Ollie’s Point, Costa Rica:The Complete Guide to Surfing One of the World’s Best Waves

There are surf spots you read about and surf spots you earn. Ollie’s Point is the second kind. Located inside the Guanacaste Conservation Area on Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast, it’s one of the most consistent right-hand point breaks in Central America — and it’s only reachable by boat. No road, no parking lot, no crowd of beginners in the lineup. Just the wave, your crew, and a lot of open ocean between you and everywhere else.

Quick facts

Access: Boat only — no road access

Wave type: Right-hand point break

Best season: May – November (rainy season)

Level: Intermediate to advanced

What is Ollie’s Point — and why do surfers travel thousands of miles for it?

Ollie’s Point is a right-hand point break located at Punta Santa Rosa, inside the Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It sits just north of Witch’s Rock — the other legendary break in the area — and together they form what many surfers consider the best one-two combination on the Pacific Coast of Central America.

The wave breaks over a rocky bottom and produces long, well-shaped rights that can run for over 200 meters on a good day. It handles a wide range of swell — from overhead to well overhead — and stays relatively uncrowded because getting there requires a boat and a national park entrance fee.

The name comes from Oliver North, the American military figure who allegedly used the beach during the Iran-Contra affair in the 1980s. The history is complicated. The surf isn’t.

When to surf Ollie’s Point — and what to expect

Ollie’s Point works best during the rainy season — roughly May through November — when consistent south and southwest swells arrive from the southern hemisphere. The dry season (December to April) brings offshore winds that clean up the surf, but swells are less frequent and often smaller.

The ideal conditions are a southwest swell at 5–8 feet with light offshore winds. The wave tends to be more forgiving in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up — which is one reason timing your departure by boat matters more than most people expect.

What level do you need to be?

Ollie’s Point is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers. The wave can get powerful and the rocky bottom requires confident surfing — this isn’t a beginner break. If you’re just learning, the Papagayo Gulf has protected bays with consistent small waves that are a much better starting point. Ollie’s Point will still be there when you’re ready.

How to get to Ollie’s Point — boat access only

There is no road to Ollie’s Point. The Santa Rosa National Park restricts vehicle access to the coastline, which means the only way in is by boat — and that’s exactly what keeps the lineup uncrowded.

From the Papagayo Gulf, the boat ride takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on conditions. Departure time is determined by the tide for that specific day — not by a fixed schedule. Surf guides who know these waters check the swell report and wind conditions the night before and confirm your pickup time accordingly.

This is where experience matters. Knowing when to leave, which spot is breaking better on a given day, and how to read the conditions at Ollie’s Point versus Witch’s Rock — that’s not something you learn from a website. It’s 30+ years on these specific waters.

National park entrance

Ollie’s Point sits inside the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every surfer needs to pay the national park entrance fee — currently $17 per person. This is separate from your boat charter cost. Your guide will handle the logistics and confirm the current fee before departure.

Ollie’s Point vs Witch’s Rock — which one is right for you?

Most boat trips to this area include access to both breaks, which sit about 10 minutes apart by boat. They’re different waves that suit different surfers on different days.

Ollie’s Point

Long right-hand point break. More forgiving entry. Better for surfers who want long rides on a consistent wave.

Witch’s Rock

Hollow beach break. More powerful and unpredictable. Better for experienced surfers who want a challenge.

Best strategy

Check both. Your guide reads conditions on the day and recommends where to surf first based on swell and wind.

What to bring to Ollie’s Point

Your boat charter typically includes beverages, fruit, and the gear logistics — but here’s what you need on your end:

• Your own surfboard or rent one at $25/board
• Rash guard or wetsuit top (the sun exposure on the boat ride is significant)
• Reef booties recommended — the bottom is rocky
• Sunscreen — bring more than you think you need
• Cash for the national park fee ($17/person) if not included in your package
• A waterproof camera or phone case — you’ll want photos

Planning a surf trip to Ollie’s Point

GoSouth Adventures offers private boat access to Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock from the Papagayo Gulf. Half-day and full-day options. Departure time set by the tide. 30+ years reading these breaks.