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Updating conditions · Calibrated break

Playa Negra

Guanacaste · Costa Rica, Costa Rica · Reef break

Local time — · Sunrise 05:39 · Sunset 17:19

Verified data gate

Reading the ocean.

SWELLRADAR is requesting a verified marine run for Playa Negra.

Marine sourceChecking
Synthetic valuesBlocked
RefreshAutomatic
Spot calibratedSpot-calibrated profile

Spot intelligence.

Playa Negra is now treated as the fast volcanic-reef right described by the national surf guide, not as a nearby sand beach. Tide sensitivity increases when the swell is small because the reef became shallower after uplift.

Profile source · Costa Rica Tourism Board surf guide
NS

Profile geometry

Swell axis WSW · 245°

Offshore wind from ENE · Advanced profile

Wave

Powerful right reef with occasional left

Uneven volcanic reef and rock

Swell window

SW–W/NW

0.8–3.0 m offshore ranking band

Clean wind

E offshore

Applied to wind scoring

Tide window

Mid tide · size dependent

Qualitative timing guidance

Field guide

Read the break.

Character

01

Playa Negra is defined by powerful right reef with occasional left 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

SW–W/NW swell, e offshore and mid tide · size dependent form the profile baseline. SWELLRADAR treats 0.8–3.0 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 reef and rock, sea urchins, powerful takeoff. Local signs and advice always take priority.

Know before you paddle

Live conditions and local advice always override this profile.

Shallow reef and rockSea urchinsPowerful takeoffCrowded peak
Optional community layerRecent surfer reportsVoluntary and potentially incomplete. Not used for the forecast or Surf Score.

The break

Reef break

Advanced. Works best with SW–W/NW swell.

Timing

E offshore

Mid tide · size dependent. 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.