Pavones & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Punta Banco
A reef break in Pavones & the south, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Punta Banco is 3 km south of Pavones, with coral reefs and empty beach-break peaks in front of Tiskita Lodge. It's where people go when Pavones is too small or too crowded.
The reefs have rights and lefts on a south-west swell, and the sand peaks are easier for improvers. The road ends here, just before Punta Burica, with jungle down to the beach.
8.35, -83.14 · Swell S-SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Punta Banco
Punta Banco is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW. 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 Punta Banco
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pavones | Pavones & the south | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
| Hog Hole | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Advanced | 16 km |
| Backwash | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 16 km |
| Pan Dulce | Cabo Matapalo | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 16 km |
| Playa Zancudo | Pavones & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 19 km |
| Eclipse | Pavones & the south | Beach Break | Intermediate | 27 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 →
Punta Banco: common questions
When is the best time to surf Punta Banco?
Punta Banco works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: Swell S-SW.
Is Punta Banco good for beginners?
Yes. Punta Banco suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Punta Banco?
Punta Banco is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Punta Banco?
Punta Banco is in Pavones & the south, in the Golfo Dulce region of Costa Rica (8.35, -83.14). The nearest wave we cover is Pavones, about 9 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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