Playa Manzanillo (Nicoya Peninsula) Surf Spot Guide

Here are several reef and beach breaks that are rarely surfed.

In case your surf trip takes you along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula take your time to check the waves at Playa Manzanillo. Nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Manzanillo offers an idyllic surf experience away from crowded tourist spots. This hidden paradise features both reef and beach breaks that cater to various skill levels, making it a versatile destination for surf enthusiasts. The beach is characterized by its stocky palm trees and old almendros that lean out over the pristine sand, creating a picturesque setting for your surfing adventure.
You might be lucky and find some good waves that you don’t have to share with anybody. The road runs parallel to the beach.

During mid to high tide, Playa Manzanillo provides excellent swimming conditions, but caution is advised during low tide due to underwater rocks. For those interested in more than just surfing, the beach also offers great snorkeling points where you can explore marine life in the shallow lagoon protected by a reef. This dual appeal makes Manzanillo a compelling destination for ocean lovers.

The secluded nature of Manzanillo Beach contributes to its charm, offering a serene atmosphere that's increasingly rare in popular surf destinations. Located just north of Santa Teresa, this lonesome beach allows visitors to connect with nature while riding waves in an unspoiled setting. Understanding the tide patterns is crucial for maximizing your surf experience at this Nicoya Peninsula gem.

Surfing at Playa Manzanillo

Playa Manzanillo on the Nicoya Peninsula offers diverse surf opportunities with both reef and beach breaks. The spot features beginner-friendly waves at the main beach while offshore reefs provide more challenging conditions for experienced surfers.

Surf Breaks and Ocean Conditions

Playa Manzanillo's surf landscape consists of a mix of offshore reef breaks and beach breaks. The main beach area is partially protected by a live coral reef located less than 50 meters offshore, creating gentler waves perfect for learning. When swells arrive from W-NW directions, the offshore reefs shape into fun left and right breaks.

The spot is relatively fickle, requiring specific swell conditions to work properly. When conditions align, the waves can range from gentle rollers to challenging double overhead breaks.

Tide changes significantly affect wave quality here. For best surfing conditions, check local tide charts as the spot generally performs better during mid to high tides when there's enough water covering the reef sections.

More experienced surfers should explore the north and south reef sections, which offer more challenging waves when larger swells arrive. These areas attract locals and expats on weekends when breaking properly.

How to Get There

For international travelers, Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia (LIR) is about 158 km (98 miles) from Playa Manzanillo. From either airport, you'll need to arrange ground transportation. It takes around 5 hours to get from the airport to Playa Manzanillo.

The beach is accessible by road, though some sections of the journey may require 4WD vehicles during the rainy season. When approaching the area, look for signs to Playa Manzanillo or ask locals or at your hotel for directions to the specific surf breaks you're interested in exploring.

Photos of Playa Manzanillo (Nicoya Peninsula)