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.
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Drive or ferry from mainland.
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round. Rainy season best.
☀️ Pura vida showcase • Consistent beach peaks • Yoga surf fusion
🇨🇷 Most consistent break • Heavy hollow tubes • Black sand power
🌅 7km of beach break • Yoga surf fusion • Costa Rica consistency
🧘 Yoga surf paradise • Mellow beach breaks • Pura vida wellness
🖤 Guanacaste's premier left • Consistent reef quality • Urchin territory
🐷 Beach pigs fame • Lola's legendary • Quality upgrade