In June 2022, Playa Hermosa was dedicated as a World Surfing Reserve by the Save The Waves Coalition — one of only about a dozen in the world at the time, and the first in Central America. The reserve covers more than the main beach break: this coastline holds fifteen distinct surf spots, including a rocky point break and a rivermouth setup.

Hermosa's beach breaks work year-round and are known for punchy A-frame peaks that frequently barrel. It is considered one of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica — the local rule of thumb is that when nothing else is breaking, Hermosa still has waves.

That consistency comes with power, and locals are blunt about the skill floor: if you have never surfed, this is not your beach. Learn in Jacó, the next beach north, and paddle out here once you can handle a fast, hollow beach break.

The south end of the beach runs into the Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge, a national protected area of 2,742 hectares — 82 percent of it marine. The surf ecosystem here supports 61 threatened species, including three endangered species of sea turtles that nest on this coast, and the scarlet macaw. Keep lights off the sand at night during nesting season.