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

📅 Thursday, September 10, 2026
Today is an unfavorable day for a visit to Playa Negra as consistent drizzle and heavy cloud cover dominate the skies. While the air temperature reaches 34.4 °C, the frequent light rain and lack of sunshine make lounging on the sand quite unpleasant. You should also exercise caution regarding the sea conditions, as the water is choppy with notable waves and significant wind activity that may affect your comfort along the shoreline. Although the water is warm at 30.2 °C and technically safe for swimming, the weather remains dreary and unstable. If you still choose to head out, keep in mind that the UV Index is 8.8, so sun protection is still necessary despite the gloom. Overall, it is best to plan your beach outing for a day with clearer, calmer conditions.
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Air

Low / High25°C/34.4°C
Feels Like (High)37.3°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature30.2 °C
Wave Height1.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance69%
Rainfall1.9 mm
Rain Duration7 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:33/17:46
Sunshine Hours9.8 hrs
UV Index8.8
Cloud Cover83%
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Wind

Speed22.6 km/h
Gusts56.9 km/h
DirectionNE

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