Great Surfing all around Tamarindo

The 4 BEST Beginner Surf Spots in Tamarindo

www.tamarindofamilyphotos.com best surf spots tamarindoAlong with Playa Jacó in the Central Pacific and Playa Pavones in Golfito, Tamarindo is without question one of Costa Rica’s 3 great surfing meccas.

 For beginners, if you don’t know what you’re doing you can find yourself competing for waves with expert surfers – who often don’t have a lot of patience for newbies. More often than not, the best place for a complete beginner to learn is along a section of beach that is not particularly famous for its big waves.

Here is RPM’s list of the best mild surf spots in and around Tamarindo for beginner surfers.

1. In front of Witches Rock

The portion of beach directly in front of Witches Rock Surf Camp is ideal for learning how to surf almost year-round. And when you start to improve, the rivermouth’s intermediate to advanced waves are only a few feet away. This is quite a large area of beach, so there is plenty of room for people to spread out.

2. In front of  Capitan Suizo

Just in front of the Capitan Suizo hotel there is a great surf break for beginners. Although it can be a little fickle, when it’s good it’s very good. The waves here are usually pretty mild with lots of white water, perfect for learning how to stand up on the board. If you don’t see anyone else surfing here, the waves might be too small. Try again in a few hours.

3. Avellanas

Avellanas can be great for beginners when the waves are SMALL. Don’t try to surf it on a gigantic wave day or you might get crushed. Definitely stay away from people who look like they know what they’re doing (avoid Little Hawaii and the Rivermouth). Surfing along either side of the big dead tree near Lola’s is great for beginners, because the waves are relatively small and very consistent.

4. Playa Grande

Playa Grande is another beach that can be great for beginners when the waves are on the tame side. Only surf here if you’re a strong swimmer, as surprise currents can pop up out of nowhere – and they can be quite strong.  Once you feel comfortable getting up on the board, try Las Casitas near the estuary, in front of the brown wooden building. There you’ll find consistent waves.

Surf Etiquette Rule of Thumb:

Surfing in Tamarindo definitely comes with a “secret handshake” among locals, along with a delicate (and largely unspoken) system of rules and etiquette while in the lineup waiting for a set. Check out Witches Rocks’ article: The 5 Rules of Surfing Etiquette. If you don’t have time to read the whole thing, they are:

Rule #1  –  Don’t Drop In On Another Surfer

Rule #2  –  The Surfer Closest To The Peak Has Right-Of-Way

Rule #3  –  Paddling Surfer Yields To Surfer Riding Wave

Rule #4  –  Don’t Ditch Your Board

Rule #5  –  Don’t Be A Snake

Have fun!

Photo Credits:

Photos by Genna Marie of Tamarindo Family Photos

 

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates and special offers:
See What Our Guests Are Saying!

Fantastic Location

Jessie
5star rating
December 5, 2019
This is our second time to stay and we love it. Great location, great neighbors, excellent beach, great price and very comfortable.

Fin de semana Tama run…

Nidia
4star rating
September 24, 2014
Un lugar apacible y el servicio muy bueno.

Peaceful Parafise

Dawn
5star rating
June 6, 2022
This condo was perfectly situated to view the beautiful Costa Rican sunsets! It was quiet except for the sound of the ocean. It was so nice to be just steps from the ocean and have a little grocery store a few blocks away! We walked to dinner ...

Great vacation house for a large group

Cora
5star rating
January 22, 2017
We were a group of 9 ladies traveling. This was a great vacation house.

Great place to stay – super location and stunning view

Melinda Plumbridge
5star rating
February 15, 2023
We very much enjoyed out stay at Matapalo 602. It was even better than we expected. We were welcomed with a lovely flower arrangement, coffee, rolls and jam. The home has alot of nice amenities that aren't really in the listing, The kitchen ha...

Family vacation to Costa Rica

Gina
5star rating
May 12, 2014
We loved our short stay in Villas Cerca del Mar #10. The condo was charming, well laid out with plenty of amenities. It was very private which we really liked and very centrally located. We would definitely return, hopefully sooner rather than ...

Great place

Garron Morgan
5star rating
December 3, 2022
Love the house. Great views and quiet.

Wonderful Experience

Paul
5star rating
July 20, 2016
We really enjoyed our stay at this condo. It offers a great location, close to beach, restaurants and shops. It was the perfect home during our stay in Tamarindo. Spacious and clean. Great for a family. Offers a fantastic view of the pool and...

Excellent Condo

Jennifer
5star rating
July 21, 2014
The Matapalo building at Diria Resort is fabulous. We stayed in Matapalo 405 which was very comfortable and well equipped. We had friends that stayed in 4 other units, and all of them were beautiful. The pool is much nicer at Matapalo than at any ...

A TRUELY BEAUTIFUL PlACE!!!!

Nicholas
5star rating
December 16, 2013
We had an unforgettable trip to Tamarindo and an extremely confortable relaxing stay in Sr 16 at the Sunrise Condos. I would definitely recommend Sunrise condos to stay and cant wait to come back to Tamarindo, Costa Rica!!!!!!!!!

Villas Langosta #1

Desiree
3star rating
December 22, 2016
Upon arrival, Lola informed us (she actually sent an email I didn't get because we were in the air) that the ACs in the two upstairs bedrooms weren't working. This ended up being okay because the four people who were supposed to come with us cance...

Private and Secure

Amy
5star rating
March 30, 2013
Beautiful tropical home in perfect location. Close to beach and town. We loved the outdoor bathrooms and view of gardens throughout the house. Of course we spent most of our time outside by the pool and grill. Perfect home for our family with ...


See What Our Guests Are Saying!

Casa Papagayo in Playa Langosta

Rick
5star rating
January 27, 2015
Wonderful, magnificent property

Good location.Very tired.

Roberto
3star rating
May 9, 2021
Property was not ready for occupancy:some debris on the floor,chaise lounge pads stacked in the dining area along with folding chairs,no hot water (resolved),jacuzzi tub wasnt operating and when filled with *cold* water. black scum floated from je...

Winter Escape

By
5star rating
April 27, 2014
This being our 14th year in Villa Langosta #9, it is clear that we have always enjoyed our stay. The space is fine, the view good, the pool enjoyable, and the friends who return every year are great. We appreciate the addition of a good, counter...

Excelente lugar!!!

Jose Andres Barquero
5star rating
April 10, 2023
Mucha comodidad, cerca de todo y muy limpio

Fantastic Condo but several small issues

Carolyn
4star rating
April 22, 2013
We were disappointed that our "4 Bedroom" condo was really a 3 bedroom condo with a bed in the kitchen area with no wall or door to close it off. We had been told there would be renovations to the unit before our arrival, but it looked exactly li...

A Week in Paradise!

Carrie
5star rating
February 23, 2016
We had a wonderful stay at this condo! It was our third trip to this condo complex, and this condo was by far the nicest... The views were incredible, as was the amazing art work in the condo. We were pleased with how well the kitchen was appoi...

Gran experiencia en Matapalo 405

Oscar
5star rating
October 7, 2014
Increible nuestra experiencia con el condominio. El lugar es muy amplio y acogedor, la vista es muy hermosa. El condominio se encuentra amueblado con todos los implementos necesarios para una estancia. En terminos generales doy una nota de excelen...

Excellent stay

Eithel
5star rating
July 23, 2017
Excellent service

Perfection

Ngina
5star rating
November 15, 2022
This house FAR exceeded my expectations. Location...perfect. Backyard...unbelievable. Decor...upscale. Communication...top notch.

Tamarindo with Friends

William
5star rating
June 20, 2021
Great stay! We had not been to Tamarindo in 16 years. We had a great time. The home is very modern and very well equipped. Excellent location with a sort walk to Playa Langosta. The house is close to town but, far enough away from the congestion. ...

Wow wow wow

Michael Stephenson
5star rating
October 11, 2022
What a great house! From the moment you walk in to the tropical koi pond to the amazing ocean view from the back patio you feel how special this property is. We loved all the Costa Rican art in the house. We have stayed in other rentals in the are...

Wonderful Place to Stay in Tamarindo

Steven
5star rating
April 12, 2015
This property was a great location to stay in Tamarindo. The pictures of the condo matched what we saw exactly and it was beautiful. The ocean view was exactly what we hoped was very well furnished and very comfortable. Cleaning was great and we ...

© RPM Vacation Rentals.