Location: between Negra and Tamarindo beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
GPS Coordinates: 10.2275, -85.836689 (10°13’39.00″N, 85°50’12.08″W)
District: Tamarindo, canton: Santa Cruz, Province: Guanacaste.
Zone postal code: 50309.
Surfing at Avellanas Beach
Avellanas Beach Costa Rica: boasts some of Costa Rica’s best surf spots, so it is considered a paradise by surfers worldwide, known as ‘little Hawaii’ by the locals, the offshore swells here can reach as high as 18 feet, making Avellanas a dream destination for any surfer.
Bus · Restaurants · Lodging · Camping · Photos · Things to do
While not the best place for swimming due to strong currents, Avellanas beach is perfect for those who want a quiet place to relax and get away from the routine of other beaches. If you do not surf, you can always take an extended horseback ride along the shore, or unwind at Lola’s bar on the beach, which plays some pretty good music and has really good food and drinks! The accommodations at Avellanas are also quite affordable and reasonable.
Avellanas vs. Tamarindo
Avellanas sits 15 minutes south of Tamarindo, and the difference matters. Tamarindo is the developed beach town — restaurants, nightlife, crowds. Avellanas is what Tamarindo was thirty years ago: a handful of places to eat, four campgrounds, and a surf break that locals call little Hawaii.
Lodging in Avellanas is noticeably cheaper than in Tamarindo, and the waves are better. What you give up is convenience — fewer restaurants, no nightlife, and you will want a car.
Getting to Avellanas Beach Costa Rica in Guanacaste:
From San José drive north to Puntarenas and then follow the highway to Liberia until you reach Limonal. Turn left at Tres Hermanas Restaurant towards La Amistad bridge until you get to Santa Cruz. Continue on the highway for 1 km and turn left to Tamarindo. Continue for about 15 km (9 miles) passing through 27 de Abril, turn left to Junquillal and continue for 13 km (8 miles) until you reach Paraiso (a small town). There, turn right and follow the road for about 4 km (2.5 miles), passing through Negra beach. Turn left and continue for about 500 m down to Avellanas beach. This route requires a total of 4 hours from San José.
From Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), drive south until you reach Belen, there, turn right and continue on the road until you get to Huacas. Once in Huacas, turn right to Tamarindo for 10 km (6 miles) and then turn right, follow the road, passing through Pinilla, and follow the signs to get to Avellanas beach.
By bus
Take a bus from the route San Jose – Santa Cruz, which takes 4 to 5 hours (Tralapa, +506 2221-7202 / +506 2680-0392), and then take a bus from Santa Cruz to Avellanas. We suggest taking the earliest bus which leaves at 6am from San José to Santa Cruz. Once in Santa Cruz and at the same bus station, you will take a bus to Avellanas beach, which takes 2 hours and 15 minutes.
By plane:
You can also take a flight from the Juan Santamaria Airport to the Tamarindo airport, with Sansa, with daily flights. From here you can rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Avellanas beach, which takes about 15 minutes.
Avellanas Beach Nearby Restaurants
Avellanas Beach Lodging
- Las Olas Cabins
- Calipso Ocean Lodge
- Avellanas Surf Hostel & Cafe
- Dream Surf House Avellanas
- Little Hawaii Avellanas
Avellanas Beach Camping
Avellanas Beach Things To Do
- Avellanas Soul Surf School
- Avellanas Surf School
- The Yoga Doc
- Avellanas Beach Private Wildlife Tour
- Avellanas Wildlife Walk
Address map: Click here to view address map TO Avellanas Beach Costa Rica in Guanacaste at Google Maps
Avellanas Beach Photo Gallery
12 Best Beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Hidden Gems & Must-Sees
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avellanas Beach safe for swimming?
Not particularly. Strong currents make Avellanas a poor choice for swimming. It works well for surfing, walking the shore or relaxing, but families looking to swim will find calmer water at nearby beaches.
Why is Avellanas called “little Hawaii”?
Because of the size and quality of its waves. Offshore swells reach up to 18 feet, making it one of Costa Rica’s best surf spots and a destination for surfers worldwide.
How far is Avellanas from Tamarindo?
About 15 minutes by car. Avellanas is considerably quieter and cheaper than Tamarindo, which is the main reason surfers base themselves there.
Is Avellanas good for beginner surfers?
The main break suits experienced surfers, but the three surf schools in the area teach all levels: Avellanas Soul Surf School, Avellanas Surf School and Nieves Surf Camping.
How do I get to Avellanas from San José?
About four hours by car. Faster option: a Sansa flight from Juan Santamaría to Tamarindo airport, then 15 minutes by taxi or rental car.
Do I need a car in Avellanas?
It helps. The beach has a handful of restaurants and lodging options within walking distance, but anything beyond that — including Tamarindo — requires driving.
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