Explore the best surf spots near Dominical and Uvita, two prime surfing destinations in Costa Rica’s South Pacific region. Below is a quick overview of each spot followed by a brief description.
Playa Matapalo
- Break Type: Beach break
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best Swell Direction: Any
- Ride Direction: Left and right
- Tide: All tides
Playa Matapalo, located just north of Dominical, is a quiet beachside village with dark brown sand and little development. The beach break here offers lefts and rights on a sandy bottom, making it a peaceful spot for surfers looking to avoid the crowds. It’s an ideal place for both beginners and intermediate surfers to enjoy a relaxing surf session in a serene environment.
Playa Dominical
- Break Type: Beach break
- Difficulty Level: Advanced
- Best Swell Direction: SouthWest, West, NorthWest
- Ride Direction: Left and right
- Tide: All tides, but best at high tide
Playa Dominical is famous for its fast, hollow, and powerful waves that break over a sandy bottom. The waves here can reach heights of up to 10 feet, offering an exhilarating experience for advanced surfers. The surf near the Rio Baru rivermouth is particularly challenging, with well-positioned sandbars creating strong barrels. Due to strong currents and rips, this spot is best suited for experienced surfers, and lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety.
Dominicalito
- Break Type: Beach break
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best Swell Direction: All directions
- Ride Direction: Left and right
- Tide: Best at high tide
Just south of Dominical lies Dominicalito, a smaller, more protected surf spot perfect for beginner surfers. The waves here are gentle, making it an ideal place for novices to practice and gain confidence. The break offers consistent lefts and rights over a sandy bottom, although some rocks are present. It’s a popular spot for surf camps and beginners, especially during higher tides.
Punto Dominical (Cambutal)
- Break Type: Reef break
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Best Swell Direction: SouthWest, West
- Ride Direction: Left
- Tide: All tides
Punto Dominical, also known as Cambutal or “The Point,” is a long left-hand reef break that offers varying conditions depending on the swell. When the swells are small, it’s perfect for novices, but it often holds double overhead waves, making it a challenging spot for experienced surfers. The nearby La Parcela restaurant offers a great place to unwind after surfing.
Playa Uvita
- Break Type: Beach break
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best Swell Direction: All directions
- Ride Direction: Left and right
- Tide: All tides
Part of the Ballena Marine Park, Playa Uvita is a great spot for beginner to intermediate surfers. The waves here are smaller but consistent, making it a safe and enjoyable place to surf. In addition to surfing, Playa Uvita is popular for swimming, kayaking, SUP, and whale-watching. The entry fee to the park is $6, which grants you access to this beautiful and versatile beach.
Playa Ballena
- Break Type: Beach break
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best Swell Direction: All directions
- Ride Direction: Left and right
- Tide: Best during high tide
Playa Ballena, located in Puntarenas Province, offers a consistent beach break that is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves break over a sandy bottom in both directions, providing a safe and uncrowded surfing experience. This beach is especially popular during the rainy season, from June to September, when the waves are at their best.