Osa & the far south · Costa Rica
Surfing Rio Claro Rivermouth
A beach break in Osa & the far south, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
The Rio Claro rivermouth, deep in the Osa wilderness near Corcovado, has a long left off the river's sandbanks when a solid south-west swell lines up.
Getting there means hiking or taking a boat, and there's nothing there except jungle. You can camp, but bring everything with you. Because of that, it's almost always empty.
Go with a local guide, as crocodiles live in many river mouths in this area.
When to surf
Rio Claro Rivermouth
Rio Claro Rivermouth is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW.
December to April: Good
Short dry season, cleaner, sunnier, but smaller than the summer swell
May to July: Prime
Green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings
August to October: Prime
Peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months
Nov: Quiet
Transition, heavy rains and swell easing into the dry season
The year across Central Puntarenas
Waves near Rio Claro Rivermouth
Getting there
Where to stay: This is remote, expensive, expedition territory, reach Drake Bay by boat from Sierpe or a rough drive. Book lodges well ahead and bring everything for the rivermouth spots (Sierpe, Rio Claro), which need boats, camping gear and self-sufficiency. Not a casual surf mission.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Osa & the far south guide.
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