Costa Rica

Playa Negra

The origin of Playa Negra's name stems from the presence of black sand on certain sections of the beach.

Renowned as a noteworthy surf location, as evidenced by its appearance in the surf film Endless Summer II, Costa Rica's waters offer some of the finest surfing opportunities. Although it is favored by surf enthusiasts, the area remains uncluttered, rendering it ideal for novices.

Discover top-rated stays near Playa Negra and enjoy the unique experience of its distinctive black sand and renowned surf spots.

Moreover, Playa Negra presents itself as an avenue for other recreational pursuits, such as snorkeling and fishing.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that the beach is beautiful and great for surfing with consistent waves. Some visitors warn that the sand can be very hot, and others mention minor issues such as a pothole in the road to get to the beach. Visitors enjoy the peaceful and quiet atmosphere and the local food options but wish there were more shade on the beach.

Where to Stay near Playa Negra?

If you’re planning a trip to Playa Negra in Costa Rica, consider staying in the nearby town of Los Pargos, known for its laid-back vibe and proximity to the beach. Many visitors also choose accommodations in Tamarindo, a bustling town with a wide range of lodging options and only a short drive from Playa Negra.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Playa Negra?

Latitude: 10.1941905 / Longitude: -85.8303059

Playa Negra is located in Costa Rica. The following map of Playa Negra shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Playa Negra: Weather Today

📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Today is unfortunately not a great day for a visit to Playa Negra, so it is best to make other plans. We are seeing persistent rain throughout the day, making the beach environment quite wet and unpleasant for relaxing. The sky is filled with thick clouds, and while the air temperature is a warm 28.2 °C, the conditions are far from ideal for sunbathing. Additionally, the sea is quite rough with significant waves, which makes entering the water dangerous. Although the sea temperature is a pleasant 29.5 °C, swimming is strongly discouraged due to the sea state. If you still find yourself outside, please take note that the UV Index is 8.65, meaning sun protection is necessary despite the lack of direct sunshine.
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Air

Low / High24°C/28.2°C
Feels Like (High)35.3°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature29.5 °C
Wave Height2.4 m
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Rain

Rain Chance94%
Rainfall8.6 mm
Rain Duration16 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:21/18:04
Sunshine Hours11.3 hrs
UV Index8.65
Cloud Cover92%
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Wind

Speed9.9 km/h
Gusts27 km/h
DirectionS

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