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Aerial satellite view of Cedros surf break in Puntarenas, North Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Puntarenas, North Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Cedros

9.630, -85.076
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
ResearchedCross-checked against 1 reference
Left · PointBeginner → Intermediate3–6 ftApr – Sep

A mellow rock point tucked between Montezuma and Cabuya on the Gulf of Nicoya side of the Nicoya Peninsula, Cedros offers a forgiving left-hander that rewards patience over aggression. It needs a solid south swell to wake up, and the rocky bottom means the surfable window is tight, roughly two hours either side of high tide. At waist-high to overhead it peels cleanly enough for beginners to find their feet, but rock hazards demand awareness even in ideal conditions. The lineup is rarely crowded, often completely empty, because visiting surfers tend to push straight through to Santa Teresa. Bottom: rock point. Season: April through September south swell window. Consistency: moderate, tide-dependent. Time your session around high tide and bring reef boots if your feet aren't hardened, because a stumble on the entry rocks will end your day early.

Wave fit

Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Apr – Sep
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Character
Mellow high-tide left rock point.

Conditions

When it works
NESW
Swell window
S
South
Size range
waist high to overhead
Hazards
RocksNarrow tide window
Trip planning

Quick facts

Water temp
26° to 30°C
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
  • Longboard or funboard for small to mid-size days
  • Mid-length 7ft to 8ft for waist-to-head-high south swells
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits

Location

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About this break

What it's actually like

Crowd & Localism

Localism is minimal. The spot gets skipped by most traveling surfers en route to Santa Teresa, which keeps the lineup open. Respect the quiet by not broadcasting the location broadly, and give way to anyone who clearly knows the entry and exit lines better than you.

Access & Facilities

Cedros sits between Montezuma and Cabuya on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Montezuma has food, accommodation, and basic supplies. No surf rentals on site, so come equipped. Rocky entry requires careful footwork at any tide. No significant rip to worry about, but a misjudged set on the inside rocks is the main hazard.

Nearby Alternatives

If Cedros is too small or the tide is wrong, Montezuma beach picks up south swells on similar conditions and offers a more forgiving sandy option. Santa Teresa, roughly 30 km north, is the go-to for bigger surf and more variety when south swells pulse.

10-day swell, wind and tide

Cedros surf forecast

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Forecast by Windy.app

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Frequently asked

Before you paddle out

Cedros is a point break suited for beginner to intermediate surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
Cedros
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