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.
Playa Hermosa surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3.3m
- 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 kind of wave is Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is a beach break in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 4m, with the sweet spot around 2.3 to 3.3m. Period matters too: aim for 16s or longer, as anything under 12s 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 Playa Hermosa?
A NE wind is dead offshore at Playa Hermosa, and anything from the N round to the E 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 Playa Hermosa?
Playa Hermosa is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.4m to 1.8m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Hermosa?
The most reliable run of swell at Playa Hermosa comes Apr to Oct. Rainy season = swell season. Best May-Oct.
How cold is the water at Playa Hermosa?
The water at Playa Hermosa 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 Playa Hermosa good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Heavy beach break. Strong rips.
How do I get to Playa Hermosa?
The nearest airport on our list is SJO, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Playa Hermosa?
We track 5 spots around Puntarenas in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Rainy season = swell season. Best May-Oct.
Getting There
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