Witch's Rock – Playa Naranjo
Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: January–May, November–December
Witch's Rock is a beach break at the northern end of Playa Naranjo, inside Santa Rosa National Park in north-west Guanacaste, named after the Roca Bruja islet just offshore. There are no towns nearby; most surfers come by boat from Playas del Coco or the Tamarindo area, and the rough park road is only passable with a 4x4 in the dry season (check local rules).
The wave breaks over sandbars near the mouth of an estuary and gives fast, hollow peaks. In the dry season, from about December to April, the Papagayo winds blow strongly offshore and hold up the faces of the north-west and south swells; the same wind can make paddling hard and the boat ride rough. Upwelling can then cool the water to about 24°C. In the green season south swells bring more size. It suits intermediate and advanced surfers. The estuary is home to crocodiles, so stay away from the rivermouth. There are no facilities or lifeguards, and boats bring crowds on good days. The water is otherwise warm, so boardshorts or a lycra are enough, with a thin top in the windy months.
Spots near Witch's Rock – Playa Naranjo
- Ollie's Point – Potrero Grande (14 km)
- Bahía Salinas (27 km)
- Playa Grande – Tamarindo (54 km)
- Tamarindo (58 km)
- Playa Maderas (62 km)
- Playa Avellanas (65 km)
- Playa Negra – Guanacaste (68 km)
- Playa Colorado (80 km)