Tamarindo Surf Spots Guide
Regional Guide to Surfing Near Tamarindo
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Tamarindo Surf Spots Guide
Tamarindo is a popular beach town located in the province of Guanacaste on the Nicoya Peninsula on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The coastal town is a beautiful, quiet place but attracts plenty of tourists during the holiday season. The main pursuits of Tamarindo include eco tourism, sport fishing and surfing. There are clean sun kissed beaches offering various water activities against a scenic background of tropical greenery. On your first visit to Tamarindo, you will definitely be impressed by its stunning, deserted beach with perfect and consistent waves.
Surf Breaks
Playa Tamarindo
Playa Tamarindo is a long white sand beach with superb waves near the tidal river mouth also known as an estuary. The currents are 
really strong particularly when the tides fall. There are two main surf breaks here; Pico Pequeno and El Estero. These surf breaks are more or less geared towards the advanced surfers. Beginners and novices can practice surfing on rest of the beach. The waves are quite challenging and they can rise up to 12 feet during the months of November and December! The estuary is relatively unsafe for swimming because there are just too many rocks offshore which often become exposed at a low tide.
El Estero
El Estero is situated a short walk away from Tamarindo. It is an exposed rivermouth that breaks over a sand bottom. The break is known to offer consistent surfs throughout the year. It receives offshore winds from the east and good wind direction is from southwest and west. The spot is suitable for all surfers. Beginners can learn to ride the forgiving waves while experienced surfers can have a fun surf session especially when the swell is big. The break is crowd-free during the weekends. However, the beach gets jam packed on the weekends. The water is often very polluted.
Pico Pequeno
Pico Pequeño, also known as Little Peak, is a right handed beach break that breaks in front of the renowned hotel called Diria Hotel situated about 100 meters north to Tamarindo. Although, the waves seems gentle and forgiving but are actually quite strong and powerful. Beginner surfers should really stay away if they don’t to get ripped up
Playa Langosta
Located on the southern side of Tamarindo, there is small beach town called Playa Langosta. Playa Langosta is less crowded, more secluded and serene in contrast to its neighboring town. The white sand beach does not only have an exquisite locale but also boasts a powerful surf break at the southern end of the beach. The surf breaks left and right off the river mouth of Rio San Francisco. The classic waves of Playa Langosta put up a good fight against experienced surfers. Veterans aspiring to face a fun yet thrilling challenge will love the river mouth break.
Isla Capitan
Isla Capitana is a tiny island with an exposed reef break located right in front of Playa Tamarindo. The waves of the reef break on to this remote island. The surf breaks to the lefts on the north side and to the right on the southern side over a reef rocky bottom. You can reach the island by paddling out or by renting a boat. The distance is about 40 minutes long from Tamarindo. The waves should only be surfed at a low tide. The surf spot is only recommended to experienced surfers. Watch out for the rocks.
Capitan Suiza
Capitan Suzia is a regular and inconsistent beach break found on Playa Tamarindo perfect for all sorts of surfers.m
Playa Grande
Playa Grande is a spectacular beach located on the northern end of Tamarindo. eatures a beach break well known for its long rides and barrels. The waves are very regular breaking to the left and right. They are best surfed at mid to high tide. If you are a novice, you should hit the ocean when the tide is rising as it offers a perfect condition.
