Portrero Grande (Ollie’s Point) Surf Spot Guide
Hotels close to Portrero Grande (Ollie’s Point)
Witch's Rock Surf Camp is located beach front in Tamarindo
Amongst many known as Ollie’s Point, world famous right point at a river mouth.
This almost hollow wave is featured in the movie Endless Summer 2. The wave breaks best at low tide with a solid south swell.
Portero Grande is located inside the Santa Rosa National Park, hotels and other businesses are not allowed inside the park. The only way to reach this spot is by boat from Playas del Coco or Playa Ocotal.
Surfing at Potrero Grande (Ollie’s Point)
Potrero Grande, known as Ollie’s Point, is a famous surf spot on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It is best known for its right-hand point break, long rides, and consistent barrels, especially during a solid south swell.
Access and Location
Ollie’s Point is located in the remote northern section of Santa Rosa National Park. The spot sits near the border with Nicaragua, away from main tourist beaches like Tamarindo or Playa Grande. There are no roads directly to the break.
The easiest way to access Ollie’s Point is by boat from Playa del Coco or Playa Naranjo. The boat ride usually takes about an hour. The beach itself is secluded, with a sand bottom and little shade. Visitors should bring water, food, and sun protection, as there are no facilities or shops at the break.
The Legend of Ollie’s Point and Cultural Significance
Ollie’s Point is a remote surf spot famous for its perfect waves and unique history. The area attracts surfers and travelers with its natural beauty, legends tied to politics, and its special place in surf culture.
The Oliver North Connection
Ollie’s Point gets its name from Colonel Oliver North, a U.S. military figure known for his role in the Nicaraguan civil war during the 1980s. Legend says this remote surf spot was used as a secret landing point by North.
There were claims armed groups, backed by the U.S., landed weapons near Potrero Grande’s coast for the Contra rebels. This association gave the spot its popular nickname, “Ollie’s Point,” after Oliver North.
While some details are debated, the story is now a permanent part of the area’s identity. The myth blends history with surf culture, making the spot unique among Costa Rica’s waves.
Endless Summer II Legacy
Ollie’s Point reached worldwide fame after it appeared in the 1994 film Endless Summer II. The movie showed the spot’s long, peeling right-hand waves, turning it into a dream destination for surfers.
Before the film, only local surfers and adventurers knew about it. Afterward, international travelers started visiting, and it became part of the global surf community. Many still visit hoping to ride the same perfect wave seen onscreen.
The film helped start Costa Rica’s rise as a major surfing destination. Ollie’s Point stands as a symbol of remote discovery, adventure, and natural beauty, highlighted in surf media.
Nearby Surf Spots
Ollie’s Point is not alone—nearby are several other famous surf spots. Roca Bruja, also called Witches Rock, is one of the most well-known. This beach break offers powerful waves and stunning scenery inside Santa Rosa National Park.
Strict park rules help protect the land and sea. Surfers should respect these guidelines.
This a surf spot you might wan to add to your bucket list!
Photos of Potrero Grande (Ollie’s Point)
Portero Grande, more commonly known as Ollie's Point, is one of Costa Rica's most famous surf spots.
Potrero Grande (Ollie’s Point) on the map