Monterrico sits on a black sand beach backed by a relaxed tourist town of thatched-roof houses, with volcanoes rising in the distance. The surf is the plainer part of the picture: mostly basic shoredump close-outs that suit bodyboarders best.
When It Works
Monterrico is a beach break over sand that offers both lefts and rights. It draws swell from southwest through southeast, with south swell the best match, and works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Consistency is moderate.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind. It can break through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup tends to stay fairly quiet. Watch for rips on dropping tides, especially since there usually won't be many other surfers around.
