Quepos & Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
Surfing Playitas
A beach break in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Playitas is the north-west corner of Playa Espadilla, the long beach outside Manuel Antonio National Park, and it has the best waves on the beach from mid to high tide. With a solid swell and a high tide, an outer reef right adds a better wave.
The waves suit most levels and the locals are relaxed. Between sessions you can visit the park, which is known for its sloths and monkeys.
It works best from mid to high tide on a south-west swell, and Quepos has the places to stay.
When to surf
Playitas
Playitas is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, mid-high tide.
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 Playitas
Quepos Bombie
under 1 kmQuepos & Manuel Antonio · Reef Break · Advanced / Pro
Boca Damas
9 kmQuepos & Manuel Antonio · Beach Break · Intermediate
Playa El Rey
12 kmQuepos & Manuel Antonio · Beach Break · Intermediate
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Quepos and Manuel Antonio have dozens of hotels for every budget; Playitas (the park's NW corner) holds the best beachbreak. Base here for the northern spots, or push south to Dominical for the heavier waves. Crocs and currents make boats the smart call at Boca Damas.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Quepos & Manuel Antonio guide.
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