NORTHERN COSTA RICA : The Surf
The Wave House, Playa Negra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Negra is in the south of the Guanacaste Peninsula, in the Northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Touted as the best reef break in Costa Rica by The Endless Summer II, the main peak of “Negra” is a fast, long, rip-able right with often very hollow, and make-able, tube sections. We are the only resort within walking distance of this world class wave.

We are a 10 – 15 minute drive of Playa Avellanas, which consists of four unique spots for all surfing abilities. In addition, we are within range of the boat launching zone to get to the infamous Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. Maykol can arrange the trip for you. Boat service is not included, but we will pack you water, fruit and snacks. The typical cost is $300 for the day plus $15 per person for parking permits.

Wave Descriptions

Playa Negra (walking distance): Extremely consistent right reef/point; fast, long, rip-able walls with hollow tube sections; take-off zone is over a flat rock that sits relatively deep making for an easy drop; dubbed the best reef break in Costa Rica by The Endless Summer II

Playa Avellana (10 – 15 minute drive): Stretch of beach with four distinct waves (listed below from south to north):

Parking Lots: Rock and sand bottom; dominant left with occasional right; wave is a bit soft making it a great beginner to novice level break

Sandy Beach: Longboard and beginner wave; soft and crumbly with sand bottom; similar to San Onofre minus the rocks.

The Rivermouth: Lowers-like A-frame that breaks both left and right. Don’t let its rip-ability fool you, it has power so proceed accordingly.

Little Hawaii: Powerful right that needs a significant swell to break, turning on during a south; relatively mellow take off followed by a draining tube that spins off into a deep water channel.

Shhhh… We Have a Few Secrets: We’ll take you to several spots that are still relatively unknown and often have little to no crowds. There is one wave in particular that is an extremely heavy beachbreak along the lines of Hossegor. Plan an getting some shade in the tube!

Boat Accessible Only :

Witch’s Rock: Ultra-playful rights and lefts that break seemingly forever up and down the 2-mile stretch of sandy white beach. An estuary breaks up an otherwise uniform sandbar, allowing waves to stand up and run as if each was on its own point. User-friendly and very rip-able, Witch’s is a blast for all levels of surfers.

Ollie’s Point: Near the Nicaraguan border, this world class right point break is named after Oliver North’s use of the location to smuggle arms to the Contra rebels. Remember the “Iran Contra Affair?” The take-off zone is next to a series of rocks with a slow entry, the wave then stands up and races endlessly over a rocky bottom into deep water almost ensuring a long ride that doesn’t close until the beach.

Costa Rica Weather Seasons & What to Expect for Surfing Conditions

Playa Negra & the surf zones we cover are in the Pacific North West area of Costa Rica. This area is commonly referred to Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It is characterized by topographically low lands in nature, arid, lots of beaches, long sunny days & warm nights. This is the “driest” area of Costa Rica. Temperatures average in the mid 70’s all year long! Water temperature to match!

Costa Rica has two seasons-summer & winter.

“SUMMER” December-April
This is the “dry” season where long periods of times go with out any measurable amount of rain. Late December through April have almost no rain. Expect it to be dry & arid, sunny & hot. Temperature in the 80’s with water temperatures to match.

What is the Surfing like then?
Surf consistency is about 70-80% in the waist to head high range. Dominant winds are light or offshore. Expect clean conditions.

“WINTER” May-November
The “Green” season or “rainy” season. Early winter, May-July, is a bit dryer. Late winter, expect weather similar to south Florida in that sunny skies prevail with an afternoon shower, followed by sunny skies again. September & October are the peak of the rains. These two months are the also the most consistent for surf.

What is the Surfing like?
This is the most consistent time of year for swells. The surf averages head high 80-90% of the time! Dominant winds are stronger, however normally offshore in nature. Late winter, July-October, the surf is 90% consistently head high or larger. The astute surfer can score sizable surf with virtually NO crowds in September & October.

The surf is consistent year round, tropical & sunny. So bring plenty of sun-screen. Water averages in the mid 70’s so topical wax works the best. However, during long periods of offshore winds, the top water can get cold. Just as a precaution, you may want to bring a spring suit. That, plus any jelly fish can be warded off with some extra “skin” that a wet suit can provide. It is easier to bring it then to be caught without it! Don’t worry if you forget something. There are surfboards to rent, surf shop nearby for wax and gifts etc.