Limón & the north · Costa Rica
Surfing Tortuguero Beach
A beach break in Limón & the north, Costa Rica, for intermediate surfers.
Tortuguero Beach runs for kilometres along the national park on the north Caribbean coast, with endless beach-break peaks and rivermouths. There's no road: the only way in is by boat from Puerto Moín, which also reaches Parismina and Barra Colorado.
The banks move all the time and close out when it's big, but on a good north-east swell there are hollow, powerful peaks with nobody on them. The canals, jungle and nesting turtles are the main reason most people come.
It's best from December to March on a north-east swell. The waters off Tortuguero have a reputation for sharks, so ask locally before paddling out.
When to surf
Tortuguero Beach
Tortuguero Beach is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE-E.
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 Tortuguero Beach
Playa Bonita
76 kmLimón & the north · Left Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Roca Alta
76 kmLimón & the north · Right Reef · Advanced
Cocaine Point
77 kmLimón & the north · Right Point · Intermediate / 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.
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