Summary
Pavones is still one of Costa Rica’s most amazing surf town. Being more remote than the typical surfing destinations in the country, Pavones is also arguably Costa Rica’s overall best surf spot. When conditions align, this incredibly long and beautiful left-hand wave is known for being one of the longest waves on Earth.
Pavones is a small and charming laidback town in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle. While some people come here to relax and rejuvenate, most visitors are here to surf its amazing point break.
On a good south-southwest swell, Pavones becomes this unique wave providing rides well over a few hundred meters long. Even when conditions are not perfect and the different peaks don’t connect, Pavones is still a really fun place to surf. There are also a few other spots nearby, accessible by land or by boat, to stay wet even on a less than perfect day.
Pavones will charm you with its simplicity, away from all resorts and big touristic developments. It remains raw and authentic with a few restaurants, homestays and cafes.
When to go
The best time to surf Pavones, Costa Rica is from April to October which is when swells are bigger and more consistent. However, it is totally possible to surf Pavones all year long as Costa Rica receives decent waves throughout the year.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 27°C 81°F | 28°C 82°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F |
| Water temperature | 27°C 81°F | 27°C 81°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 28°C 82°F | 27°C 81°F |
| Crowd | Few people | Few people | Reasonable | Reasonable | Few people | Few people |
| Swell consistency | 50% | 85% | 100% | 90% | 85% | 70% |
| Swell height | 3ft | 4ft | 5ft | 5ft | 5ft | 4ft |
Surf Camps in Pavones
8-day off the Beaten Track Surf and Yoga Retreat in Pavones
US$2,150 including:
- Daily yoga classes
- Daily surf sessions with a qualified surf guide
- One massage session included
- Transport to and from the local airport on the beginning and end day of the retreat
- Horseback riding trip discovering the beautiful surroundings of Punta Banco
- 7 nights of luxury accommodation (with ocean view)
- Coffee, tea and water will be served all day long
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a barbeque night
Where to stay in Pavones
Pavones Point is an absolutely gorgeous hotel right next to the wave!
La Ponderosa Beach and Jungle Reserve
Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Pavones!
Getting there
The best way to get to Pavones is by taking a domestic flight to Golfito, most likely from San Jose, the main international airport in Costa Rica. From there, you can use public transportation or a taxi to Pavones.
Safety/things to know
-For visa information, visit the local tourism website.
-Rainy season is from May to October.
Surf spots in Pavones
Pavones
This is the main point break in Pavones. On a good day, you can ride this hefty long wave for more than one mile…
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Rocks
Best tide : Low
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SSW
Optimal wind direction : NE