Quepos & Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
Surfing Boca Damas
A beach break in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, for intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelIntermediate
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Boca Damas is a rivermouth north of Quepos with long, fast lefts and shorter rights. It's usually bigger than the other breaks nearby, and the left can get hollow when the sandbar is in good shape.
Getting there is the hard part. It's a long walk from Quepos, the currents are strong and there are crocodiles in the river, so most people pay for a boat. Go on an incoming tide with a solid south-west swell and you'll often have it almost to yourself.
9.47, -84.2 · S-SW swell, incoming tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Boca Damas
Boca Damas is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, incoming tide. This is how the year looks across Central Puntarenas:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Short dry season, cleaner, sunnier, but smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season S-SW groundswell fires Dominical and the points; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak, most consistent S-SW swell, and the wettest, greenest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, heavy rains and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Boca Damas
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quepos Jetty | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Point Break | Intermediate | 6 km |
| Quepos Bombie | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 8 km |
| Playitas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 10 km |
| Playa El Rey | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 16 km |
| Playa Matapalo | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 31 km |
| Esterillos Oeste | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 34 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Quepos & Manuel Antonio surf guide →
A week here costs from about $794 with flights from Europe, or around $1,712 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Boca Damas: common questions
When is the best time to surf Boca Damas?
Boca Damas works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: S-SW swell, incoming tide.
Is Boca Damas good for beginners?
No. Boca Damas is a wave for intermediate surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playitas in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, about 10 km away.
How crowded is Boca Damas?
Boca Damas is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Boca Damas?
Boca Damas is in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (9.47, -84.2). The nearest wave we cover is Quepos Jetty, about 6 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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