Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Playas Avellanas & Negra
About 15km south of Tamarindo, these popular surfing beaches have some of the best,
most consistent waves in the area, made famous in the surf classic Endless Summer II .
Playa Avellanas is an absolutely stunning pristine sweep of pale golden sand. Backed by
mangroves in the center and two gentle hillsides on either end, there's plenty of room for
surfers and sunbathers to have an intimate experience even when there are lots of heads in
town. The wave here is decent for beginners and intermediate surfers. Little Hawaii is the
powerful and open-faced right featured in Endless Summer II, while Beach Break barrels
at low tide. Still, advanced surfers get bored here.
Playa Negra is also undeniably romantic. Though the sand is a bit darker and the beach
is broken up by rocky outcrops, those gorgeous dusty back roads link tidepools of expat
shredders who picked this place to exist (and surf) peacefully. Though there isn't much
local soul here, it's still a stunning nook blessed by a world-class right that barrels. Further
south is (hush hush) Playa Tortuga , an epic break for advanced surfers only. The waves
are best between April and November, but start getting good in March.
To get here backtrack from Tamarindo 5km to the village of Villareal, and turn right
onto the dirt road. This road gets progressively worse and usually requires a 4WD. If
you're not coming from Tamarindo, head west on the paved highway from Santa Cruz,
through 27 de Abril to Paraíso, then follow the signs. While you're at the beach, be abso-
lutely certain that nothing is visible in your car as professional thieves operate in this area.
Part of the Hotel Playa Negra complex, Playa Negra Surf Shop ( 2652-9134;
www.playanegra.com ; board rental per day US$20; 8am-5pm) rents boards and sells T-shirts,
sunglasses and other beachy accessories. Café Playa Negra (
2652-9351;
www.cafeplayanegra.com ;
7am-9pm) has a laundry service and internet access.
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