Puntarenas & the river lefts · Costa Rica
Surfing Tivives
A beach break in Puntarenas & the river lefts, Costa Rica, for advanced surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd2/5
The wave
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.
9.833, -84.712 · Strong S swell · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Tivives
Tivives is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Strong S swell. This is how the year looks across Golfo de Nicoya:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Dry season, cleaner conditions and WNW pulses, though smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season SW groundswell fires the points and beachbreaks; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak S-SW swell, most consistent and biggest, but the wettest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, rain and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Tivives
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Caldera | Puntarenas & the river lefts | Point Break | Advanced | 9 km |
| Boca Barranca | Puntarenas & the river lefts | Point Break | Intermediate | 15 km |
| Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 16 km |
| Playa Jacó | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 26 km |
| Roca Loca | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Reef Break | Advanced | 29 km |
| Playa Hermosa | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Beach Break | Advanced | 31 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Puntarenas & the river lefts
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Puntarenas & the river lefts surf guide →
A week here costs from about $822 with flights from Europe, or around $1,631 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Tivives: common questions
When is the best time to surf Tivives?
Tivives works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Strong S swell.
Is Tivives good for beginners?
No. Tivives is a wave for advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playa Jacó in Jacó & Playa Hermosa, about 26 km away.
How crowded is Tivives?
Tivives is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Tivives?
Tivives is in Puntarenas & the river lefts, in the Golfo de Nicoya region of Costa Rica (9.833, -84.712). The nearest wave we cover is Puerto Caldera, about 9 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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