Puntarenas & the river lefts · Costa Rica
Surfing Boca Barranca
A left point in Puntarenas & the river lefts, Costa Rica, for intermediate surfers.
Boca Barranca is a river-mouth left near Puntarenas and, on a big south swell, one of the longest waves in Costa Rica after Pavones. That's why longboard contests are held here. The wave breaks over a cobble bank and is best on an incoming tide.
The river carries runoff from Puntarenas, so the water is polluted, especially after rain. Surf it after a few dry days. Doña Ana, close by, has cleaner lefts and rights.
When to surf
Boca Barranca
Boca Barranca is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Big S swell, incoming tide.
December to April: Good
Dry season, cleaner conditions and WNW pulses, though smaller than the summer swell
May to July: Prime
Green season SW groundswell fires the points and beachbreaks; offshore mornings
August to October: Prime
Peak S-SW swell, most consistent and biggest, but the wettest months
Nov: Quiet
Transition, rain and swell easing into the dry season
The year across Golfo de Nicoya
Waves near Boca Barranca
Getting there
Where to stay: Puntarenas is a working port rather than a resort, handy for Boca Barranca and the ferry, with basic hotels and cheap food. Most surfers day-trip the river lefts from Jacó (under an hour south) rather than stay here. Mind the river pollution after rain.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Puntarenas & the river lefts guide.
Puntarenas & the river lefts surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.