Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For a softer landing, try the beach break at
Playa Cocles
- where the waves are almost
as impressive and the landing far less damaging. Cocles is about 2km east of town. Condi-
tions are usually best early in the day, before the wind picks up.
Waves in the area generally peak from November to March, and there is a surfing min-
iseason from June to July. From late March to May, and in September and October, the sea
is at its calmest.
Several surf schools around town charge US$40 to US$50 for two hours of lessons.
Stands around town rent boards from about US$20 per day.
Caribbean Surf School
SURFING
Lessons by super-smiley surf instructor Hershel Lewis, widely considered the best teacher
in the town.
One Love Surf School
SURFING
( 8719-4654;
jewell420@hotmail.com
)
Julie Hickey and her surfing sons Cedric and Solomon specialize in surf lessons for wo-
men and children.
Swimming
The entire southern Caribbean coast - from Cahuita all the way south to Punta Mona - is
lined with unbelievably beautiful beaches. Just northwest of town,
Playa Negra
offers the
area's safest swimming.
Southeast of town you will find some gems - stretches of smooth white sand, fringed by
jungle and ideal for surfing, body surfing and, when the swell is low, swimming.
Playa
Cocles
(2km east of town),
Playa Chiquita
(4km east),
Punta Uva
(7km east) and
Man-
zanillo
all offer postcard-perfect beach paradises. Swimming conditions vary greatly,
however, and the surf can get dangerous. Riptides and powerful undertows can be deadly.
Inquire at your hotel or with local tour operators about conditions before setting out.
Snorkeling
The waters from Cahuita to Manzanillo are sheltered by Costa Rica's only two living reef
systems, which form a naturally protected sanctuary, home to some 35 species of coral and
