Surfing

Surfers dig the waves here, which are almost all rights, with beautifully shaped barrels. It's a spectacular, but treacherous, rock-reef break for experienced surfers only. There's also a small beach break to the south of the rocks where neophytes can cut their teeth. Both breaks can be ridden from mid- to high tide.

Hotel Playa Negra. The point break is right in front of the only beachfront hotel, which can arrange surfing classes ($40 per hour for a private lesson) and rent boards ($20 per day). 4 km (2½ miles) northwest of Paraíso on dirt road, then follow signs carefully at forks in road; or 10 mins south of Playa Avellanas on rough beach road, Playa Negra, Guanacaste. 2652–9298; playanegra.com. From $40.