Malpaís's location between the Central Pacific area and Guanacaste means that it benefits from both the big south swells which hit the beaches south of Puntarenas during the wet season as well as the offshore "Papagayo" winds which create optimum conditions on the Guanacaste coast during the dry season. Another great advantage is the lack of crowds found in Jaco and Tamarindo. The best surf is found on the following beaches:
Mar Azul is a left and right break seperated by a huge rock that's exposed during low tides. Both break best when an overhead swell has hit the left. There are two main rocks that the left breaks off the furthest out near the start of the wave is sometimes exposed when padding for the ride which makes for some excitement. Breaks best on an out going tide and the inside can be dangerous during lower tides. All around an awesome spot though fickle with the tides.
El Carmen: Continue straight on at the crossroads to the beach and you'll see the peak right in front of you. A long right wall and shorter section left break over a gradually sloping sand bottom.
Santa Teresa: Turn right at the crossroads and continue 3 km. To "Cabinas Santa Teresa" and turn down to the beach. Santa Teresa tends to pick up more swell than El Carmen and holds shape better at low tide.
