A coral reef break near Portete on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Cocaine Point formed when the 1991 earthquake lifted the seabed and exposed new reef structure. It needs a powerful N swell to switch on, and when that swell arrives the right-hander on the eastern side of the bay can get fast and genuinely hollow over shallow coral. A left also breaks in the same bay, offering an alternative line on the same swell. Both waves are inconsistent by nature: the Caribbean's N swell window is narrow, running roughly December through March, and even then Cocaine Point fires only when energy is sufficient. Advanced surfers only. The hollow takeoffs and shallow coral leave little margin for error, and the paddle-out requires reading the reef to avoid the worst of it. Bottom: reef. Season: December to March. Consistency: low. Bring a board you can afford to ding, check the tide before paddling out, and treat the coral with respect.
Rarely crowded, partly because the wave is inconsistent and partly because it demands advanced skills. When it does fire during a proper N swell, nearby Playa Bonita will be busy and a few traveling surfers may check Cocaine Point. The lineup tends to be relaxed when it's on.
Located near Portete, a short distance from Limón and close to Playa Bonita. Basic facilities are available in the wider Limón area. No shelter or facilities at the break itself. Watch for urchins and sharp coral on the reef, and be cautious entering and exiting the water.
Playa Bonita, just along the coast, is the more consistent option in the same region and worth surfing on days when Cocaine Point isn't breaking. Other Caribbean-side spots near Puerto Viejo further south pick up more consistent swell and offer better conditions for intermediate and beginner surfers.
Forecast by Windy.app
