Surf Travel Guide: Pavones, Costa Rica

Dreaming of surfing one of the longest lefts in the world but intimidated by the journey? I can tell you the long trek to Pavones is one of the most rewarding adventures you’ll ever take.

Why Pavones?

This spot is legendary for one reason: its incredible left-hand point break. On a solid swell, this wave can offer rides for up to 2 minutes, making it one of the top 5 longest lefts on the planet. It’s a bucket-list wave for any surfer.

→ Pavones fires best on a strong south-southwest (SSW) swell.

↳ That swell direction allows the wave to wrap perfectly around the coastline, creating a leg-burning ride that peels for over half a mile.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting to Pavones is an adventure in itself, as it's located in a remote corner of southern Costa Rica.

• Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José.
• → From SJO, you can take a domestic flight to Golfito (45 minutes), which is the closest town to Pavones.
• ↳ From Golfito, a 4x4 taxi to Pavones takes about 90 minutes and costs roughly $80 USD / 42,500 CRC. Renting a 4x4 car is highly recommended for freedom.

Once you are in Pavones, the main wave is right in front of the small town. You can walk to the point, restaurants, and your hotel. A car or ATV is useful for exploring other nearby breaks.

When to Surf

The prime season is from April to November, when consistent south swells light up the point. Expect wave heights of 4-10 feet during this period, with water temperatures around 82°F (28°C). The best tide is a low to mid-tide coming in, which helps the wave stand up and run along the point.

Surf Breaks

• Pavones Point: The main attraction. A world-class, intensely long left-hander. It has multiple take-off sections from the inside cove to the outer point.
  Wave: Fast, but with forgiving sections. Gets very crowded.
  Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
• The River Mouth: Just south of the main point, this wave offers a fun, faster, and often more hollow left. A short walk from town.
  Wave: Fast and can be shallow.
  Level: Intermediate.
• Punta Banco: A 15-minute drive south. This is a powerful beach break with various peaks, offering both rights and lefts. It's a great option when the point is small or too crowded.
  Wave: Powerful and less predictable than the point.
  Level: Intermediate to Advanced.

Where to Stay (Hotels)

→ Accommodations are rustic and blend with the jungle environment.

Budget ($)

Casa Colina ($60 USD / 32,000 CRC per night)
Clean, basic rooms and cabins with a communal kitchen, set in a beautiful garden. It's a short walk to the wave.

Mid-Range ($$)

La Ponderosa Beach and Jungle Resort ($140 USD / 74,500 CRC per night)
Offers comfortable bungalows with A/C, a great pool, and an on-site restaurant, located directly in front of the point.

Luxury ($$$)

Tiskita Jungle Lodge ($250 USD / 133,000 CRC per night)
A bit further south near Punta Banco, this eco-lodge offers a premium nature experience with beautiful cabins, guided tours, and a secluded feel.

Food & Drink

• Local Beer: Imperial (Lager)
  → Costa Rica's most famous beer, it's a light, refreshing lager perfect for a post-surf cool down. Grab one at El Pescador Bar & Restaurante for $3 USD / 1,600 CRC.
• Local Lunch: Casado
  → The traditional Costa Rican meal, "Casado" includes rice, black beans, plantains, a salad, and a protein (fish, chicken, or beef). Get a massive plate for about $8 USD / 4,250 CRC at Soda El Eden.