Best Waves on the Guanacaste Peninsula, Costa Rica

If you're a surfer planning a trip to Costa Rica, you're in for a treat. The Guanacaste Peninsula is one of the most popular surf destinations in the country, thanks to its consistent waves and warm waters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Here are some of the best surf spots in the Guanacaste Peninsula in no particular order:

Tamarindo Beach: Tamarindo is one of the most popular surf spots in the region, with waves that are perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers. The beach is long and wide, which means there's plenty of space for everyone. There are several surf schools in the area, so it's a great place to take lessons. If you are looking to advance your surfing skills be sure to check out Witches Rock Surf Camp in Tamarindo. The camp is designed for beginners to advanced surfers and is located right on the beach in Tamarindo.

Playa Grande: Just north of Tamarindo, Playa Grande is another popular surf spot. It's known for its consistent, hollow waves, which are best for experienced surfers. You can ride barrels at low and mid tide and catch longer waves during high tide, . The beach is also a nesting ground for leatherback turtles, so be sure to respect the protected area.

Playa Negra:  Playa Negra is a reef break that's known for its powerful, hollow waves. It's a favorite among experienced surfers, but it can be dangerous for beginners. The beach is also known for its black sand and rocky shoreline. Be sure to read more about the wave, hazards, and best season to surf Playa Negra.

Avellanas:  Playa Avellanas is a long beach with several surf spots, including "Little Hawaii," which is known for its long, left-hand barrels. The beach is less crowded than Tamarindo and Playa Grande, which makes it a great place to escape the crowds. Be sure and visit Lola’s, which is a great spot right on the beach. If you are lucky, you can pet Lola herself, the resident giant pig!

Witches Rock: Witches Rock is a legendary surf spot that's only accessible by boat. It's a fast, hollow wave that's best for experienced surfers. The beach is located in Santa Rosa National Park, so it's also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. We found a great resource about Witches Rock, the best time to surf, and known hazards (crocodiles) to help you plan your surf adventure.

Ollie's Point: Ollie's Point is another boat-accessible surf spot that's known for its long, right-hand waves. It's a popular spot among experienced surfers, and it's also located in Santa Rosa National Park. While there is a spot to camp on Witches Rock, Ollie's Point does not have spot to camp.

Playa Guiones: (my personal fav since I live in Nosara): Playa Guiones is a long beach with several surf spots, including a point break that's best for experienced surfers. The beach is located here in Nosara, which is known for its yoga and wellness retreats.

These are just a few of the best surf spots in the Guanacaste Peninsula. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. Just remember to respect the local environment and the other surfers in the water, and you'll have a great time.

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