Top 10 Surf Spots Near Tamarindo: Beginner to Advanced
Surfing Witch’s Rock in Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica.
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's premier surf destinations, known for waves that cater to every skill level. Whether you’re catching your first wave or chasing challenging barrels, the Guanacaste region has something for everyone. Lost in Paradise Tours, a locally owned and operated company, specializes in crafting unique surf adventures along the stunning Guanacaste coast. With our private lessons and private guided tours, you can explore the best waves without the hassle, gaining local insights and convenient transportation. Here’s our guide to the top 10 surf spots around Tamarindo, from beginner-friendly beaches to expert-level breaks, plus the best seasons to catch each at its peak.
Surf Spots Near Tamarindo for Every Skill Level
1. Playa Avellanas – Beginner to Advanced
Best Season: May to October (Green Season)
Nicknamed "Little Hawaii," Playa Avellanas offers a variety of breaks to suit all skill levels. During the green season, larger swells make it ideal for experienced surfers, while calmer days throughout the year are perfect for beginners. Ready to experience the magic of Playa Avellanas? Our guided surf tours will take you to the best breaks in the area. After an unforgettable day on the waves, unwind at the iconic Lola’s Beach Bar—be sure to try the refreshing "Lolajito" (our favorite, even without the booze) for the perfect post-surf treat.
2. Playa Tamarindo – Beginner to Intermediate
Best Season: December to April (Dry Season)
Tamarindo Beach is an iconic surf spot, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. Its sandy bottom and gentle waves provide the perfect setting for learning, with plenty of lessons and board rentals available. During the dry season, the waves are smaller and more manageable, making it a great choice for families. With numerous dining options and outdoor activities nearby, Playa Tamarindo promises a fun, family-friendly surf day.
3. Playa Conchal – Beginner
Best Season: Year-Round
Known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, Playa Conchal is a favorite spot for beachgoers and snorkelers. While it’s primarily popular for its scenic beauty, Playa Conchal also offers gentle waves year-round, making it an excellent location for beginners looking to practice their skills in a relaxed setting. This beach is perfect for those wanting to combine a peaceful beach day with a casual surf session.
Best Intermediate to Advanced Surf Spots
Surfers in Playa Grande, Costa Rica.
4. Playa Grande (& Casitas) – Intermediate to Advanced
Best Season: December to April (Dry Season)
A short drive or quick boat ride across the estuary from Tamarindo, Playa Grande features stronger waves and consistent breaks, making it a favorite for intermediate and advanced surfers. The vibrant surf scene peaks during the dry season, when waves are steady, and as a nesting site for leatherback turtles (October through end of February), it adds a unique natural element to your surf experience. For those eager to surf Playa Grande, our guided tours provide expert local guidance, making it easy to enjoy one of Guanacaste's most popular spots to the fullest.
5. Langosta Beach – Intermediate to Advanced
Bets Season: May to October (Green Season)
Langosta Beach features a powerful right-hand point break that offers a thrilling challenge for intermediate to advanced surfers, especially during the green season when swells are at their peak. Known for its rocky reef bottom, Langosta’s waves can produce fast and hollow sections, rewarding surfers with longer rides, and perfect for surfers looking to level up their skills. Less crowded than nearby Tamarindo, it retains a local, laid-back vibe while still being easily accessible. This hidden gem is popular among seasoned surfers seeking a quieter experience, surrounded by natural beauty and local wildlife along the shoreline.
6. Playa Junquillal – Intermediate
Best Season: December to April (Dry Season)
Playa Junquillal is a hidden treasure for intermediate surfers, offering a relaxed atmosphere and consistent breaks. During the dry season, the waves are mellow and predictable, ideal for surfers looking to refine their skills without the intensity of larger swells. The beach is known for its unspoiled beauty, with stunning sunsets and a tranquil vibe that provides a refreshing contrast to the busier, more crowded surf spots nearby. Beyond surfing, Junquillal’s pristine shoreline and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature, with fewer crowds and a sense of seclusion that attracts both locals and travelers in search of a peaceful surf escape.
7. Ollie’s Point (Potrero Grande) – Intermediate to Advanced
Best Season: December to March (Dry Season)
Ollie’s Point, or Potrero Grande, is legendary for its long, right-hand point break that can deliver rides lasting up to 300 meters on a good day. This remote spot is accessible only by boat, adding a sense of adventure that appeals to surfers seeking a truly unique experience. The dry season brings clean, consistent waves with glassy conditions, ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers looking to enjoy smooth, unbroken rides. Often less crowded than Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point offers a tranquil yet thrilling surf environment, surrounded by stunning cliffs and untouched nature. It’s an ideal stop to add to a surf trip to Witch’s Rock, allowing surfers to experience two of Costa Rica’s most iconic waves in one trip. The journey itself, often through vibrant coastal waters, makes the experience even more memorable.
Challenging Surf Destinations for Advanced Riders
8. Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja) – Advanced
Best Season: December to March (Dry Season)
Witch’s Rock, known locally as Roca Bruja, is one of Costa Rica’s most legendary surf breaks, drawing advanced surfers from around the world. With long, barreling waves that form over a sandy bottom, it offers a thrilling challenge, especially during the dry season (December through March) when swells are consistent, and rainfall is minimal. Located within the pristine Santa Rosa National Park, Witch’s Rock is accessible only by boat, adding an extra element of adventure and exclusivity. The stunning backdrop of towering cliffs and untouched natural landscapes makes surfing here a unique experience, combining raw beauty with powerful waves. For surfers ready to tackle this iconic break, our Witch’s Rock Surf Adventure includes private transportation, knowledgeable local guides, and all the essentials for an unforgettable day on the waves in one of Costa Rica’s most awe-inspiring settings.
9. Playa Negra – Advanced
Best Season: May to October (Green Season)
Playa Negra is a world-renowned surf spot, gaining fame after its feature in the iconic surf film Endless Summer II. During the green season from May to October, larger swells and stronger waves create ideal conditions for those looking for an adrenaline-pumping ride. The wave at Playa Negra is known for its long, right-hand barrels that allow for extended, high-speed rides—a true test of skill and timing. The rugged beauty of the surrounding coastline and the local surf culture add to the experience, making Playa Negra a must-visit for seasoned surfers. For those eager to conquer this legendary wave, our guided tour provides private transportation and an expert local guide, ensuring you experience Playa Negra at its peak, with all the local insights and support needed for a memorable surf adventure.
Marbella – Advanced
Best Season: May to October (Green Season)
Marbella is a hidden gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, known for its powerful waves that challenge even the most experienced surfers. This advanced surf spot offers consistent and sizable swells, especially during the green season (May to October), when waves reach their peak intensity. With both left- and right-hand breaks and a rugged reef and sandy bottom, Marbella delivers fast, barreling waves that provide exhilarating rides with plenty of punch. The remote location makes Marbella a favorite for surfers seeking solitude and a more natural setting, free from the crowds typical of more popular breaks. The area around Marbella remains untouched with a wild charm, surrounded by lush jungle and scenic coastline. Lost in Paradise offers a great day trip excursion to this secluded paradise.
Guanacaste’s diversity in surf breaks makes it a prime destination for all surfers. From beginner-friendly waves to advanced barrels, the region offers endless opportunities to ride the waves. Lost in Paradise Tours provides transportation and guides for the ultimate surf adventure, ensuring you experience the best surf spots hassle-free. Ready to plan your perfect surf getaway? Explore our range of guided surf tours that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned surfer, Lost in Paradise Tours ensures you experience the best waves in Guanacaste!