About Playa Camaronal

Located along Costa Rica’s North Pacific shore, Playa Camaronal is situated seven miles south of Playa Samara, in the Guanacaste Province. Camaronal is a remote beach with heart and culture, measuring three miles long and extending from the mouth of the Ora River. Wildlife congregates near the brackish estuary, where the Ora River empties into the sea.

The refuge offers ample fishing, wildlife watching, and surfing. The beach is blessed with world-class surf which remains consistent throughout the year. However, the beach is most famous for its renowned sea turtle sanctuary. Turtles that nest at Playa Camaronal include Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Pacific Green Turtles.

Key Regional Interests

Turtle Sanctuary: Visitors are welcome at the Camaronal Turtle Sanctuary from June 1st through January 30th to witness the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. The best time to visit is between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. The sanctuary also features a visitors’ center with educational displays about the turtles and other local wildlife. The sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of four species of sea turtles: olive ridley, leatherback, hawksbill, and black sea turtles.
Wildlife Refuge: The entire Camaronal Wildlife Refuge serves as a vital nesting site for various bird species and is home to diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, squirrels, and raccoons. The refuge’s brackish estuary, where the Ora River meets the sea, attracts a rich diversity of marine life and birds, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Surfing: Playa Camaronal is renowned for having some of the biggest waves in the area. With beach breaks and river mouths that break left and right over a sandy bottom, the surf here is fast, powerful, and hollow, with wavelengths running from 150 to 300 meters. The best conditions are found with swells coming from the South and Southwest, and waves can reach up to 15 feet. The optimal time to surf is at mid to high tide, particularly between December and March.

Summary

Camaronal, with its turtle sanctuary, wildlife refuge, and exceptional surfing conditions, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities. The sanctuary provides an unforgettable opportunity to observe sea turtles nesting, while the wildlife refuge showcases Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. For adventure seekers, Playa Camaronal’s surf breaks promise exhilarating rides on some of the biggest waves in the region.