Jaco Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks. We’ve got one spot to focus on, and it’s a mixed bag.

First up, the big picture: the first real action kicks off on Tuesday, July 28th, with a solid groundswell rolling in. The water is running at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the thick rubber at home.

The standout session is hands down Tuesday morning, July 28th at Jaco Beach. We’re looking at a clean 4 ft SW swell with a very long period of 17 seconds. The combined energy is pumping at 1222 (strong wave energy), and the wind is glassy out of the ENE at just 3 mph. That’s the kind of conditions that get the heart rate up. The swell direction matches the optimum SSW exposure, so expect beautifully lined-up waves. Keep in mind, with a 17-second period, those waves can punch through at a beach break, so it’s more suited for experienced surfers. This is the best on offer, no question.

Later that afternoon, the wind swings cross-shore and the swell bumps up a touch to 5 ft, but the conditions get a bit messier. It’s surfable, but you’ve already missed the magic window.

Wednesday, July 29th, the swell drops off a little and the wind goes cross-onshore. The wave energy dips into the 900s and 800s. It’s not looking great for a paddle; the conditions are choppy and the quality is lacking.

Thursday, July 30th, into the weekend, the swell backs right off. Thursday morning is glassy with 4 ft on offer, but the energy is down to 487 (moderate). It’s small, clean, and fun for a longboard or a foiler, but not the kind of day that gets you out of bed early. The same goes for Friday and Saturday mornings – glassy conditions, but the swell is dropping to 3 ft and then 2 ft. The energy is weak (298 and 232). It’s still a nice paddle, but nothing to write home about.

Around the middle of the second week, things get interesting again. Monday, August 11th morning, we see a long-period groundswell coming back. The period is 20 seconds and the combined energy is 508 (strong). The wind is glassy, making for clean conditions. This is a promising one, but it’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it. The following day, Tuesday, August 12th, looks even better for the morning with a 2 ft, 18-second swell, glassy winds, and energy climbing to 538 (strong). The afternoon session that day stays glassy, with a 3 ft, 18-second swell and energy at 593 (strong). That’s a solid run of clean, long-period groundswell. However, with such a long period, the waves might be a bit too straight at Jaco Beach, and the size is small, so it’s more of a graceful, longboard affair.

Before that, from the 4th through the 10th, there’s a real lull. The swell is tiny, often under 3 ft, and the period shortens up. The energy is mostly under 400 (weak to moderate). There are a few glassy mornings, but the waves are just too small to get excited about. The afternoon thunderstorms and onshore winds make it even less appealing. This is a quiet stretch, and it’s a normal run for the area when the swell goes dormant.

Overall, the best window is Tuesday morning, July 28th, for the bigger, longer-period swell, and keep an eye on that Monday and Tuesday, August 11th and 12th, for a late-arriving clean groundswell.

Rusty out.

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