Playa Avellanas
Playa Avellanas is Tamarindo's cooler cousin—a quality beach break famous for Lola's restaurant and the curious spectacle of pigs wandering the beach. The wave is a noticeable step up from Tamarindo's beginner-friendly peaks, with more power and better shape that attracts intermediate surfers seeking progression without the crowds. The dirt road access filters out day-trippers, preserving a more authentic vibe than the tourist strip. When larger swells arrive, "Little Hawaii" (the main peak) produces genuinely impressive waves that have hosted professional contests.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (230°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.6m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Dirt road from main highway. Famous Lola's beach bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Playa Avellanas?
Playa Avellanas works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Playa Avellanas?
Offshore wind at Playa Avellanas blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 45° to 135° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Playa Avellanas?
Playa Avellanas wants SW swell (200° to 270°) between 0.8m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Avellanas?
The main season at Playa Avellanas is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Year-round. Bigger swells in rainy season.
How do I get to Playa Avellanas?
Fly into LIR, then allow about 90 minutes by road. Dirt road from main highway. Famous Lola's beach bar.
What kind of wave is Playa Avellanas?
Playa Avellanas is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round. Bigger swells in rainy season.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
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