Limón & the north · Costa Rica
Surfing Cocaine Point
A right point in Limón & the north, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Cocaine Point, between Portete and Piuta near Limón, is a right that only breaks when the swell has a lot of north in it. That's an unusual direction for this coast, so it's inconsistent and uncrowded.
When a strong northerly swell arrives, it wraps into the point and peels well. Limón is an easy base for checking it along with the other reefs and beaches nearby, if you have a car.
It only works on a strong swell with a lot of north in it, from December to March. Limón is the nearest city, with simple hotels, and Puerto Viejo, about an hour south, has more places to stay.
When to surf
Cocaine Point
Cocaine Point is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Strong N swell.
December to March: Prime
Main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire Salsa Brava and the reefs
April to June: Quiet
Flat spells between seasons; the Pacific is the better bet now
July to August: Good
A reliable mid-year mini-season, July the safer bet for swell
September to November: Quiet
Mostly flat and very wet, off-season on the Caribbean
The year across Limón
Waves near Cocaine Point
Roca Alta
2 kmLimón & the north · Right Reef · Advanced
Playa Bonita
2 kmLimón & the north · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Isla Uvita
4 kmLimón & the north · Left Reef · Advanced
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Avoid Limón city itself for lodging (bar the Park Hotel), head to Playa Bonita or up to Cahuita. Tortuguero is a boat-in world of its own from Puerto Moín. This coast is extremely wet; take wet-weather gear. Petty crime and street hustle are real in Limón, stay aware.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Limón & the north guide.
Limón & the north surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.