Where to Surf in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica
Finding the Right Break Each Day
If you’re planning a surf trip to Playa Avellanas, you’re in one of Costa Rica’s most consistent and wave-rich zones. Playa Avellanas surf offers multiple distinct breaks along one stretch of coastline, making it one of the best places in Guanacaste to find waves year-round.
Unlike many beach towns with just one main peak, the Avellanas surf lineup includes reef breaks, beach breaks, rivermouth peaks, and powerful point-style waves. Depending on tide, swell direction, and season, different Avellanas surf spots turn on throughout the day. That means beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers can all find a wave that fits their level.
This guide covers exactly where to surf in Playa Avellanas, when each wave works best, who it’s for, and how to access each spot from our Rent Avellanas homes.
Whether you’re booking your first surf lesson or chasing hollow barrels, this Playa Avellanas surf guide will help you choose the right break every day of your stay.
Let’s Surf!
Our Favorite Spots in and around Playa Avellanas
Spots nearby
La Purruja
In front of Lola’s parking lot is La Purruja, a left hand reef break that is best fitted for advanced surfers. It breaks on very shallow sharp reef. In general conditions are best during rainy season when there is a good swell. You can get long fast rides with barrel sections on the lower tides.
Route from our rentals: Driving/walking to Lolas. There is an attendant at the beach that watches over parked cars.
El Estero - The Rivermouth
A sand/reef break in front of a river mouth with A-frame peaks. The left is a bit more shallow/sketchy as there are lots of rocks and some that jut out even during the higher tides. The right is a powerful wave that breaks on rocks at the point and eventually leads to the sandbar. Best surfed in dry season but works all year, good on a low incoming tide, with an easterly offshore wind. We have one of the houses closest to the rivermouth.
Route from our home: Through Cabinas Las Olas/Lola’s entrance or take the shortcut at your own risk. It is easiest on low tide, at high tide it is dangerous to walk as the river will be flowing out to the ocean. Cross at your own risk.
El Parque
A few steps north of Lola’s is El Parqueo, a beach break that’s known for its peeling waves. Due to the fact it is one of the more forgiving breaks near Casa La Feliz El Parqueo is perfect for true beginners and intermediates alike.
Longboards, foamies and boards with plenty of volume are best at this wave. Mid tide is a good time to go for mellow and fun waves.
If you are new to surfing, here is a great place to go during your lessons.
Route from our rentals: Walk/Driving to Lolas
El Palo / Dead Tree
Located in front of the dead mangrove tree that sticks out of the sand. The beach breaks both lefts and rights, forming little barrels on bigger swells. Couples or groups of friends of varying abilities share the lineup.
Route from our home: Drive/walk to Cabinas Las Olas and take the pedestrian bridge just past the bar to the beach.
Little Hawaii
Neither little nor located in Hawaii, Little Hawaii is a premium Costa Rican wave that deserves any intermediate/advanced surfers attention. One of the more northern spots on our list, this righthander runs over a rock bottom and is best surfed on a low to mid-tide. Extreme caution should be taken when surfing Little Hawaii, given the many underwater hazards.
Route from our home: Walk north via the rivermouth or Cabinas Las Olas pedestrian bridge.
Playa Negra
Famous for being featured in the movie Endless Summer 2, this righthand barrel is formed by a narrow channel between the rocks where the swell rushes over a shallow rocky bottom. Given that the take-off zone is concentrated on a small spot, the lineup can get crowded with only two dozen surfers. The waves are consistent year-round.
Most people surf Playa Negra during high-tide, since low-tide exposes the many underwater rocks and is only for experts looking for shallow barrels.
Route from our home: A 10 minute drive south