Established in 2007, this thriving and well-known surf shop offers multiple proven revenue streams, including retail sales, surfboard and equipment rentals, surfing lessons, concierge services, and two fully equipped Airbnb rental apartments (with conceptual plans for a third studio). The business also benefits from strong website traffic, an integrated online booking system, and a loyal international customer base that returns year after year.
Recent upgrades include a modern point-of-sale system, enhanced security with a full CCTV network, and optimised workflows that make the business fully turnkey for a new owner. The property features a swimming pool, private parking, and high-value commercial frontage.
Located steps from one of Costa Rica’s most consistent surf beaches—within a protected national park—this business enjoys a premium position in Playa Grande, just one hour from Liberia International Airport and minutes from several respected international schools. Guanacaste was highlighted by Forbes as one of the 6 Best Places to Travel in 2026, adding further strength to long-term demand.
This is a rare opportunity to take over a profitable, well-established, and iconic coastal business with significant real estate value and exciting potential for continued expansion.
- Asking Price:
- $2,500,000 (USD) Furniture / Fixtures and Inventory / Stock included
- Sales Revenue:
- $500K - $1M (USD)
- Cash Flow:
- $100K - $250K (USD)
Property Information
- Real Estate:
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Real Property Included
- Living Accommodation:
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There are two spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartments located directly above the business. Each unit includes a full kitchen, living area, small dining space, and a private terrace overlooking the swimming pool. The terraces connect via a locking door, allowing flexibility for guests or owners.
These apartments are currently operated as successful short-term Airbnb rentals but can easily be converted to long-term rentals or used as comfortable on-site accommodation for new owners or staff. The combination of modern amenities, privacy, and pool access makes them highly desirable and a strong contributor to overall income.
- Location:
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Located in one of Playa Grande’s most visible and frequently traveled areas, this property benefits from exceptional exposure to both tourists and locals. Nearly every visitor to Playa Grande passes directly in front of the shop, making it a true landmark within the community.
The business is just a 5–7 minute walk (or a 1-minute bike ride / 30-second drive) from one of Costa Rica’s most consistent and well-known surf beaches, situated within the protected Las Baulas National Park—famed for its world-class waves and sea turtle nesting. This unbeatable location provides steady year-round traffic, strong brand visibility, and easy access for customers seeking rentals, lessons, retail products, or vacation accommodations.
With excellent road frontage, dedicated parking, and proximity to restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals, and local residences, this location is ideally positioned for both convenience and long-term growth.
- Premises Details:
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This property is a standalone, single-occupant commercial building—not part of a plaza—offering complete control, strong visibility, and no shared walls or HOA restrictions. The ground floor houses the surf shop and rental operation, with excellent frontage and dedicated customer parking.
Above the shop are two fully equipped 2-bedroom/2-bathroom rental apartments that generate strong short-term rental income. Both units have direct access to the private swimming pool located behind the building, creating an appealing amenity for guests.
The rear of the property also includes a dedicated laundry facility, a secure storage room, and a second storage area for rental equipment. Additionally, there is a separate room that could be converted into expanded retail space or another revenue-generating concept. This room previously operated as a small day spa but is currently used for equipment storage, offering an immediate opportunity for growth.
Overall, the premises are well designed for operational efficiency, rental income, and future expansion potential.
- Size in square feet:
- 5,500 sq. ft. of construction on an 870 sq. m. lot (approx. 9,365 sq. ft. / 0.215 acres).
- Planning Consent:
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The existing premises were built with the appropriate municipal permits, and the business operates within its approved commercial use. While no new planning consent applications have been submitted, local tradespeople (electrician and plumber) have confirmed the feasibility of future improvements such as developing an additional studio above the storage area.
Business Operation
- Management type:
- This business is owner operated.
- Expansion Potential:
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There are several immediate and medium-term opportunities for expansion. On-site, the former spa room can be incorporated into the main retail area to increase floor space, improve merchandising capacity, or create a dedicated rentals/lessons reception area. Additionally, there is structural space above the existing laundry and storage facility that can be developed into a third income-generating studio apartment or an office. Both an electrician and plumber have confirmed the feasibility of this build-out, making it a practical and cost-effective improvement.
Beyond the property itself, the business benefits from strong regional brand recognition, providing an opportunity to open additional satellite locations in nearby beach towns. With Costa Rica’s tourism industry continuing to grow, expanding the Frijoles Locos brand into complementary markets presents a realistic path for scaling operations and increasing overall revenue.
- Competition / Market:
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Playa Grande has one other established surf shop and a few smaller operations focused primarily on rentals; however, none offer the scale, visibility, or multi-service model that this business provides. With retail, rentals, lessons, concierge services, and on-site lodging, the business holds a clear competitive advantage and remains the most recognized surf shop in the area.
The location—combined with years of brand presence, strong online reviews, and a loyal returning customer base—helps maintain a dominant position in the local market. Future competition is limited by the protected national park zoning, which restricts new commercial development near the beach.
- Reasons for selling:
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After owning two surf shops and working in the industry for nearly 30 years, we feel it is the right time to step back and enjoy more time with our family and to travel. This business has been a true labor of love, and we still genuinely enjoy running it. Our decision to sell is based solely on a desire to shift into a more relaxed chapter of life while we are still young enough to enjoy new adventures.
- Trading hours:
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Currently 8:30am - 5:30pm 7 days a week every day of the year with a scattering of closures throughout the year.
- Employees:
- Varies but generally 5 on the low end to 7 or 8.
- Years established:
- 18 years
Other Information
- Support & training:
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The current owners will provide comprehensive training on all aspects of operating the business, including daily procedures, inventory management, rentals, bookings, financial systems, and guest operations. A negotiable period of close, hands-on support will be offered after the sale, followed by an extended period of availability for questions and guidance as needed.
Full introductions will be made to all vendors, suppliers, partners, service providers, and key local contacts to ensure a smooth and confident transition. Our goal is to help the new owners maintain the strong reputation of the business and continue its long-term success.
- Owner financing:
- Owner financing is available. Please contact the seller for more information.
- Financing available:
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The owners are open to offering limited owner financing for qualified buyers. Terms are negotiable and will depend on the size of the upfront payment and deposit. Full financing is not available, but we are willing to discuss structured support to facilitate a smooth transaction for the right buyer.
- Furniture / Fixtures value:
- $100,000 (USD) - included in the asking price
- Inventory / Stock value:
- $300,000 (USD) - included in the asking price
- Website:
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