Five distinct surf breaks including Little Hawaii, plus a mangrove boardwalk near Lola's restaurant.
Blue Flag beach
Playa Avellanas is a long stretch of tan sand backed by mangroves and scrub trees, about 30 minutes by car south of Tamarindo, with no town center of its own. It has five named surf spots, including Little Hawaii on the far south end and Palo Seco and Parqueo for longboarders, drawing surfers year round. A wooden bridge through the mangroves near Lola's restaurant is a well known landmark, and the beach was featured in the surf film Endless Summer II.
The main entrance is via Lola's Restaurant, reached by a mostly paved but pothole-heavy road from Tamarindo; a public parking lot next to the restaurant charges a small fee.
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Tamarindo
Beachfront surf camp in Tamarindo operating since 2001, with ISA-certified instructors and a quiver of 250-plus boards. Packages combine daily lessons or guided surf tours with video coaching, breakfast and airport transfers. Also runs a hotel and restaurant on the same beachfront property.
Tamarindo
Blue Dolphin Sailing has run catamaran tours out of Tamarindo Bay since 2004, making it one of the longest-operating sailing outfits on this stretch of coast. The fleet includes a 40 foot open-layout catamaran and a larger 50 foot cruising catamaran, both used for public and private sunset, morning, and snorkel tours. Trips include onboard food and drinks, with a licensed crew running the boats daily.
Tamarindo
Costa Tamarindo Sport Fishing runs half day, three quarter day, and full day charters aboard a 29 foot center console captained by Captain Novel, who has fished these waters for about 30 years. Trips target black marlin, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, and roosterfish, with catch cleaning and filleting included along with snacks and drinks. The boat is based on Calle Cruz in Tamarindo and is booked online with over 130 verified reviews.