Limón & the north · Costa Rica
Surfing Roca Alta
A right reef in Limón & the north, Costa Rica, for advanced surfers.
Roca Alta is a right that breaks over rock ledges near Limón. On a solid north-east swell it's fast and hollow, but it gets shallow and tricky at low tide.
Higher tides are safer. It's only for experienced surfers, and because it's heavy, there are rarely more than a few people out.
Playa Bonita, nearby, is the more popular option.
When to surf
Roca Alta
Roca Alta is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: NE swell, high tide.
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 Roca Alta
Playa Bonita
under 1 kmLimón & the north · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Cocaine Point
2 kmLimón & the north · Right Point · 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.