Playa Avellanas
Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: April–November
Playa Avellanas is a long, quiet beach on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, about 15 km south of Tamarindo by road. It has several peaks over sand, rock and reef, from beach-break wedges to the reef known as Little Hawaii, which holds bigger swells.
South and south-west swells from about April to November bring the best surf, while north-west swells give smaller waves in the dry season. Early mornings are usually offshore from the east or north-east, and in the dry season the Papagayo winds often keep the waves clean for longer. The beach peaks suit intermediate surfers, and the reef sections are for experienced riders. Rip currents form between the peaks, and rocks show at low tide. The beach is backed by mangroves and an estuary, so avoid the rivermouth. It is less crowded than Tamarindo, though the main peaks get busy in good swells. The water is warm all year, about 27–30°C, so boardshorts or a lycra are enough; reef booties help on the rocky sections.
Spots near Playa Avellanas
- Playa Negra – Guanacaste (4 km)
- Tamarindo (8 km)
- Playa Grande – Tamarindo (12 km)
- Nosara – Playa Guiones (38 km)
- Witch's Rock – Playa Naranjo (65 km)
- Ollie's Point – Potrero Grande (69 km)
- Bahía Salinas (90 km)
- Santa Teresa (98 km)