Malpais and its more famous neighbor Santa Teresa occupy the sun-baked southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, offering a constellation of breaks that range from mellow beach break walls to punchy reef points. The main right-hand point at the southern end provides the region's most defined wave, reeling along rocky outcrops with occasional barrel sections. The area's remote location—accessible by rough roads or ferry—has cultivated a distinct bohemian surf culture. Development has arrived, but the consistent waves and spectacular sunsets continue to draw surfers seeking the quintessential Costa Rican surf village experience.
Return flights to SJO, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
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Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Drive or ferry from mainland.
Malpais works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
Offshore wind at Malpais blows from the ENE (70°). Anything in the 30° to 110° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
Malpais wants SSW swell (180° to 230°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
The main season at Malpais is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Year-round. Rainy season best.
Fly into SJO, then allow about 180 minutes by road. Drive or ferry from mainland.
Malpais is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round. Rainy season best.
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