Caca Río (Limon)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Mixed, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Caca Río is an exposed surf break at the mouth of the Río Estrella in Limón, known for fairly consistent peaks with both left- and right-hand waves. Sessions are described as uncrowded/low-crowd, suiting surfers looking for a quieter river-break lineup rather than a busy coastal venue. Surf quality is generally reported as average, with ride length described as medium. One key factor is that the break can shift due to sandbar configurations at the river mouth—so the session outcome may depend strongly on how the sand and swell align when you arrive. The main hazards are currents: rips and undertow are specifically called out, alongside strong river outflow. Providers also warn about debris and sediment runoff, especially after heavy rainfall, when water can become dirty and visibility can drop. Additionally, local wildlife sightings are mentioned, including crocodiles and sharks, so extra caution is advised near the waterline and in and around the river mouth. Timing-wise, sources disagree somewhat on the prime period: one surf guide highlights a best month of December and notes optimum wave time as May to October, while another provider frames the broader best season as December to March and also provides monthly water/air temperature ranges. For swell direction, the ideal is consistently described as coming from the northeast (with one source also listing additional favorable directions). Overall, it’s a “reliability with conditions” river-break that rewards careful site choice and conservative safety decisions.
- Exposed river-mouth break with both left and right waves
- Generally uncrowded/quiet sessions
- Shifting sandbars at the river mouth can change the ride
- Rips and undertow are key safety concerns
- Wildlife (crocodiles and sharks) and debris risks are reported
- Generally uncrowded, with sessions described as never a problem for crowds.
- Fairly consistent surf with both left and right waves.
- Swell direction is identified as best from the northeast, and the break is noted as quite reliable in at least one guide.
- Exposed river-mouth conditions with shifting sandbars can change the surf shape from session to session.
- Currents/rips and undertow are reported hazards.
- Water can be very turbid/dirty after rains; river debris and submerged logs are a concern.
- Local wildlife (crocodiles/sharks) is reported in area; use extra caution near the waterline.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, SW
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider data conflicts on wind type: one source describes a frontal regime; another emphasizes offshore-friendly west-northwest setups.
- Reliability
- quite-reliable (conflicting with another source reporting low reliability for the spot)
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Wind gusts described as light-gusts by one provider.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Dir: N, NNE, NE · Regional thermal reinforcement is described as most noticeable roughly 11am–4pm, though humidity often limits peak winds. Spot-specific thermal timing wasn’t quantified beyond this regional pattern.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition is reported by one provider.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium by one provider.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach area adjacent to the river mouth; also described as an easy launch with a short walk to the beach.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy by one provider.
Through the year
Generally low crowds; locals may visit on weekends.
Heavy rainfall between May and November, with a secondary peak in December (regional).
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed river-mouth break at the Rio Estrella with fairly consistent peaks and both left- and right-hand waves. Sandbar configurations at the mouth can shift the best form of the break.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E, SE
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One provider lists mid tide as optimal.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as an exposed river break/river-mouth break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore-friendly setups are described for west-northwest to west winds; wind direction consistency varies across sources.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality reported as average by sources.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Wave shape described as mixed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peel speed described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; no quantified meters provided.
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length depends heavily on the configuration of the sandbars at the mouth of the Río Estrella.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Caca Río (Limon) in the full forecast view.
Caca Río (Limon) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–9 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NNW345°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 259 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–0.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 24–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Caca Río (Limon) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.3–0.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rips
- undertow
- crocodiles
- sharks
- water pollution
- submerged debris
- river debris
- submerged logs
- significant sediment runoff after rains
- strong river currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence is reported by one provider.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context notes limited rescue availability and no dedicated specialized wind-sports rescue services; one provider lists no rescue availability for the spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility is Hospital Dr. Tony Facio Castro in Puerto Limón. National emergency number is 911.
Rules of the spot
Avoid surfing immediately after heavy rainfall due to high debris and poor water quality. Use extreme caution around the river mouth due to strong currents, rips, and undertow.
- Avoid surfing immediately after heavy rainfall due to high debris and poor water quality.
- Be extremely cautious of crocodiles which are known to inhabit the Río Estrella.
- Watch out for rips and undertow.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Limon
- Nearest Town
- Penshurst
- Nearest Airport
- Limón International Airport (LIO)
- Parking
- Unregulated parking is generally available along the access road or near the bridge.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services operate along Route 36 connecting Limón to Cahuita and Puerto Viejo; 4x4 is recommended for beach access.
- Access
- Access via Highway 36 with a short walk to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited local guesthouses in Penshurst; more options available in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo.
- Food & Drink
- Basic sodas and small shops are available in the nearby town of Penshurst (one provider).
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals available on-site; closest shops are in Puerto Viejo (one provider).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Valle La Estrella area is a lush, low-key Caribbean nature-tourism base with day-trip access to rainforest reserves and coastal spots, supported by nearby services in Cahuita and Limón.
A research and rehabilitation center dedicated to the rescue of orphaned and injured sloths.
A well-known coastal national park within day-trip range of the area.
A popular Caribbean beach commonly listed among nearby attractions for Valle La Estrella.
A nearby rainforest reserve and one of the main nature-oriented attractions associated with the region.
A vibrant town known for its Afro-Caribbean culture, music, and cuisine.
The region is commonly marketed for rainforest and wildlife-based outdoor activities.
A rugged and remote rainforest reserve offering challenging hiking and birdwatching.
A frequent nature activity in the area’s river and rainforest landscapes.
Traditional local cuisine specializing in coconut-infused dishes.
Family-oriented day visits center on nature reserves, parks, and easy outdoor excursions.
Combines white sand beaches with easy jungle trails for viewing monkeys and sloths.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Caca Río (Limon)?
The best overall months at Caca Río (Limon) are December, January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Caca Río (Limon)?
Caca Río (Limon) works with W, WNW, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW.
What skill level is Caca Río (Limon) suitable for?
Caca Río (Limon) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.