Nosara Surf Guide

A growing spot in the Nicoya Peninsula, a must-visit for anybody looking for endless waves.

Quick Facts

Waves for everyone of every level

Growing town, getting more crowded

Huge beaches with tons of breaks

Chill vibe without being overdeveloped (yet)

Surf Season in Nosara

surf conditions nosara costa rica

Nosara really has two seasons, like much of Costa Rica: Dry season and wet season. Dry season runs from November to March, and you’ll find smaller and weaker waves. Dry season in Nosara is definitely better for beginners or beginner-intermediates. During wet season (June-November), you’ll get more rain, but also more bombs and barrels. You’re also more likely to find offshore winds every afternoon during this time, and is hands-down the time fo find the cleanest waves in the Nosara region.

 

Where to Surf in Nosara

There are several surf spots in Nosara (more spots below), but here we’ll talk about the well-known Playa Guiones. Located right at the south end of Nosara, this beach offers the most consistent waves in the area. Swells can get a few meters high, but there’s almost always small waves and whitewash for beginners as well. There are rights and lefts on offer, and it may be a bit crowded during the winter months.

  • Crowds - Somewhat crowded

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermediate

  • Ideal Swell - SW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, Light

  • Break Type - Point and beach

  • Consistency - 80%

  • Be Aware: of nothing!

Surf Camps and Classes in Nosara

Nosara has quite a few surf camps and surf schools, and we expect the number to grow significantly in the next decade. Here are a few we recommend:

  • Hotel Refugio del Sol - This is a true surf camp with dorms, a shared space and kitchen, and activities like yoga on offer. It’s in a great location, literally steps from the beach and from town. They offer both 4 day camps and 8 day surf camps.

  • Safari Surf School - They make our list simply for being super accommodating. They have great teachers, outside activites, and offer a backpacker’s special surf camp in addition to their normal 8 day surf camp.

Nearby Surf Spots

Playa Nosara

Right in town, it’d definitely not the best wave around. However, it is super accessible and offers plenty of whitewater for beginners. The waves out back can be quite peaky and full of closeouts, but still quite fun in our opinion.

  • Crowds - Medium

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.

  • Ideal Swell - SW-NW

  • Ideal Wind - NE-SE

  • Break Type - Beach, Point

  • Consistency - 60%

  • Be Aware: Strong waves out back

Playa Garza

A quiet spot in the mornings, but full of surf schools later in the day. The outer reef often has beautiful intermediate waves, but the frequent eastern winds can cause a bit of chop and closeouts.

  • Crowds - Not much

  • Surfer Level - Beginner, Intermed.

  • Ideal Swell - S/SW

  • Ideal Wind - Low

  • Break Type - Reef

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Tons of rocks!

At the north end of town, Ostional picks up when the NW swell comes in, but also works with the common SW swell. Best to surf at high tide, with steep faces and hollow waves. Also likely to see some turtles!

Playa Ostional

  • Crowds - Not Much

  • Surfer Level - Intermediate, Advanced

  • Ideal Swell - SW, NW

  • Ideal Wind - NE, SE

  • Break Type - Beach

  • Consistency - 70%

  • Be Aware: Rocks and reef

Other Things to Do in Nosara

Nosara is a bit remote, and a lot of the things to do are focused on nature and relaxation.

  • Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary - At Sibu, the team takes care of various animals that are not able to be released back into the wild. They have monkeys, sloths, coatis, and various birds.

  • Nosara Biological Reserve - This local reserve has more than 30 hectares of land, and you can find all kinds of wildlife with a hike through the area. The best time is to go in the early morning for a chance tos pot some monkeys or anteaters!

  • Ostional Wildlife Reserve - The Ostional Wildlife Rserve has been around for over 40 years, and their mission is to protect the olive ridley sea turtles on the Nicoya Peninsula. Take a tour and see some turtles and help support the conservation of these local reptiles.

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