Playa Hermosa – Jacó
Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: April–November
Playa Hermosa is a long beach of dark sand a few kilometres south-east of Jacó on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, in the province of Puntarenas. Not to be confused with the beaches of the same name in Guanacaste and on the Nicoya Peninsula, it is known as one of the most consistent and powerful beach breaks in the country and regularly hosts surf contests.
The beach faces south-west and is open to south and south-west swells, which are biggest from about April to November. Several sandbar peaks along the beach give fast, hollow waves, both lefts and rights, that hold more size than Jacó. Mornings often bring offshore east and north-east winds, and onshore sea breezes usually spoil it by the afternoon. The waves are heavy and close out on big days, so it suits intermediate and advanced surfers. Rip currents are strong, there is little lifeguard cover, and crocodiles can be found in the river mouths along this coast. The water is warm all year (about 27–30°C); boardshorts or a lycra are enough.
Spots near Playa Hermosa – Jacó
- Jacó (5 km)
- Esterillos (12 km)
- Boca Barranca (46 km)
- Santa Teresa (63 km)
- Dominical (89 km)
- Lake Arenal – Tilarán (114 km)
- Nosara – Playa Guiones (123 km)
- Playa Negra – Guanacaste (151 km)