Surfing Puntarenas & the river lefts

Left Point · Best May-Nov · 2-8 ft · Crowd 3/5

Big S swell, incoming tide

Boca Barranca is a river-mouth left near Puntarenas and, on a big south swell, one of the longest waves in Costa Rica after Pavones. That's why longboard contests are held here. The wave breaks over a cobble bank and is best on an incoming tide.

The river carries runoff from Puntarenas, so the water is polluted, especially after rain. Surf it after a few dry days. Doña Ana, close by, has cleaner lefts and rights.

Left Point · Best May-Nov · 3-8 ft · Crowd 2/5

Big swell + E wind

Puerto Caldera is a wedge that breaks off the jetty at the commercial port, near Doña Ana. It needs a big south swell and an east wind, and then it's short, steep and heavy, very different from the long lefts nearby.

It doesn't break often and the surroundings are industrial, so most people surf Boca Barranca instead. When it's on, it's for experienced surfers only.

It only works a few times each green season, when a big south swell coincides with an east wind. Doña Ana is close by.

Beach Break · Best May-Nov · 3-8 ft · Crowd 2/5

Strong S swell

Tivives is a rivermouth left in Puntarenas province that only works on a strong south swell. On those days it can throw a fast, hollow section off the point, and there's rarely anyone else out.

The rest of the time it's small and unremarkable, and the river makes the water dirty. Don't plan a trip around it. Check it if you're passing through on a big swell, and pick your tide carefully.

It's a green-season wave, from May to November, and only on a strong south swell. Crocodiles live in many Costa Rican river mouths, including in this area, so ask locally and avoid surfing at dusk. Boca Barranca, nearby, is the better-known option.