For surfers dreaming of world class waves in a secluded spot in Costa Rica, Witch’s Rock is the place to go.
With an impressive ancient rock formation and rolling mountains as the backdrop to nearly year round perfect tubes and barrels, a trip to Witch’s Rock will be one surfers will never forget.
If you want to plan your trip to the Roca Bruja, here is all you need to know.
Witch’s Rock, Costa Rica Map
Witch’s Rock is inside the Santa Rosa National Park on the North Pacific coast in the Guanacaste province.
Can You Drive to Witch’s Rock, Costa Rica?
Yes. You can drive to Playa Naranjo, the beach Witch’s Rock is located at inside the national park and reach the campground.
This route absolutely requires a 4×4 and a competent 4×4 driver. From the park entrance to the campground parking lot, it is about 2 hours on a very bad road.
If you plan to drive there to surf, you will need to walk from one end of the beach to the surf break, at least 30 minutes on very hot sand. The parking lot is near the south end of the beach and the break is on the north end of the beach.
So by boat boat is the best way to get to Witch’s Rock.
Witch’s Rock Boat Trips
The boat trip to Witch’s Rock is half the fun as you cruise through the Gulf of Papagayo, past hidden coves and white sand beaches.
We always make a full day out of our surf trips, stopping at some beaches to snorkel and have lunch. We have also seen dolphins, turtles, manta rays and humpback whales on the way!
Park Tickets, Reservations
The Santa Rosa National Park fee is $15 USD per adult (tourist) and $5 per child ages 2 – 12 years old (tourist).
You must make reservations and purchase park tickets to go to Santa Rosa National Park. The park is open every day from 6 AM to 2 PM for surfing.
Your boat captain should purchase tickets for you.
How Far is Witch’s Rock from Playas del Coco?
From Playas del Coco, Witch’s Rock is about a 45 minute boat ride. Playas del Coco is the best launch point for the boat trip to Witch’s Rock due to its proximity.
Coco also has very calm waves so it’s the best beach for getting on the boat.
Witch’s Rock surfing is one of the best day trips from Playas del Coco, definitely a must for surfers!
We always leave from Playas del Coco with our friend who has a boat and runs boating, beach hopping, snorkeling, fishing and Witch’s Rock surf trips.
How Far is Witch’s Rock from Tamarindo?
From Tamarindo, Witch’s Rock is about a 1.5 hour boat ride one way. There are surf camps in Tamarindo that run surf trips.
Best Times to Go for Biggest Swells and Smaller Waves
We have surfed at the Roca Bruja four times and each time has been so much fun. We try to go when waves are smaller and no swell, since we’re not expert surfers and we only longboard.
One time we went in February, and the waves were perfect for us. 2-3 feet for longboarding.
Witch’s Rock has both right and left hand waves and this A frame wave provides opportunities for everyone to catch sweet waves.
Witch’s Rock has 3 main surf spots. A couple by the river mouth which gets bigger waves when there is a swell and another one called “El Burro.”
With a good south/southwest swell, there are fast, hollow rights at El Burro. With a more south wind and swell, there are good lefts too.
If you go by the rivermouth, make sure to keep an eye on not just the waves but the estuary as sometimes the reptilian locals (crocodiles) will gander out to take a peek at the visitors!
Small Waves (1-3 feet)
This is our preferred time to surf at Witch’s Rock. When there isn’t any swell.
Both times were perfect for longboarding with 1-3 foot open A frame waves at El Burro.
We went once in January which was considerably windier and choppier and had a few more big sets.
We made a video of our trip to Witch’s Rock which you can watch below!
Bigger Swells
When there’s a swell, it is perfect for long tubes and barrels. Jason has been once in June when there was a swell and there were tubes going left and right at El Burro.
The Roca Bruja gets swells from West, Northwest and Southwest directions and brings waves up to 6 feet. This is the perfect time for expert surfers to show off their turns and cutbacks and get barrelled!
There are swells all year long in both dry and rainy seasons but rainy season brings the biggest swells (May – November). December – April sees plenty of offshore winds.
The best time to surf at Witch’s Rock is mid to high tide. Low tide just has mostly close outs. And as you can see, Witch’s Rock has waves for surfers from advanced beginners to experts.
There was a swell a week after our trip in February and waves were big and barrelling. Perfect for shortboarders, barrels and hardcore surfers.
Book Your Witch’s Rock Surf Trip!
If you’re interested in a Witch’s Rock surf trip, click the link to request to book. You can also combine it with snorkeling and/or fishing, or just spend the entire day surfing!
Mark Torii says
Hi Yeison and Samantha,
I’m looking into a day trip to Ollies point and witches rock with my family in mid July. just starting to look so if you know the going rates and have a recommendation I will check it out. There are 6 in our group and we’ll be staying at Playa Grande so we will also have to figure out how to get to the boat.
Thanks for your help,
Mark
Sammi says
Hi Mark, from Grande I would talk to the local surf shops like Frijoles Locos or A Cachete Surf, they should definitely be able to help you book a Witch’s Rock surf trip.