Central Puntarenas
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Positives
- High summer consistency
- Low crowds
- Osa National Park rainforest
- Great exploration potential
Negatives
- No world-class waves
- Heavy summer rains
- Crocs at rivermouths
- Tricky access to Drake/Corcovado breaks
Central Puntarenas surf travel guide
Unlike other areas in Costa Rica Central Puntarenas has largely remained off the surfers radar. The extensive SW-facing coast centres around the comfortable hub of Dominical. South of here the mountainous scenery and adaptable rock and sand breaks offer something for everyone. This is a wet season location, well-placed to receive the copious SW swells from May to Nov, but the NW Pacific swells struggle to reach here unless you are on the awesome Osa peninsula in the untouched splendour of the Corcovado National Park.
Surf spots in Central Puntarenas
Research the 15 surf breaks in Central Puntarenas and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Central Puntarenas.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Central Puntarenas
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,017,000
- Population
- 5,094,118
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- CRC
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 580 CRC CRC
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +506
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish, Creole
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most countries do not need a visa for a visit of up to 90 days. For more details visit. Dep tax = $29
Getting There
Sansa offers daily domestic flights from Juan Santamar’a International Airport (SJO) to Drake’s Bay (DRK) for $182/rt, and to Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) for $106 (12kg max).
Getting Around
A rental car offers the best flexibility. You must be 21 to rent a vehicle and have a major credit card in your name to secure the deposit. Expect $260-320/wk (Tricolor, Dollar). Check www.graylinecostarica.com for buses. For uncrowded surf in Osa peninsula, catch a boat in Sierpe or Drake’s Bay (around $120/day + gas).
Accommodation
Quepos & Manuel Antonio have dozens of hotels. Large choice in Playa Matapalo and Dominical from cheap camping to all inclusive surf camps. Drake Bay area is more expensive. A typical food bill would be $12-15.
Activities
Abundant wildlife. Manuel Antonio, Marino Ballena and Corcovado National Parks deserve a visit. Canopy Safari in Manuel Antonio ($85). SUP and kayak tour the waterways. Great night life in Quepos, quieter in Dominical.
Hazards & hassles
CR is the safest nation in Central America. The surf and theft are the main dangers, along with the crocodiles, bugs, spiders, scorpions. Dangerous roads at night, many potholes. A 4x4 is a plus during rainy season.
Handy Hints
English is widely spoken. Plenty of surf shops in Quepos and Dominical. Renting a board is easy, cheap (from $10/day) and often a good solution. Booties can be useful to walk on reef. It always pays to get up early. Take mosquito repellent and hiking boots.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.