Puerto Viejo & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Little Shoal
A reef break in Puerto Viejo & the south, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Little Shoal is a coral shelf at the south end of Playa Cocles, mostly rights with a few lefts. It's less heavy than Salsa Brava and a good first reef for surfers moving on from the beach.
It needs a north-east swell. The coral sits close to the surface at low tide, so mid tide is safer, and booties help. The water is warm and clear, and Puerto Viejo is a few minutes away.
9.64, -82.73 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Little Shoal
Little Shoal 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 Little Shoal
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Cocles | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 1 km |
| Salsa Brava | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Punta Uva | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate | 5 km |
| Manzanillo | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
| Playa Negra (Cahuita) | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 16 km |
| Barco Quebrado | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Intermediate | 35 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Puerto Viejo & the south
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Puerto Viejo & the south 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 →
Little Shoal: common questions
When is the best time to surf Little Shoal?
Little Shoal works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is Little Shoal good for beginners?
No. Little Shoal is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo & the south, about 1 km away.
How crowded is Little Shoal?
Little Shoal is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Little Shoal?
Little Shoal is in Puerto Viejo & the south, in the Limón region of Costa Rica (9.64, -82.73). The nearest wave we cover is Playa Cocles, about 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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