Pavones & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Eclipse
A beach break in Pavones & the south, Costa Rica, for intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Down towards Punta Burica, Eclipse is a rivermouth peak well placed to pick up even NW swell in a very isolated location, a rare wave in these parts that can work when the classic south-swell spots go flat. Its exposed position at the far southern tip means it catches energy from unusual angles, rewarding the exploratory surfer with peaks nobody else is on.
This is genuine frontier territory near the Panamanian border, reached by a sturdy panga or a long, rough overland mission, with no facilities to speak of. Self-sufficiency is essential.
Go on a south-west or even a north-west pulse and be ready for a proper adventure to reach it. Eclipse is a remote rivermouth peak on one of the least-explored coastlines in Costa Rica, where the reward for the effort is empty waves at the very end of the country.
8.15, -83 · Swell S-SW o NW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Eclipse
Eclipse is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW o NW. This is how the year looks across Golfo Dulce:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to June | Good | Season building, S-SW swell arriving, lush and quiet, roads still passable |
| July to September | Prime | Peak S-SW power, Pavones at its best, but the wettest, road-washing months |
| Oct | Good | Still firing, crowds thinning, very wet |
| November to March | Quiet | Dry but smaller. Pavones needs a big south swell, so it's often flat |
Waves near Eclipse
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Burica | Pavones & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 20 km |
| Punta Banco | Pavones & the south | Reef Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 27 km |
| Pavones | Pavones & the south | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 33 km |
| Hog Hole | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Advanced | 39 km |
| Backwash | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 39 km |
| Pan Dulce | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 40 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Pavones & the south
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Pavones & the south surf guide →
A week here costs from about $717 with flights from Europe, or around $1,701 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Eclipse: common questions
When is the best time to surf Eclipse?
Eclipse works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: Swell S-SW o NW.
Is Eclipse good for beginners?
No. Eclipse is a wave for intermediate surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Punta Banco in Pavones & the south, about 27 km away.
How crowded is Eclipse?
Eclipse is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Eclipse?
Eclipse is in Pavones & the south, in the Golfo Dulce region of Costa Rica (8.15, -83). The nearest wave we cover is Punta Burica, about 20 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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