The name Pavones is famous among surfers, as it no doubt should be. The town of Pavones, and the beach and surf point of the same name, holds the claim to the second-longest waves in the world. But surfing isn’t all that Pavones has to offer.
Pavones is the last stop, the end of the road on the Southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, before the land gives way to largely mountainous and undeveloped terrain, bordering Panama on the long, wild Burica Peninsula. This narrow strip of land, which is divided between the two Central American countries, is home to few people and plenty of wildlife. It’s a remote part of the world, and there are no real roads on the Costa Rican side. Pavones is the gateway to this wild land, and making the trek to this final destination is well worth the journey.
Know Before You Go
Tips for a Smooth Pavones Trip
Pavones is the literal and proverbial end of the road for this section of Costa Rica, and visiting an area like this takes some foresight. The amenities are limited, so planning ahead helps make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
- ATMs: There are no ATMs in Pavones, and not every place will take credit cards, so be sure to grab plenty of cash (and store it mindfully) before you get there. The last ATM is in Laurel, Rio Claro, or Golfito, a good 45 to an hour and a half drive away.
- Hospitals: There is a small clinic in Pavones, but the nearest proper hospital is located in Golfito. There are a few pharmacies in Pavones, but it’s best to stock up on any medications before you go.
- Grocery Stores: You can find all the basics here at the few grocery stores in town, but keep in mind: the basics. If you know that you or part of your crew has special dietary needs or wants, stock up in a larger town before getting to this remote locale.
- Accommodations: There is a wide range of accommodations in the area for being so far removed. From campgrounds to villas, you can find something to fit any travel style, just be sure to ask if there is AC, a pool, or something else before you assume, as more places tend toward humble than luxury.
4 of the Best Things to Do in Pavones, Costa Rica
1. Surf, Obviously
Most people who make the effort to add Pavones to their Costa Rican itinerary are here to surf, and there is no denying that it’s a crucial part of the tourism culture that has shaped Pavones over the years. The community is made up of local Ticos, indigenous Guaymi, and foreigners who want to get away from the hustle and bustle.
The famous left break at Pavones allows for surfers to ride one wave for over 2 minutes, traveling up to one kilometer! This only happens when conditions are just right, though, meaning a large south-southwest swell. The surfing here is for more experienced surfers, and the place can get pretty packed when those conditions are just right.
2. Deep Sea Fishing
The Pacific Ocean plays a big role in most activities in the Pavones and the surrounding area, and heading out on a boat is a great way to spend some time here. There are deep-sea fishing tours where you can catch your own fish to enjoy during your stay, which isn’t a bad idea considering there aren’t many grocery stores in Pavones. Yellowfin tuna is one of the main fish caught in these waters, so if fishing is your thing, be sure to check out a deep-sea fishing tour while you’re here.
3. Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Pavones sits on the very edge of the Golfo Dulce, just across from the Osa Peninsula and the famous Corcovado National Park. This body of water acts as a nursery for both Northern and Southern humpback whales, who migrate here each year to have their babies and spend time with their newborns. Peak calving season is from August to October.
Bottlenose and pantropical spotted dolphins live year-round in the Golfo Dulce, and false killer whales have been spotted in these waters as well. You’ll likely see some fabulous marine life regardless of the time of year you visit Pavones.
4. Matapalo & the Osa Peninsula
Another boat option (are you seeing the theme yet?) is to cross the Golfo Dulce for the day and head to Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula side. One of the main reasons to visit Matapalo is to surf, and tours can include a visit to the King Louis waterfall. You’ll likely have the option to fish on the way to or from Matapalo as well. This tour can take up to 7 hours, so be sure to set aside a full day to enjoy this adventure, crossing the Golfo Dulce and exploring two idyllic locations.
Beaches & Surf Spots in Pavones, Costa Rica
Playa Pavones
The town of Pavones sits right at the beach’s edge, so you can enjoy the beach right from town, or walk along the shore, closer to Pavones Point, where the surfing action is located, and enjoy the rocky outcrops. The jungle is all around here, so the beach is lovely and dramatic with palm trees and dense trees coming right up the sand. The sand is a dark grey color, and there’s much more beach than people, leaving plenty of room to feel disconnected. When the surf is on, though, the area can get crowded, and it’s not great to be in the water unless you are an experienced surfer.
Playa Banco
Playa Banco is the true end of the official road, located another 20 minutes south of Pavones. The “road” is a narrow dirt road, and it’s slow going through wild jungle. This place is really remote, so bring whatever you might want for the day if you head this way. Playa Banco has some nice tide pools at low tide, and there are some good places for snorkeling when the conditions are right. This tends to have fewer people than Playa Pavones, especially when the swell comes in.
Playa Zancudo
About 40 minutes north of Pavones, you’ll find the super quiet town and beach Playa Zancudo. This is one of the calmest beaches for swimming as it’s inside the Golfo Dulce. There are still some waves that make for good surf, but it’s much more ideal for playing and swimming in the quiet waters. The town is tiny, with a population of only around 500 people, so be prepared to experience small-town Costa Rica here.
Playa Langosta
On the road between Playa Zancudo and Pavones, you’ll come across long stretches of deserted beach, one of which is Playa Longosta. There isn’t much here other than miles and miles of empty beach. This is a dream spot for people who are truly looking to get away from it all and discover the peace of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific zone.
Pavones, Costa Rica Weather
Like the rest of the Southern Zone, Pavones has a wet season and a dry season, though it’s always hot. This is a true, lush, tropical rainforest, and that means when it rains, it pours.
Best Times to Visit Pavones
The best time to visit Pavones if you’re coming for the surf is in the rainy season, which runs from April to November, with September, October, and November being the wettest months. While the waves are at their best during these months, it’s also a bit harder to move around, as the roads get muddy and the rivers change the layout of the land. A vehicle with 4×4 is recommended if you visit during the rainy season.
The dry season runs from December to April, though it still feels wet and humid thanks to all of the vegetation that stays green year-round here. The temperature can get up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the dry season, so be prepared for extreme heat if you visit during these months.
Food Scene in Pavones, Costa Rica
Pavones is a tiny town, but the mix of international visitors and transplants who came for the waves and stayed for the pura vida has brought a mix of cultures and foods. In addition to typical Costa Rican food in small sodas, you can find Italian options, Mexican food, and some cafes serving healthy innovations.
Check out:
- Tico Mex: Mexican, $$
- Cafe de la Suerte: American, Cafe, $$
- La Choza Carmelita: Costa Rican, $
- La Piña: Italian, $$-$$$
How to Get to Pavones, Costa Rica & Planning Your Trip
Pavones is a trek, with the drive time from San Jose being seven to nine hours, but it’s all part of the experience.
By Car
Most travelers who head to Pavones do so by car. To get to this end-of-the-road destination, the road of choice is the Costanera, Ruta 34, which hugs the coast south of Jaco. While the drive is long, it’s also gorgeous and passes through other great destinations such as Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal. Some people make the long drive in one go, with only a stop for lunch, but a road trip along the Southern coast of Costa Rica, spending a night or two in small towns along the way, is an excellent way to get into the pura vida pace of life.
The last bit of the drive involves some true Costa Rican driving, with turns on unmarked roads, so pay attention to your GPS and don’t be afraid to ask locals for help if you get a bit lost. Be sure to drive during the day to make the final leg more manageable.
By Plane
Don’t feel like driving seven to nine hours to reach Pavones? Well, the good news is, you don’t have to. You can catch a flight with Sansa Airlines from Juan Santamaria Airport to Golfito for between $155 to $190. The flight takes about 45 minutes, and in Golfito, you could rent a car or hire a driver to take you the remaining hour and twenty minutes to Pavones. Due to the remote nature of Pavones, you’d like to have a car to move around the area.
The other flight option is to fly with Green Airways from SJO to Puerto Jimenez. This flight is about $150 and takes about 45 minutes, though bear in mind the drive from Puerto Jimenez to Pavones is still around three hours. Though three hours is better than eight, no?
By Bus/Shuttle
This option takes a bit more fortitude as there are no shared shuttle services to Pavones. If you’d like to go by bus, you’ll have to get to the hub city of Paso Canoas, which is the border town between Costa Rica and Panama. From Paso Canoas, you’ll have to hire a taxi to take you on the hour-and-a-half drive to Pavones.
Is Pavones, Costa Rica safe?
Pavones is a small, safe community. The most important thing to remember is that you are in a remote part of Costa Rica, and while there is a small clinic in Pavones, you will be an hour and a half from the nearest hospital.
Here, you don’t have to worry so much about crime or safety issues related to theft, but health safety is something to keep in mind. Take plenty of medications that you know you’ll need with you, and be sure to make smart decisions given the fact that medical resources here are limited.
Pavones is a hidden gem of Costa Rica. The long trip to get there keeps the visitor count lower than other destinations, and those who are willing to put in the effort to reach this magical place reap the rewards. While it might feel daunting to some, it’s a dream come true for others. Costa Rica Escapes can help you plan your Pavones vacation, taking any of the stress of reaching this far-off land out of your hands. Contact us today to find out how you can explore Pavones and all that it has to offer.