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, September 16, 2026
Today at Playa Negra is an underwhelming day for beachgoers due to persistent drizzle and thick cloud cover. With a maximum air temperature of 34.5 °C and the water sitting at 30.6 °C, the conditions are warm, but the constant light rain makes lounging on the sand quite uncomfortable. You should also be cautious of the breeze, which can pick up suddenly and create choppy water with moderate waves. Despite the gloomy skies, the sun remains quite intense behind the clouds, reaching a UV Index of 8.95, so wearing protection is still essential if you head out. Overall, it is an average day where you might want to wait for a clearer sky before planning a full afternoon by the ocean.
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Air

Low / High26.3°C/34.5°C
Feels Like (High)37.7°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature30.6 °C
Wave Height1.2 m
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Rain

Rain Chance76%
Rainfall1.2 mm
Rain Duration4 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:32/17:42
Sunshine Hours11.3 hrs
UV Index8.95
Cloud Cover81%
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Wind

Speed18.7 km/h
Gusts43.9 km/h
DirectionE

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