Crowd & Localism
Deserted most of the time. If a few surfers appear, they will likely be beginners staying at nearby beachfront accommodation. No localism concerns, but the empty lineup is also a sign of how average the wave can be.
Limón, Caribbean Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Westfalia
9.940, -83.005
Edited by Tom Jackson
Verified May 2026
Cross-referencedCross-checked against Stormrider
At a glance
- Westfalia is a a-frame over beach, mellow beach peaks, closeout-prone at size.
- Beginner to intermediate ability, working 1-4 ft.
- Peak October to February, water 26-30°C.
A-frame · BeachBeginner → Intermediate1–4 ftJan – Dec
A low-key beachbreak on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Westfalia sits along the 60km stretch of shoreline running toward Cahuita, where consistent sandbanks rarely see another surfer. NE to SE swells are the engine here, with SW winds going offshore. Works across all tides, but keep sessions below the 4-5ft mark because the banks tend to closeout when size builds. Beginners and intermediate surfers learning to read peaks will find the most value, anyone chasing performance waves will be frustrated. Bottom: sand. Season: Caribbean swell season, broadly Oct through Feb. Consistency: medium. The river and estuary nearby means water quality is a concern after heavy rain, and shark and croc sightings have been reported around the rivermouths, so heed any local advice before paddling out.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
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F
M
A
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Character
Mellow beach peaks, closeout-prone at size.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
NE
NE - SE
Offshore wind
SW
South westerly
Optimum tide
All tides
Size range
1-6ft
Medium
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Water temp
26° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
- Longboard or minimal for small days
- Fish or funboard 6ft 8in to 7ft 6in for catching the punchy peaks
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
No facilities on site, so bring water and food. Free roadside parking is available. The spot sits along the main coastal road en route to Cahuita, making it an easy pull-over. Avoid the water near the rivermouth after significant rainfall due to pollution and wildlife risk.
Nearby Alternatives
When Westfalia is closing out or the water quality is poor, head south to Cahuita for its main beachbreak or continue to Playa Cocles for mellow beginner-friendly fun. For something with genuine punch, Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo handles any Caribbean swell in serious cylindrical form, but that is strictly advanced territory.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Westfalia surf forecast
Loading forecast...
Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
Browse all Costa Rica surf camps
No vetted camps within boat range of Westfalia yet.
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Plan a trip
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Frequently asked
What you need to know before paddling out at Westfalia
What skill level is Westfalia suited for?
Westfalia is a beach bottom, mellow beach peaks, closeout-prone at size, break suited for beginner through intermediate surfers. Beginners can give it a go on the smaller end of the size range.
What size does Westfalia work best at?
Working size is 1 to 4 ft. Below 1 ft the swell goes flat. Above 4 ft it tends to close out.
When is the best season to surf Westfalia?
Westfalia fires from October through February. Outside that window the swell window narrows and the lineup goes quiet.
What swell direction does Westfalia need?
Westfalia switches on with a ne - se groundswell. Offshore winds blow from the south westerly.
What are the main hazards at Westfalia?
Main hazards at Westfalia: no concerns.
What type of wave is Westfalia?
Westfalia is a a-frame-breaking wave over beach. Mellow beach peaks, closeout-prone at size.
Sources
- Stormrider
Westfalia
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