Playa Avellanas

Avellanas runs for a couple of kilometres south of Tamarindo with a set of distinct breaks along it: a beach break at the centre, a reef break called Little Hawaii at the north end that gives the beach its nickname, a rivermouth section and a longer left at the south. It works on most swells and takes the overflow from Tamarindo without ever being as crowded. Behind the sand is mangrove and dry forest with howler monkeys. Development is limited to a few hotels and Lola's, a beach restaurant that has become the reason a good many non-surfers make the drive. The access road is unsurfaced and floods at the river crossing in the wet season.

What you actually see

• The breaks - Little Hawaii, the beach break and the rivermouth.
• The mangrove - the wetland behind the sand.
• Lola's - the beach restaurant that draws the non-surfing traffic.
• Howler monkeys - the troops in the trees behind the beach.

When to go

April to October for the best swell, which coincides with the wet season and the muddiest access. December to March has smaller surf and reliable weather. Tides govern which breaks work.

Honest expectations

The access road is unsurfaced and the river crossing floods in the wet season, sometimes cutting access. Rip currents are strong and there are no lifeguards. Facilities are minimal outside the restaurant. Rocks and reef make some sections unsuitable for swimming.

Nearby

Tamarindo lies north; Playa Negra is south.