Puerto Viejo & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Manzanillo
A reef break in Puerto Viejo & the south, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd1/5
The wave
Manzanillo is the last village before the Panama border on the Caribbean coast. The beach breaks pick up small swells but are exposed to the wind. Off the headlands there are right reefs with better shape, reached by walking through the jungle of the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife refuge.
It needs a north-east swell. The village is quiet, the refuge has jungle, mangroves and coral, and few surfers make the trip.
9.63, -82.65 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Manzanillo
Manzanillo 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 Manzanillo
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Uva | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate | 4 km |
| Little Shoal | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 9 km |
| Playa Cocles | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 10 km |
| Salsa Brava | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 12 km |
| Playa Negra (Cahuita) | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 24 km |
| Barco Quebrado | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Intermediate | 41 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 →
Manzanillo: common questions
When is the best time to surf Manzanillo?
Manzanillo works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is Manzanillo good for beginners?
No. Manzanillo is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo & the south, about 10 km away.
How crowded is Manzanillo?
Manzanillo is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Manzanillo?
Manzanillo is in Puerto Viejo & the south, in the Limón region of Costa Rica (9.63, -82.65). The nearest wave we cover is Punta Uva, about 4 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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