This was my first trip to Playa Norte. I was a bit of a beginner, but was looking for some larger waves than some of those found on Costa Verde. I had trouble catching small waves in Costa Verde, but when I got to Playa Norte, I was catching them with ease and loving it.
There's a lot of rocks on both the north and south sides. This day there was no one on the south side. But a good 10-15 people on the north side. The shore break for bodyboarding was pretty decent (sand in the middle, but a few semi-hidden rocks on the sides), but the better waves were north a little more near the rocks and breaking right.
The arena is pretty private and quiet. The beach area is small and the local residents/renters use a lot of the space w/ their umbrellas and such. No food or services available other than a guy walking around selling ice cream. Beach is sand wish scattered large rocks. Nicely developed area though with a boardwalk type area (cement) and a number of apartments overlooking the beach.
CasaBarco hotel is about a 5 minute walk from the beach and was really great. Shower in the entrance to clean sand off of yourself and board. Food is so-so, but good for the arena.
There were quite a few Brazillian surfers and some other international visitors. The people were really nice and the area seemed very safe. I parked my car on the street outside the hotel for a week w/ no problems.
Anyhow, this day was fantastic for me, the best of the summer. I did end up with a small cut on my foot and leg from the shells on the rocks. Very superficial though. I saw a couple Brazillian guys with some much bigger cuts on their feet. Booties recommended due to this.
