Nosara, Costa Rica Surfing

Most surfers visiting Nosara head straight for Playa Guiones, which has one of the most consistent waves in Cost Rica. Nosara catches both North and South swells, and there are are surfable waves here over 300 days a year. Although somewhat hard to get to, Guiones is no longer a "secret" spot, and can get crowded - particularly during the dry season.

The break at Guiones is sometimes called a "beginner" or "longboard" wave, but don't let that description fool you. True, it is a sandy bottom beach break, and when the waves are small it can be the perfect spot to learn. But when bigger swells come in, waves here can be quite big and powerful.

Break Descriptions | Nosara Surf Forecast | Tide Chart    
Surf Shops | Lessons and Surf Schools

Nosara Area Surf Spots and Break Descriptions

        
              Playa Guiones                                    Olga's at sunset                           Outside reef break near Nosara

Playa Guiones - Beach break with several good left and right peaks. Breaks well with all swells and tides. Guiones is often mushy at high tide, and tends to be more hollow at lower tides. This is an incredibly consistent, often forgiving break that can get quite big.

Olga's - Short right hand reef break directly in front of Olga's Bar/Restaurant in Pelada. Usually best at mid to high tide, with a decent size swell.

It is certainly no secret that there is surf to be found on beaches to the north and south of Guiones. Still, these spots are best discovered on your own. If you are up for a drive, and willing to explore a little, you'll likely come across some great waves.

Nosara Surf Shops - for more details and contact info visit our Surf Shops page

Coconut Harry's - Rentals, lessons, used boards, clothing and souvenirs. Harry's is right at the main Guiones intersection, across from the Cafe de Paris.

Nosara Surf Shop - You'll pass it on the right-hand side of the road on the way to the main Guiones parking area. New and used boards, rentals, souvenirs and clothing.

El Punto - Juan Surfo's shop, located across from Blew Dog's at the Northern end of Guiones. Board rentals and lessons. Bikes for rent here too.

Pancho's - Pancho's is on the main road into Pelada. Custom boards from longtime Hawaii shaper Steve Dunham.

        
           Coconut Harry's                                           Nosara Surf Shop                                          Pancho's

Boards can also be rented at the following shops:

The Frog Pad - At the Northern end of Guiones, between Fooney's and the Gilded Iguana.

Oasis - Near the main Guiones parking area, a few doors down from the Harbor Reef Hotel.

Lessons and Surf Schools

Lessons can be arranged through Coconut Harry's and El Punto surf shops, as well as through the Nosara Surf Shop, Frog Pad, Oasis and Innocent Surf School. They will take you out, usually at low tide, and teach you to catch and stand up on whitewater and smaller "inside" waves. If the conditions are right and you are doing well, they'll try to get you into some bigger "outside" waves too. For more details & contact info - visit our Surf Shops page.

The following surf schools offer a variety of "learn to surf" packages that include lodging, rentals and lessons:

Corky Carroll's Surf School - www.surfschool.net / 682-0385

Richard Schmidt Surf School - www.richardschmidt.com / (831) 423-0928 - US

Safari Surf School - www.safarisurfschool.com / 682-0573

If you are interested in booking a surf school package, please visit the Projecto Ninos eBay page. Proceeds from items booked here go to fund projects at Nosara's local schools. For more info on Projecto Ninos, visit www.projectoninos.org.

Check out the Nosara surf forecast page.
See what the waves are like now, and when you'll be here.