Pavones
Pavones is one of the longest left-hand point breaks in the world—a legendary wave in remote southern Costa Rica that can run for 800+ meters when conditions align. Getting here requires a serious commitment (6+ hour drive from San Jose on rough roads), but the payoff is tropical perfection with jungle-clad hills as your backdrop. The wave needs long-period SW swells to really connect, and when it does, you'll understand why people relocate their lives to this tiny village.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 230°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
- Best window
- morning
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: 6hr drive from San Jose. Last 2hrs rough road.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Long-period S-SW swells. Rainy season best.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Matapalo
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Dominical
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Carnero Point
🚤 Bocas' reliable right • Island point break • Boat access perfection
Playa Cocles
🎶 Caribbean mellow • Salsa Brava alternative • Reggae vibes
Salsa Brava
🌶️ Spiciest wave in CR • Caribbean barrels • Sharp reef power
Puerto Viejo
🌶️ Salsa Brava slab • Caribbean power • Reggae soul