Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Surf Schools & Lessons in Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is a beautiful white-sand beach 20 minutes south of Tamarindo, famous among surfers for a stretch of breaks nicknamed 'Little Hawaii.' There's…
Why surf in Playa Avellanas?
Avellanas breaks along several distinct sections: mellow inside waves near the river mouth where beginners learn, punchier mid-beach peaks for intermediates, and Little Hawaii - a hollow outer section over reef that turns on when a solid swell hits. Because it's a drive from the nearest towns, the lineup stays friendlier and less crowded than Tamarindo. Schools from Tamarindo run daily lesson trips here.
Is Playa Avellanas right for you?
Great for
- •Mixed-level groups
- •Intermediate surfers
- •Day trips from Tamarindo
- •Travelers escaping crowds
Not ideal for
- •Travelers who want to walk to shops and nightlife
- •Those without a car or tour transport
Avellanas is where you go when you want a full day that's only about the beach. Mixed-level groups do especially well here - one of you can take a beginner lesson on the inside while a more experienced friend paddles to the outer peaks, and you meet back at the beach restaurant for lunch. Getting here requires a car, a tour, or a school that provides transport, which is exactly what keeps it quiet.
School listings coming soon in Playa Avellanas
We research schools before listing them, and we haven't finished Playa Avellanas yet. You can still book lessons through our partner Viator, or compare nearby towns where schools are already listed.
Nearby towns with listed schools
Book surf lessons in Playa Avellanas
Search live availability via our partner Viator
Live listings for Playa Avellanas are coming soon.
In the meantime, you can search current surf lessons and operators around Playa Avellanas directly on Viator.
Search surf lessons on ViatorThings to do in Playa Avellanas besides surfing
Rest-day ideas and afternoon plans - bookable through our partner Viator.
A proper beach day
Food & cultureAvellanas is one of Guanacaste's prettiest beaches - white sand, mangrove estuary, and the legendary beachfront restaurant for lunch.
Find this on ViatorHorseback along the coast
NatureRide the quiet coastline between Avellanas and Playa Negra - long beaches with barely a footprint.
Find this on ViatorATV coastal backroads
AdventureThe dirt roads linking Tamarindo, Avellanas, and Negra are ATV country - the standard way surfers scout the coast.
Find this on ViatorSunset sail from Tamarindo
On the waterEnd an Avellanas surf day with a catamaran sunset cruise out of Tamarindo, 30 minutes north.
Find this on ViatorExplore more surf destinations
Near Playa Avellanas
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Frequently asked questions
The name refers to the outer reef section at the north end of the beach, which produces hollow, powerful waves reminiscent of Hawaiian reef breaks when a solid swell arrives. On most days the rest of the beach is far more forgiving - the nickname describes one section, not the whole beach.
Guide last reviewed July 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
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Quick facts
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Region
- Guanacaste
- Vibe
- Barefoot & local
- Best season
- April - October
- Water temp
- 80°F / 27°C
- Wave type
- Beach break + reef sections, all levels
- Price level
- Mid-range ($$)