READ THE WAVE
Find your place
in the lineup.
A break directory to help narrow your choices. Swell, tide, wind and shifting sandbars matter more than a fixed label.
These are general ability guides, not a live surf report. Powerful beach breaks and shallow reefs require experience. Ask a local instructor about currents, access, wildlife and the right place to enter.
Tamarindo & Guanacaste
| Surf break | Wave character | Ability guide |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Tamarindo | Beach break, sand bottom | Beginner to intermediate |
| Playa Langosta | Beach break with rivermouth influence | Intermediate to advanced |
| Playa Grande | Beach break | Intermediate |
| Playa Avellanas | Beach break with sandbar peaks | Intermediate to advanced |
| Witch's Rock (Roca Bruja) | Beach break | Intermediate to advanced |
Nosara & Nicoya Peninsula North
| Surf break | Wave character | Ability guide |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Guiones | Beach break, sand bottom | Beginner to intermediate |
| Playa Pelada | Beach break, protected cove | Beginner |
| Playa Garza | Point break and beach break | Intermediate |
| Playa Ostional | Beach break | Intermediate |
| Playa San Juanillo | Reef break and bay | Intermediate to advanced |
Santa Teresa & Southern Nicoya
| Surf break | Wave character | Ability guide |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Santa Teresa | Beach break | Intermediate to advanced |
| Playa Carmen | Beach break | Beginner to intermediate |
| Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa) | Beach break | Intermediate to advanced |
| Playa Mal Pais | Reef and point breaks | Intermediate to advanced |
| La Lora | Reef break | Advanced |
Jaco & Central Pacific
| Surf break | Wave character | Ability guide |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Jaco | Beach break | Beginner to intermediate |
| Playa Hermosa (Jaco) | Beach break, powerful | Intermediate to advanced |
| Roca Loca | Point break over rocks | Intermediate to advanced |
| Playa Esterillos | Beach break | Beginner to intermediate |
| Boca Barranca | Rivermouth left point | Intermediate to advanced |
Dominical & South Pacific
| Surf break | Wave character | Ability guide |
|---|---|---|
| Playa Dominical | Beach break, powerful | Intermediate to advanced |
| Dominicalito | Beach break, protected | Beginner |
| Playa Uvita | Beach break | Beginner to intermediate |
| Playa Piñuelas | Beach break with reef sections | Intermediate |
| Pavones | Left point break | Intermediate to advanced |
Puerto Viejo & Caribbean Coast
| Surf break | Wave character | Ability guide |
|---|---|---|
| Salsa Brava | Reef break | Expert only |
| Playa Cocles | Beach break | Beginner to intermediate |
| Playa Negra (Caribbean) | Beach break | Beginner |
| Manzanillo | Reef break | Intermediate to advanced |
| Playa Chiquita | Mixed reef and beach | Intermediate |
Further south: Pavones
A celebrated left point and a destination for a dedicated surf trip. Allow generous travel time and flexibility for swell. It is a substantial detour from the main tourist circuit.
Research access and current conditions with a local operator before committing to the journey.