Located where the Rio Claro meets the Pacific Ocean, Pavones is a small coastal community in southern Costa Rica. It lies on the north shore of the Burica Peninsula, which is shared with neighbouring Panama. Pavones is famed as a surf destination, with one of the world’s longest waves breaking along its coastline.
Things to do in Pavones
Pavones makes an ideal base for visiting the Golfito National Wildlife Refuge, which lies directly south of Piedras Blancas National Park. It encompasses a large tract of evergreen woodland with tropical vegetation that provides habitat for a diversity of fauna and flora. In addition to admiring cycads that have existed since prehistoric times, you’ll have the opportunity to spot brightly coloured toucans, agoutis and white-headed capuchins.
Surfers can test their skills on the long left at Pavones Point, with the rainy season from April to November offering the biggest swells. The outer wave will appeal to experienced board riders while beginner surfers can learn the ropes on the gentler wave that breaks closer to the coastline.
If you’re not into surfing, you can simply relax on the golden sands of Playa Pavones or ride horseback along the beach at sunset. Sports fishing is popular in the surrounding waters, with local operators offering charters and boat cruises. There are a handful of restaurants where you can refuel, including Tico Mex and Restaurante y Cabinas Ebenezer.
Getting around Pavones
Pavones is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Golfito Airport, which has regular flights to San Jose. By road, San Jose is just over six hours away. Regular buses connect to Pavones and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.