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Surf forecast for Sunset Reef

Forecast map preview
⏱️s.
⚡️kJ
Timezone:
America/Costa_Rica
Forecast updated:
21/09, 12:00
Wind: SN UNITY Atmos
(20260921 06z)
Waves: SN UNITY WAVE
(20260921 06z)

Weather

Monday 21/09

Moon phase
Waxing gibbous
76% illuminated
Closest moon phase
First quarter
Fri 18/09 14:45
Tide range
0.5m - 1.8m
Low 16:37 · High 10:09
Next spring tide
Tue 29/09
3.1m range
Next neap tide
Mon 05/10
1.8m range

Timeline

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Sunset Reef Surf Forecast Guide

Sunset Reef is a fast, hollow left that barrels over an uneven lava reef at the end of the Mal Pais coast road. It's a full-bore, high-speed tube: you air-drop into the first pit, then pedal hard through the end barrel section before kicking out into the safety of the channel.

When It Works

The reef draws swell from south to west, with southwest swell the best match. It's usable from 1.2 m / 4 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and it takes real size to fire, since the swell has to be huge in town for it to break even half as big out here. It can be somewhat inconsistent, so you'll often be waiting for the right pulse.

Wind and Tide

Look for east offshore wind to groom it. The reef breaks on low to mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.

Local Tips

This is an expert-only wave. The lineup is localised and gets busy, so patience and good manners go a long way, especially since it won't break unless the swell is really cranking.

Access

There's a car park at the spot, though parking is paid and can be restricted.

Surf spots near Sunset Reef

Mal Pais
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Beach break
Mon 21
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 24
Fri 25
Sunset Reef
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Reef break
Mon 21
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 24
Fri 25
Punta Barigona
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Point break
Mon 21
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 24
Fri 25
Playa Carmen
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Beach break
Mon 21
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 24
Fri 25
Playa Santa Teresa
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Reef break
Mon 21
Tue 22
Wed 23
Thu 24
Fri 25

Frequently asked questions

What are good surfing conditions for Sunset Reef?

Sunset Reef is usually best with swell from south to west (S-W), ideally southwest (SW) around 1.2 m / 4 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, east (E) offshore wind, and low to mid tide.

Where is the surf spot Sunset Reef?

Sunset Reef is a surf spot in Mal País, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

What is the surf break like at Sunset Reef?

Sunset Reef is a left reef break over uneven reef. Expect a busy crowd.

What surfing skill level is Sunset Reef suitable for?

Sunset Reef can suit expert surfers.

Is Sunset Reef beginner friendly for surfing?

Sunset Reef is better suited to expert surfers.

How consistent is the surf at Sunset Reef?

Surf consistency at Sunset Reef is more variable.

Is there parking for surfing at Sunset Reef?

Parking around Sunset Reef: paid parking, car park, and restricted parking.

What surf spots are near Sunset Reef?

Other nearby surf spots are Punta Barigona, Mal Pais, Playa Carmen, and Playa Santa Teresa.

What swell direction works for surfing at Sunset Reef?

Sunset Reef can work with swell from south to west (S-W); southwest (SW) is usually best.

What swell size works for surfing at Sunset Reef?

Sunset Reef usually works with swell around 1.2 m / 4 ft to 3 m / 10 ft.

What wind direction is best for surfing at Sunset Reef?

East (E) offshore wind is usually best at Sunset Reef.

What wind direction is offshore for surfing at Sunset Reef?

East (E) is offshore at Sunset Reef.

What tide works best for surfing at Sunset Reef?

Sunset Reef works best around low to mid tide. A rising tide is usually better here.

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