Cahuita is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, in a picturesque area known for its natural beauty and laid-back vibe. The beach features a striking stretch of black sand and is part of Cahuita National Park, making it a nice spot for both sightseeing and surfing. It’s a cool place to hit when the Pacific coast is in its “offseason.” While it's not the most popular surf destination in the country, it has some solid options for surfers looking to enjoy the waves.
The surf in Cahuita varies with the season, with the winter months bringing the best conditions. You can catch waves ranging from about 1.5 meters to 2.5 meters (5 feet to 8 feet) during this time. The beach break here is predominantly sand, while there's also a left-hand point break that handles the swells from the North, North-Northeast, Northeast, and East-Northeast. For the beach break, high tide is preferable, while the left point performs better at mid to low tide. If you're an intermediate surfer, you'll find the variety of peaks and wave types—beach, reef, and point—appealing, with lefts and rights to choose from. Just keep in mind that a rip can run a bit strong, so be cautious while paddling out.
Accessing the surf is straightforward. You can park at the entrance to the national park or along the main beach road and then take a short walk to the beach. The left point tends to get busy with locals, especially on good days, but the beach break usually stays pretty empty. Overall, the vibe is friendly, typical for Costa Rica, but don’t be surprised if things get a little competitive at the best spots.
