Last updated on January 4th, 2024 at 04:34 pm
If you plan to surf in Playa Avellanas, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer’s tips, and the best surf spots in Playa Avellanas.
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About Surfing in Avellanas, Costa Rica
Playa Avellanas is definitely one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica. It offers an empty lineup and a great selection of breaks of all kinds. Amazingly, when surfing in Avellanas, you can choose between a beach break, a river mouth, and a reef break, all within a 20-minute walk.
With consistent waves 365 days a year and a working peak on any tide and swell conditions, surfing in Playa Avellanas is the safest bet you can make when choosing a location for a surf vacation.
The town itself is located about a 30-minute drive from Tamarindo. After driving on a dusty road, you will get to a big parking lot, where you should give $2 to one of the locals that “work” there (It is kind of a Tico-style “valet service” that doesn’t leave you much of a choice). They will tell you where to park and watch your car while you are surfing (no joke, they take their job very seriously).
Surf Spots in Playa Avellanas
La Purruja:
In front of the parking lot, you will see a big reef creating a left-hand point break. Unfortunately, this spot is not as consistent as the others. Usually, it performs during the rainy season (May to November) and during high tide when there is a big swell. That is to say, if you are lucky enough to score it, you will enjoy some very long rides with barreling sections. If not, just walk north on the beach to the other surf spots of Playa Avellanas.
Lola’s:
In front of Lola’s restaurant, you will find this beach break that works during high tide and produces some rights and lefts with excellent barrels.
Palo Seco:
Keep walking north until you see a few dry, dead trees. That is Palo Seco, which offers several A-frame peaks. Just choose the one that looks best at the moment. This spot works best during high and middle tide.
The River Mouth:
Here, we are talking about a world-class break, sometimes even close to perfection. Breaking just in front of El Estero River on the northern part of Avellanas Beach, this spot, like most river mouth breaks, is at its best during low tide and produces right and left rides, from the kind you dream about.
Little Hawaii:
If you ever heard surfers talk about incredible surf sessions at Playa Avellanas, they probably talked about Little Hawaii. To clarify, this is the real deal. Yes, this spot is a little remote, you will have to walk about 25 minutes from Lola’s, but hey, do you really want to miss out on a surf spot called “Little Hawaii”? This right-hand point break crushes over a reef and can hold a huge swell size. This is where you will find big walls of water and massive barrels. Completely worth the effort!
Surf Seasons in Playa Avellanas
Luckily, you can surf in Playa Avellanas all year long and score good waves. Since it is exposed to all swell directions, it produces surfable waves daily. During the wet season, between May and November, the waves can get up to 5-10 feet and sometimes even higher. However, in the dry season, between December and April, it is typically around 2-4 feet, and the conditions are glassy. As always, it depends on the swell; we never know exactly what we will get.
Surf Camps in Playa Avellanas
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore the Playa Avellanas surf scene at a surf camp. With the proper guidance and a supportive environment, a few days in Playa Avellanas surf camp can do magic to your surfing skills.
The best surf camps in Playa Avellanas are Dreamsea Surf Camp, Tao Destinations, and Playa Avellanas Surf School. For more details about the surf packages, check out surf camps in Playa Avellanas.
After a few days in one of Playa Avellanas surf camps, you will be surprised how fast you can learn to surf and how fun it is to do it together with a group of good people.
Surf Hotels in Playa Avellanas
When coming to surf in Playa Avellanas, you want to stay as close as possible to the waves. These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Little Hawaii Avellanas– Located in Playa Avellana, 200 m from Avellanas Beach, Little Hawaii Avellanas provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and water sports facilities. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property
2. Cabinas Las Olas– This place offers an extensive garden, wooden terrace, and outdoor furniture; Cabinas Las Olas is located 200 m from Playa Avellana Beach. Free WiFi access is available.
3. Pazifico Villas– Pazifico Villas provides accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a garden, and free private parking.
For more surf hotels in Avellanas, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Can Beginners Surf in Playa Avellanas?
As mentioned, there are various surf spots in Playa Avellanas to suit all skill levels. Therefore, any surfer, from beginner to advanced, can have a great time surfing in Playa Avellanas. For instance, the waves in Lola’s and Palo Seco are more beginner-friendly. In contrast, advanced surfers can ride steeper waves in Little Hawaii and the River Mouth. In short, just choose your preferred break, depending on your skill level.
Playa Avellanas- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Currency– Costa Rican Colon.
Electricity– 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US
Calling code– +506.
Time zone– GMT -6.
Pros– World-class waves, various breaks, consistent surf year-round, warm water, quiet and peaceful.
Cons– boring place outside the water, long walk on the beach to get to Little Hawaii.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, Playa Avellanas is a small Costa Rican surf paradise with consistent waves, various breaks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Therefore, if you are on a surf trip in Costa Rica, you better dedicate at least a few days to surfing here, as this beach offers incredible surf conditions for any surfer from beginner to advanced.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to surfing in Playa Avellanas. Have a great surf trip!
Finally, after surfing Playa Avellanas, you can drive south to catch some barrels at Playa Negra, or north to Playa Langosta.
