North Pacific Surf Breaks

Along the more than 500 miles of Pacific Coast, there are more than 50 well-known surf breaks.  The North Pacific surf breaks run from the Nicaragua border, south to Puntarenas and include all of Nosara Peninsula and Guanacaste.

North Pacific Surf Breaks (from north to south):

•    Ollie's Point (Portrero Grande)
•    Witch's Rock (Playa Naranjo)
•    Playa Grande
•    Tamarindo
•    Langosta
•    Avellanas
•    Playa Negra
•    Nosara
•    Mal Pais


Potrero Grande:
A fast right point break, with very fast, hollow waves. Located 270 km (167.4 mi.) from San José with no road access. You must go to Playa del Coco or Playa Ocotal and proceed from there by rented boat. Right point break in Santa Rosa National Park, only accessible by boat from Playas del Coco. No camping.

 
Playa Naranjo (Witch's Rock):
One of the best breaks in the country. This one will take some planning, but it's worth it. The point is located in Santa Rosa National Park and features no features at all, so be prepared to take care of yourself with a trustworthy four-wheel drive, camping gear, food and mosquito netting.

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Playa Grande:
A 20-minute drive or 10-minute boat ride north of Tamarindo. Playa Grande is renowned for its consistent breaks. Boarders can surf the beach break at high tide or try the Tamarindo rivermouth when it’s low.

 
Playa Tamarindo:
There are two spots here worth trying, Pico Pequeño, a rocky point in front of the hotel Tamarindo; and Bel Estero, an excellent river mouth break. You'll find a decent beach break here, and it makes a good base for exploring other surfing spots nearby. Tamarindo is brimming with surf schools, and its popular beach breaks are often crowded with beginners. Experienced locals often go for the bigger and usually less crowded waves in neighboring Playa Langosta.

 
Langosta:
Right and left point break that curls off the mouth of a small river.

 
Playas Avellanas and Negras:
Located 15 kilometers south of Tamarindo, these laid-back beaches are favored by surfers for their consistent waves. Avellanas’ prevailing reef break, dubbed “Little Hawaii”, can even be a challenge for seasoned surfers. South of Avellenas’ white sand beach is Playa Negra, a darker beach dominated by a rocky coastline.

Negra is famous for its reef point breaks and excellent barrels. This is one of the best breaks in the country, a right point break - and very fast. There is another right point break further to the south.Visitors can anticipate steady breezes and ideal surfing conditions between the months of December and April. Both beaches are relatively undeveloped and are geared towards the surfing community.

 
Guanacasteco:
Features very hollow rights and lefts. Located 10 km (6.2 mi.) south of Tamarindo.

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Nosara, Nosara beach and Playa Guiones:
Several beach breaks; a good selection of accommodations nearby.  Breaks left and right. Figure a five-hour drive from San José (350 clicks), though Nicoya and from there to Nosara.

Playa Coyote, Manzanillo, and Mal Pais Beach:
Breaks, with very consistent lefts and rights and several points. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. You will find a number of places to stay in the neighborhood.