Limón & the north · Costa Rica
Surfing Playa Bonita
A reef break in Limón & the north, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Playa Bonita is the main beach near Limón. At its north end there's a thick left reef that gets powerful on a strong north-east swell, with fast, hollow sections.
You can watch it from the beach and walk out to it, and hotels and restaurants are close by. It's for confident surfers when it's big, and the reef is shallow on the inside.
10.02, -83.05 · Strong NE swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playa Bonita
Playa Bonita is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Strong NE swell. This is how the year looks across Limón:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | Prime | Main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire Salsa Brava and the reefs |
| April to June | Quiet | Flat spells between seasons; the Pacific is the better bet now |
| July to August | Good | A reliable mid-year mini-season, July the safer bet for swell |
| September to November | Quiet | Mostly flat and very wet, off-season on the Caribbean |
Waves near Playa Bonita
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocaine Point | Limón & the north | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 2 km |
| Roca Alta | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Advanced | 2 km |
| Isla Uvita | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Advanced | 5 km |
| Westfalia | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 17 km |
| Barco Quebrado | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Intermediate | 20 km |
| Playa Negra (Cahuita) | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 39 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Limón & the north
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Limón & the north surf guide →
A week here costs from about $738 with flights from Europe, or around $1,536 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Playa Bonita: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playa Bonita?
Playa Bonita works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Strong NE swell.
Is Playa Bonita good for beginners?
No. Playa Bonita is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Westfalia in Limón & the north, about 17 km away.
How crowded is Playa Bonita?
Playa Bonita is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playa Bonita?
Playa Bonita is in Limón & the north, in the Limón region of Costa Rica (10.02, -83.05). The nearest wave we cover is Cocaine Point, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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