Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Surf in Tamarindo and surrounding beaches:
Tamarindo is a surfing hot-spot which anchors the surf community of the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Consistent swells and offshore winds provide good surf conditions right off Tamarindo.
The left and right beach breaks are also suited for beginners to learn on. Surf in Tamarindo is best during high tide
and towards the north of the beach, at the river mouth, where the long rights are especially popular with long boarders.
Surf Map of the Tamarindo Area:
Hyperlinks to detail maps
are marked in orange color
For the experienced surfers waves might be more thrilling across the Tamarindo estuary. With your surf board you can paddle through the river to get to La Casita with its fast beach break. From La Casita a 20 min walk north brings you to Playa Grande with very consistent surf, even during low tide. Playa Grande offers both left and right beach breaks.
1 km south of Tamarindo is Playa Langosta where a right and left point break comes up fast and curls off the mouth of a small river.
You can either paddle across the river from Tamarindo or drive via Villarreal and Hacienda Pinilla.
[ When leaving your car unattended, never leave valuables inside ]
The next beach south of Playa Langosta is Avellanas, nicknamed "Little Hawaii". Surf is good low and high tide with beach breaks featuring very hollow rights and lefts. By foot from Tamarindo it's about a 40 minute walk. Or drive 16 km from Tamarindo via Villarreal, Pinilla.
Another 5 km south of Avellanas comes Playa Negra, reputedly one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. It's a right point break with very fast waves best to be surfed during transition of the tides. Only for experts.
And if still this isn't enough for the avid surfers, check with a local tour operator or your hotel in Tamarindo for a trip by boat to the famous, remote surf breaks in the north: Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock.