Eclipse
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Eclipse is a remote river-mouth surf break in Golfo Dulce near Punta Burica. It’s described as exposed with reef influence, and it can hold a fairly consistent surf pattern despite the isolated location, typically with low crowd levels. The spot is best known for southwest-swell conditions. Sources emphasize that left and right waves can work, with performance strongest when the southwest swell is aligned and the tide is low (often best around low tide and with conditions described as improving as the tide rises). Typical wave quality is described as good, with rides that can be medium to long. Wind is most often discussed in terms of offshore flow from the northeast, supporting cleaner surf conditions when swell and wind align. A seasonal wind pattern is also reported, with light morning offshore winds followed by afternoon sea breezes; however, overall wind reliability is described as low, making wind-dependent sports more conditional. Safety planning is essential here: rocks, jellyfish, and sea lice are repeatedly listed hazards, and the river-mouth environment includes warnings about submerged hazards and strong river currents. Additional caution is specifically advised regarding crocodiles, and rescue availability is described as limited (no lifeguards). Because the area is remote, riders should bring all supplies and plan transport/emergency contingencies well in advance.
- Exposed river-mouth peak with both lefts and rights
- Best swell direction is southwest with low-tide performance
- Usually uncrowded and reached by boat or difficult 4x4 in dry season
- Generally uncrowded, isolated setting
- Reasonably consistent surfing when offshore NE winds align with the right swell
- Best performance on southwest swell with low-tide conditions
- Can produce long, rippable rides from the river-mouth peak
- Very remote access with limited rescue options
- Hazards include rocks, jellyfish, and sea lice; river currents can be strong
- Wildlife risk is specifically warned for the river-mouth environment
- Wind reliability is reported as low, and foiling is only occasional/specialized
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- NE
- Wind Range
- 5–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Offshore flow from the northeast is reported for this exposed river-mouth break.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light gustiness is reported.
- Best Months
- February
- Shadow Zones
- High terrain to the east can block early morning light winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Cleaner conditions are reported when NE offshore winds align correctly.
- Launch
- Small — Beach launch near the river mouth.
Through the year
Consistently low crowd levels due to difficult access.
September to November is the heaviest rainy season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Potentially foilable only on specific conditions (long rolling swells at higher tide), but the remote location and light winds make it specialized.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 5–7 m²
A remote river-mouth surf break in Golfo Dulce that produces both right- and left-hand waves, with best performance on southwest swell and around low tide (often best when the tide is rising).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, SSW
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best conditions are repeatedly reported around low tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed river break with reef influence.
- Wind Effect
- Northeast winds are described as offshore for the spot, and conditions are reported to be cleaner when NE wind matches the right swell alignment.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as fairly consistent with good quality when conditions align.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reported as moderate with occasional powerful conditions when swell and tides line up.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Sources describe mixed/variable shape but consistently note a workable peeling character.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides can be long and rippable when the river-mouth sandbar configuration and swell line up.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer medium to long rides; one source quantifies typical ride length at 100–200 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Eclipse in the full forecast view.
Eclipse wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–6 ktsGusts 14 kts
- Direction
- SSW199°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 246 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.0 m11s period
- Temperature
- 25–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Eclipse is forecast for daytime winds of 1–6 kts, peaking around 6 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.8–1.0 m with a period of about 11s. 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
- Rocks
- Jellyfish
- Sea lice
- Submerged rocks
- River debris
- Strong river currents
- Crocodiles
- Remoteness
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No formal rescue service is indicated for the spot; assistance depends on local boats/operators and lodges.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Pavones or Golfito; transport is difficult. Use 911 for national emergency response.
Rules of the spot
General surf etiquette applies; respect the few locals who might be present.
- Be extremely cautious of crocodiles near a river mouth.
- Treat the area as remote: plan for limited or no rescue availability.
- Low tide is repeatedly reported as the best window for surfing.
- Conditions can be cleaner when the northeast wind lines up with southwest swell.
- Access is best by boat; a difficult 4x4 route is possible during the dry season (December to March).
- Bring all supplies—no facilities are reported on-site.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Golfito
- Nearest Town
- Pavones
- Nearest Airport
- Golfito Airport (GLF)
- Parking
- Limited informal parking at the end of the dirt track.
- Public Transport
- Highly limited; typically accessed via limited ground routes or by boat.
- Access
- Remote spot in Golfo Dulce near Punta Burica; best reached by boat, with 4x4 access possible during the dry season.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Far — Camping is possible; formal lodging is available in Pavones or Conte. The area is remote with very limited services.
- Food & Drink
- None available at the spot; bring your own water and food.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals at the spot; nearest rentals are reported in Pavones.
- Gear Storage
- Limited to guest facilities at specific surf lodges (not guaranteed at the spot).
- Gear Repair
- No professional repair indicated on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Eclipse?
The best overall months at Eclipse are February.
Which wind directions work at Eclipse?
Eclipse works with NE winds. Offshore directions are NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Eclipse?
Recommended equipment sizes at Eclipse: Wingfoiling: 5–7 m². The typical wind range is 5–12 kts.
What skill level is Eclipse suitable for?
Eclipse suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.