Puerto Viejo & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Playa Cocles
A beach break in Puerto Viejo & the south, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Playa Cocles is the beach just south of Puerto Viejo, with soft beach-break peaks that suit beginners. At the north end, next to a small island, a short left breaks at mid tide and has a bit more push until the swell gets overhead.
It needs a north-east swell, mostly from December to March. Surf schools and board rental are right on the beach. Experienced surfers tend to go to Salsa Brava, the reef a few minutes north.
9.64, -82.74 · Swell NE-E · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playa Cocles
Playa Cocles 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 Playa Cocles
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Shoal | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 1 km |
| Salsa Brava | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 3 km |
| Punta Uva | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate | 6 km |
| Manzanillo | Puerto Viejo & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 10 km |
| Playa Negra (Cahuita) | Puerto Viejo & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 16 km |
| Barco Quebrado | Limón & the north | Beach Break | Intermediate | 34 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 →
Playa Cocles: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playa Cocles?
Playa Cocles works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE-E.
Is Playa Cocles good for beginners?
Yes. Playa Cocles suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Playa Cocles?
Playa Cocles is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playa Cocles?
Playa Cocles is in Puerto Viejo & the south, in the Limón region of Costa Rica (9.64, -82.74). The nearest wave we cover is Little Shoal, about 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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