Playa Marbella (Frijolar)
Beach · Guanacaste
A remote surf beach an hour-plus south of Tamarindo. The northern section (also called Coco or Marbella) has barreling peaks, the southern Frijolar end a consistent left point and rock formations - and on most days only a handful of surfers in the water.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 3 / 10
- Effort
- 4 / 10
- Location
- 10.0856, -85.7788 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Swimming
- No swimming
- Fewer people
- Often deserted except for a few surfers.
- Season
- Rainy season (May-Nov): 4x4 recommended on the access road.
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
It's very sensitive to wind and tide - check the forecast before the long drive.
Be careful
Sand-and-reef break for experienced surfers only; not a beginner beach.
Getting there
Unpaved road once you leave the Santa Cruz highway; a 4x4 is better in the rainy season.
Places nearby
- Restaurante TatankaFood & Coffee · from $12Seafood-focused restaurant at Hotel Tatanka near Playa Junquillal - fish and ceviche a short drive from the beach.
- Mundo Milo Eco Lodge (restaurant)Food & CoffeeSmall eco-lodge restaurant by Playa Junquillal with a varied menu of local and international dishes and vegetarian options.
- Restaurante Lochito'sSodas & Local Food · from $10Casual local restaurant a few minutes' drive from Playa Junquillal, the go-to for fresh-caught fish and Tico casados on this quiet stretch of coast.
- Pargos AdventuresSurf, Boats & DivingSurf and paddle shop in Playa Negra: board rentals and lessons, guided SUP through the mangrove tunnels of the Nandamojo River, SUP yoga, and two-hour guided tide-pool snorkeling at low tide for families.
- Jalapeño EateryFood & CoffeeBreakfast-and-lunch spot inside the Playa Negra Surf Lodge with handmade tortillas, burritos and tacos from mostly organic local produce - and homemade hot sauces.
- Café Playa Negra (Leche de Tigre restaurant)Food & CoffeeStylish hotel-restaurant in Los Pargos serving Peruvian food - ceviche, grilled seafood - plus pastries, a short drive from the Playa Negra reef break.
Sources: OpenStreetMap node/6418229042 · https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-beach-information/playa-marbella-costa-rica-playa-frijolar · https://drinkteatravel.com/best-beaches-in-guanacaste/ · https://www.vozdeguanacaste.com/i/archives/03_10/03_10_surf_02.html