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 a very long way when conditions align. Getting here requires a serious commitment (it's a long way from San José), 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.
Pavones surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (200°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 230°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
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: Long drive from San José.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Pavones?
Pavones is a point break in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, that mostly breaks left. It's on our list of the world's 100 best waves.
What's the story behind Pavones?
In the 1970s Dan Fowlie, a surfer turned drug trafficker, turned Pavones into an invitation-only haven nicknamed 'Danny Land'. In the 2000s a coalition of locals and surfers beat a plan for huge tuna pens in Golfo Dulce.
What swell works best at Pavones?
Pavones picks up swell from the S round to the SW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.2 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Pavones?
An E wind is dead offshore at Pavones, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Pavones?
Pavones is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Pavones?
The most reliable run of swell at Pavones comes Apr to Oct. Long-period S-SW swells. Rainy season best.
How cold is the water at Pavones?
The water at Pavones averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Pavones good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Cobblestone bottom. Strong local crew.
How do I get to Pavones?
The nearest airport on our list is SJO, then it's roughly a 6-hour drive. Long drive from San José.
What other surf spots are near Pavones?
The closest breaks we track are Matapalo (14 km), handy when Pavones isn't working. We track 5 spots around Puntarenas in total. Fun fact: it's the most southerly break we track in Costa Rica.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Long-period S-SW swells. Rainy season best.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Matapalo
🦜 Corcovado wilderness • Remote reef • Biodiversity hotspot
Dominical
🐋 Whale watching waves • Jungle power • Not for beginners
Playa Cocles
🎶 Caribbean mellow • Salsa Brava alternative • Reggae vibes
Salsa Brava
🌶️ Spiciest wave in CR • Caribbean barrels • Sharp reef power
Paunch
🌴 Bocas signature wave • Barrels to walls • Complete package
Dumpees
🫧 Bocas' sucky tubes • Bodysurfer origins • Technical barrels
Plan a trip around Pavones
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.