Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica
Surrounding Beaches of Avellanas, Grande, Negra, and Langosta
Oct 6, 2009
Tamarindo beach is a popular destination. Located in Guanacaste and on the northern coast of Costa Rica, the region is known for pristine and secluded beaches. Beaches along the Guanancaste coast are known for sea turtle watching and idealistic surf conditions.
Playa Langosta
Continue south along the dirt road that passes through Tamarindo and you will stumble upon Playa Langosta. This beach is characterized by a small river mouth and exposed rock formations at low tide. There are beachside vacation rentals. The surf can get rough at high tide, but the early evening sunsets are breathtaking.
Playa Avellanas
Just south of Playa Langosta is the undeveloped beach of Playa Avellanas. Avellanas is a quaint beach that receives more swell action than Playa Langosta or Tamarindo. There is a small restaurant, Lola’s, located beachside, but no hotels or resorts on the actual break. There is a Marriott hotel located in Pinilla, which is adjacent to Playa Avellanas. This beach is perfect for a day trip or seashell picking. Avellanas is inviting and spacious at low tide.
Playa Negra
Past Playa Avellanas (south), about 15 minutes on the dirt road, is Playa Negra. Travelers will pass a few surf camps along the way, but there is only one hotel directly located on the Playa Negra break. Also, there are nearby homes that can be privately rented. A restaurant that serves great Costa Rican food is another one of the perks at Playa Negra, along with fresh water showers for the public.
High tide is the best time to surf due to the shallow reef below. Playa Negra is by far the most reputable surf spot within 30 km of Tamarindo.
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a short walk from Tamarindo- located on the north side of the Tamarindo river mouth. Many travelers enjoy the opportunity for a brisk morning or evening fitness run from Tamarindo beach to Playa Grande, but driving is another story. It actually takes almost 30 minutes to drive to Playa Grande from Tamarindo; the large river that separates the two beaches forces travelers inland. Hotels in Playa Grande are nice- including Las Tortugas and Kike’s Place. There are a few restaurants to choose from as well. The beach at Playa Grande is expansive and beautiful.
The only downside to Playa Grande is the crowded surf. The waves can be really fun and well formed, but the word seems to travel fast in Tamarindo. By afternoon or late morning, the line-up is usually packed.
Guanacaste Sea Turtles
Guanacaste offers some lovely beaches and sea turtle watching opportunities. Nightly tours are offered at most hotels and are well worth the expense and experience during nesting season.
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