Limón & the north · Costa Rica
Surfing Tortuguero Beach
A beach break in Limón & the north, Costa Rica, for intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Tortuguero Beach runs for kilometres along the national park on the north Caribbean coast, with endless beach-break peaks and rivermouths. There's no road: the only way in is by boat from Puerto Moín, which also reaches Parismina and Barra Colorado.
The banks move all the time and close out when it's big, but on a good north-east swell there are hollow, powerful peaks with nobody on them. The canals, jungle and nesting turtles are the main reason most people come.
10.54, -83.5 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Tortuguero Beach
Tortuguero Beach is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE-E. 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 Tortuguero Beach
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Bonita | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 76 km |
| Cocaine Point | Limón & the north | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 77 km |
| Roca Alta | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Advanced | 78 km |
| Isla Uvita | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Advanced | 81 km |
| Westfalia | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 93 km |
| Barco Quebrado | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Intermediate | 96 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 →
Tortuguero Beach: common questions
When is the best time to surf Tortuguero Beach?
Tortuguero Beach works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is Tortuguero Beach good for beginners?
No. Tortuguero Beach is a wave for intermediate surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Westfalia in Limón & the north, about 93 km away.
How crowded is Tortuguero Beach?
Tortuguero Beach is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Tortuguero Beach?
Tortuguero Beach is in Limón & the north, in the Limón region of Costa Rica (10.54, -83.5). The nearest wave we cover is Playa Bonita, about 76 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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