Surfing
in Guanacaste

How to use this guide

This selection is for surfers of any level based in Tamarindo, and it orders the beaches from easiest to most demanding. If you are starting out, stay in Tamarindo: the Surf lessons in Tamarindo last about 2 hours on small waves, and board rentals in town let you keep practising on your own. Playa Langosta, at the southern end of town, is the next step, with surf and tide pools when the sea drops.

At intermediate level, take the boat across the estuary to Playa Grande, with stronger waves than Tamarindo, or head south to Playa Avellanas, which has breaks for all levels; the biggest is known as Little Hawaii. Playa Negra is about 10 minutes further south on the same gravel road, and its break over rock is mainly for experienced surfers. With three days, split them like this: a lesson and practice in Tamarindo and Langosta, a day at Playa Grande and another between Avellanas and Playa Negra.

Witch’s Rock (Peña Bruja) by boat, off Playa Naranjo in Santa Rosa National Park, is an experts-only wave. Overland it needs a 4x4 on a very rough 12 km road, and the marine sector is reached only by sea and may not be open: ask the boat operator before you book. If you are a beginner or short of time, skip it and surf Tamarindo. If money is tight, bear in mind that park entry, $16.95, is paid on top of the boat.

Tips

• In Tamarindo, do not surf near the estuary mouth or at dawn or dusk: crocodiles have been filmed there.
• The crossing boat to Playa Grande costs about $2; by road it is 17 km via Villarreal.
• At Playa Grande pets, alcohol, bonfires and single-use plastics are not allowed, and the beach takes 120 people at a time; from October to February you may stay on the beach only until 17:00.
• For Avellanas and Playa Negra a high-clearance car is enough, no 4x4 needed. Bring cash: there are no ATMs, and guarded parking at Avellanas costs ₡2,000 a day.
• Playa Langosta is also a leatherback nesting beach: respect the marked areas and leave no rubbish.