset Sessions; which offers categories such as Best Air, Longboard, and Best Combo. Dominical manages to maintain a strong sense of local pride, where local surf culture and tradition thrive. These competitions are fun to watch and help support our local surfers, surf schools, and businesses who sponsor competitions. 

Honorary Mention: The Caribbean in Costa Rica

Although not on the Pacific Ocean, it is worth mentioning that the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is home to some impressive waves that also attract surf tourism from around the world. Salsa Brava, a challenging reef break, is considered by many experts to be Costa Rica’s heaviest and most difficult wave. Although more challenging to surf during certain swells, it is very easily accessible by cars and public transportation. 

Salsa Brava, located in Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is a wave that gets respect from even the most experienced surfers. Known as the country’s heaviest and most powerful wave, Salsa Brava has earned an international reputation for its intense, reef-breaking barrels and challenging conditions. When the winter swells roll in from the Caribbean, usually between December and March, Salsa Brava awakens, producing some of Costa Rica’s biggest waves. 

What makes Salsa Brava so formidable is its shallow coral reef, which sits just beneath the water’s surface, creating sharp, hollow waves that break with explosive power. The local surf culture in Puerto Viejo is tightly knit, and Salsa Brava plays a central role in it. However, much like the Guanacaste area, the region is undergoing rapid gentrification and challenges to socio-economic equality. 

How a Wave Rises to Fame

Waves do not become famous overnight. Often, waves become well known from word of mouth, where surfers share their experiences with other surfers, and word eventually gets out. However, with social media overtaking the world of surfing, a term called “geotagging” (which refers to when surfers post photos or videos, and tag the exact location of where they are surfing) has become a go to source for finding new and thrilling waves. 

Geotagging surf spots has become a controversial practice in the surfing community, stirring debate between the desire to share epic waves and the need to protect them. Geotagging makes once-hidden spots easily discoverable, often leading to increased crowds at previously quiet breaks.

Beyond crowding, geotagging also impacts the local environment and community. Increased foot traffic can lead to beach erosion, litter, and wildlife disturbance. In Costa Rica, where the natural beauty is as integral to the surfing experience as the waves themselves, preserving the environment is essential. When waves gain fame through geotagging, local infrastructure may struggle to keep up, leading to strain on resources and changing dynamics in local surf towns.

Many seasoned surfers and locals advocate for keeping wave locations under wraps to protect the surf culture, environment, and the special, intimate connection people have with these natural spaces. To them, surfing is about discovery, patience, and respect—qualities that go beyond the desire to share every spot online. However, on the other side of this debate, the ocean does not belong to any individual or corporation: it is there for all of us to share, and experience its joy, whether you are new to the sport, or more advanced. 

To protect the environment, to support locals, and to ease the infrastructure problems of Costa Rica, we recommend supporting businesses like Bodhi which give back to the planet and support the local community. Everyone has the right to experience these amazing waves, but to be a responsible surf tourist, it is also important to support businesses that not only recognize these issues but have actions and measures in place to help make this beautiful country a better place for all.