Witch's Rock
Witch's Rock is Costa Rica's most famous wave—a perfect A-frame beach break inside Santa Rosa National Park that gained worldwide fame in Endless Summer II. Getting here requires either a boat trip or a rugged 4WD adventure through the park, adding to its mystique. The wave breaks in a stunning, pristine setting with dramatic rock formations and jungle backdrop. When Pacific swells pulse in, the peaks are hollow and perfectly formed. A bucket-list destination for adventure surfers.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 1m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.8m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Boat from Playas del Coco. Also accessible via 4WD through national park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Witch's Rock?
Witch's Rock works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.5m and 2m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Witch's Rock?
Offshore wind at Witch's Rock blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 45° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Witch's Rock?
Witch's Rock wants SW swell (200° to 270°) between 1m and 3.5m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Witch's Rock?
The main season at Witch's Rock is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. SW swell season April-Oct. Year-round waves.
How do I get to Witch's Rock?
Fly into LIR, then allow about 0 minutes by road, plus a boat transfer (around $200 USD). Boat from Playas del Coco. Also accessible via 4WD through national park.
What kind of wave is Witch's Rock?
Witch's Rock is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
SW swell season April-Oct. Year-round waves.
Getting There
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