Pavones, South Puntarenas Costa Rica

For the ultimate surfer real estate, the tiny beachfront community of Pavones along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast is the perfect destination for those who want to catch some of the best long waves in the world. Waves here hit their peak during Costa Rica’s rainy season (April to October) and with an excellent left point where waves hold their shape, the swells here are ideal for the serious surfer.

The south swells coming in to Pavones turn into perfect lefts that get hollow allowing surfers on a good day to ride the waves for over 3 minutes at a time! The wave rides are so long that you literally have to get out of the water and walk back to the line up.

A quaint mile long beach, Pavones lies around 15 km south of Playa Zancudo and has some of the best surf on the Pacific Coast of North & South America. Around 400 km south of the capital city San Jose, the best way to get to Pavones is via Golfito, from where you can catch a cab to here. A much quicker way to get here is to fly into Coto 47 from San Jose and then just take a taxi to Pavones.

One thing that you need to be aware of when visiting this beach is that there is little to do other than surf here, as the coast is rather rocky. Ideal for sun bathing or a nice long stroll, there is not much to see and do out, expect enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. North of Pavones though, there are some really beautiful remote beaches and reefs, which are perfect to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. While hanging out in the local beachfront cantina is the best way to keep abreast of what’s going on in town.