Surfing in Playa Avellanes / Playa Negra

Introduction

Playa Avellanes and Playa Negra offer some excellent surfing and for those looking for a remote vacation experience, these are the ideal destination.

There are comfortable & affordable accommodations here within walking distance to the surf however the only services offered other than those found in nearby Tamarindo, are those at the hotel. This is an ideal location for surfers looking for a more relaxing, remote surfing vacation with less nightlife and more, dawn patrol sessions.

Although most travelers opt to stay in Tamarindo and make the drive to these breaks, if you choose to stay at these locations for your surf vacation, the best way to enjoy these breaks is to stay at the respective hotel in front of the break (see list below).

Getting There

Avellanes and Negra are accessed by a dirt road from Huacas (just outside of Tamarindo). Check road conditions before driving (beach and internal road available).

Breaks

For those looking for a remote vacation experience, these are the ideal destination.

Playa Avellanes

A series of rights and lefts from a rivermouth offering a series of peaks including reefs and beach breaks. The northern end of the rivermouth boasts an outside reef break, "Little Hawaii," which works best on a west or northwest swell and is ideal for longboarders.The rivermouth is a rock bottom right that can get very hollow and best at low tide in the am.

Playa Negra

12 kilometers south of Tamarindo offering a rock-reef right break that is fast & hollow at low tide creating a picture perfect ride. Best conditions in the morning with a mid tide going out. Negra will pick up swell from many directions and crowds can be a factor.

Places to Stay

Cabinas Las Olas

Located in Avellanes offering rustic, bungalows on a quiet property within a short walk to the surf. These are good options for budget travelers looking for basic accommodations and do not want to stay in Tamarindo. more >

Hotel Playa Negra

The Hotel Playa Negra, consists of a few individual villa style cabinas spread along the beautiful beach of this area. more >

Hotel Iguanazul

One of the nicest white sand beaches in all of Costa Rica (awarded Blue Flag). There is a nice beach break located five minutes down the beach. more >

Hacienda Pinilla

Hacienda Pinilla is a peaceful haven on Costa Rica's beautiful Guanacaste Peninsula. It's been owned and operated by the same family for the last three decades. It also has an 18 round golf course. more >

Places to Eat

Pablos Picasso

Located at Hotel Pablo Picasso, offering a large menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything from gallo pinto, casados, burgers as big as your head, fish tacos and more. Great place to hang out at night as well.

Hotel Playa Negra

Beachfront dining offering breakfast, lunch and dinner with an international menu. From the restaurant, you will have outstanding views of the point in Playa Negra.

More restaurants in nearby Tamarindo >

Things to Do

Nada. Just surf, dude. Not much nightlife, but there are some pretty cool treks that you can make, surfing and otherwise. Head north to Tamarindo for a variety of restaurants, shops and tour options.

Other Adventures

• Boat trip to Witches Roca and Ollie's Point - Experience the dreams of your endless summer! In order to get the best surfing in the area we leave from Tamarindo Beach on a small boat headed towards the Potrero Beach. The boat is leaving early in the morning from Tamarindo Beach for the best surf spots around here, Witches Rock, Ollie's Point and other secret spots. Left and right, tubes, the perfect waves. We have water and fruits on board an on the way back, we try to catch some fish for dinner. A must for everybody who came for surfing.
• Overnight Boat Charter, Witches Rock/Ollie's Point - same as above, but for 2 days of glorious surf.
• Deep Sea Fishing - The Guanacaste region is famed for its sport fishing. We offer a wide variety of boats from smaller pangas , to full service yachts with all gear, providing access to the exhilarating experience of fighting a 300 pound Marlin or Sailfish ,Tuna , Mahi Mahi and Marlin in this memorable adventure.
• Rincon de la Vieja National Park - This is an all day Adventure Tour to the active volcano Rincon de la Vieja . We start the day by driving through the Guanacaste countryside up to the capital city of Guanacaste , Liberia. We return with the sunset in the late afternoon. This tour includes chauffeur, bilingual guide, horseback ride, lunch, spa and natural trails. Canopy tour is optional.
• Kayak Estuary Tour - If you enjoy nature, our kayak tours makes exploring Tamarindo's estuaries easy. This tour will take you meandering through the slow estuary waters shaded by the extensive mangroves.
• Sunset Sail or Full day charters - We offer half day trips were we sail around Tamarindo Bay looking for marine life and enjoying the fabulous Tamarindo sunset; listening to sunset music (classical, modern, acoustic, whatever you want) Beer, white & red wine, soft drinks, snacks, dips and a plate of fresh tropical fruits . You can also take our half day Snorkel trip , discovering Costa Rican pacific waters which host a variety of tropical fish. You will find at least 50% of the fish species represented on the fish-chart that we carry on board. To be discovered are : Eels, puffer fish, trigger fish, rays and etc. Of course, during the sail we set out to find dolphins, manta-rays, devil-rays and whales. Whales can be spotted from December throughout March & April. There are also possibilities to take full day Sailboat trips and leave everything behind you. Make the dreams come to life.
• Scuba Diving - In the waters of Tamarindo you will find many species and marine life such as: giant manta rays, stingrays, barracudas, sharks, sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish !!!. We can offer you any types of Certification, from the Open Water to Dive-Master. Our tip, try a night dive where you can appreciate the beauties of shining plankton , unforgettable.
• Horseback Riding - Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, we have the perfect horse for you. Our horses are well trained, of good size and very healthy. We leave twice a day. Included are refreshments and any other necessary transportation. We can't think of a better way than by horse to discover our hills, pastures, beaches and typical Costa Rican villages.
• Ridley Turtle Nesting in Ostional - Experience the unbelievable phenomenon of thousands of Ridley turtle coming into shore to lay their eggs. This protected beach has a surplus of turtle eggs, so that they are actually harvested to allow baby turtles to have an area to be hatched in without being disturbed by surplus eggs. The " arribada " of turtles is distinctly unique and their arrival is based on the phase of the moon.
• Palo Verde National Park Guaitil artisan village - This is a visit to the Palo Verde National Park, which is part of the basin of the Tempisque River . The lowlands and marshes create the perfect conditions for the largest concentration of waterfowl and wadding birds in all of Central America . This is a birdwatchers paradise.

Things to Avoid

Avoid parking at the beach with any valuables in the car. The remoteness which makes this area so attractive, also makes it an easy target for petty theft while you are in the water!

Surf Shops and Surf Camps

Surf Lessons - We think everyone should learn how to surf and there is no better place to learn than in the warm waters of Tamarindo, Costa Rica! The only thing you need is some swimming knowledge and a good sense of humor . Our instructors guarantee you will stand up and ride your first wave in just one lesson. The duration of the lesson is 1 ½ to 2 hours and includes the Surfboard you need. We also have advanced classes for for people who already have some knowledge. Learn to surf in the Costa Rican Surf mecca, you never forget it.