A right-hand barrel surf break made famous by the film Endless Summer II.
Playa Negra is a black sand beach near the small town of Los Pargos, about 50 minutes south of Tamarindo by car, known for a fast, hollow right-hand barrel that was featured in the surf film Endless Summer II. The beach is rocky, with tide pools exposed at low tide, and the wave is generally better at high tide since low tide exposes a rocky bottom. It has a strong local surf crowd and few services beyond the handful of restaurants and small hotels scattered around Los Pargos.
Reached via an unpaved, pothole-heavy road off Route 152 near Los Pargos; a high clearance vehicle is recommended, especially in rainy season, with public beach access next to Hotel Playa Negra.
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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.