Nosara & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Playa Negra
A reef break in Nosara & the south, Costa Rica, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size2-8 ft
- Best monthsDec-Apr
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Playa Negra is a right over a shelf of dark rock at the north end of the beach. It's the wave from The Endless Summer II, and on a good south-west swell it throws fast, hollow walls that are a clear step up from the sand-bottom beaches further north.
Mid tide on the push is best. At low tide the reef gets shallow and the takeoff zone is small, so the surfers who know where to sit get most of the waves. Watch the rocks on the inside.
There are places to stay right behind the break, so it's easy to surf it several times a day as the tide moves through.
10.163, -85.847 · SW swell, mid tide · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Playa Negra
Playa Negra is at its best from December to April. Conditions it likes: SW swell, mid tide. This is how the year looks across Guanacaste:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Prime | Dry season, offshore mornings, sunshine, clean NW-fed 3-4ft waves almost daily |
| May to July | Good | Green season begins; bigger SW groundswell, afternoon showers, fewer crowds |
| August to October | Good | Peak SW swell and empty line-ups, but the wettest, muddiest roads |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, rains easing, swell easing, a quiet shoulder month |
Waves near Playa Negra
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Avellana | Nosara & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 6 km |
| Langosta | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Intermediate | 13 km |
| Tamarindo | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 15 km |
| Playa Grande | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 19 km |
| Ostional | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 24 km |
| Nosara (Playa Guiones N) | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner | 29 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Nosara & the south
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Nosara & the south surf guide →
A week here costs from about $822 with flights from Europe, or around $1,596 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Playa Negra: common questions
When is the best time to surf Playa Negra?
Playa Negra works best from December to April. Ideal conditions: SW swell, mid tide.
Is Playa Negra good for beginners?
No. Playa Negra is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Tamarindo in Tamarindo, about 15 km away.
How crowded is Playa Negra?
Playa Negra is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Playa Negra?
Playa Negra is in Nosara & the south, in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica (10.163, -85.847). The nearest wave we cover is Playa Avellana, about 6 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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