Playa Coyote is a sand-bottomed beachbreak on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, running up to the equally long Playa San Miguel. Peaks scatter along miles of open beach, so finding an empty one is easy. There's also a left off the rocks on Coyote Point that holds size, with rights on offer when a northerly swell is running. The point itself is rocky and urchin-covered with plenty of wildlife, so keep an eye out for sharks and stingrays.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest (S-WSW-NW), with southwest swell the best match. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft, and both lefts and rights come through. Consistency is moderate, largely because the beach often gets too big, but there are worthwhile windows when it lines up. For an easy peak, head to one of the two rivermouths, which come to life at higher tides on smaller swells. Coyote Point turns on its lefts when the wind swings from the south.
Wind and Tide
Look for northeast offshore wind. The beach can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call, and higher water in particular helps the rivermouth peaks fire on smaller swells.
Local Tips
This is an approachable wave that suits beginners, and the lineup stays fairly quiet even when it's on, so there's room to spread out and find your own peak.
Access
There's free roadside parking, and camping is available nearby.
