Overview
Playa Raya is a rivermouth break where the river grooms the sand on both sides into long, strong lefts and rights that peel toward an empty beach. It takes its name from the manta and stingrays found here, and the rivermouth itself is sharky, so it really is one for confident surfers only. The waves break over sand.
When It Works
The break draws swell from southwest through southeast (SW-SE), with south swell the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 5.5 m / 18 ft and is moderately consistent, so expect worthwhile windows rather than surf on every check.
Wind and Tide
Look for north offshore wind. It surfs on low and mid tide, with a rising tide the better call, since a low incoming keeps you off the rips that run as the tide drops.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and the lineup usually stays fairly quiet when it comes together.
Access
Reaching Playa Raya means a long hike over the fields to get down to the beach. There is camping nearby, along with free roadside parking.
