SWELLRADAR
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Updating conditions · Calibrated break

Mal País

Nicoya Peninsula · Costa Rica, Costa Rica · Reef break

Local time — · Sunrise 05:35 · Sunset 17:17

Verified data gate

Reading the ocean.

SWELLRADAR is requesting a verified marine run for Mal País.

Marine sourceChecking
Synthetic valuesBlocked
RefreshAutomatic
Spot calibratedSpot-calibrated profile

Spot intelligence.

Mal País is separated from Santa Teresa's sand peaks and treated as a higher-consequence reef zone. The score prefers south-to-southwest swell with enough tide over the volcanic platform.

Profile source · Onda Teresa local surf guide
NS

Profile geometry

Swell axis SW · 225°

Offshore wind from NE · Advanced profile

Wave

Right and left reef/point sections

Uneven volcanic reef and rock

Swell window

S–SW

0.9–3.0 m offshore ranking band

Clean wind

NE–E offshore · early

Applied to wind scoring

Tide window

Mid to high tide

Qualitative timing guidance

Field guide

Read the break.

Character

01

Mal País is defined by right and left reef/point sections over uneven volcanic reef and rock. The shape can change with swell angle, period and the active section, so the live score should always be paired with a visual check from shore.

Best setup

02

S–SW swell, ne–e offshore · early and mid to high tide form the profile baseline. SWELLRADAR treats 0.9–3.0 m as a working range, not a guarantee of breaking-wave size.

Lineup read

03

This is an advanced profile: positioning, entry and exit should be assessed before committing. Pay particular attention to shallow volcanic reef, rocky entry and exit, strong current on larger swell. Local signs and advice always take priority.

Know before you paddle

Live conditions and local advice always override this profile.

Shallow volcanic reefRocky entry and exitStrong current on larger swellLimited medical response
Optional community layerRecent surfer reportsVoluntary and potentially incomplete. Not used for the forecast or Surf Score.

The break

Reef break

Advanced. Works best with S–SW swell.

Timing

NE–E offshore · early

Mid to high tide. Re-check local observations and the lineup before you paddle out.

Data note

Model data unavailable

SWELLRADAR withholds numerical conditions, scores and surf windows until a quality-checked marine forecast is available.