Playa Grande and Avellanas from a Tamarindo base
Two nearby beaches where Tamarindo surfers go once the main bay feels too small or too crowded—here is when to make the move.
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Direct answer: Leave Tamarindo for Playa Grande or Playa Avellanas once you can paddle out, catch unbroken waves and turn on your own. Both usually have more power than Tamarindo’s main bay, so they suit improving and intermediate surfers. Go early in the morning, ideally with a local coach or surf guide on your first visit.
When you are ready to leave the main bay
Tamarindo is a great classroom, but it gets busy. Signs you are ready for a step-up beach: you paddle out through whitewater without help, you catch green (unbroken) waves, you can angle down the line, and you understand right-of-way. If you are not there yet, stay on the main bay and keep taking lessons.
Playa Grande
- Where: Directly north of Tamarindo across the estuary, inside Las Baulas National Marine Park, an important leatherback turtle nesting beach.
- The wave: A long, open beach break that usually picks up more swell and power than Tamarindo.
- Getting there: By road it is a drive around the estuary, or some surf schools and guides arrange a short boat crossing. Never swim or paddle across the estuary—it is a river mouth with crocodiles and strong currents.
- Park rules: During turtle nesting season access to the beach at night is restricted. Surf in daylight and follow posted rules.
- Suits: Improving and intermediate surfers; beginners only with a coach on small days.
Playa Avellanas
- Where: South of Tamarindo, past Playa Langosta, usually a short drive; part of the route may be unpaved.
- The wave: A quieter, less built-up beach with several peaks over sand and rock, offering options for different levels depending on the spot and tide.
- Suits: Improving surfers looking for a less crowded session, and intermediates; ask locally which peak fits your level that day.
Quick comparison
| Factor | Tamarindo main bay | Playa Grande | Playa Avellanas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners, first lessons | Improving to intermediate | Improving to intermediate |
| Power | Gentlest | More powerful beach break | Varies by peak |
| Crowds | Busiest | Fewer people | Quieter |
| Access from Tamarindo | Walk | Drive around the estuary or arranged boat | Short drive south |
Timing tips
- Go early: mornings are usually cleaner before afternoon wind.
- Tide matters: some peaks work better at certain tides—ask a local surf school before you drive.
- Check the season on when to surf Costa Rica, and read our surf safety guide for rip currents and river mouths.
Book a coached session
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Where to stay
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Comparing bases? See Tamarindo vs Jacó and Costa Rica surf spots.
Playa Grande and Avellanas FAQ
Is Playa Grande good for beginners?
Playa Grande usually has more power than Tamarindo’s main bay, so it suits improving and intermediate surfers. Beginners should only surf it with a coach on small days and stay on Tamarindo’s main bay otherwise.
How do I get from Tamarindo to Playa Grande?
Drive around the estuary by road, or ask a surf school or guide about an arranged boat crossing. Never swim or paddle across the Tamarindo estuary, which is a river mouth with crocodiles and strong currents.
Is Playa Avellanas better than Tamarindo?
Avellanas is quieter and less built-up, with several peaks that can suit different levels. It is a good step-up for surfers who have outgrown Tamarindo’s main bay, while Tamarindo remains better for first lessons.
How far is Playa Avellanas from Tamarindo?
Avellanas is south of Tamarindo past Playa Langosta and is usually a short drive, though part of the route may be unpaved. Check road conditions locally, especially after rain.