Pavones Town
Guide to the Surf Town of Pavones
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Pavones Town
As you can see from the Google Map above, the town of Pavones was built right behind this amazing left-hand point break, and for good reason. One of the most famous waves in the world, people travel from around the globe just to surf here. No surprise then, that a whole tourism industry has sprung up here of surf camps, yoga centers, real estate sellers, restaurants, and various tour companies.
Although on the way here you’ll drive through hours of palm oil plantations, rice fields, and clear-cut forests for cows, Pavones itself has never been spoiled. It’s rugged mountains that shoot up behind the beaches are still covered with large rainforest trees and teeming with animals such as monkeys and parrots.
Whether you choose to stay in a luxury villa for $500 per night or a dilapidated surf hostel, everyone is equal out on the area’s main attraction, the Pavones wave, which, when the swell is large enough, breaks in a continuous line for over two minutes and a kilometer long, leaving quivering-legged surfers in awe.
Pavones Accommodations
Surf Camps
Clear River Sports and Adventure
Clear River Sports and Adventure is a surf school based in a sublime village of Rio Claro de Pavones in the Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica.
Una Ola Surf Camp
Una Ola Surf Camp is situated on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica in Pavones. Known as a surfer’s heaven and home to Central America’s longest waves, Pavones is simply a perfect place to begin your surfing holiday.
Venus Surf Adventures
Venus Surf Adventures is an exclusive surf camp and a fitness school based in sublime town called Pavones in Costa Rica.
Hotels
The center of town is filled with lower-priced places, and the nicer ones seem to be hidden up in the hills, or along the beach to the south towards Punta Banco, which has several very nice places at the end of the road.
Castillo de Pavones – The “Castle of Pavones” is a small luxury hotel, located five-minutes walk from the beach. Try the food prepared by their chefs, rumored to be among the best in the area.Carol’s Cabinas – Surfer’s cabins and shared accommodations, designed to create interaction between the guests. It has a community kitchen, located in the middle of town, and has an aerial silk to play on. Lots of fun and very popular place. $15-$17 per person per night.
Caza Olas – Inexpensive dorm rooms and cabinas, from $10-$80 per night.
La Ponderosa – Located just south in La Piña, La Ponderosa is nearly beachfront, with a pool and great accommodations.
Mira Olas – Rental cabinas ten minutes walk from both the town of Pavones and its famous surf spot
Pavones Riviera – Riverside villas for rent on the Rio Claro right in the middle of town and a very short walk to the Pavones surf spot.
Punta Saleas Lodge – Eco lodge west of the center of town, decicated to every type of action and adventure sports. Surfing, SUP, Kite-Surfing, horseback riding, sea kayaking, and they even have their own skate “bowl”.
Rancho Canatella – Small resort located at La Piña, just a couple minutes walk from the start of the Pavones main wave.
Siempre Domingo – Luxury ocean-view bed and breakfast lodge with three rooms available.
Rental Houses
- First Point Cabina – Rancho Cannatella’s Pilon House for rent
Pavones Surf House – 2BR 2BA – the original villa rental, 150m from the wave.
Villa Pavones – 2BR 3BA Homes, located 200m from the beach and a 15 minute walk to the best wave.
More Villa Rentals: VRBO Pavones
Restaurants
La Manta – One of the most beautiful buildings in the area, La Manta is nearly beachfront, and has a wrap-around deck on the second floor from which you can see the ocean.
La Piña / Bruschetta – Italian Restaurant and pizzeria located south of Pavones, but within walking distance. One of the favorite spots to eat here.
Yoga in Pavones
Pavones isn’t just a place to surf, although it’s certainly the main attraction. There are also three great places to do yoga here, as described below:
- Amy’s Yoga / Shooting Star
Amy’s yoga center is nearly in front of the Pavones break, but on the other side of the road, to the south/west of the Rio Claro rivermouth at the “La Pina” beach. From the middle of town, if you go around via the bridge, it takes 12 minutes to walk here. Amy is a highly experienced teacher, offering daily classes with a variety of styles and focus. Unlike the other two, she doesn’t offer retreats or lodging, and is the only yoga spot near the beach, since the other two are up on the hill.
The newest addition to the yoga scene in this part of Costa Rica, the Pavones Yoga Center operates as a hotel and does yoga retreats, but the main focus is yoga teacher trainings. 200hr and 500hr programs, and more, are offered here. The center also has a spa, a gift shop, and features the amazing artistic talent of Alex Lanau. The Pavones Yoga Center is located straight up the hill from the center of town at the supermarket.
The yoga farm is a very low-priced “retreat” option, and offers volunteer opportunities as well. It has a very sustainable vision, with organic growing, chickens, and many green/eco projects taking place throughout the year. Operating primarily from January through July, it’s located high on the hill above Punta Banco.
More Info: Costa Rica Yoga – Pavones
Miscellaneous
Pavones Tours – Dedicated to adventure tours of all types in the area, including surfing, remote beaches tours, traditional fishing, visit to the Burica Indian tribes, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Whale Watching, etc.
Sea Kings Surf Shop – Sea Kings is located in the middle of town, and offers board rentals, gear, and surf instruction too.
Taichi Longevity Center – Retreats based on Tai Chi in Pavones, including eco tours, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Further Info about Pavones
Lonely Planet – Pavones Guide in the Lonely Planet
PavonesCR.com – Town directory, blog, vacation rentals, real estate, and more.
