The Best Local Guanacaste Costa Rica Surfing Spots

Playa Marbella – Photo: Casey Rossi

Tierra Pacifica is ideally situated right in the middle of the most highly regarded and consistent surf breaks in all of Costa Rica. There are numerous world class surfing spots that are within a 30 minute drive north or south of our community.

If you’re looking to live in an absolute surfers’ paradise, email info@tierrapacifica.com for more information about our community. Here are just a few of our favorite breaks:

Spot/Beach: Playa Junquillal

General Info: This little gem has been hidden for many years and now has become a hot spot for progressive surfers.
Waves: Beach break and only a two-minute paddle out. It likes the high tides and is best on a mid-size swell ranging from 190-200 degrees.
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert
Expert Tip: Parking can be challenging as the masses continue to understand Junquillal’s potential. This wave can make you look like a pro in indo without the reef below!

Spot/Beach: Sketchy’s
General Info: Located at the southern end of Playa Junquillal and off the rocks in front of the old Hotel Antumallal.
Waves: This is a left that works on big swells and can be great for big wave riders.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
Expert Tip: If you have the courage, you will most likely be enjoying it all by yourself!

Spot/Beach: Las Brisas
General Info: Around the corner past the Antumallal and in front of Condominiums Las Brisas.
Waves: Right-hand reef with a right swell that can be amazing.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
Expert Tip: Another fun, right-hander where you’re likely to be the only one there.

Spot/Beach: Marbella

General Info: Fun wave for all types of surfers.
Waves: On the inside it can be barreling like crazy or it can also be light and fun. Once in a whie the outside breaks and gets a BIG wave. It needs a big swell but can blow your mind away.
Difficulty: Beginner to Expert
Expert Tip: Take a couple of boards because you never know what you might get here!

Playa Marbella – Photo: Casey Rossi

Spot/Beach: Ostional
General Info: About an hour drive from the Playa Junquillal/Playa Negra area
Waves: Beach break with black sand beach with no competition for waves
Difficulty: Beginner to expert
Expert Tip: One of those places that if nothing else is breaking and you’re hungry for surf could reward you with a special session.

Spot/Beach: Playa Negra

General Info: World-class wave on a volcanic rock reef. Parking and restaurant right in front.

Waves: Fairly consistent serving up classic tubes with a right-hand point break shape.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert (Beginner waves at Sandy Beach to the left)
Expert Tip: Can get crowded, but always worth getting in and grabbing a couple.

Playa Negra – Photo: Casey Rossi

Spot/Beach: Avellanas
General Info: Best family beach around, with white sand for miles. Parking and restaurant in front.
Waves: Waves up and down the beach from the main reef all the way down to “Little Hawaii.” In front of Lola’s you’ll find fun beach break waves. Toward Hacienda Pinilla and the J.W. Marriott, you will find some great surf as well. The river mouth likes a little swell but is almost always worth the walk. Past there is Little Hawaii, a great right-hander on big swells.
Difficulty: Intermediate to Expert
Expert Tip: Best on low tide but can break all day long.

Guanacaste surf breaks map – click to enlarge