Limón
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Positives
- Consistent, seasonal swell
- Powerful reefbreaks
- Insignificant tidal range
- Laid back Carribean style
Negatives
- Flat between seasons
- Lack of good beachbreaks
- Extremely wet
- Petty crime
Limón surf travel guide
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline is short (212km) and the majority of surf is found within the barely accessible Tortuguero National Park, a long sandy line backed by huge waterways with countless beachbreaks, potential rivermouths, and brimming with sea-life. It receives fairly big and wild waves from short-lived, seasonal storms, mainly centred off Colombia which break in the 2-12ft range on some excellent reefs, concentrated around Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo in Limon Province.
It is a seasonal affair with two good windows of opportunity to catch some Caribbean juice – December to April sees the best chance of scoring the short-lived, short period, yet powerful NE-E swells produced by storms churning off Cartagena, Colombia. June to August sees more possibility to pit your skills against the shallow heaving reefbreaks of Salsa Brava and Isla Uvita where the dead coral platforms are close under fin. Winds are often offshore in the morning, but during the swell seasons, stormy squalls and onshores are common.
This is an experienced surfer zone, with sucky waves, humourless locals, abundant sharks and the odd croc, adding to the slightly edgy vibe found on the streets at night in this reggae-loving region. Despite some easy beachbreak options, newbies will do better on the Pacific coast.
Surf spots in Limón
Research the 13 surf breaks in Limón and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Limón.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Limón
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- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Limón.
![Costa Rica Surfing Documentary - SEEKING SWELLS [Salsa Brava, Playa Bonita, Isla Uvita, Pavones]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VdwLLec4JvE/maxresdefault.jpg)
Costa Rica Surfing Documentary - SEEKING SWELLS [Salsa Brava, Playa Bonita, Isla Uvita, Pavones]
- HistoryTravelSurf
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
Puerto Viejo is 4h drive from Juan Santamar’a International Airport (SJO) so it’s better to take the bus or rent a car than fly to Limón (LIO) with Sansa or Travel Air.
Getting Around
No main bus terminal in San José, but there is a new Caribe terminal. Rental cars cost at least $30/d. The paved coastal road enables many views of the surf. Roads around Puerto Viejo are dirt tracks and heavy rains tend to produce deep muddy patches, but 4WD not necessary for most breaks.
Accommodation
For nice hotels, avoid Lim—n (except Park Hotel). Playa Cocles, Finca Chica (fr$45). Hotel Puerto Viejo is central and cheap ($18/basic room). Rocking J's party hostel hammocks (fr $7). Carib style meals cooked in coconut milk, curry, and ginger!
Activities
Cahuita National Park wildlife includes howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, parrots, hummingbirds and toucans. Flat day diving and snorkelling can be good. Serious nightlife influenced by Rastafarian culture. Tasty Waves across from Cocles Beach and in PV (Johnny's). Have a look at Bri-Bri handicrafts.
Hazards & hassles
Be prepared to face intense downpours. These waves have power and intensity and can be dangerous especially at Salsa Brava, the most crowded spot. Jellyfish appear in the murky water at certain times of year. Things to avoid: Rasta wannabees selling drugs, street crime, bugs and mosquitoes!
Handy Hints
Take a semi-gun for Salsa/Limon spots. There are surf shops in San José (Mango, Planeta Surf y Skate) and gear to rent in Puerto Viejo. Bring wet weather clothing!
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.