
PHOTO: CONECAT
SURF SEASON ON THE BALLENA COAST
AUTHOR: GREG GORDON
Much like our summer and winter seasons change, the seasons of big surf also changes. The summer months of hot sunny days are gone for now, and a more wet, stormy, and cooler season brings more gifts. Many refer to this wet season as “the green season.” As a surfer, I refer to it as “ the surf season.”
The storms and the rains are accompanied by storms from the South Pacific and the Pacific Coast of South America.
The energy from these far-away storms arrives on our beaches in the shape of massive waves. As consistent as the storms, but not necessarily a result, these waves temporarily change our local beach culture.
For the avid and experienced surfers, this is the highlight of the year when waves heights at certain breaks can reach up to 15ft. Different beaches and surf spots that need high swell energy to produce waves are now in their prime, and beaches that swimmers previously enjoyed could potentially be danger For those who are learning to surf, places like Playa Dominical and Playa Hermosa is only recommended if you are with a surf school.

Beaches like Playa Dominicalito, Playa Uvita, and Playa Ventanas are recommended and are more manageable. With the heavy rains, the rivers are now shedding more water and creating strong currents and rip tides. There are still several beaches where you don’t have to worry about giant waves and crazy rip tides for those who are not surfers. For example, Playa Pinuela, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Uvita are still ok for swimming but be cautious. For those who are learning to surf without an instructor, look to beaches like Playa Uvita, Playa Ventanas, and Playa Dominicalito.
During our summer, the waves there are usually tiny to non-existent; now, we will have more consistent small waves.
For the more advanced surfers, look to beaches like Playa Dominical, Playa Hermosa, and the various reef breaks that need this high energy to create a wave. The surf season usually lasts until late October and early November.
What to do, Where to eat and Where to stay…
- Activities and Tours
- Whale Watching Tour
- Natural Attractions
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Restaurants
- Hotels and Accommodations
South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches,
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
Check out…
Need help planning your next trip? Let us help you with your Costa Rica vacations!
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134 or +(506) 8914 1568

South Pacific Costa Rica Free Magazine, Ballena Tales #84
Ballena Tales #84, South Pacific of Costa Rica Free Magazine Dear reader, In the South Pacific, winter has begun. Winter means the beginning of the rains; temperatures drop to a very pleasant 24° in the […]

RECHERCHÉ: Buy Now Or Cry Later!
Recherché is a French word that means exquisite, rare, or sought after. “If you describe something as recherché, you mean that it is very sophisticated”

If your dog could talk, it would tell you…
Author: Marcos Mendoza Do you ever look at your dog and ask yourself: “If my dog could talk, what would he tell me?” I have dealt with the topic and I may have the […]

Greetings from beautiful Drake Bay, Costa Rica.
Author: Captain Willy Atencio As I write this article, we are well into the high season, and I am thankful to be on the water every day fishing with lovely people from around the […]

Blue Flag Certificate for Climate Change?
Author: Pilar Salazar The Blue Flag (Bandera Azul) is an award given annually. It rewards the effort and voluntary work of the different local committees that seek to improve environmental conditions to mitigate and […]

The Hallmarks of a Great Realtor
Author: Marcia Oro Finding a great realtor in Costa Ballena is not as easy as it may seem, although there are many to choose from. Some people choose their real estate agent based on […]

Restaurant La Costeña
Author: Dagmar Reinhard La Costeña Restaurant strives for typical Costa Rican cuisine, tasty representing the coasts of the South Pacific. The dishes are prepared with the best ingredients, fresh seafood, whole fish from marine catches […]

It’s All About Connection!
Many young girls experience severe trauma in their childhood and adolescence. “Chicas y Caballos” is intended to help them overcome this and find their way back to normal life. Viele junge Mädchen erleben schlimme Traumata […]

Micro-needling, Dermapen or Collagen Induction Therapy
Author: Dra. Mónica Alfaro The skin shows various signs of aging; some are more prominent in some patients, others on another patient. We all start to show at some point discoloration, saggy loose skin, volume […]