Puerto Viejo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s get this sorted. We’ve got a run of surf on the cards for Puerto Viejo, but it’s not all going to be epic. The water’s sitting at a warm 69.3°F, and for this time of year, that’s about 7.7°F warmer than usual – that’s properly unusual, so it’s worth mentioning.

Right now, we’re off to a slow start, so don’t expect to paddle out right this second and get barrelled. The first few days are pretty average, with small waves rolling in. Wednesday sees a 2ft SW swell, but the 17-second period means it’s a bit long in the tooth. There’s clean conditions though, with light winds, so it’s not a total loss. It’s a case of getting a few crumbly ones rather than proper rides.

As we push into Thursday, the swell ticks up to 3ft from the SW with a period of around 15 seconds. Still pretty clean. The energy is moderate at best. Not a standout, but a decent morning if you’re happy to work for a few waves.

The first real bit of fun looks like Friday morning. We get a 4ft SW swell, though the period drops to 8 seconds. That’s short-period, so it’ll be a bit more crumbly, but there’s enough push there to make it interesting. It’s the biggest wave of the first stretch.

The weekend is all about winds. Saturday morning gets a bit crossed up, but the afternoon cleans right up with an offshore breeze and a 3ft S swell. Sunday’s similar – mornings have an iffy cross-off, but the afternoons are clean and offshore. Nothing massive, but there’ll be fun, rippable waves to be had.

Now, for Monday, September 14, things get interesting. We’ve got a 2ft SW swell, but the period jumps back up to 18 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, and that means proper energy for the size. The morning’s light cross-off and clean. It’s not big, but it’ll be well-shaped. This could be one of the better ones for the week.

Tuesday and Wednesday follow a similar pattern: 2 to 3ft SW swells, with periods of 14 to 15 seconds, and light winds keeping it clean. It’s a consistent run of clean, small-to-medium waves. Not a standout, but a solid few days.

From Thursday, September 17 onwards, the swell starts to back off a touch. We’re into 2ft SW swell territory, with periods around 12 to 13 seconds. The winds stay light, with mornings having a cross-off and afternoons going offshore. It’s surfable, but a bit more ordinary. The energy is dropping too, so it’s not got the same punch.

Then we hit a real lull. From the 21st through to the 24th, the swell drops off to 1.5ft. The periods stay long – 11 to 16 seconds – but there’s no size behind it. The energy is weak. This is the time to wax a longboard or just watch the horizon.

So, for the standout call of this whole run, I’d have to point to Friday morning, September 11. The 4ft SW swell is the biggest, and even though the period is short, the clean conditions will make it fun. Otherwise, Monday, September 14, with that 18-second groundswell, is promising, even if the size is small. Those are the two moments this run where it feels worth making the effort.

Crowds are always a possibility at Puerto Viejo, so get in early for the cleanest sets. It’s a beach and point setup, and the SW swell direction is spot on for it.

It’s a proper mixed bag, but there are windows. Stay patient, choose your moments, and you’ll get some.

Later.

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