Surfing in South Puntarenas

Rugged, wild and untamed, South Puntarenas is the ideal destination for the adventurous traveler. A lush gorgeous region, this province provides the ultimate getaway for those who wish to escape the touristy crowds in favor of a more secluded and quiet vacation. The surfing here is also some of the best in Costa Rica with uncrowded beaches and beautiful landscapes.

Playa Pavones

The finest place to go surfing in South Puntarenas has to be Pavones, located in the Southern Golfo Dulce area. Just south of Zancudo, this beach is said to have some of the best surfing along the Pacific coast of Central America. The optimal time to surf here is between April and October, when the swells are at their biggest. Famous for its long lefts, it is said that you can ride a wave in Pavones for over 3 minutes.

Playa Zancudo

The nearby Playa Zancudo is also a great place to go surfing; however the waves here are not as big as on Pavones. Ideally suited to novice and intermediate surfers, the surf breaks are at their biggest near the Zancudo Beach Club. Aside from surfing you can enjoy a number of activities on this stunning dark sand beach, making it a popular place for tourists in the region.

Map of South Puntarenas

Click to enlarge map - South Puntarenas Map

Other Locations

Cabo Matapalo and Playa Carbonera are two superb beaches on the Osa Peninsula that also definitely worth visiting if you are a serious surfer. Peaceful and quiet, there are a number of breaks found up and down both beaches with consistent waves, especially during the rainy season. While it can be quite expensive to travel to this part of the country, the surfing is incredible at both places with not too many people around.

Drake Bay

While on a surf vacation in South Puntarenas your best bet is to stay towns such as Drake Bay. Close to most of the major surfing destinations, Drake Bay acts as the gateway to the Osa Peninsula and offers excellent and affordable accommodation options for all. With plenty of tour companies also located in the area, you can even plan out a custom surf tour of all the major beaches in the area.