Limón & the north · Costa Rica
Surfing Westfalia
A beach break in Limón & the north, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-5 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd1/5
The wave
En route to Cahuita, Westfalia is a 60km stretch of average but consistent beachbreak where the sandbanks are deserted but close out when the swell gets over 4ft. It's a mellow, uncrowded option for smaller days, user-friendly peaks along an empty black-sand beach where you'll rarely see another surfer.
Check the Barco Quebrado at the Rio del Banano rivermouth nearby, where better-shaped banks are often seen. The whole area is quiet, rural Caribbean coast, backed by banana plantations and jungle.
Go on a smaller north-east swell for fun, forgiving peaks, and keep an eye on the size, over 4ft it tends to shut down. Westfalia isn't a great wave, but as a relaxed, empty beachbreak between the Limón reefs and the Puerto Viejo scene, it's a pleasant place to log easy waves and enjoy the deserted sand of the central Caribbean coast.
9.9, -82.95 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Westfalia
Westfalia 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 Westfalia
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barco Quebrado | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Intermediate | 3 km |
| Isla Uvita | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Advanced | 13 km |
| Roca Alta | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Advanced | 15 km |
| Cocaine Point | Limón & the north | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 16 km |
| Playa Bonita | Limón & the north | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 17 km |
| Playa Negra (Cahuita) | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 21 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 →
Westfalia: common questions
When is the best time to surf Westfalia?
Westfalia works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is Westfalia good for beginners?
Yes. Westfalia suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Westfalia?
Westfalia is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Westfalia?
Westfalia is in Limón & the north, in the Limón region of Costa Rica (9.9, -82.95). The nearest wave we cover is Barco Quebrado, about 3 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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