Quepos & Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
Surfing Playitas
A beach break in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd3/5
The wave
The tourist magnet of Manuel Antonio National Park has fun but semi-consistent beachbreak options along the 3km of Playa Espadilla, and the north-west corner at Playitas holds the best waves from mid to high tide. There's also an outer reef right-hander that lights up with a solid swell and a high tide, adding a step of quality to the sand-bottom peaks.
The locals are chill, the waves suit all standards, and it's a good place to spend time between park visits, sloth-spotting and swims. The setting, jungle tumbling to a palm-fringed beach, is about as tropical as it gets.
Keep it for a south-west swell and favour the higher tides for the cleanest banks, then hunt the outer reef right when the ocean has some size. Playitas won't overwhelm anyone, which is exactly why it's such an easy, enjoyable base in one of Costa Rica's most beautiful corners.
9.39, -84.15 · S-SW swell, mid-high tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playitas
Playitas is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: S-SW swell, mid-high 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 Playitas
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quepos Bombie | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 2 km |
| Quepos Jetty | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Point Break | Intermediate | 5 km |
| Playa El Rey | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 6 km |
| Boca Damas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 10 km |
| Playa Matapalo | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 21 km |
| Playa Dominical | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 35 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 →
Playitas: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playitas?
Playitas works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: S-SW swell, mid-high tide.
Is Playitas good for beginners?
Yes. Playitas suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Playitas?
Playitas is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playitas?
Playitas is in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (9.39, -84.15). The nearest wave we cover is Quepos Bombie, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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