Nosara.

The breaks

Recognised, publicly known surf spots around Nosara. Suitability depends on the day's swell, wind and tide, so treat the level as a guide, not a guarantee.

Why Nosara is so consistent

Nosara faces the open Pacific on the west side of the Nicoya Peninsula. It picks up swell from the south and west for most of the year, and Playa Guiones, the main surf beach, is a long, open sandy beach where waves break over sand rather than rock. That combination makes Nosara one of the most reliable places in Central America to find a rideable wave on any given day.

The beach is long enough to spread surfers out, and the sandbanks create several peaks rather than one crowded take-off. It is also backed by a protected strip of forest, with low-rise development hidden behind the trees, which keeps the coast feeling natural. For learners, the soft, sandy bottom and consistent white water are ideal; for intermediates, the larger days in the green season offer more power.

Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada

Playa Guiones is the heart of Nosara surfing. It works on almost every tide and swell, with multiple peaks along its length. Beginners use the inside white water; intermediates and advanced surfers find the outside peaks, which can get powerful during big south swells. Lifeguard coverage and surf school activity are concentrated in the central areas.

Playa Pelada, just to the north, is a smaller bay with a rocky point and reef sections. It can offer better shape on certain swells and tides and is often less crowded, but the rocks demand more care. Pelada is also known for sunset views and a relaxed beachfront atmosphere.

Ostional and the protected coast

North of Nosara, Ostional is part of a wildlife refuge known for mass nesting events of olive ridley sea turtles, called arribadas, when thousands of turtles come ashore over several nights. The beach is a protected area with rules for visitors, and surfing may be restricted near nesting zones. If you want to see an arribada, go with a licensed local guide and follow their instructions.

The broader Nosara coast is protected by a biological reserve and by local zoning that limits development close to the beach. Respect these rules: they are a big part of what makes Nosara different from more developed beach towns.

Picking a base around Nosara

Most visitors stay in the Guiones area, where hotels, villas, yoga studios and restaurants line a network of dirt roads a short walk from the beach. Staying here means you can walk to the surf and avoid driving dusty roads.

Pelada offers a quieter atmosphere with a mix of small hotels and rentals. Nosara village itself, a few kilometres inland, is a local town with shops and services but further from the beach. Prices in Nosara are higher than in many parts of Costa Rica, reflecting its popularity with long-stay visitors and remote workers.

Reaching Nosara and moving between breaks

Liberia's Guanacaste airport is usually the closest major airport, a drive of a few hours over a mix of paved and unpaved roads. San José's airport is further away, and the drive is considerably longer. Small domestic flights also land at the Nosara airstrip, which can save time if you are travelling light.

The roads around Nosara are largely unpaved, dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy season. Many visitors rent ATVs, golf carts or 4x4 vehicles. Check that you are licensed, wear a helmet and drive carefully: road conditions and visibility can change quickly. Shuttles to and from the airports are widely available.

Dry season, green season

Costa Rica has two main seasons. The dry season, roughly December to April, brings sunshine, lighter rain and frequent offshore winds in the mornings. Waves are generally smaller and cleaner, which suits beginners and improvers. It is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

The green season, roughly May to November, brings afternoon rain and bigger south swells from the Southern Hemisphere. Waves can be more powerful, which suits intermediates and advanced surfers. September and October are usually the wettest months, when some roads become difficult and some businesses close. The landscape is lush, and crowds and prices drop.

What to pack and how to stay safe

The water in Nosara is warm all year, so a rash vest or long-sleeved surf top is the main piece of kit. The tropical sun is strong, so pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Insect repellent is essential, especially in the green season. A pair of sandals that can handle mud and dust will see a lot of use.

Playa Guiones is a sandy beach, but it can have strong rip currents, especially on bigger swells. Lifeguards are not present along the whole beach, so learn to identify rips and surf near others. Stingrays sometimes rest in the shallows; shuffling your feet as you walk in helps them move away. Crocodiles are present in some river mouths and estuaries in Guanacaste, so avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths and follow local signs.

Nosara's roads are unpaved, so a scarf or buff helps with dust on ATV rides. Cash is useful for small purchases, though cards are widely accepted in the Guiones area. Board rental is easy to find, with soft-tops for beginners and a range of shortboards and longboards for more experienced surfers.

Flat days and a better week in Nosara

Surf early, when winds are lighter and the beach is cooler. Take a break in the middle of the day and surf again in the late afternoon if conditions allow. Nosara is known for yoga and wellness, so many visitors combine surfing with daily classes, which helps with flexibility and recovery.

On a rest day, walk the Nosara Biological Reserve trails, take a river tour through mangroves to spot birds and monkeys, or visit the Ostional refuge with a guide. The Nicoya Peninsula is also known as one of the world's Blue Zones, regions associated with long life expectancy, and local food, from casados to fresh fruit, is part of the experience.

Nosara surf season month by month

A broad planning picture, not a forecast. Swell, wind and water temperature vary from year to year.

Learning to surf in Nosara

Playa Guiones is one of the best beaches in Central America for learning to surf. The sandy bottom, consistent white water and warm water make it forgiving, and the beach is long enough to find space. Many surf schools operate here, from small local outfits to schools attached to hotels and surf camps.

Lessons usually start on the inside, where broken waves roll gently towards the beach. As you progress, instructors take you further out to catch small unbroken waves. Ask how many students each instructor teaches, whether lessons are timed for the best tide and whether boards and rash vests are included.

The dry season is usually best for beginners, with smaller waves and offshore mornings. In the green season, bigger swells can make the outside challenging, but instructors can still find suitable waves on the inside.

Comparing options across the country? Read our guide to surfing in Costa Rica.