Surf, dine, and relax in Playa Avellanas Costa Rica, a hidden gem with great waves, local food, and baby sea turtles.
Tucked along Guanacaste’s “Gold Coast,” Playa Avellanas is a laid-back surf hamlet that punches far above its weight in adventure, cuisine, and natural wonder. Just 25 minutes south of bustling Tamarindo and a quick hop from the JW Marriott Guanacaste, this blonde-sand beach offers peeling reef breaks, family-run restaurants, and front-row seats to wildlife miracles—yet still feels deliciously uncrowded most of the year.
Whether you’re chasing hollow barrels at “Little Hawaii,” taste-testing wood-fired pizza in the jungle, or cheering on a sunset turtle release at nearby Playa Junquillal, Avellanas delivers the quintessential Pura Vida experience—no filter required.
Playa Avellanas’ fame begins in the lineup. Five distinct peaks stretch across the two-kilometer shore, offering everything from mellow longboard waves to punchy A-frames. Advanced riders paddle north to Little Hawaii for overhead faces; beginners find forgiving sand-bottom rollers near the estuary. Year-round offshore winds keep conditions clean most mornings, while water temps hover around a bath-warm 82 °F.
Need gear or a confidence boost? Book a lesson with Avellanas Soul Surf School. ISA-certified instructors combine land-drills, in-water coaching, and optional video analysis to shave months off the learning curve. They also arrange board rentals, tide-chart briefings, and photo packages—ideal for families or solo travelers who want proof of that first green-wave ride.
JW Marriott Resort & Spa
The post-surf ritual in Avellanas revolves around open-air eateries tucked beneath almond and Guanacaste trees. Each spot brings its own flavor without losing the barefoot vibe.
Craving a spa day or a sunset cocktail in an infinity pool? The hacienda-style JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa sits inside the gated Hacienda Pinilla community—just a five-minute drive (or scenic beach walk at low tide) from the main Avellanas break. Guests and day-visitors alike can book ocean-view massages, tee off on the 18-hole championship course, or sample chef-led tasting menus before returning to their barefoot bungalow.
As the sun sinks, trade surfboards for serenity at Playa Junquillal, 12 km south. Local NGO Fundación Verdiazul hosts nightly hatchling releases (August–March) to protect olive ridley, leatherback, black, and hawksbill turtles. Visitors pay a small donation, help count baby reptiles, then watch them scurry toward the bioluminescent Pacific—an eco-experience that leaves even jaded travelers speechless.
Playa Avellanas masterfully balances rustic charm and modern comforts—world-class waves and barista-level coffee, monkey-chatter mornings and fine-dining nights. Add a heart-thumping wildlife project and proximity to a five-star resort, and you have a destination that satisfies thrill-seekers, foodies, and families alike. Pack your quiver, your appetite, and your sense of wonder: Avellanas is waiting.
