(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“This beautiful crescent shaped beach is not for the faint of heart, weak swimmers (especially children), nor sunbathers... Its volcanic black sand becomes unbearable by 10:30am due to its intensive heating factor. The waters edge is typically very steep with unstable, soft sand rife with strong rips. And is responsible for the highest percentage of drownings in the Nicoya/Guanacaste region, reported (or not). Toss in a healthy mix of crocs & sharks chasing shrimp in & out of the Boca de Rio Ora on the North end... and you better eat your Wheaties!
Without saying, if there's a swell you'll either get some amazing waves, or you & your crew will snap all your boards (crew = 3 or less please)... sit way further outside than you're accustomed to, esp. on dinky 6' chips. This is my gospel truth having surfed Crocaronal since 1986 & still owning a small finca on the top ridge. My "short boards are 7-8, 8-6", +9-3 pin & 10-6 gun beast that's been used quite a bit (foam is your best friend)... and these ain't your daddy's fun shapes or nose riders.
There's little to no facilities nearby depending on your needs (especially a hospital), as this area is very rustic and if you don't lose your vehicle in the Rio Ora southbound, odds are Rio Bongo will if northbound... gas up on the way & remember always send your buddy or wife to check the river crossings depth due to crocs!”
Sapo Malo from UNITED STATES - 13 Aug 2024
Camaronal Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 3 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.0(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.0(1: Camaronal is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Camaronal is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Guanacaste. 5: the best break in Guanacaste). |
Difficulty Level: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Camaronal can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Camaronal, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Camaronal are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Camaronal is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.0(1: Getting to Camaronal requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 3.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 5.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Camaronal for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.0(1: Camping at Camaronal is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Camaronal is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 1.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Camaronal, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Camaronal where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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