Driving along the beach roads in Guanacaste, it doesn’t take long to realize this pristine coastline is also a surfers’ paradise. All the cars with surfboards piled on top probably gives it away first. From the North to the South sections of the Gold Coast, you can find an ideal surf spot within a short drive. Without giving away too many secrets, here are some of the very best surf beaches in the Tamarindo area and when you can expect to find the best surf.
Witches Rock (Roca Bruja)
Witch’s Rock is a world-class beach break with a sandy bottom and long, roping walls that throws a peeling barrel. This famous surf spot in the Santa Rosa National Park is two hours north of Tamarindo. You’ll likely drive to Playas del Coco where a boat will take you the rest of the way. The best time to score epic Witch’s Rock is when both north swells and south swells are coinciding. The months of February, March, and April are the most promising.
Playa Grande
Located just to the north of Tamarindo is a three-mile-long beach appropriately named Playa Grande. This giant beach is part of the Las Baulas National Park, an important nesting ground for Leatherback Turtles. You can find waves at any point on the beach, but the best peak is right in front of Las Tortugas Hotel on the northernmost stretch. Playa Grande is an excellent beach break that produces consistent waves year-round and is generally double the size of southern neighboring Playa Tamarindo. The best time of year to score epic Playa Grande is during the beginning of south swell season or Guanacaste’s Veranillo months (February / March / April / July / August).
Playa Tamarindo
Made famous by the 1994 surf flick, The Endless Summer 2, Playa Tamarindo has options for all levels. There’s a sandy-bottom beach break in front of the lifeguard tower, a ledgy reef break in the center of the bay, and a fickle, yet world-class rivermouth that can produce long, pinwheeling right and left handers. When there’s a better-than-average southwest swell during our green season (May – October) or a better-angled northwest swell during our dry season (December – April), Tamarindo is actually one of the best surf spots in the country. Not to mention its interesting history.
Playa Langosta
Just to the south of Playa Tamarindo is Playa Langosta. This white sand beach has exposed lava rocks extending into the water which can produce unique peaks and a variety of options. The main surf spot is located in front of the Occidental Resort and is a playful rivermouth with right- and left- handers that change from season to season. With a better southerly orientation than Playa Tamarindo, Playa Langosta is generally more sizable and only about five minutes driving to the south of Tamarindo. Playa Langosta receives both northerly and southerly angles enhancing consistency. The months of March, April, and July are your best chances of scoring quality surf. Hacienda Pinilla enjoys an incognito access point to the south end of the beach.
Playa Avellanas
Known as one of the top five most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Avellanas is ideal to bring the family for a postcard beach day. There are five unique surf spots along the one and a half mile-long beach ranging from gurgling reef breaks to sandy bottom, A-framing beach breaks. Once your arms feel like limp noodles, order something refreshing at Lola’s Restaurant where you’ll enjoy a creative menu and beachside seating. The ceviche is fresh and the cervezas are cold.
Playa Marbella
If you’re looking to adventure off the beaten track and get some extra sand up your nose then a trip to the thumping beach break of Marbella will satisfy. Playa Marbella has a unique southerly orientation along with rock outcroppings offshore that give the waves some extra power and hollowness. Marbella doesn’t like a big swell, so it works best during the slowest south swell months and strong offshore winds (Dec/Jan/Feb).
Playa Guiones
Located about two hours south of Tamarindo surfing is the bohemian surf/yoga town of Playa Guiones. This town has all the amenities that you’ll need, but framed in an authentically Guanacasteca background. Playa Guiones offers a giant white sand beach with waves for beginner to advanced surfers looking for consistency and lengthy rides. Although the wave does not barrel top to bottom, surfers love this spot for its ability to handle size and the potential for 200-meter rides. The best time to score Guiones is during the dry season months and Veranillo months (Jan/Feb/March/April/July/August).
Are you planning a surf trip to Costa Rica? Looking for epic surfing in Guanacaste? Want to make sure there’s good surfing close to your property? Maybe you’re wondering what the waves will be like for your vacation? Send Ryan a message.
Cover photo of Witch’s Rock by Jose Madrigal.