Quepos & Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
Surfing Quepos Bombie
A reef break in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, for advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced / Pro
- Size6-15 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd1/5
The wave
A recently discovered slab located south of the old jetty, the Quepos Bombie breaks way out off the point, making it a rare tow-in option for the very brave. It only wakes on the biggest south swells, when a thick, heaving lump throws itself over deep-water reef far from shore, a wave for jet-skis, big-wave guns and a serious safety crew, not a casual paddle.
This is expert-and-pro territory and then some: cold-blooded takeoffs, real consequence and a long way from help. The vast majority of surfers passing through Quepos will only ever watch it from a boat, if they see it at all.
Listed for the record, the Bombie shows the untapped size lurking off this coast when a mega-swell lands. Admire it, film it, respect it, but leave it to the specialists who arrive with skis, inflation vests and a plan.
9.4, -84.17 · Very big swell, tow-in · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Quepos Bombie
Quepos Bombie is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Very big swell, tow-in. 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 Quepos Bombie
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playitas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 2 km |
| Quepos Jetty | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Point Break | Intermediate | 4 km |
| Playa El Rey | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 8 km |
| Boca Damas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 8 km |
| Playa Matapalo | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 24 km |
| Playa Dominical | Dominical & Uvita | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 37 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 →
Quepos Bombie: common questions
When is the best time to surf Quepos Bombie?
Quepos Bombie works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Very big swell, tow-in.
Is Quepos Bombie good for beginners?
No. Quepos Bombie is a wave for advanced and pro surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Playitas in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, about 2 km away.
How crowded is Quepos Bombie?
Quepos Bombie is usually empty: 1 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Quepos Bombie?
Quepos Bombie is in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, in the Central Puntarenas region of Costa Rica (9.4, -84.17). The nearest wave we cover is Playitas, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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