Surfing

On the eastern side of Cabo Matapalo, on Pan Dulce beach, waves break over a platform that creates a perfect, very forgiving right, drawing surfers from far and wide, especially beginners.

Pollo Surf School. Local surf expert Oldemar (aka Pollo) Fernandez offers daily lessons at Pan Dulce Beach at his Pollo Surf School. Soft-top boards and rash guards make learning a little less painful. Expect to pay $60 per person for a two-hour group lesson, or $120 for a private lesson. Pollo also offers 1½-hour stand-up paddleboard tours, starting at the beach ($55, minimum age 14). Cabo Matapalo, Puntarenas. 8366–6559; 8363--1481; www.pollosurfschool.com.