Where is Witch's Rock, Costa Rica?

Witch's Rock, also known as "Witches," or "Roca Bruja" - in Spanish, is a renowned surf spot located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. This iconic surf destination is situated within the Santa Rosa National Park, and it offers incredible waves and breathtaking natural beauty. The precise location of Witch's Rock is just off the North Pacific coast, making it a prime location for surfers seeking adventure.

How Far is Witch's Rock from Tamarindo?

Witch's Rock is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns.  The best, fastest, and only guaranteed way to get to Witch's Rock is by boat.  You can book round trip transportation from Tamarindo to Witch's Rock, including ground and boat transfers.  It takes approximately 2.5 hours each way from Tamarindo to get to Witch's Rock, when timed correctly and booked with local guides, and using a combination of ground and water travel.

How to Get to Witch's Rock?

Witch's Rock by Boat

The best way to get to Witch's Rock is definitely by boat!  Cruising through the ocean, fun with friends, cold drinks, and fresh fruit on the way to and from Witch's Rock...it's a tour of the coast that you didn't know you needed!  In addition to the already epic day on the water, you can include fishing as well, to make your day even BETTER!  

When are Trips to Witch's Rock?

The boat to Witch's Rock leaves very early in the morning for ideal conditions.  Trips can be arranged throughout the year but  The transport from your accommodations can be included to allow you to rest up for some of the best waves in Costa Rica and a full day of surfing (instead of stressing about where to go, where to park, and how to find your way).  The boats to Witch's Rock leaves out of Playas del Coco and may also be arranged to pick up in Papagayo for an additional fee.

How to book a Boat to Witch's Rock?

There are multiple sized boats available with local captain and crew and they vary in price and amenities.  Costa Ricans obviously know the best spots and tides to help you score the best waves for any conditions at Witch's Rock, especially when they specialize in surfing!  Boat trips to Roca Bruja with Costa Rica Surf Trip leave out of Playas del Coco, but can also be arranged for pickup from Papagayo on request.  From Playas del Coco, the boat ride takes approximately one hour each direction.

Can You Drive to Witch's Rock?

While technically it is possible to get to Witch's Rock by car (IF the route is open), there are still a few reasons we suggest NOT driving:

Rugged terrain

The journey involves a combination of paved and unpaved roads, so a 4x4 vehicle is required.

Potential road hazards

The road to Witch's Rock is rough when it's dry, and even more so in the rainy season where you could get stuck in mud, or stopped by landslides.

Wild fires

Santa Rosa National Park is a dry forest, and in summer time it is prone to drought and forest fires which can be very dangerous or fatal if you get caught in one.

Limited hours

The park service has limits on hours to come in and out of the park.

Remoteness

This is a VERY remote location.  The drive from the main entrance of the park can take over an hour by itself.  In an emergency situation, access is difficult due to the terrain and location so you must come prepared for anything.

Inconsistent Access

The park service may shut down the road to access by car based on conditions or maintenance needs, so if you plan to go by car and the road or park is closed, you will be out of luck with no way to get to there.  A boat is the only guaranteed access to Witch's Rock.

Can You Stay at Witch's Rock?

Camping at Playa Naranjo

As of March 2024, the option to camp near Witch's Rock has re-opened.  Access is limited for the safety of guests and maintenance of the park as well as to protect the local flora and fauna.  Local authorities oversee the operations and availability on a day by day basis.  It costs money to enter the park and to get a camping permit for the duration of the stay.  Camping is permitted only at the approved campground at Playa Naranjo located insider Santa Rosa National Park.  The park is rich in biodiversity including jaguars, deer, crocodiles and more!  It is also a very dry region, especially in our summer months, and wildfires are prevalent in the area.

Is it Worth it to stay near Witch's Rock?

Camping in the nearly untouched wilderness is truly a unique experience, so we are happy it is, once again, considered safe for both humans and the biodiversity native to Santa Rosa (for now)!  Before you make the decision to stay in the park, however, you need to know a few important things.

Things You Must Know Before You Go

• This is a very remote location,
• There is no potable water at the campground so you must bring your own 
• There is nothing available for purchase so you must bring all provisions for your stay including equipment, food, water, clothing, etc.  
• Cooking is STRICTLY prohibited
• Arrival and departure times may vary and can affect access
• You must be highly aware of the wildlife that is present in the area including jaguars, snakes, insects, and crocodiles, among others
• There are areas that are off limits for your safety
• It takes ~20 minutes to walk between campgrounds and the main break 
• There is no hospital nearby
• Cell phone service may be limited or not available at all

Given this information, it is best to visit with a local guide like those offered by Costa Rica Surf Trip who can assist with appropriate planning, equipment, gear, and safety for camping near Witch's Rock, if you want to camp at Playa Naranjo!

How to Surf Witch's Rock?

Surfing at Witch's Rock requires a bit of preparation, but the rewards are plentiful. We have some tips to make the most of your surfing experience.

Best Time to Surf Witch's Rock

The best time to surf Witch's Rock is during the dry season, from November to April: This period offers the best combination of consistent swells, off shore wind, and good weather.  Morning usually offers the best conditions so boat trips leave early and come back in the mid-afternoon.

What to Bring to Surf at Witch's Rock

Bring a good-quality surfboard (or two) suited for powerful waves.  A shortboard or a funboard can be ideal depending on the surf conditions.  It is possible to use a longboard on smaller days but we do not recommend it when the waves are overhead or higher.  You should bring surf wax and all of your accessories (fins, leash, fin key, etc).  Please use reef safe sunscreen to protect our marine life.  Even though drinks and fruit are included on Witch's Rock boat trips with Costa Rica Surf Trip, we still recommend that you bring whatever extra food or drinks you might need for fuel.

Required Skills to Surf at Witch's Rock

Since Witch's Rock is known for its challenging waves, it's recommended only for intermediate to advanced or professional surfers. If you're new to surfing, we do not recommend Witch's Rock for you as it could be dangerous if the conditions are pumping, with strong currents, and overhead or double overhead waves.  The waves are often tubular, fast, and shoulder high (and above) so be prepared for quick takeoffs, hollow entries, and fast pop-ups as well as rail-use to be ready for the waves at Witch's Rock!

Surf Level Required at Witch's Rock 

Even though the waves and scenery are worth the trip, going to Witch's Rock as a beginner surfer (or a non-surfer) could be a waste of your time and money if the conditions are not appropriate for your skill level.  Don't make this mistake!  Beginner surfers should first hone their skills by taking surf lessons and/or attending surf camps to get the basics.  Surfers going to Witch's Rock on surf trips should be capable of maneuvering in at least a shoulder high lineup alone before tackling these waves.  Beginner surfers will have much more fun, fast progress, and safety at a surf camp for beginners than in the fast, tubular, overhead or double overhead lineups that Witch's Rock is known for!  Please make these considerations for your safety before booking a trip to Roca Bruja.

Local Guides for Witch's Rock

While many people will offer to make the trip if you pay them, hiring a specialized local surf guide for Witch's Rock will greatly enhance your experience.  If you go with a certified local guide, they make sure you have one of the required tickets to access the National Park (limited access each day).  They will also provide you with insider tips and help you navigate to the best surf spots based on the conditions.  Many boat captains do not know a lot about surfing.  Having a local captain who is also a surfer is a major factor that makes Witch's Rock & Ollie's Point boat trips with Costa Rica Surf Trip not only unique, but the best option to surf at Witch's Rock.  

Witch's Rock Photographer & Videographer

Witch's Rock is a mecca for advanced surfers from around the world, and we guarantee you will want some professional grade documentation of your visit. Make sure to request available rates for surf photography & videography when you book your boat trip with local guides!  Not just anyone can be a surf photographer or videographer at Witch's Rock.  It requires knowledge of the winds, waves, currents, angles, breaks AND surfing expertise to get the best shots!

Book Your Witch's Rock Adventure

If you're ready to experience the thrill of Witch's Rock, booking your trip is just a click away. For a seamless and exciting surf adventure, visit Witch's Rock & Ollie's Point with a local surf company to secure your boat trip package which includes either pick up from the beach or transport from a variety of nearby locations, a local captain and crew who are surf specialists, National Park entrance fees, drinks and snacks, a full day on the water, and your boat type of choice (pending availability). Whether you're looking for boat trips, local guides, or transport options, this resource will help you plan the perfect Witch's Rock experience.

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