Profitable Playa Grande Surf Shop With Prime Realestate For Sale

Video

Login or register to view video

Property Information

Real Estate:

Real Property Included

Living Accommodation:

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:

Located in one of Playa Grande’s most visible and frequently traveled areas, the property enjoys exceptional exposure to both tourists and local residents. Its prominent position along a primary route through the community has made the business a highly recognizable Playa Grande landmark.

The property is just a 5–7 minute walk—or approximately a 1-minute bike ride or 30-second drive—from one of Costa Rica’s most consistent and well-known surf beaches, situated within the protected Las Baulas National Marine Park and internationally recognized for both its waves and sea turtle nesting. This prime location provides strong visibility and convenient access for customers seeking surf rentals and lessons, retail products, concierge services, or vacation accommodations.

The surrounding Playa Grande and greater Guanacaste area continues to experience significant residential, tourism, and commercial development. As much of this growth expands farther inland, the opportunity to acquire two adjoining properties—including a substantial undeveloped parcel—in an established commercial location this close to the beach becomes increasingly distinctive.

With excellent road frontage, dedicated private parking, proximity to restaurants, hotels, vacation rentals, international schools, and residential communities, and approximately one hour’s access to Liberia International Airport, the property is exceptionally well positioned to benefit from both Playa Grande’s established tourism market and the continued growth of the surrounding area.

Premises Details:

The offering consists of two adjoining properties, combining an established commercial and residential building with a substantial undeveloped parcel that provides significant flexibility for future expansion.

The developed property features a standalone, single-occupant building—not part of a commercial plaza—providing complete control of the premises, excellent visibility, and no shared walls or HOA restrictions. The ground floor houses the surf shop, retail area, and rental operation, with prominent road frontage and dedicated private customer parking.

Above the shop are two fully equipped 2-bedroom/2-bathroom vacation-rental apartments that provide an additional established revenue stream. Both apartments have convenient access to the private swimming pool located behind the building, creating an attractive amenity for guests while allowing the residential and commercial components of the property to operate together efficiently.

The rear portion of the developed property includes a dedicated laundry facility, secure storage, and additional space used for rental equipment. A separate room, formerly operated as a small day spa and currently used for storage, could potentially be converted into additional retail space, office space, guest services, or another revenue-generating use.

In addition to the developed property, the sale includes the adjoining undeveloped lot measuring approximately 1,108 square meters (11,929 sq. ft. / 0.274 acres). Notably, this parcel is larger than the lot containing the existing building and business, giving a future owner considerable space to explore additional accommodations, commercial uses, amenities, or other development opportunities, subject to applicable zoning, permitting, and regulatory requirements.

Together, the two properties offer an unusual combination of an established turnkey business, commercial space, income-producing accommodations, private amenities, extensive storage and operational infrastructure, and a large adjoining parcel with substantial potential for future expansion.

Size in square feet:

Approx. 5,500 sq. ft. of existing construction on two adjoining lots totaling approximately 1,978 sq. m. (21,291 sq. ft. / 0.489 acres). Developed lot: approx. 870 sq. m. (9,365 sq. ft. / 0.215 acres). Adjacent undeveloped lot: approx. 1,108 sq. m. (11,926 sq. ft. / 0.274 acres).

Planning Consent:

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:

The property offers several immediate, medium-term, and longer-term opportunities for expansion, ranging from relatively simple improvements to substantial future development.

The most significant opportunity is the adjoining undeveloped parcel of approximately 1,108 square meters (11,929 sq. ft. / 0.274 acres), which is included in the sale and is larger than the lot containing the existing business. Its direct connection to the developed property creates considerable flexibility for a future owner to explore additional vacation accommodations, commercial space, guest amenities, expanded parking, or other complementary uses. In an area experiencing significant growth and development, the ability to expand directly alongside an established business and this close to the beach represents a particularly compelling opportunity. Any future development would, of course, be subject to applicable zoning, environmental, permitting, and other regulatory requirements.

There are also several opportunities to increase the productivity of the existing developed property. The former spa room could be incorporated into the main retail area to increase floor space and merchandising capacity, converted into a dedicated rentals and surf-lesson reception area, or repurposed for another complementary revenue-generating use.

Additionally, the area above the existing laundry and storage facility has been identified as a potential location for a third income-generating studio apartment or office. The concept has been reviewed from an electrical and plumbing standpoint and appears practical, subject to the necessary architectural, engineering, and permitting requirements.

Beyond the physical property, Frijoles Locos has established strong regional brand recognition and operating systems that could potentially support additional satellite locations or complementary operations in other nearby beach communities. This provides a future owner with multiple avenues for growth—from maximizing the existing premises and developing the adjoining parcel to expanding the established brand into additional markets.

Competition / Market:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Login or register to view link