Punta Uva (Cahuita)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Punta Uva (Cahuita) is an exposed Caribbean surf spot with reef and beach-break character, known for fast, peeling waves that can be hollow when conditions line up. The wave pattern is most favorable on northeast swell, and it often produces both right and left opportunities depending on the setup. Wind conditions for the best surf are described as offshore from the south-southwest. February is consistently highlighted as a top month, with surf reported as reasonably consistent and commonly clean enough to surf a large share of the time in that period. Wave quality is generally rated good, with moderate wave power—ideal for intermediate surfers who can handle reef takeoffs and faster sections. Safety is the main constraint at Punta Uva: multiple sources report rocks/sharp reef plus jellyfish and sea urchins. Some waves can also require a long paddle out, and strong rip currents may occur near the point during larger swells. Local tips emphasize controlling your approach—stay aware of shallow reef areas and avoid pushing for bigger, more closing-out sets. Timing helps: mid to high tide is repeatedly cited as the best window for the reef break to reduce the risk of striking shallow sections. Water temperature is warm year-round (around the high-20s °C), and while one source suggests no wetsuit is required, rash-guard/reef-protection wear is recommended for sun and skin protection. Lifeguard presence is reported as none, and rescue availability is described as not available for this spot.
- Northeast swell preference and offshore support from the south-southwest
- Fast, peeling reef waves with occasional hollow sections
- Warmer Caribbean water with reef hazards (sea urchins, sharp reef)
- Exposed but consistent reef surf with good wave quality, especially on northeast swell.
- Offshore wind from the south-southwest supports cleaner, surfable waves.
- Warmer, crystal-clear water is typical for comfortable time in the ocean (commonly ~27–29°C).
- Sharp reef and sea urchins on the bottom—surfing requires extra caution.
- Jellyfish, rocks, and strong rip currents can occur, especially on larger swells.
- It can get quite busy in the water when surf is up.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSW, SW
- Offshore directions
- SSW, S
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Regional trade-wind/gradient-driven conditions with some sea-breeze influence along the Caribbean; spot-level sources describe offshore winds for the best surf.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady.
- Best Months
- February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The point and dense jungle provide shelter from northern winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium wave size reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach area with easy access to the water.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy, with reef hazards offshore/near the point.
Through the year
Most crowded during weekends and peak tourist months from December to March.
Higher rainfall is reported from May to August and in November/December.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Clear water and a more protected bay area can be used for foiling during rare wind events; not established as a dedicated destination.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
Exposed Caribbean reef surf with right-hand/left-and-right characteristics depending on swell and takeoff line; can produce fast, hollow sections but may shut down on larger sets.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, High — Mid to high tide is reported as the best window.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastal setup with reef and beach-break character.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with offshore winds from the south-southwest; reef break is fast and can be hollow when it fires.
- Bigger Swell
- Bigger surf tends to close out or shut down; some sets can go hollow and fast but may become less rideable when too large.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality reported.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Mixed shape described (with peeling/mixed descriptions across sources).
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed described.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Medium ride length; consistent swells can produce longer rides for the right-hander.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Some waves can be hollow and fast; bigger sets may shut down. Right-hander can provide 50 to 100 meters on consistent swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Punta Uva (Cahuita) in the full forecast view.
Punta Uva (Cahuita) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–11 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NW314°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.9 m5s period
- Temperature
- 24–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Punta Uva (Cahuita) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.2–0.9 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
- Rocks
- Jellyfish
- Sharp reef
- Sea urchins
- Long paddle out
- Rip currents
- Shallow reef
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No specific rescue availability reported for this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Puerto Viejo or Limón (also referenced as the Limón area hospital); general emergency number is 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Reported mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and follow standard right-of-way etiquette on the reef break.
- No motorized watercraft in designated swimming areas
- Best wave size is around chest-high to two feet overhead; bigger surf tends to close out.
- The right-hand reef break is best around mid to high tide to avoid hitting the shallow reef.
- Some waves require a long paddle out; peaks can be hollow and fast.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cahuita
- Nearest Town
- Punta Uva
- Parking
- Unpaved parking areas are located near the main beach entrances.
- Public Transport
- Regular bus services connect the region to San José and Limón; local taxis and bicycle rentals are common within the villages.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various eco-lodges, hotels, and vacation rentals are available in the immediate vicinity.
- Food & Drink
- Several local restaurants and cafes are located within walking distance of the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards and SUP boards are available for rent at local shops near the point.
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited to private accommodations or specific surf shops by request.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A jungle-backed Caribbean coast around Cahuita/Punta Uva known for protected coastal reefs, warm ocean water, and nature-focused experiences.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Punta Uva (Cahuita)?
The best overall months at Punta Uva (Cahuita) are February, March.
Which wind directions work at Punta Uva (Cahuita)?
Punta Uva (Cahuita) works with SSW, SW winds. Offshore directions are SSW, S.
What skill level is Punta Uva (Cahuita) suitable for?
Punta Uva (Cahuita) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.