Mal País & Santa Teresa · Costa Rica
Surfing Playa Manzanillo
A reef break in Mal País & Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd2/5
The wave
The reefs at the north end of Playa Manzanillo need a strong south-west swell to work. When they do, they turn into short, hollow peaks over shallow reef.
Most of the year it's too small, so only come on the biggest, cleanest days, and have a backup plan if it isn't breaking. It's reached on rough roads and is usually empty.
9.65, -85.3 · Strong S-SW swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playa Manzanillo
Playa Manzanillo is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Strong S-SW swell. This is how the year looks across Golfo de Nicoya:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Dry season, cleaner conditions and WNW pulses, though smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season SW groundswell fires the points and beachbreaks; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak S-SW swell, most consistent and biggest, but the wettest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, rain and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Playa Manzanillo
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Caletas | Mal País & Santa Teresa | Reef Break | Intermediate | 6 km |
| Playa Coyote | Mal País & Santa Teresa | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 13 km |
| Playa Santa Teresa | Mal País & Santa Teresa | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced | 15 km |
| Playa Carmen (Mal País) | Mal País & Santa Teresa | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 17 km |
| Punta Barigona | Mal País & Santa Teresa | Point Break | Intermediate | 19 km |
| Playa Guiones | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 50 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Mal País & Santa Teresa
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Mal País & Santa Teresa surf guide →
A week here costs from about $822 with flights from Europe, or around $1,631 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Playa Manzanillo: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playa Manzanillo?
Playa Manzanillo works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Strong S-SW swell.
Is Playa Manzanillo good for beginners?
No. Playa Manzanillo is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playa Coyote in Mal País & Santa Teresa, about 13 km away.
How crowded is Playa Manzanillo?
Playa Manzanillo is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playa Manzanillo?
Playa Manzanillo is in Mal País & Santa Teresa, in the Golfo de Nicoya region of Costa Rica (9.65, -85.3). The nearest wave we cover is Playa Caletas, about 6 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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