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. The days of empty line-ups are long gone though, and recent years have brought a huge increase in crowds. If you visit during dry season or the months of June and July, expect to see lots of other folks in the water.

Offshore winds blow most every morning during dry season, making for ideal surf conditions. The wind usually switches by 10am, but will occasionally hold for the entire day. Most surfers are in the water between 7-10am and return for sunset if the ocean cleans up. In rainy season, expect less consistent wind and slightly more choppy conditions, though the waves are often bigger.

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. Typically, when the waves are smaller or the tide is high, longboards and fishes dominate the line-up

Break Descriptions | Daily Surf Report | Surf Forecast 
Tide Chart | Surf Shops | Lessons and Surf Schools

Nosara Area Surf Spots and Break Descriptions

        
              Playa Guiones                                    Olga's at sunset                           Somewhere 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, new and used boards, clothing, souvenirs and bike rentals. 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. Surf supplies and custom boards from longtime Hawaii shaper Steve Dunham.

        
           Coconut Harry's                                           Nosara Surf Shop                                          Pancho's

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