Manuel Antonio Surf Guide

Surf spot guide

Ideal Surf Conditions

Swell Direction

South-West, South

Wind

North-East

Surf Height

Chest high to just overhead

Tide

Mid

Manuel Antonio Surf Guide

About 45 minutes south of Jaco, the tranquil, remote, jungled wavescape of Manuel Antonio has become a favorite destination for beginning surfers with its scattered, soft-lipped, A-frame beachbreaks that come alive on S and S-W swells. Just north of Manuel Antonio is Quepos rivermouth, which churns out long lefts that can hollow out on a strong W or N-W swell with a lower tide.

Local Vibe

WelcomingIntimidating

Mellow, but don't underestimate the locals. Humility and respect is a virtuous import.

Crowd Factor

MellowHeavy

Locals surf mostly at Playitas, a 300-yard-wide stretch of beach with three peaks and lots of bodyboarders.

Spot Rating

PoorPerfect

Pretty average spot overall.

Shoulder Burn

LightExhausting

Easy surfing.

Water Quality

CleanDirty

Water surprisingly clean being near such a populated area.

Hazards

None really.

Access

Lots of guarded parking by National Park; walk north for bigger surf.

Bottom

Sand, scattered rocks

Best Season

Rainy season May-Oct

Do you have local knowledge about Manuel Antonio?

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