Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa (Costa Rica) is one of Central America's most consistent and powerful beach breaks—a 7km stretch of black sand that catches virtually every Pacific swell. The waves here are heavy and hollow, breaking with surprising intensity over shifting sandbars. It's just south of Jaco, making it easily accessible from San Jose. The beach hosts WSL events and has produced some of Costa Rica's best surfers. Powerful, punchy, and always working—this is Costa Rica's reliable beachbreak.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Hermosa?
Offshore wind at Playa Hermosa blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 0° to 90° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa wants SSW swell (180° to 250°) between 1m and 4m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Hermosa?
The main season at Playa Hermosa is Apr-Oct. Rainy season = swell season. Best May-Oct.
How do I get to Playa Hermosa?
Fly into SJO, then allow about 90 minutes by road.
What kind of wave is Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Rainy season = swell season. Best May-Oct.
Getting There
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