Playa Negra is Guanacaste's reef break crown jewel—a long, peeling left that offers some of the most consistent quality surf on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. The wave breaks over a flat rock shelf, producing predictable, workable walls with occasional barreling sections that have drawn surfers to this dusty coastal outpost for decades. The take-off is defined and the wave peels with reliable rhythm, rewarding patient positioning and smooth rail work. Urchins patrol the reef and booties are advisable, but the tradeoff is waves that maintain their form even when nearby beach breaks blow out.
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach access from road.
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round. Rainy season (May-Nov) often glassier mornings.
Verified by Costa Rica surf guides
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions