The Inside Scoop on Pavones
Pavones is a surfing mecca. Locals come down on the weekends or whenever the swell gets massive. Tourists come from all over the world to surf the long left point. Besides surfing, the quiet town offers a lot of nature excursions and is simply a great place to unwind, away from the hustle of the larger beach towns.
Directions to Pavones: Drive south towards Golfito making a right at Palmar Norte and going over the bridge. Then at Kilometer 13, before you get to Golfito, make a left and head towards Zancudo. You go through some farms and then hit a river that you cross on a newly constructed bridge. After that pretty much follow the signs. You go up and down some pretty big hills and make one more left that puts you going toward Pavones and not Zancudo. If you think you're lost, just ask directions.
If you want to be mesmerized by the surf in Pavones, check out this video by Dave Sanchez of Stone Fish Productions
Getting There
From the San Jose airport to Pavones is about an 7 hr trip. Thanks to Cabinas La Ponderosa for sharing these directions with us:
Leave San Jose on the new highway heading to Jaco. Before entering Jaco, take the coastal road south.- Travel south passing turns for Playa Hermosa, Quepos & Dominical. In Palmar you will meet with the Pan-Am Highway go right. Fill up on gas/diesel here. This is the last gas real gas station, unless you are going into Golfito. You can get fuel in Pavones but only from a drum at the hardware store.
- Then, in Rio Claro go right again. There will be a sign for Pavones around 4 to 5 miles on the right side of the road but be aware and pay attention. You will need to take a hard switch back left turn at this sign. The Rodeo Bar is on this corner. If you get to Golfito you have gone too far and missed the turn – go back and watch for the Rodeo Bar.
- The rest of the way will be marked with new signs and will take around 1.5 hrs.
- Make a right in Pueblo Nuevo (we have a small sign on the corner).
- Make another right in Conte, there is a supermarket and bar here. You will be on the road to Pavones (45 min. from this point).
- Stay left at the two forks in the road after Conte. The other roads go to Zancudo.
Another option is to fly in Golfito and take a taxi for about $80 each way. Nature Air and Sansa both fly this route. (Remember these airlines usually don't take boards over 7 feet)
Surf Spots
Pavones
One of the longest lefts in the world. With a double overhead southwest swell it can break for 600-700 meters, two minute rides. When there is no swell, it can go flat, with surf maybe waist high with a rising tide. Best tide is around high tide so the wave breaks in deeper water and one can make more sections. At low tide there are lots of slippery barnacled cobblestones to walk over to get to the wave. Can get very crowded with over 100 surfers on it when it is good. And many of them are locals so give respect and wait for the right peak to take off on. The drift also helps to spread out the lineup.
Punto Banco
Punta Banco is about 4 km. south of Pavones. It is a point that breaks about 200 meters from shore and even though you walk out over sand, there are lots of ledges and boils in the lineup. It doesn't get crowded because the waves jack up and then mush out, making it difficult to paddle into. It's a good place to check if Pavones is too small or too crowded. To find it, look for the tiny airstrip in front of the Tiskita Lodge. Don't leave stuff in your vehicle!
Punta Burica
This is the southern tip of Costa Rica, and the waves are as wild as the landscape. Best access is by boat, although during the dry season it can be accessed by 4wd. The beaches and rock ledges pick up swell from the South and Southwest and certain peaks light up depending on the tide and wave size.
Also visit the surf breaks on the Osa Peninula by boat!
Surf Camps
Venus Surf Adventures
Description: Surf camps based in Pavones and Hawaii. Packages include flights and taxis to Pavones, daily surf lessons, surfboard, yoga sessions, lodging, all meals, a boat trip to Matapalo, one massage, and a CD with photos from your trip.
Certification: n/a
Pavones 506-2776-2014
Shooting Star Yoga
Description: Yoga classes and retreats that include accommodations and tours around Pavones. Amy Khoo has been teaching yoga for 18 years and is also an amazing surfer.
Certification: n/a
Pavones 506-2776-2017
Hotels
To recommend your favorite spot or make a reservation, just send us a note.
Surf Shops
Sea Kings Surf Shop
Description: Right across the soccer field and La Esquina Bar. Has new and used boards, all surfing accessories, and ding repair.
Recommended Tours
Clear River Sports and Adventure
Description: Surfboard rentals: $15 per day. Bike rentals: $10 per day. Kayak rentals: $15 per day.
High speed internet with: Printers, copies, skype International calls & wifi, plus Book exchange.
Fishing trips: $ 250. Marine ecotour: $200. Surfing Matapalo boat trip: $250. Water Taxi to Puerto Jimenez or Golfito: $250. Water taxi to Zancudo: $200. Fishing trips are 6 hours and include a drink and snack. English & Spanish spoken by boat captain. Open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pavones 506-8629-2508 roblastname@gmail.com
$10-250
Bulletins - Anuncios
The Ara Project - Macaw Conservation in Costa Rica
The Ara Project is a Costa Rican licensed zoological park and non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the two native macaw species of Costa Rica: the critically endangered Great Green or Buffon's Macaw (Ara ambiguus) and the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao). The Ara Project incorporates breeding techniques and aviary management in order to carry out controlled release programs in conjunction with Costa Rican wildlife laws imposed by MINAET (Ministry of the Environment, Energy & Telecommunications).. Visit www.TheAraProject.org for more information.
Watch Leon Glatzer making it look easy in Pavones - Kerrupt Air
