Playa Negra , reef point break
Waves are constant, magical offshore winds. You can surf all tides. The main peak at Playa Negra is a short right reef break with hollow sections. Occasionally on high tide you’ll get a left from the main peak, and there’s another left a bit further south. It’s up to your skill level.
Sandy Beach, beach break
Immediately south of Playa Negra, fun and good for maneuvers. It works betters in the winter when it’s raining which creates better sandbars.
Callejones, reef break
About 500m walk south from Playa Negra is the Callejones reef which is more exposed to southern swells, so when waves are small in Playa Negra, you can usually find waves here. There are a couple of outer reefs which are surf able when the swells are big and there is the right direction.
Junquillal, beach break
15 minutes south of Negra is this beach break . It needs off shore or no wind at all.
Avellanas, beach break
Is about 10 minute car ride north of Playa Negra. It is a local favorite wave due to its close proximity and variety of waves. Directly in front of the main parking lot and next to Lola’s restaurant (named after the pig who can be seen wallowing in the tide) is a quality left-hand wave that has been compared to Indonesia on strong south swells. Looking to the north, a giant Willow tree can be seen growing out of the sand which marks the next peak, a fun A-frame that comes to life on both southwest and northwest swells. Another 200 meters to the north will bring you to the Avellanas river mouth which can produce some long rides and barrels on a good sizable swell. A shallow rock on the outside forms a peak that peels all the way to the inside where advanced surfers can get barreled. Finally, on the other side of the river mouth to the north is Little Hawaii, a rock/reef break that can handle waves up to 20 feet! The wave breaks almost a quarter mile out and is the only surf able peak when the swell is really pumping. Due to the variety of waves, spread out crowds, and mostly sandy bottom, Avellanas caters to all skill levels.
Marbella, beach break
This beautiful black sand beach 45 minute drive south from Negra Marbella is known for its picturesque waves and perfect left and right barrels. A rock/reef formation about 500 meters offshore crosses up the incoming swell and creates powerful A-frame peaks up and down the beach with some of the heaviest waves in the country. Marbella works best with tide coming up from Med to High Tide on both northwest and southwest swells and is reserved for advanced surfers.
Tamarindo, beach break
30 minutes north, in front of the Witch’s Rock Surf Camp or El Hotel Capitan Suizo. Looking to the North, the Tamarindo river mouth is the premier spot on the stretch of beach. When steep north swells arrive in Costa Rica and many spots cannot feel the energy, the river mouth can be the go-to spot with long, perfect, low tide, right-hand barrels.
Playa Grande, beach break
Located just across the Estuary to the north of Tamarindo is the remote beach of Playa Grande. Playa Grande is part of the Las Baulas National Park and is a famous nesting ground for Leatherback Turtles. 45 minutes north car ride, brings you to the main peak located in front of the Las Tortugas hotel. A series of rock formations off the coast redirect swells and set up long A-frames along the beach that can produce amazing barrels on the incoming tide. The best thing is to surf it between high and low tides. Playa Grande magnifies all south swells while also picking up those from the northwest. Beginner to advanced.
Ollies Point, Right Point Break, Intermediate to Advanced
Ollies point is one of the best right-hand point breaks in Central America. Expect this to be a full day trip Approximately 60 km. to the north of Tamarindo, You can only get to Ollies Point by boats depart from Playa del Coco, which is about 1hour and 40 minutes away from Playa Negra. Ollies needs a big southwest swell and low tide to make it work. When it’s on, surfers can expect 300+ meter rides with barreling sections along the way. Due to its recent popularity and numerous boat tours, Ollies can get pretty crowded.The arrangements can all be made on our lodge.
Witch’s Rock, Hollow Beach Break, Advanced
Known as Roca Bruja by the locals, is located in the Santa Rosa National Forest approximately 2h 13 mins North from Playa Negra and has some of the best surf in the country. The spot works best with a southwest swell, incoming tide, and offshore winds. Similar to Ollies, Witch’s can get pretty crowded due to its popularity and numerous boat tours. However, there are a few different peaks at Witch’s to spread out the crowd. Witch’s Rock is truly a world-class wave. The arrangements can all be made at our lodge. The boat departs from Playa del Coco, which is about 1hour and 40 minutes away from Playa Negra.
Playa Ostional, Beach Break, Intermediate to Advanced
Located to the south of Marbella, Ostional is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. From Playa Negra to Ostional is about 1hour 28 mins south in a car. Travelers from around the world come to see thousands of turtles on the beach and surf the amazing waves. It’s a powerful left and right beach break that can offer long tubing waves and rippable faces for intermediate to advanced surfers when the swell is on. Best surfed on the incoming tide.
Playa Guiones, Beach Break, Beginner to Advanced
Located in the laid back town of Nosara just to the south of Ostional, Playa Guiones is a consistent left and right beach break for surfers of all. 1h 29 min to the South of Playa Negra Guiones offers long, workable, forgiving waves that can provide all surfers with a memorable experience. The flat bottom creates long sloping waves that allow for turns, airs, and even barrels on the right swell. Due to its location on the coast, Guiones picks up north and south swells and works well on all tides making it perfect for a full-day trip.