Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa (Costa Rica) is one of Central America's most consistent and powerful beach breaks—a 7km stretch of black sand that catches virtually every Pacific swell. The waves here are heavy and hollow, breaking with surprising intensity over shifting sandbars. It's just south of Jaco, making it easily accessible from San Jose. The beach hosts WSL events and has produced some of Costa Rica's best surfers. Powerful, punchy, and always working—this is Costa Rica's reliable beachbreak.
Today's Conditions
Location & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
6/10
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Rainy season = swell season. Best May-Oct.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Malpais
🌴 Nicoya Peninsula treasure • Point and beach mix • Bohemian surf vibes
Santa Teresa
☀️ Pura vida showcase • Consistent beach peaks • Yoga surf fusion
Dominical
🐋 Whale watching waves • Jungle power • Not for beginners
Playa Guiones
🌅 7km of beach break • Yoga surf fusion • Costa Rica consistency
Nosara
🧘 Yoga surf paradise • Mellow beach breaks • Pura vida wellness
Playa Negra
🖤 Guanacaste's premier left • Consistent reef quality • Urchin territory