North Playitas

North Playitas is a surf spot located in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The spot sits on the northern tip of Playa Espadilla, close to Manuel Antonio and Quepos. The surf break is found about 100 yards north around a rock point, and you can reach it by paddling or climbing over rocks from Playitas beach. The area is private and sometimes used as a nude beach, so be aware when walking there. The bottom is a mix of sand and rocks, and the spot works best at medium tide. The wave length ranges from 50 to 150 meters. The surf spot provides both left and right waves. The surf here is considered world classic quality and is best suited for intermediate surfers. The frequency of surfable waves is regular, and the spot is often empty, but local surfers can be present, so respect the locals and always check the surf etiquette, especially when the spot is crowded. The best time to surf is one hour before high tide and in the morning before 9 a.m. when the winds are offshore. Swell direction from the south to southwest works best, and the ideal wave size is chest high to a foot overhead. At bigger sizes, most waves close out. Be careful of rocks, especially at lower tides, and keep an eye out for crocodiles in the area. There are limited facilities, so bring your own supplies. Nearby surf spots include Playitas, Manuel Antonio, Boca Quepos, Playa Bejuco, and Playa Dominical. Always check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level. For the latest surf forecast, surf report, surf map, and surf webcam, check online resources before heading out.