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
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Get the full Pavones trip window
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.
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°
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
🦜 Corcovado wilderness • Remote reef • Biodiversity hotspot
Dominical
🐋 Whale watching waves • Jungle power • Not for beginners
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