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Jungle running down to the beach near Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo & the south · Costa Rica

Surfing Playa Cocles

A beach break in Puerto Viejo & the south, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Beach Break · Best Dec-Mar · Beginner / Intermediate · 2-6 ft

Puerto Viejo & the south (no photo of Playa Cocles yet) · Photo: Ben Kucinski

Playa Cocles is the beach just south of Puerto Viejo, with soft beach-break peaks that suit beginners. At the north end, next to a small island, a short left breaks at mid tide and has a bit more push until the swell gets overhead.

It needs a north-east swell, mostly from December to March. Surf schools and board rental are right on the beach. Experienced surfers tend to go to Salsa Brava, the reef a few minutes north.

It's the main learning beach around Puerto Viejo, with surf schools and lifeguards. The currents can be strong, so swim near the lifeguard towers. Puerto Viejo, a short bike ride away, has the restaurants and nightlife.

TypeBeach Break
LevelBeginner / Intermediate
Size2-6 ft
Best monthsDec-Mar
Crowd3/5
ConditionsSwell NE-E, all tides

When to surf
Playa Cocles

Playa Cocles is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE-E, all tides.

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
PrimeGoodQuiet

Where to stay near Playa Cocles

Pool with sea view at Samasati, above Puerto Viejo
Terrace with hammocks over the rainforest at SamasatiYoga at sunset at SamasatiCasita room at SamasatiCasita in the rainforest at SamasatiYoga class at SamasatiYoga on the deck at Samasati

Samasati Retreat

Rainforest hills above Puerto Viejo · yoga and wellness retreat

  • 20 minutes' drive to Puerto Viejo's breaks
  • Daily yoga, massages and wellness
  • All-inclusive packages or à la carte
  • Guest house rooms and private casitas
  • Pool with views of the Caribbean

A retreat in the rainforest on the Caribbean side, with views over the sea and wooden casitas spread through the garden. It suits surfers who want yoga, good food and real rest between sessions at Salsa Brava, Cocles and Punta Uva, 20 minutes down the hill.

Where you stayForSleeps
Guest House room
Private room, shared bathrooms, terrace with hammocks
Solo travellers and friends1–2
Couples bungalow
King or queen bed, private bathroom, sea or garden view
Couples1–3
Loft bungalow
Two singles plus a double in the loft, private bathroom
Friends and families1–4

Book a room on its own or an all-inclusive package with meals, yoga and tours. Check the website for current rates.

Getting there

Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Puerto Viejo & the south guide.

Puerto Viejo & the south surf guide

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